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8-Day South India Religious Trip - December 2024

Viewed by 77 travelers

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
Find Hotels in Chennai

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
Find Hotels in Kanchipuram

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
Find Hotels in Mahabalipuram

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
Find Hotels in Pondicherry

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
Find Hotels in Thanjavur

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
Find Hotels in Madurai

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
Find Hotels in Rameswaram

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
Find Hotels in Chennai
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