8-Day South India Religious Trip - December 2024

Day 1: Arrive in Chennai

Chennai, India

9:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast of idli, dosa, and filter coffee.
Located near your hotel, drive or take a short walk.
INR 300, 1 Hour

10:30AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore the beautiful Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and noted for its stunning architecture.
15-minute drive from breakfast location.
Free, 1.5 Hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Aasai Dosai

Enjoy a delicious lunch of various dosas and sambar.
Short drive from the temple.
INR 500, 1.5 Hours

2:00PM

St. Thomas Mount

Visit St. Thomas Mount, a historic site with breathtaking views and a beautiful chapel.
20-minute drive from the lunch spot.
Free, 2 Hours

4:30PM

Explore San Thome Basilica

Admire the stunning architecture and serene ambiance of San Thome Basilica.
15-minute drive from St. Thomas Mount.
Free, 1 Hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Palki Restaurant

Savor a delectable dinner featuring North and South Indian specialties.
10-minute drive from the basilica.
INR 800, 1.5 Hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Kanchipuram Temples

Kanchipuram, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast at your hotel to prepare for a day of exploration.
Located within your accommodation.
Free, 1 Hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kanchipuram

Depart for Kanchipuram, known for its temples and serene atmosphere.
1.5-hour drive from Chennai.
INR 1500 (for vehicle hire), 1.5 Hours

10:30AM

Visit Ekambareswarar Temple

Marvel at one of the largest temples in Kanchipuram dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Located in Kanchipuram, short drive from the town center.
Free, 1.5 Hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Refuel with a delicious South Indian thali.
Within Kanchipuram town.
INR 500, 1 Hour

2:00PM

Panagal Temple Visit

Visit Panagal Temple, known for its architecture and tranquility.
Short drive after lunch.
Free, 1 Hour

3:30PM

Visit Varadaraja Perumal Temple

Admire the beauty of this historic and well-preserved temple.
Nearby the previous site.
Free, 1 Hour

5:00PM

Travel Back to Chennai

Head back to Chennai for the night.
1.5-hour drive back.
Included in earlier drive cost, 1.5 Hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Great Kabab Factory

Enjoy a delightful dinner featuring various kababs and Indian dishes.
Located near your hotel.
INR 1200, 1.5 Hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Mahabalipuram Exploration

Mahabalipuram, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
Within your accommodation.
Free, 1 Hour

9:00AM

Travel to Mahabalipuram

Set off to Mahabalipuram, about an hour's drive away.
1-hour drive from Chennai.
INR 1500 (for vehicle hire), 1 Hour

10:00AM

Visit Shore Temple

Explore the iconic Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
Located on the beach front.
INR 50, 1 Hour

11:30AM

Visit Arjuna's Penance

Witness the grand rock carvings and bas-reliefs depicting the story of Arjuna from the Mahabharata.
A short walk from the Shore Temple.
INR 50, 1 Hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Sea Crest

Enjoy a seaside lunch featuring fresh seafood and local cuisine.
Located along the beach.
INR 900, 1.5 Hours

2:30PM

Visit Pancha Rathas

Explore this group of five monolithic rock-cut temples, each dedicated to various deities.
Short drive from the restaurant.
INR 50, 1 Hour

4:00PM

Relax at the Beach

Take some time to unwind at Mahabalipuram's beautiful beach.
Easily accessible from Pancha Rathas.
Free, 2 Hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Moonrakers

End your day with a tasty dinner featuring local Indian dishes and desserts.
Short drive from the beach.
INR 800, 1.5 Hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Pondicherry Pilgrimage

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your morning with a delightful breakfast at your hotel.
Located within your accommodation.
Free, 1 Hour

9:00AM

Travel to Pondicherry

Head to Pondicherry, known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful architecture.
1.5-hour drive from Mahabalipuram.
INR 1500 (for vehicle hire), 1.5 Hours

10:30AM

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Discover the tranquility and spirituality offered at Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
Located in the heart of Pondicherry.
Free, 1.5 Hours

12:00PM

Explore Auroville

Visit the international township of Auroville and learn about its unique philosophy of living.
30-minute drive from the ashram.
Free, 2 Hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Cuisine de Bayou

Enjoy a mix of local and international dishes in Pondicherry.
Short drive from Auroville.
INR 600, 1.5 Hours

3:30PM

Promenade Beach Stroll

Take a peaceful stroll along the Promenade Beach, enjoying the sea breeze.
Near the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 Hours

