Sacred Tamil Nadu: A 9-Day Spiritual Tour

8N/9D

1N Tiruvannamalai • 1N Tirupati • 1N Chennai • 1N Chidambaram • 1N Tanjore • 1N Rameshwaram • 1N Madurai • 1N Trichy

Sacred Tamil Nadu: A 9-Day Spiritual Tour

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Overview

Experience the spiritual soul of Tamil Nadu through its ancient temples and sacred towns. Key destinations include:

Trichy: Sri Ranganathaswamy and Jambukeswara Temples
Tiruvannamalai: Arunachaleswara Temple
Tanjore: UNESCO-listed Brihadeeswarar Temple
Tirupati: Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple
Madurai: Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore beaches and cultural sites:

Marina and Dhanushkodi Beaches
Poombuhar, an ancient port city
Temples in Chennai: Kapaleeswara, Astalakshmi
Pillayarpatti: Karpaga Vinayagar Temple
Rameshwaram: Ramanathaswamy Temple, Pamban Bridge
Palani: Dhandayuthapani Temple

Highlights

Brihadeeswarar Temple Darshan
Sri Balaji Temple Tour
Visit the Rameshwaram Temple
Lord Dhandayudhapani Temple Darshan

Know your trip plan

Arrive at Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) Airport where our representative will escort you to your hotel.

Visit the revered Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple and Jambukeswara Temple in Trichy.

Travel to Tiruvannamalai and explore the majestic Arunachaleswara Temple, located at the base of the sacred Annamalai hill.

Enjoy a peaceful overnight stay in Tiruvannamalai.

Start your day with an early road trip from Tiruvannamalai to Tirupati.

Visit the famous Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Explore Tirupati’s local culture by discovering specialties like red wooden toys and intricate copper and brass idols.

Overnight stay in Tirupati.

Depart early from Tirupati and reach Chennai in about four hours.

Explore Chennai’s rich culture and spiritual heritage with visits to Kapaleeswara Temple, Astalakshmi Temple, and Vadapalani Murugan Temple.

End your day with a relaxing evening at the iconic Marina Beach.

Overnight stay in Chennai.

Visit the spiritually significant city of Chidambaram, known for its temples dedicated mostly to Lord Shiva.

Key sites include:

Nataraja Temple, famous for Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer
Vaithiswaran Koil, known for healing powers
Navagraha temples: Keezhaperumpallam Kedhu Temple and Thiruvenkadu Budhan Temple

Enjoy a boat ride in the serene Pichavaram mangrove forest.

Explore the ancient port city of Poombuhar.

Overnight stay in Chidambaram.

Experience Tanjore’s cultural richness with visits to the:

Magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Thingaloor Chandran Temple
Aalangudi Guru Temple
Kanjanoor Sukkiran Temple
Suryanar Sooriyan Temple

Overnight stay in Tanjore.

Visit Pillayarpatti, home to the ancient Pillayarpatti Vinayagar Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha.

Travel to Rameshwaram, a major spiritual destination featuring:

The sacred Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples
The architectural marvel Pamban Bridge
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial
The ghost town of Dhanushkodi

Overnight stay in Rameshwaram.

Drive to Madurai and visit:

The iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture
Azhagar Kovil
Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam
Thiruparankundram Temple

Overnight stay in Madurai.

Travel from Madurai to Palani, home to the famous hilltop Lord Dhandayudhapani Temple, one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan.

Continue to Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) for an overnight stay, with time to explore the city further.

Use your departure schedule to explore additional sights in Trichy.

Receive a seamless transfer to Trichy Airport or railway station for onward travel.

What's included

Accommodation: Stay in standard hotels at all destinations on a twin-sharing basis.
Meals: Daily breakfast.
All transfers and sightseeing by air-conditioned vehicles as per the itinerary.
Pick-up and drop-off at the nearest airport or railway station.
Driver fees, toll charges, fuel, and parking fees included.
Sightseeing: Visits to all temples, cultural sites, and landmarks mentioned in the itinerary, including Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Meenakshi Amman Temple, Ramanathaswamy Temple, and Marina Beach.
Tour Assistance: Professional driver and coordination support throughout the trip.

What's excluded

Entry tickets to monuments, parks, and special temple rituals.
Camera and video charges (if applicable).
Lunch, dinner, and beverages not specified in the inclusions.
Additional activities, rituals, or pujas at temples (if desired).
Tips, porter fees, laundry, personal shopping, and other extras.
Costs arising from weather conditions, strikes, or road closures.
Air/train tickets to and from Tamil Nadu.
Any services not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions.

Good to know

What should I carry for this trip?

Comfortable footwear for walking.
Modest and traditional clothing suitable for temple visits.
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for daytime excursions.
Travel documents, personal medications, and toiletries.

Are there any restrictions or customs to follow?

Yes, visitors are expected to respect local customs:

Wear modest attire when visiting temples (avoid sleeveless tops and shorts).
Remove footwear before entering temple premises.
Photography may be restricted in certain temple areas; confirm with your guide or temple authorities.

Will there be any long journeys?

Yes, the trip includes scenic long drives between destinations:

Trichy to Tiruvannamalai: Approx. 185 km (3 hours 15 minutes).
Tiruvannamalai to Tirupati: Approx. 197 km (4 hours).
Tirupati to Chennai: Approx. 140 km (3 hours 45 minutes).
Chennai to Chidambaram: Approx. 125 km (5 hours).
Chidambaram to Tanjore: Approx. 110 km (2 hours 30 minutes).
Tanjore to Rameswaram via Pillayarpatti: Approx. 260 km (4 hours 45 minutes).
Rameswaram to Madurai: Approx. 175 km (3 hours 15 minutes).
Madurai to Trichy via Palani: Approx. 115 km (2 hours 20 minutes) + 155 km (2 hours 45 minutes).

Regular stops for refreshments, sightseeing, and local experiences ensure a comfortable journey.

What type of accommodation can I expect during the trip?

Stay in well-located hotels with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable experience. Accommodations are selected to be near key attractions, providing convenience for temple visits and sightseeing.

What type of travel services are provided during the trip?

Private air-conditioned vehicles for all transfers and sightseeing.
Experienced drivers familiar with the region.
Bottled water provided daily during travel.

Are guided tours included?

Yes, guided tours are included to provide historical and spiritual insights at key destinations. Optional experiences like light and sound shows at Thirumalai Nayak Palace are also available.

Is there an opportunity for shopping?

Yes, explore: