Breakfast at hotel Morning drive to Tirupati (Tirumala) Tirupati Known popularly for its ancient temples, Tirumala is a small hill town of Andhra Pradesh 18 Kms one way from Tirupati (45 mins drive). Famous for the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, this town makes for one of the most sacred places to visit near Tirupati. (Tirumala Ghat Road is open from 0300 hrs to 2359 hrs. Mini & Large Coaches are not allowed in this road). Perched at an elevation of 3200 feet and surrounded by 7 peaks, Venkatadri, Narayanadri, Vrushabadri, Anjanadri, Garudadri, Neeladri, and Seshadri, Tirumala also boasts amazing natural vistas. In addition to all these enchanting amazements, the town is also known for its rich culture and wonderful art and architecture. Check-in at the hotel. This whole day is dedicated to visiting the holy shrine, Sri Venkateshwara Temple, in Tirumala Hills. (Only limited tickets are issued online a month prior and it is issued on first cum first basis). Tirumala Sri Venkateshwara Temple is the most revered and celebrated temple in the temple town of Tirupati having tourists and pilgrims flooding in all year long. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning drive to Kanchipuram, via Vellore. Vellore The city once was once home to various powerful dynasties which include, The Pallavas, The Cholas, Carnatic Empire, and the Vijayanagar Kingdom. Vellore is a perfect place to get glimpses of Tamil Nadu's rich cultural heritage through its attractions. The serenity and beauty of the city's temples are hard to put into words. Visit Sri Lakshmi Golden Temple in Vellore is the most amazing feature of this temple is very evident, the gold-coated architecture. The whole structure is coated in gold leaf and costs a whopping 65 million US dollars. The amount of gold used is 1500 kilograms. Constructed in the year 2007, the temple is built in 100 acres area of land and constructed by Vellore-based Sri Narayani Peedam, headed by spiritual leader Sri Sakthi Amma. Later continue to drive to Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram Was the historical capital of the Pallavas during the 7th - 9th centuries. Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred cities of India. Kanchipuram is famous for hand-woven silk fabrics and saris. The weavers use the highest quality silk and pure gold thread. Kanchipuram is also known as Silk City. Sankaracharya 'Math' is situated at Kanchipuram. Check-in at the hotel. Evening visit Kailashanathar & Ekambareshwarar Temple in Kanchipuram. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning drive to Pondicherry via Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram Also known as Mamallapuram, is around 50 km south of the city of Chennai. It is an ancient historic town and was a bustling seaport during the time of Periplus and Ptolemy. Mahabalipuram has been a center for stone carving for hundreds of years, a legacy displayed in superb temples, bas reliefs, and mandapas (narratives carved into the face of shallow rock overhangs). The Shore Temple (built in 700-728 AD) is so named because it overlooks the shore of the Bay of Bengal. It is a structural temple, built with blocks of granite, dating from the 8th century AD. It was built on a promontory sticking out into the Bay of Bengal. At the time of its creation, the village was a busy port during the reign of Narasimhavarman II of the Pallava Dynasty. As one of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, it has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. It is one of the oldest structural (versus rock-cut) stone temples in South India. Arjuna Penace: Descent of the Ganges: Measuring 96 by 43 feet (29 m × 13 m), it is a giant open-air rock relief carved on two monolithic rock boulders. The legend depicted in the bas-relief is the story of the descent of the sacred river Ganges to earth from the heavens led by Bhagiratha. The waters of the Ganges are believed to possess supernatural powers. The descent of the Ganges and Arjuna's Penance are portrayed in stone at the Pallava heritage site. The relief is more of a canvas of Indian rock-cut sculpture at its best not seen anywhere in India. It is one of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram that were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. Krishna’s Butter Ball PERCHED ON A steep rock slope in the historic town of Mahabalipuram, India, the massive round boulder known as Krishna’s Butter Ball refuses to give in to gravity or the shoves of tourists. The giant boulder appears to be frozen in its roll down the hill it sits on, and no one is quite sure why. The huge boulder is likely a glacial erratic that got stranded in a serendipitous position on the hill, but local legend has another version of the story. According to Hindu mythology, when the great god Krishna was just a baby, he was fond of stealing butter. Following this tradition, the big orange stone has been likened to a giant dollop of purloined butter that the god dropped. Mahishasuramardini Mandapa is a temple that was