Tamilnadu Temple Tour 09 Nights/10 Days
Duration
Tour Type
Destination Covered: Chennai- Kanchipuram -Mahabalipuram-Kumbakonam- Tanjore- Trichy (Tiruchirapalli) Rameswaram- Dhanuskodi- Madurai ( Meenaksi Temple)
Tamil Nadu, located in the southern part of India, is renowned for its magnificent temples, each with its unique architectural style, rich history, and spiritual significance. Here’s an overview of some of the prominent temples in Tamil Nadu:
- Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai: Dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati) and her consort Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva), this temple is an architectural marvel with its towering gopurams (gateway towers) adorned with colorful sculptures and intricate carvings. The temple complex also includes numerous smaller shrines, halls, and tanks.
- Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur: Also known as the Big Temple, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. Built by the Chola king Raja Raja I in the 11th century, it is famous for its massive granite shikhara (tower) and a monolithic Nandi (bull) statue.
- Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram: Situated on the Rameswaram island, this temple is one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples. The temple features a long corridor with intricately carved pillars and a sacred tank where pilgrims take ritual baths.
- Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam: This temple complex, located in Trichy, is one of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world. Dedicated to Lord Ranganatha (a form of Lord Vishnu), it sprawls over an area of 156 acres and is renowned for its seven concentric walls, massive gopurams, and exquisite sculptures.
- Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram: One of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas (five elemental temples) representing the element of Earth, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the largest temples in Kanchipuram and features a thousand-pillared hall and a sacred mango tree believed to be several millennia old.
- Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Chennai: Located in the Mylapore neighborhood of Chennai, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Kapaleeshwarar and his consort Goddess Parvati as Karpagambal. The temple’s gopuram is adorned with intricate sculptures and carvings depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology.
- Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this temple is located near Kumbakonam and is known for its exquisite architecture and intricate sculptures. Built by the Chola king Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
These are just a few examples of the numerous temples that dot the landscape of Tamil Nadu. Each temple has its own unique history, legends, and rituals, making Tamil Nadu a treasure trove for those interested in exploring Hindu religious and architectural heritage.
Detailed Day Wise Itinerary
Arrival in Chennai.
Check into your hotel and relax after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you might explore nearby attractions such as Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, or Santhome Cathedral.
Early morning departure from Chennai to Kanchipuram (about 2 hours' drive). Explore Kanchipuram, known for its temples and silk sarees. Visit Ekambareswarar Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, and the Kanchi Kudil heritage house. Enjoy a traditional South Indian lunch in Kanchipuram. Afternoon drive to Mahabalipuram (around 2 hours). Check into your hotel in Mahabalipuram. Evening visit to the Shore Temple and explore the Mahabalipuram Beach.
Full day to explore Mahabalipuram's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the Pancha Rathas (Five Rathas), Arjuna's Penance, and the Krishna Mandapam. Explore the Tiger Cave and the Descent of the Ganges (also known as Arjuna's Penance). Optional: Try some local seafood delicacies for dinner.
Morning departure from Mahabalipuram to Kumbakonam (about 4 hours' drive). Visit the Airavatesvara Temple and the UNESCO-listed Darasuram Temple. Enjoy lunch in Kumbakonam. Afternoon drive to Tanjore (around 2 hours). Check into your hotel in Tanjore. Evening visit to the Brihadeeswarar Temple, one of the largest temples in India, and explore the Tanjore Palace.
Spend the day exploring Tanjore. Visit the Royal Palace Museum to see artifacts from the Chola dynasty.
Explore the Schwartz Church and the Sangeetha Mahal within the palace complex. Afternoon visit to the Art Gallery and Saraswathi Mahal Library. Optional: Witness a traditional Carnatic music performance in the evening.
Morning departure from Tanjore to Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) (about 2 hours' drive). Visit the Rock Fort Temple and climb up for panoramic views of Trichy. Explore the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, one of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world. Check into your hotel in Trichy.
Evening stroll along the Cauvery River and explore local markets.
Early morning departure from Trichy to Rameswaram (about 5 hours' drive). Visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple, a major pilgrimage site for Hindus. Relax on the beaches of Rameswaram. Check into your hotel in Rameswaram. Evening explore local markets and enjoy a traditional dinner.
Day trip to Dhanushkodi from Rameswaram (about 30 minutes' drive). Explore the ghost town of Dhanushkodi, known for its eerie yet beautiful landscape. Visit the Ram Setu (Adam's Bridge) and enjoy the stunning views of the Bay of Bengal. Return to Rameswaram for overnight stay.
Morning departure from Rameswaram to Madurai (about 3 hours' drive). Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of the most famous temples in South India. Explore the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace and the Gandhi Memorial Museum. Check into your hotel in Madurai. Evening explore the vibrant streets of Madurai and indulge in local street food.
Morning departure from Madurai to Chennai (about 7 hours' drive). Depending on your departure time, you may have some free time in Chennai for last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Transfer to Chennai airport for departure.
