explore the world while you can .......
Tirutani / Tirupathi / Bangalore / Mysore / Ooty / Palani / Madurai / Kanyakumari
Tiruchendur / Rameshwaram / Trichy / Thanjavur / Kumbakonam / Tirunallar Vaitheeshawaramkoil Pondicherry / Tiruvanamalai / Kanchipuram / Mahabalipuram / Chennai
Day 01 Chennai/Tirutani/Titupathi (-)
Upon arriving Chennai, meet and greet our representative. Pick up and drive to Tirutani, the hill temple. You can reach the temple by road or through a flight of 365 steps.
Tiruttani constitutes one of the 6 padai veedu shrines of Skanda, and it represents the site where Subramanyar stayed after destroying the demon Surapadman. It has been revered by the Legend say, Subramanyar married Valli who hailed from the Vallimalai hills nearby. The same legend is associated with Valimalai in Kanyakumari district.
Have lunch and drive to Tirupathi. The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is the second richest Hindu temple in the world after Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. Transfer to hotel and check in. Free & Easy. Overnight in Tirupathi.
Day 02 Tirupathi/Bangalore (B)
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Bangalore or Bengaluru, a Commercial hub and capital city of Karnataka state, a major state in the southern part of India.
Visit the, massive Neo -Dravidian legislative building near the Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha, the Secretariat and the State
Legislature of Karnataka state, constructed in 1956, a major state in the southern part of India.
Bangalore Palace, the Maharaja's Bangalore Palace, constructed in 1887, is the outcome of King Chamaraja Wodeyar’s.
Have lunch and check in to hotel. Refresh and continue your sightseeing. Other tourist attractions are - the Aquarium, Vishweshwaraiah Museum, Venkatappa Art Gallery, The High Court and the Planetarium. Transfer to hotel. Free & Easy. Overnight in Bangalore.
Day 03 Bangalore/Mysore (B)
After breakfast, check out and drive to Mysore. Start your tour with the magnificent Mysore Palace, one of the largest palaces in the country, the residence of the Wodeyar Maharaja's of the Mysore state. It is open for visitors daily from 10AM to 5.30PM and no weekly off day for the palace.
The palace complex has a selection of twelve Hindu temples. The oldest of these was built in the 14th century, while the most recent was built in 1953, Someshvara Temple.
Next, visit the Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, one of the famous palaces of the Mysore city, exclusively built to run the durbar, built in 17th century by Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar.
Have lunch, stroll around in Mysore till evening to view the 97,000 enchanting lights lights the Palace. Transfer to hotel, Free & Easy. Overnight in Mysore.
Day 04 Mysore/Ooty (B)
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Krishnaraja Sagar Dam (KRS) (known as Kannambadi to the locals) was built across river Kaveri in 1924 and completed in 1932 and was among the first in the world to have automatic sluice gates and is named after the then Maharaja of Mysore Sri Krishnaraja Wodeyar who financed the dam. The lake that is formed by the dam is one of the largest in India.
Next, visit the Chamundi Hills where the Chamundeshwari Temple is located on the top of the hill and the Bull Temple aka Nandi Temple, located half way to the top of the hill. The goddess is also known as Mahishasura Mardini meaning, she who slew Mahishasura. Goddess Kali is also referred to as the Goddess Chamundi.
Colossal Nandi (bull - the vahana of Lord Shiva), 15 feet wide and 24 feet long monolith, carved in granite, is one of the largest in India.
A panoramic view of the city, race course, the Lalitha Mahal palace, Mysore Palace, Karanji and Kukkarahalli lakes is seen from the top of the Chamundi hills. At dusk, the view of the city is beautiful and on Sunday evenings and during the Mysore Dasara festival, the illuminated Mysore Palace glitters like gold from the hill top.
Have lunch at nearby visinity and drive to Ooty before dark falls. Overnight in Ooty.
Day 05 Ooty/Palani/Madurai (B)
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Doddabetta, regarded as one of the highest peaks in South India, offers an unbelievably refreshing view of the surrounding geography.
