Temples, Ashrams And Churches

This is a unique tour into the religious and spiritual heart of south India, and makes a great academic religious studies tour in India as well as a fascinating holiday. The region has echoed the cries of devotees visiting the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu since time immemorial: their temple towers, soaring skyward, are a riot of colour and a vibrant visual salutation to the pantheon of Hindu gods and goddesses. Explore this eclectic state with its surprising Christian legacy before mountains and tea plantations into Kerala, home to communities who have been following Christianity since the arrival of Thomas the Apostle shortly after the death of Christ.

Highlights

  • Delve deep into the spiritual side of Tami Nadu where ancient civilizations once ruled
  • Visit the cave in the Little Mount & St. Thomas Basilica
  • Explore the World Heritage-listed temples at Mahabalipuram
  • Witness the world-famous Meenakshi Temple at Madurai
  • Visit the Tea Garden of Munnar
  • Relax in the peaceful Backwaters of Kerala
  • Soaking up the architectural styles of Fort Cochin

The Itinerary

Chennai – Trichy – Madurai – Munnar – Kochi (Cochin)

Meal Code: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner

Kapaleeshwar Temple, Chennai

DAY 1: DEPART FROM YOUR HOME COUNTRY.

Depart from Home country for Chennai.

DAY 2: ARRIVE CHENNAI AND VISIT KAPALEESHWARAR TEMPLE

You will be met and assisted on arrival in Chennai and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, we take you to visit the 7th-century Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dominated by its magnificent 37m high gopuram – temple towers covered in colourful carvings of Hindu deities and myths.

  • Overnight at Trident Hotel, Chennai
  • B

DAY 3: VISIT TO SAN THOME BASILICA AND ST. THOMAS MOUNT

The morning after breakfast proceeds for Chennai sightseeing tour to visit St. Thomas Mount, where Thomas the Apostle was martyred after he journeyed to India to spread the teachings of Christ, and then stop off at San Thome Basilica, the church built over his tomb.

  • Overnight at Trident Hotel, Chennai
  • B

Mahabalipuram

DAY 4: DRIVE TO MAHABALIPURAM

Morning drive down to the coastal road to Mahabalipuram, a popular destination for yoga holidays in India, to see the ancient rock temple on the beach and extraordinary 10th-century rock sculptures, considered to be the architectural precursors of the south Indian temple style.

  • Overnight at Hotel Grande Bay Resort & Spa, Mahabalipuram
  • B

DAY 5: DRIVE TO TRICHY

Morning drive to Trichy. On arrival check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for rest and relaxation at the hotel.

  • Overnight at Hotel Sangam, Trichy
  • B

DAY 6: VISIT ROCK FORT AND RANGANATHASWAMY TEMPLE

Morning after breakfast full day for fascinating temple visits. In the morning we stretch our legs before climbing the 326 steps up to the Rock Fort to visit its historic temples, and in the afternoon, we explore the magnificent and colorful Ranganathaswamy Temple, dedicated to the reclining form of the Hindu god Vishnu.

  • Overnight at Hotel Sangam, Trichy
  • B

Meenakshi Temple, Madurai

DAY 7: DRIVE TO MADURAI AND GANDHI MUSEUM VISIT

Morning drive to the bustling city of Madurai and visit the Gandhi Museum with its fascinating collections and exhibitions.

  • Overnight in Heritage Madurai Hotel, Madurai
  • B

DAY 8: SHREE MEENAKSHI TEMPLE TOUR

Morning enjoys sightseeing of Madurai which begins with a visit on foot to the Meenakshi temple to allow you to take it in at your own pace.

The Shri Meenakshi Temple in Madurai is arguably the finest and most fascinating temple complex in India and is a major Hindu pilgrimage center in the south. The site houses several shrines surrounded by 14 large colourful gateway towers.

Just a mile down the road, we also stop to visit the impressive 17th century king’s palace of Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal. The afternoon will be at your leisure and a great opportunity for shopping.

  • Overnight in Heritage Madurai Hotel, Madurai
  • B

DAY 9: AT LEISURE IN MADURAI

A day at leisure to meander through the bustling streets of Madurai, filled with bazaars, textile and craft markets, or return to absorb the atmosphere of the eclectic temple complex.