erected a long time ago, in the 7th century. This beautiful ancient architecture is something to look forward to for sure. UNESCO added it as a world heritage site in the year 1984. This temple is an incomplete structure and is located at the base of the diorite hillock. It is one of the fourteen cave temples of Mahabalipuram and it houses several elegant reliefs portraying the artistic abilities of the sculptures in Pallava times. The front of the cave temple is adorned with four columns and two pilasters, the floor, and the ceiling are incomplete even today. The columns have diverse designs and all the panels depict different stories and incidents of Gods and Goddesses. Pancha Rathas (also known as Five Rathas or Pandava Rathas). This is an example of monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture. Dating from the late 7th century, it is attributed to the reign of King Mahendravarman I and his son Narasimhavarman I (630–680 AD; also called Mamalla, or "great warrior") of the Pallava Kingdom. An innovation of Narasimhavarman, the structures are without any precedent in Indian architecture. The complex is under the auspices of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site inscribed by UNESCO as a Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram. Later continue your drive to Pondicherry. Pondicherry The City of Pondicherry has recorded history after the advent of Colonial Powers like the Dutch, Portuguese, English, and French. Though nearby places like Arikamedu, Ariyankuppam, Kakayanthoppe, Villianur, and Bahur which were annexed by the French East India Company over a period of time and which became the Union Territory of Pondicherry after Independence have a history predating the Colonial History. Visit Auroville & Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Auroville Located around 15 km from the city of Pondicherry, Auroville was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, a disciple of Aurobindo and fondly known as the 'Mother' of Sri Aurobindo Society. This place is the epitome of tranquility and proves as the perfect escape for the ones in search of peace. The best way to experience Auroville ashram is to actually just sit in one of the cafes and talk to some of the residents here about their experience of living in the city. Aurobindo Ashram: Founded in 1926, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram has grown, under the Mother's guidance, from a small group of two dozen disciples into a large diversified community with almost 1200 members. Counting the 400 students of the Centre of Education and the hundreds of devotees who live nearby, the larger ashram community consists of more than 2000 people. The Ashram is located in the eastern part of Pondicherry. The Ashram provides its members with all they need for a decent and healthy life. Check-in at the hotel. Evening visit the White Town area (which is also called the French Quarter). Visit French Quarter by Cycle rickshaw. The modern history of Pondicherry, now known as Puducherry, is largely dominated by the French, and the impressions of the colonial rule can still be found everywhere, from the symmetrically aligned streets to the layout and design of the city Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning drive to Kumbakonam, on the way visit magnificent temples at Chidambaram & Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Chidambaram Is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the heart of the temple town of Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu). The temple is 78 km south of Pondicherry and 235 Km from Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu state of southeastern India. The Sangam classics refer to Viduvelvidugu Perumtaccan, a respected clan of traditional Vishwakarma, as being the chief architect of the temple renovation. Gangaikondacholapuram Gangaikondacholapuram Temple is an architectural work of genius. Located at Thanjavur (Tanjore) in Tamil Nadu, Gangaikondacholapuram can be reached easily through regular buses that are available from the main towns and cities of Tamil Nadu. In the early 11th century, the temple got built by Rajendra Chola, who was the son and successor of Rajaraja Chola. Later continue your drive to Kumbakonam. Kumbakonam Not only a town of temples but also a place where art is a passion. Several classical expressions of art, be it bronze metal sculpturing, glass paintings or pith engravings are integral to the culture of Kumbakonam. Amidst all that hustle and bustle of business in the by-lanes, the town presents the unique flavors of ancient spirituality through its temples and rural beauty with its lush paddy fields combined so mellifluously with the aroma of piping hot Kumbakonam degree coffee. Check-in at the hotel. Evening visit Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram & Swaminatha Swamy Temple in Swamimalai. Darasuram Airavateeshwarar temple is a replica of Tanjore Big temple but smaller in size. Darasuram temple was constructed by Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century. This