Observatory gives view of the sunrise, if time favors. Carry some warm clothing as Ooty has a cold climate. Drive to Palani temple, a Cheraman Peruman king constructed this temple in the 9th century. Palani has been mentioned in the Tamil Sangam Literature. It is also claimed that the abhishegam like milk, sandalpaste, attains medicinal properties which cured many diseases.Drive to Madurai. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Madurai.
Day 06 Madurai/Kanyakumari (B)
After breakfast, check out and visit places in Madurai, one of the oldest cities of India with the celebrated Meenakshi Temple more than 2500 years old dating way back to the Sangam period of the pre Christian era and the great Pandya kings Kulasekarar. The history of Madurai will not be complete without mentioning the name of Rani Mangammal, the woman of great skill and sagacity.
Tirupparamkunram, is glorified in Madurai Sangam as Nakeerar’s Tirumurugaatruppadai. Alagar Koyil is one of the prominent Divya Desam shrines of the Sri Vaishnavite faith. After lunch, drive to Kanyakumari just in time to watch the sunset.
Kanyakumari Amman Temple, dedicated to goddess Bhagavathy Amman, an incarnation of goddess Parvati. The nose-ring of the goddess shines brilliantly as if enveloped with some divine power. One of the rocks has footprints of the virgin goddess. Other rock was where Swami Vivekananda sat in meditation and attained enlightenment, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial built in 1970. Wait till the sunset, enjoy the amazing sunset and the Tiruvalluvar Statue with spot light view. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Kanyakumari.
Day 07 Kanyakumari/Tiruchendur/Rameswaram (B)
After breakfast, check out and proceed to the Memorial Thiruvalluvar Statue. Surrounding the Alankara Mandapa stands 10 elephant statues signifying 8 directions with earth and space down. To worship the holy feet of Thiruvalluvar 140 steps are constructed inside the Mandapa. The pedestal with a height of 38 ft represents the 38 chapters in the Book of Aram in Thirukural and the statue of 95 ft on the pedestal represents the total chapters in Porul (70 chapters) and Inbam (25 Chapters). Thus the statue symbolically and artistically signifies that the theme of Porul and Inbam are based on Aram.
Next, visit Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (600m) 5 mins, completed in 1956. In 1948 his ashes were immersed in the sea waters in Kanyakumari Its central shape is 79 feet high representing the age of the Mahatma.
Drive to Tiruchendur, a panchayat town at the southern tip of India, in Thoothukudi district in Tamil Nadu. It has one of the Arupadai veedu of Lord Murugan. Tiruchendur Murugan temple is known as the second Arupadai Veedu of Lord Muruga, won the battle with Surapadma (asura) and worshipped Lord Shiva in this sacred place. Normally, the Raja Gopuram will be in the eastern side of temples in Tamil Nadu, but in Tiruchendur alone the Raja Gopuram is in the western side. Have lunch and drive approximately 8hrs to Rameshwaram. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Rameshwaram.
Day 08 Rameswaram/Trichy (B)
After breakfast, check out and venture Rameshwaram, an island situated in the gulf at the very tip of the Indian peninsula. A very important Hindu pilgrim centre where Lord Rama, built a bridge across the sea to rescue his consort Sita, from her abductor, Ravana. It is also the place where Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to cleanse away the sin of killing Ravana.
Other Optional prominent places to visit in Rameshwaram:-
Ramanathaswamy Temple, built in the 17th century. The water in each of the 22 sacred wells in the temple tastes different.
Agnitheertham, 100 metres away from the temple is Agnitheertham, where Rama worshipped Lord Shiva, to absolve himself from the killing Ravana.
Gandamadana Parvatham, the imprint of Lord Rama's feet placed on a Chakra (wheel) is found in this shrine which is at the highest point on the island at 2 km from Rameswaram.
Dhanushkodi, named after Rama's bow. The boulders around the sea between Sri Lanka and this place known as Adam's bridge,
are believed to be used by Hanuman to reach across Srilanka. It was completely destroyed by the cyclones of 1964.
Erwadi, an important site for Muslim pilgrims, houses the tomb of Ibrahim Sahid Aulia. Muslims from across the globe visit Erwadi especially during the month of December to participate in the annual festival celebrated as a tribute to the saint.
