Minimum Age

1
Maximum Age

100
Group Size

2 - 100
Destinations

Chennai Madurai Pondicherry Thanjavur Tirupati Trichy Vellore
Activities

Cultural Exploration Spiritual Exploration Temple Visits
Trip Type

Budget Travel Family Packages Honeymoon Packages Tour Packages
Difficulty

Easy

Overview

Embark on a journey through the spiritual heart of South India with this 8-day tour package. Explore the ancient temples, magnificent palaces, and serene beaches, immersing yourself in the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. From the sacred city of Madurai to the divine Tirupati, this tour offers a perfect blend of spirituality, history, and culture.

Highlights

Explore the sacred Meenakshi Temple and Tirumala Nayak Palace in Madurai.
Climb the steps to the ancient temples in Trichy, overlooking the sacred Kaveri River.
Discover the architectural marvels of Brihadisvara Temple and the Thanjavur Maratha Palace.
Visit the spiritual and cultural sites in Pondicherry, including Auroville and the Shri Aurobindo Ashram.
Experience the divine ambiance of the Golden Temple in Vellore and the Tirumala Venkatachalapathi shrine in Tirupati.
Conclude your journey with a visit to Chennai’s historic temples, museums, and Marina Beach.

Day 1 :

Arrival in Madurai

• Arrival: Arrive at Madurai airport, where you will be greeted by our
representative.
• Hotel Check-in: Transfer to your hotel for check-in and refreshment.
• Madurai Sightseeing:
o Meenakshi Temple: Visit the iconic Meenakshi Temple,
dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva, with its towering
gopurams.
o Tirumala Nayak Palace: Explore the gracious Indo-Saracenic
styled palace, famous for its stucco work on domes and arches.
• Overnight Stay: Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Madurai.

Day 2 :

Madurai to Trichy (140 Kms - 2 Hrs Drive)

• Breakfast: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel.
• Proceed to Trichy: Check out from the hotel and drive to Trichy.
• Trichy Sightseeing:
o Ancient Temples: Visit the temples dedicated to Lord Ganapathi
and Lord Shiva, accessible by climbing 434 steps cut out into
the rock side.
o Srirangam Temple: Explore this massive temple complex
dedicated to Lord Vishnu, which contains a bazaar within its
walls.
• Overnight Stay: Check-in to your hotel in Trichy for an overnight stay.

Day 3 :

Trichy to Thanjavur (60 Kms - 1 Hr Drive)

• Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
• Proceed to Thanjavur: Check out and drive to Thanjavur.
• Thanjavur Sightseeing:
o Brihadisvara Temple: Visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a
UNESCO World Heritage site built by Raja Raja Chola I over
1000 years ago.
o Thanjavur Maratha Palace: Explore the palace complex, home
to the Bhonsle family, and famous for its bronzes and
handicrafts.
• Overnight Stay: Check-in to your hotel in Thanjavur for an overnight
stay.

Day 4 :

Thanjavur to Pondicherry via Gangai Konda Cholapuram & Chidambaram (195 Kms - 4 Hrs Drive)

• Breakfast: Start your day with a delicious breakfast.
• Proceed to Pondicherry: En route, visit Gangai Konda Cholapuram, the
former capital of the Cholas, and the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, a
1,000-year-old sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Pondicherry Arrival: Continue your journey to Pondicherry, check-in to
your hotel, and enjoy the evening at leisure.
• Overnight Stay: Overnight at the hotel in Pondicherry.

Day 5 :

Pondicherry Sightseeing

• Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
• Full Day Sightseeing:
o Matrimandir: Visit this spiritual edifice in Auroville, a place of
peace and reflection.
o Auroville: Explore the City of Dawn, an experimental township
dedicated to human unity.
o Arikamedu: Discover the former Chola port city, rich in
archaeological history.
o Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus: Visit this beautiful church
known for its Gothic architecture.
o Promenade Beach: Take a relaxing walk along the famous
beach.
o Shri Aurobindo Ashram: Experience the spiritual ambiance of
this renowned ashram.
• Overnight Stay: Return to your hotel in Pondicherry for an overnight
stay.

Day 6 :

Pondicherry to Tirupati via Vellore (270 Kms - 5 Hrs Drive)

• Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
• Proceed to Tirupati: En route, visit the Golden Temple at Vellore, located
within the Sripuram spiritual park.
• Tirupati Arrival: Continue your journey to Tirupati, check-in to your
hotel, and proceed for darshan at the world-famous Tirumala
Venkatachalapathi shrine, located atop the Seven Hills.
• Overnight Stay: Return to your hotel in Tirupati for an overnight stay.

Day 7 :

Tirupati to Chennai (150 Kms - 4 Hrs Drive)

• Breakfast: Start your day with a nutritious breakfast.
• Proceed to Chennai: Check out and drive to Chennai.
• Chennai Sightseeing:
o Kapaleeshwarar Temple: Visit this colorful Dravidian-style
temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
o Vivekananda Illam: Explore the former ice store where Swami
Vivekananda stayed in 1897, now a museum.
o Government Museum & Fort Museum: Discover the rich history
and culture of Chennai.
o Marina Beach: Drive past the famous beach and visit San
Thome Church.
• Overnight Stay: Check-in to your hotel in Chennai for an overnight stay.

Day 8 :

Chennai Departure

• Breakfast: Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel.
• Local Visit: Spend the morning exploring Chennai or shopping for
souvenirs.
• Departure: Transfer to Chennai airport/railway station for your return
journey home, concluding your memorable South India tour.

FAQs

Expand all

What is the best time to visit South India for temple tours?

The ideal time for exploring South India’s temples is from October to March. During these months, the weather is more pleasant, making it comfortable for extensive travel and temple visits.

Are there dress codes for visiting temples in South India?

Yes, it is recommended to wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees when visiting temples in South India. This respectful attire ensures a smooth experience at sacred sites.

Is the Golden Temple in Vellore open to visitors throughout the year?

Yes, the Golden Temple in Vellore remains open to visitors year-round. You can visit this spiritual site anytime during the year to experience its divine ambience.

What are the accommodation options included in this package?

The tour package includes stays at 3-star hotels, ensuring comfortable and convenient accommodations throughout your journey. Hotels such as Sterling V Grand Madurai, Red Fox Hotel in Trichy, and others are part of the itinerary.

Will there be opportunities to explore additional sites or activities?

The itinerary is designed to cover major spiritual and cultural landmarks. However, if you have an interest in exploring additional sites or activities, our LYT Trip managers can provide recommendations and assist with any extra arrangements.

What is included in the meal plan for this tour?

The package includes daily breakfast. For other meals, we can recommend local dining options. Should you have specific dietary needs or preferences, our LYT Trip team is available to assist with arrangements.

How long is the South India Temple Trail tour?

This comprehensive spiritual and cultural journey lasts 8 days, providing ample time to explore the sacred temples, historical sites, and cultural landmarks of South India.

How can I book this tour package?

Booking is easy—contact us via phone, text, or visit our website. Our LYT Trip team will assist you with the booking process, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free reservation.

Are there any discounts available for this tour package?

There could be some knock-off on the actual package cost if possible. The LYT Trip Manager will provide you with the best possible amount for your selected package, aiming to offer you excellent value for this memorable journey.

South India Temple Trail: 8 Days Spiritual & Cultural Journey