  • Overnight in Heritage Madurai Hotel, Madurai
  • B

Tea Plantation, Munnar

DAY 10: DRIVE TO MUNNAR

Morning leave the frenetic temple city of Madurai and drive to the cooler climes of Munnar, a delightful hill station surrounded by tea plantations, forests, and soaring slopes. In the afternoon enjoy a tour of the colonial-era tea plantations.

  • Overnight in Hotel Fragrant Nature, Munnar
  • B

DAY 11: DRIVE TO COCHIN

Morning drive through the vivid green Keralan countryside planted with scented spice trees, teak and rubber plantations, stopping en route for a traditional Keralan meal, before continuing to the coastal town of Cochin.

  • Overnight in Hotel Old Light House, Cochin
  • B

DAY 12: COCHIN CITY TOUR

In the morning after breakfast enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Cochin, visit some of Cochin’s historic houses of worship – St. Francis Church, the oldest European Church in India, the 1586 Jewish Synagogue, and Mattancherry Palace and in the evening enjoy a performance of traditional Keralan Kathakali dance, which colorfully recreates stories from Hindu mythology. Owing to the extraordinary diversity in its history, Cochin is a truly fascinating destination for religious studies tours in India.

  • Overnight in Hotel Old Light House, Cochin
  • B

Backwaters, Kerala

DAY 13: FULL DAY TRIP TO KOTTAYAM FOR BACKWATER CRUISE

Morning drive to Muhamma boat jetty (approximately 02 hrs driving time) to board Kettuvalam (houseboat) for cruising on the backwaters of Kerala. The backwaters are a maze of bridges and canals set in a labyrinth of backwater channels laced with endless stretches of lakes and lagoons. Over 900 km of this intricate network is navigable. This is the best place to explore the unspoilt countryside of Kerala.

  • Overnight in an air-conditioned Houseboat
  • BLD

DAY 14: COCHIN

After breakfast disembarks from your houseboat and drive to Cochin. Afternoon free for last-minute shopping and relaxation. Treat yourself to a traditional Ayurvedic massage, the perfect end to a spiritual tour of south India.

  • Overnight in Hotel Old Light House, Cochin
  • B

DAY 15: INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE

Transfer to the Cochin international airport to board your flight to your country.

TOUR COST

Tour Cost

Per person sharing a twin or double room £2010

Single room supplement £945

Email : enquiries@soulofindia.com | Call Us: 020 8901 7630

How to book this tour

Read our Booking Terms and Conditions

Email : enquiries@soulofindia.com | Call Us: 020 8901 7630

Travel Insurance

It is essential to have adequate insurance in place before your departure. This should be appropriate for your age, health, and destination you are visiting.

*This cost is valid from October 2022 to March 2023. December peak period supplements may apply.

Cost Includes

  • 13 nights' accommodation in hotels (including a night stay in Houseboat) as per itinerary, sharing a twin or double room with en-suite facilities (Check-in is 1400 hrs and checkout 12 noon. Early check-in late checkouts are subject to availability).
  • Daily breakfast at all hotels. Houseboat on full board basis.
  • All arrival, departure transfers, long drives, and sightseeing by a chauffeur-driven private air-conditioned Innova car.
  • Services of a local English-speaking representative for all arrival and departure transfers to assist you at the airports and railway stations.
  • Services of English-speaking guides during sightseeing as specified in the itinerary.
  • Entrance fees to all monuments during sightseeing as specified in the itinerary.
  • Complementary Mineral water while travelling & sightseeing.

Cost Does Not Include

  • International airfare.
  • Any meals other than specified in the itinerary.
  • India Visa Fee: E- The tourist visa facility is now available for India for citizens of most countries of the World. We will send you a step-by-step guide for an E-Tourist visa on confirmation of booking.
  • Any expenses of personal nature like laundry, telephone calls, beverages, etc.
  • Camera fees at monuments and other places of interest.
  • Travel Insurance: It is essential to have adequate insurance in place before your departure. This should be appropriate for your age, health, and destination you are visiting.
  • Tips and gratuities.
Click Here To Download The Booking Form
Read Our Booking Terms And Conditions