Ramanathapuram, is a district headquarters of this ancient town and the Ram Vilas Palace of the Sethupati Rajas is a must visit place.
Tirupullani, commemorates the tradition that there the Lord obtained a bow and arrows to use in the impending war from its presiding Deity.
Uthirakosamangai, the renowed Shiva temple of Uttarakosamangai. Manikkavachagar has sung of it. The Lord is Mangaleshvara and the Goddess Mangalesvari. The temple has inspired many Tamil works of devotion.
Sethu is a celebrated temple of Sri Anjaneya and where, tradition holds, Sri Rama built a bridge to Sri Lanka. In Devipatnam, or Navapashanam, also by the sea, there are nine stones visible at low tide set up by Sri Rama to represent the nine planets, the Navagrahas. Drive to Trichy. Transfer to hotel. Free & Easy. Overnight in Tiruchirapalli.
Day 09 Trichy/Thanjavur/Kumbakonam (B)
After breakfast, check out and proceed to visit temples in Tiruchirapalli, often called as temple town as large numbers of temples.
Uchipillaiyar or Rock Fort Temple which is a combination of two famous 7th century Hindu temples, one dedicated to Lord Ganesh and the other dedicated to Lord Shiva, located top of a huge rock in Trichy, said to be one of the oldest in the world, dating over 3 billion years ago.
Manikka Vinayakar temple at the foot of the hill, the Uchhi Pillayar Koyil at the top of the hill and the Taayumaanavar Koyil (Shivastalam) on the hill. The smooth rock was first cut by the Pallavas but it was the Nayaks of Madurai who completed both the temples under the Vijayanagara Empire.
Later, proceed to Samayapuram Amman Temple about 15km from Trichy town on the National Highway.
Samayapurathal or Mariamman is made of sand and clay, there are no Abhishekams (sacred washing) conducted to the main deity, but instead the "Abishekam" is done to the small metal statue (Abhiseka Amman) in the temple.
It is believed by the devotees that the Goddess has enormous powers over curing illnesses like small pox as well as chicken pox. Samayapuram is the second wealthiest temple in Tamil Nadu after Palani, in terms of cash flows.
Drive to Tanjore or Thanjavur, the Big temple called Perudaiyaar, abode of the Lord of Rajaraja Chola or the Temple for Lord Iswara built by Raja Raja Chola the great. With the fall of the Cholas, it was resurrected by the Nayaks and Marathas and was sanskritised and called Brahadeeswara temple.
Today the world knows Rajarajeeswaram as the big temple or Brahadeswara temple, an UNESCO world heritage monument, but what the world does not know is about the all round skills of its builder Rajaraja Chola the Great, The architectural intricacies of the temple and the sculptures and arts which have lasted a millennium.
Drive to Kumbakonam, famous for brass vessels. It is primarily a market town for the predominantly agriculture based villages surrounding it. Betel leaves are cultivated more in Kumbakonam since it is also called as Kumbakonam Vettrilai (in Tamil). It has one of the greatest festivals in India, the holy Mahamaham Tank, holy bathing festival of Mahamaham occurs once in 12 years at Kumbakonam. “Nava Kannika Temple” constructed sixteen Mandapams and stone steps around this tank. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Kumbakonam.
Day 10 Kumbakonam/Tirunallar/Viteswarankoil (B)
After breakfast, check out and drive to Tirunallar, in Karaikal, famous for Lord Saneeshwara's (Saturn) temple where Lord Saneeshwara lost all his power to Lord Shiva (Dharbaranyeshwarar) which saved his devotee Nalan from Saturn's curses.
At a walkable distance the "Nala Theertham", called as "Nalangulam", by the locals. The sacred tank (holy pond),is where pilgrims cleanse their curses and sins. The "Golden Crow" and "Maragadha Lingam (made of emerald)".
Have lunch and proceed to Vaitheeswaran Temple or Pullirukkuvelur, dedicated to the god Shiva in a small town near Chidambaram. Shiva is worshipped as Vaitheeswaran or the "God of healing" and it is believed that prayers to Vaitheeswaran can cure diseases.
Nadi Astrology or Nadi Jothidam is practiced here, written down as Palm Leaf Manuscripts which are mostly familiar in Vaitheeswaran koil. These plam leafes are catalogues per the signs on the thumb print. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Vaitheeshwarankoil.
Day 11 Viteswarankoil/Pondycherry/Tiruvanamalai (B)
After breakfast, check out and drive to Pondycherry, known as the Mango city, and is well-known for cotton and silk handloom weaving in Tamilnadu.
Walk along the nearby French colony. After many years of battle between French and the British, eventually in 1765, Pondichéry was returned to France after a peace treaty with Britain in Europe. The name Pondicherry was changed to Puducherry, which means "New village" in the Tamil language, also known as The French Riviera of the East.
Even today, the scent of the French influence in "Pudicheri" as we call now, can be found again in the red kepis of the police officers, French spelling on signboards and traffic signs and some buildings and old stones.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram was established by Sri Aurobindo in November 1926, a centre for the practice of Integral Yoga, a seat of learning and a training ground for Sadhana. The activities of the Ashram include agriculture, industries, art and culture. In the main building of the Ashram is the Marble Samadhi where Aurobindo and the Mother have been laid to rest and the houses they lived in.
Walk to the beach where 1.5kms long promenade running along the beach is the pride of Pondicherry. The statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Jeanne d'Arc and Dupleix, the elegant war memorial raised by the French, the heritage building Mairie, the 27 metre tall old lighthouse, the circular shaped two storied structures on either side of Gandhi maidan.
Have lunch and drive to Tiruvanamalai. Transfer to hotel, check in and free & Easy. Overnight in Thiruvanamalai.
Day 12 Tiruvanamalai/Kanchipuram (B)
After breakfast, check out and proceed to visit Tiruvanamalai temples and places with the hill as back ground gives the appearance of a fort to those who see it from a distance. In ancient times, the term "Annamalai" meant an inaccessible mountain. The word "Thiru" was prefixed to signify its greatness, and coupled with the two terms, it is called Tiruvannamalai. It should have been under the sway of the Pallava Kings who ruled from Kancheepuram before the ninth century A.D. We do not find any inscription in the temple prior to A.D.850 and hence the present temple could not have existed then.
Have lunch and drive to Kanchipuram. Transfer to hotel, check in, refresh and leisure. Stroll around the town of Kanchipuram, the city of thousand temples. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Kanchipuram.
Day 13 Kanchipuram/Mahabalipuram/Chennai (B)
After breakfast, check out and proceed to visit temples and nearby places. Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred cities in India ruled by the Pallava Kings, is most famous for its silk production and old temples, has temples like Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple, Sri Ekambaranthar Temple, Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Sri Ulagalanda Perumal Temple, Sri Kumarakottam Temple, Sri Kailasanathar Temple, Sri Kachapeswarar Temple and much more.
Sri Kailasanathar temple, built by the Pallava emperor Rajasimha Varman and his son Mahendra Varman. The temple exudes a serene, tranquil air, set in peaceful surroundings away from the more popular temples of Kanchipuram. Very few visitors come here except on major days of worship of Lord Shiva.
Unlike most other Dravidian temples, the Sri Kailasanathar temple is constructed out of sand stone. There is no typical entrance Gopuram, the only tower is the vimanam over the sanctum. The courtyard and walls of the temple are intricately carved with a predominantly Yazhi theme, typical of the Pallava style.
Kanchi Kudil represents the life of the people of the city with a view to attract tourists and let them feel the essence of life as lived here. The house is over 90 year old and its architecture resembles the olden style. Be it the food that is served here or the furniture in the inn, everything speaks of the city’s glorious past. In spite of it being built in ancestral style, you can expect to have all modern facilities that you may need. Cultural programs are organized in the evenings through which you can learn about the arts of the city.
Have lunch and drive to Mahabalipuram and leisure at Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum. Mamallapuram dates back to the Tamil Pallava dynasty in the 7th-9th century, named after the king Narasimhavarman, also called Mamalla ("city of great wrestler"). Mahabalipuram literally means ‘city of the Great Bali’, derived from Mamallapuram, Mahabalipuram is a modern name given to the town.