5:30PM

Visit Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Admire the stunning neo-gothic architecture of this revered church.
Short drive from the beach.
Free, 1 Hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Le Club

Savor French cuisine with Indian touches, an homage to Pondicherry's colonial past.
Short drive from the church.
INR 1200, 1.5 Hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Discovering Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast at your pondicherry hotel before heading to Thanjavur.
Located within your accommodation.
Free, 1 Hour

9:00AM

Travel to Thanjavur

Set off for Thanjavur, known for its rich history, temples, and arts.
2-hour drive from Pondicherry.
INR 1500 (for vehicle hire), 2 Hours

11:00AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore the majestic Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an architectural marvel.
Located in the heart of Thanjavur.
INR 50, 2 Hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Gnanam

Indulge in a delectable lunch featuring South Indian cuisine.
Just a short drive from the temple.
INR 700, 1.5 Hours

3:00PM

Visit Thanjavur Palace

Discover Thanjavur Palace and its fascinating history as you explore its halls and artifacts.
Short drive from the restaurant.
INR 30, 1.5 Hours

5:00PM

Explore Art Gallery

Visit the famous Thanjavur Art Gallery, showcasing intricate bronze sculptures and paintings.
Located within the palace complex.
INR 30, 1 Hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Mantra

Enjoy a delightful dinner featuring authentic local dishes.
Located nearby.
INR 800, 1.5 Hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Madurai Temples

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast to prepare for a busy day in Madurai.
Located within your accommodation.
Free, 1 Hour

9:00AM

Travel to Madurai

Depart for the temple city of Madurai, renowned for its rich cultural heritage.
2.5-hour drive from Thanjavur.
INR 1500 (for vehicle hire), 2.5 Hours

11:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Temple

Marvel at the elaborate sculptures and architectural beauty of Meenakshi Temple, one of the most famous temples in India.
Located in the city centre.
Free, 2 Hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Sree Sabarees

Relish traditional South Indian meals in a local atmosphere.
Short drive from Meenakshi Temple.
INR 500, 1 Hour

3:00PM

Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Explore the grandeur of Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a stunning architectural showcase.
Nearby the restaurant.
INR 50, 1.5 Hours

5:00PM

Visit Gandhi Museum

Learn about the life of Mahatma Gandhi and his influence on India's freedom struggle.
Located a short drive away.
Free, 1.5 Hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Heritage

Enjoy delicious dinner featuring southern Indian delicacies.
Located nearby.
INR 800, 1.5 Hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Rameswaram Visit

Rameswaram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a well-balanced breakfast at your hotel to kick off the day.
Located within your accommodation.
Free, 1 Hour

9:00AM

Travel to Rameswaram

Drive to Rameswaram, a significant pilgrimage site.
3-hour drive from Madurai.
INR 2000 (for vehicle hire), 3 Hours

12:00PM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore the magnificent Ramanathaswamy Temple, famous for its 22 holy wells.
Located in the heart of Rameswaram.
Free, 2 Hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Ashoka Restaurant

Dine on delicious South Indian meals at this popular local eatery.
10-minute walk from the temple.
INR 600, 1 Hour

3:30PM

Visit Dhanushkodi

Explore the intriguing ghost town of Dhanushkodi, located at the southern tip of Rameswaram.
40-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 2 Hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Daiwik

Delight in a delicious dinner while reflecting on the day’s adventures.
Short drive back to Rameswaram.
INR 800, 1.5 Hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Return to Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel in Rameswaram before your journey back.
Located within your accommodation.
Free, 1 Hour

9:00AM

Travel Back to Chennai

Begin the return journey to Chennai, reflecting on your spiritual journey.
3-hour drive from Rameswaram.
INR 2000 (for vehicle hire), 3 Hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a final South Indian lunch with a variety of traditional dishes.
Located in Chennai.
INR 600, 1.5 Hours

1:30PM

Visit Marina Beach

Spend some time relaxing at the famous Marina Beach, soaking in the sun and sea.
Short drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 Hours

3:30PM

Shopping and Souvenirs

Explore local markets for souvenirs and handmade crafts to remember your trip.
Short drive from Marina Beach.
Variable, 2 Hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Vault - Cafe and Restaurant

Conclude your journey with a nice dinner at this cafe before heading to the airport.
Short drive from the markets.
INR 800, 1.5 Hours
View Hotel Availability