temple is a storehouse of artwork. One can see magnificent works of art and the finely chiseled work on each and every stone, carved to perfection. Even the steps leading to the temple have a story to tell. The ceiling of the temple has exquisite carvings. Minute work on the pillars fills the mind with awe and fascination. Swamimalai The sacred shrine and fourth of six holy abodes of Lord Murugan where he won Demons to establish peace. It is an ancient temple constructed on an artificial hillock. There are three astounding Gopurams and a courtyard called ‘Praharam’. The gopurams are adorned with enormous sculptures and statues. One must climb 60 steps to reach the temple. Several festivals especially Kanda Shasti, Thaipoosam, and Visakam are celebrated in a grand manner. If time permits, then also visit the Sarangapani Temple in Kumbakonam. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning drive to Madurai, on the way visit Tanjore & Trichy. Tanjore Perhaps the most remarkable civilization of Dravidian history, one of the few kingdoms to expand Hinduism beyond India. A dizzying historical legacy was forged from Tanjore, the capital of the great Chola Empire during its heyday. Thanjavur is also home to Tanjore painting, a painting style unique to the region. Visit Brideshwara Temple, Tanjore Palace & Chola Bronze Museum in Tanjore. Brideshwara Temple: This Temple is one of the most outstanding monuments of the Chola Period. More than 100 years old, it is composed of many interconnected structures such as the Nandi pavilion, a pillared portico, and a large hall. Now a World Heritage Site, its gopurams tower above the manicured gardens. The architectural achievement is impressive with an 80-tonne granite block capping the 60-meter-high inner temple. (Only the main sanctum will be closed from 1200 – 1600 Hrs) Tanjore Palace & Chola Bronze Museum The palace near the temple is a vast building of masonry built by the Nayakas around 1550 and partly by the Maratha. Two of the palace towers, the Armoury, and the observation tower are visible from all parts of the city. The palace houses an art gallery, a library, and a hall of music. The art gallery occupies Nayak Durbar Hall. It has a superb collection of Chola bronze statues from the 9th to 12th centuries. (Closed only on National Holidays) (It is closed during lunch time 1300 – 1400 hrs every day) Trichy Tiruchirappalli, universally called Trichy or Tiruchi, isn’t just a travel junction, it also mixes up a heaving bazaar with some major temples. Visit Sri Ranganathaswami Temple, Srirangam & Rock Fort Temple in Trichy. Srirangam Temple: Srirangam Sri Ranganathasami Temple is also called as “Boologa Vaikuntam". Sri Ranganathasami Temple is the Number One shrine among the 108 Divya Desams. Srirangam is a 600-acre island town, surrounded by the waters of the Cauvery on one side and its tributary, the Kollidam, on the other. “Sri Ranganathar” is the main god of this temple and the “Ranganayaki” is the goddess. Srirangam is considered the capital of Vaishnavas. The gigantic temple of Sri Ranganatha, occupying 613,000 sq meters (156 acres), is the pride of this island. (Only the main sanctum will be closed for some time in the afternoon) Rock Fort Temple perched 83m high on a massive outcrop, lords over Trichy with stony arrogance. The ancient rock was first hewn by the Pallavas and Pandyas, who cut small cave temples on its south side, but it was the war-savvy Nayaks who later made strategic use of the naturally fortified position. Reaching the top requires climbing over 400 stone-cut steps. (Main Temple above the Rock Fort will be closed from 1200 – 1600 Hrs) Later continue your drive to Madurai. Madurai The third largest city in Tamil Nadu. Located on the banks of River Vaigai, it has been a major settlement for two millennia and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is believed that Madurai is the soul of temple architecture in Tamil Nadu. Check-in at the hotel After dinner time, at 2000 hrs proceed to Meenakshi temple to witness the Aarti ceremony. Every night during the final prayer of the day, God Shiva, will be symbolically carried in a palanquin from his shrine to his abode for the night, where Goddess Meenakshi awaits him. This divine procession is followed by a piece of music and chanting and singing of devotees bringing the entire temple alive. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning proceeds to the flower & vegetable market on the outskirts of Madurai. Visit Meenakshi Temple, this is a wonderful example of South Indian Hindu architecture with nine towering gopurams (gates) splashed in colour and stucco images. The temple has great mythological and historical significance. It is believed that Lord Shiva assumed the form of Sundareswarer (the handsome one) and married Meenakshi (Parvati) at the site where this temple is currently located. A taste of hindu mythology and religion with bare-chested priests, the scent of flowers and coconut, and some of the most beautiful temple ceilings one can find in this part of India. Renowned for its intricate architecture, the Meenakshi temple was also nominated as one of the wonders of the world! (Temple will be closed from 1200 – 1600 Hrs) Walk in the surroundings of the Temple to visit the bustling Tailor market. Later Visit Thirumalai Nayak, this Palace is a classic fusion of Dravidian and Rajput styles. The building, which can be seen today, was the main Palace, in which the king lived. Tirumalai Nayak Palace at Madurai was considered to be one of the wonders of the South. Gandhi Memorial Museum The present Gandhi Memorial Museum of Madurai is a historical building. It used to be the palace of Rani Mangammal from Naick dynasty. Known as Tamukkam Palace, it was built around 1670 A.D. Spread over an area of 13 acres, this palace presents an example of architectural fineness, which allures every visitor. However, later this palace came under rulers of other dynasties and also the East India Company during the colonial era. It used to be the official residence of the British District Collector of Madurai. It was in 1955, when this palace was gifted to All India Gandhi Smarak Nidhi by the Tamil Nadu State Government. It was done with the purpose of creating a Gandhi Memorial Museum in Madurai. This museum was built by Gandhi Smarak Nidhi and is maintained by the same. It was inaugurated in the year of 1959 by Jawaharlal Nehru. It was here, where Mahatma Gandhi entered the magnificent Meenakshi Temple with Harijans, which was a historic step in his fight against untouchability. Gandhi Memorial Museum symbolizes this and many other important facets of Mahatma Gandhi’s life. (Closed on Fridays) Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning drive to Rameshwaram Rameshwaram Rameshwaram is a town where spirituality pushes through into the material world. It is the southernmost point of sacred India. Continuous chains of pilgrims converge in this holy town into the dizzying spiritual whirlwind and also get carried away by Rameshwaram’s Kaleidoscope of colors. A walk through the temples of Rameshwaram takes you to the days of the Ramayana and you would find enough evidence that will only reinforce your belief that there was once a man called Rama who walked on earth. This town is blessed with the divine Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the Char Dhams in India. Check-in at the hotel. Agni Theertham One of the most important is also the most visited theertham here. It is located on the eastern beach corner of Sri Ramanathaswamy temple. It is the only theertham of the temple, which is located outside the temple complex, which are temple tanks located inside the temple. This theertham has also been mentioned in sacred Hindu texts such as Skanda Purana, Narada Purana, and Sethu Purana. It is said that devotees first take bath in its holy water and then begin their pilgrimage to Rameshwaram. Although devotees visit this theertham throughout the year, it is considered most auspicious to take bath here on the new moon days and full moon days. Agnitheertham is connected to Lord Rama and Goddess Sita after their return from Lanka. Lord Rama after rescuing Goddess Sita from demon Ravana visited this place while on their way back to the Ayodhya Kingdom. According to the legend, after killing the demon Ravana, who was also a half brahmin and an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, Lord Rama prayed to Lord Shiva to recompense his sins of killing a brahmin. He had bathed in the waters of Agnitheertham. This is the reason why bathing in holy Agnitheertham is said to atone for past sins of the devotees. Ramanathaswamy Temple: One of the twelve Jyotirlinga Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple of Ramanathaswamy is architectural excellence built in the 17th century. A must-visit pilgrimage for both the Vaishnavite as well as the Shaiva sect of Hinduism. The actual temple is believed to have been built by Lord Rama himself and thus it has gained an esteemed position in Indian mythological reference. Today’s Ramanathaswamy Temple houses the longest temple corridor in the world, which is 197 meters long and 133 meters broad and stands with 1200 massive granite columns. The main attraction of this temple is the Sand mound, a lingam created by God Rama’s wife. The temple is said to have 22 Theerthams and pilgrims come from across the world to bathe in its sacred waters before performing Puja. This blissful temple houses many exquisite sculptures on the walls and pillars which depicts rich traditions of Hindu Mythology. Gandamadana Parvatham Also known as Rama Theertham, this shrine has the marks of lord Rama’s feet on a chakra when he has gone there to search for Goddess Sita who was abducted by the demon Ravana. Located on a hillock, at a distance of 3 km from Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, it is visited by thousands of devotees who come here to seek the blessings of the Lord. Almost every devotee on a Rameshwaram tour visits this theertham as well. Dhanushkodi Ruins: Dhanushkodi or ‘end of the bow’ is a small town at the south-eastern tip of Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu. Lined with shallow beaches, historical remnants, and vast horizons of the azure sea. Dhanushkodi was once a thriving port washed away in a cyclone in 1964 but it still stands among the ruins in pride. Today’s Dhanushkodi Temple is nothing but a ruin of the temple described in different versions of the Ramayana. In case you are curious enough to discover the plot of Ram Sethu, do not forget to explore Dhanushkodi. You will get to see the beautiful Sunrise and sunsets. It is also a perfect destination for an adventurous drive across the silky sand dunes and Tarmac Road. Adam’s Bridge (Ram Sethu) The Indian Sanskrit epic Ramayana by Valmiki speaks of a bridge, Setubandhanam, a bridge over the ocean connecting India with Sri Lanka, the land of Ravana, the ruler of men and god. The epic attributes the building of the bridge to the ape army of Rama, who was assisting him in his war against Ravana to win back his wife, Sita. True to the legendary epic a bridge, man-made or natural, did exist between Sri Lanka not so long ago, interconnecting Rameswaram Island, off the southeastern coast of Tamil Nadu, India, and Mannar Island, off the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka. Geological evidence suggests that this bridge is a former land connection between India and Sri Lanka, made with a chain of limestone shoals surrounded by a shallow sea of one to 10-meter depth. The thirty km long bridge, which separates the Gulf of Mannar from the Palk Strait, was reportedly passable on foot up to the 15th century until storms deepened the channel. The Rameshwaram temple records suggest that Rama’s Bridge was completely above sea level until it was destroyed in a cyclone in AD 1480. The bridge and its surrounding sea were first mentioned in the western world in "historical works in the 9th century" by IbnKhordadbeh in his Book of Roads and Kingdoms in 850 AD; referring to it as Set Bandhani or "Bridge of the Sea". Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning drive to Kanyakumari. Kanyakumari Lofty patches of red cliffs with deep blue waters and of course the union of three major water bodies-Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean-there's definitely something magical about Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India. The place is all about picture-perfect sunsets, enchanting full-moon nights, scrumptious coastal food, walking by the azure waters, and of course the thrill of being in such a geographical wonderful destination. Check-in at the hotel Vivekananda Rock Memorial Built to commemorate the great religious reformer Swami Vivekananda. Opened to the public in 1970. The rock memorial comprises two main structures-the Vivekananda Mandapam and the Shripada Mandapam. After you have paid your homage, you can step out to get a splendid view of the tapering end of India from this point. Thiruvalluvar Statue The gigantic statue of Tamil Poet Thiruvalluvar, standing atop an island a few meters into the sea. Standing tall at 133 feet, the statue of Thiruvalluvar was opened to the public in 2000. The statue stands on a three-tier pedestal, known as the Atharapeedam which is further surrounded by a 38 feet Alankara Peedam. 10 elephants made of the stone mantle the Alankara Peedam symbolizing the ten directions - eight for the earth, one for the sky, and another for hell. Bhagavathi Kumari Amman Temple Considered one of the 108 Shakti Peethas, this temple is the home of Goddess Devi Kanya Kumari, referred to as the Virgin Goddess. The presiding deity of Kanyakumari Temple is Kumari Amman, also known as Bhagavathi Amman. Dating back to more than 3000 years, this temple is not only religiously significant but also has great historical importance. This ancient temple of Kanyakumari also presents mesmerizing scenic beauty as it is located by the side of a vast spread of ocean. Then visit the sunset viewpoint Watching the sunset across the horizon-at the confluence of the three seas-Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean is a thrilling experience. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning drive to Kovalam Kovalam Located 16 km away from the state capital Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), Kovalam is awesomely beautiful and a haven of serenity. It's a pleasant tourist spot in 'God's Own Country. It's a magnificent beach supported by sharply mounting headlands and enclosed by fertile coconut palms. Placed snugly in the southern part of Kerala, Kovalam has created its presence, due to its clean and bizarre beaches lined with glittering sand and tall lighthouses. The privy coves, sun-kissed beaches, and the coastal towns of Kovalam enliven with its freshening up nature and the pristine atmosphere. Check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the beach stay. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Full day at leisure to enjoy the time at beach. Evening drive to Trivandrum Airport to board flight back home.