About 880CE, the Pallava dominions passed to the Chola kings and the best surviving Pallava monuments in Mamallapuram are the Shore temple the sculptured rock relief known as Arjuna's Penance, temples carved from granite monoliths (Five Rathas), and numerous cave temples. Structures are mostly carved straight out of granite, are among the oldest existing examples of Dravidian (South Indian) architecture.
The Pallavas were very skilled, had sculpted a lot of temples and chariots, maybe it was a celebration, or the kingdoms love for art. The place reminds of a culture which was rich civilization which had a great inclination for art.Factors such as weather, wars might have contributed to some of the incomplete sculptures and a lost civilization. However, why this was done remains a mystery, perhaps that was the only way to express the historical proves of past kingdoms, now it is only a digital finger click. Drive to Dakshina Chitra a heritage museum relocated 18th, 19th and early 20th century houses and re-created village streets and work places providing authentic insights into the domestic architecture, spatial organisation, life-styles and character of the essential Tamilian, Keralite, Andhrite or Kannadiga.
The exhibits are extremely well done, the presentations are informative, the costumed performers entertaining daily, and the entire place is very comprehensive. A "modern day" ice cream cart provides treats for sale, and a great assortment of colorful craft items available for purchase as well. Drive to Chennai in the evening, transfer to hotel, check in and relax. Overnight in Chennai.
Day 14 Chennai/City tour/Free for own activities (B)
After breakfast, proceed for morning city tour and thereafter free & easy shopping till evening, then to Marina Beach. Start your morning tour with Valluvar Kottam, a historical monument and architectural designs built in the memory of great Tamil poet, philosopher and saint, Thiruvalluvar, who penned his well-known Thirukkural more than 2,000 years ago. All the 133 chapters of the Thirukkural comprise of 1330 verses engraved on the granite columns in the facade hall corridors. The monument looks like a temple chariot. A very unique feature of the Valluvar Kottam is that it stands baseless, without the support of any pillar.
Our driver will drop you off in the city for shopping free & easy till evening 4pm to pick you to stroll around in Marina beach.
Marina beach, is said to be the second longest beach in the world, extending to a length of 13 km from St. George Fort to Mahabalipuram. Experience watching the sun rise and set is at its captivating best. However, swimming and bathing here can be dangerous .
There are many historical monuments built at the junction of pathway stand. Various stalls located in its vicinity to curb the cravings of the foodies. Enjoy the natural beauty of the sea and the beach. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Chennai.
Day 15 Depart Chennai “With sweet memories” (-)
After breakfast, transfer to airport to board flight for the onwards destionation.
Package includes:-
Return airport transfers.
(Insurance and Medical claim from country of origin from departure till arrival date end of tour implies only for Malaysians)*
AC Transportation throughout the tours and sightseeing.
English/Tamil speaking and friendly driver cum guide throughout the tour.
14 nights - 3* hotels with breakfast at all destinations mentioned in the itinerary.
Toll, Permit, Parking, Permit, Interstate Tourist Tax, Driver allowance and Fuel charges.
Package Excludes:
International/Domestic Airfare and Visa application.
Insurance and Medical claim.
All Lunch and Dinner.
Personnel Expenditures.
Special entrances/Pooja’s and rituals expenses.
Camera/Video fees.
All Calls, Laundry, alcoholic or Non Alcoholic beverages or bottled water used in hotel, items ordered on room service, mini bar etc.
Tipping for tour guides/drivers/bell boys.
Any departure tax etc.
All others specifically not mentioned in the includes.
Remarks:
Package rate will be calculated according to your group size upon request.
Reservation and bookings of hotel/flight has not been made till confirmation and payment received.
Rates will be revised if any less or more guest upon confirmation.
Itinerary mentioned above is subject to changes according to your flight timings.
All hotels check in / checkout time is 1400 Hrs / 1200 Noon.
Full payment shall be made at least 2 months in advance before travelling date, particularly festive and pilgrimage seasons.
(Insurance and Medical claim only for Malaysian citizens from departure till arrival date end of tour implies).
