South India Pilgrimage Tour

Wake up to the salty breeze of the Bay of Bengal as we journey to Mahabalipuram. This UNESCO World Heritage site showcases some of the finest rock-cut temples in India. Marvel at the massive bas-relief 'Arjuna's Penance' and witness the architectural wonder of the Shore Temple standing proudly against the ocean backdrop. The afternoon sun creates magical shadows on the ancient stones, perfect for both photography and quiet contemplation. Activities:

• Morning drive to Mahabalipuram (2 hours)
• Guided tour of Five Rathas monuments
• Visit to Krishna's Butter Ball
• Sunset meditation at Shore Temple
• Evening cultural performance

• Radisson Temple Bay or similar

• Breakfast at hotel
• Lunch at local vegetarian restaurant
• Dinner with ocean views

Experience the unique blend of French colonial heritage and Indian spirituality in Pondicherry. Visit the internationally famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram and spend time in the peaceful Matrimandir viewing point at Auroville. The clean streets of the French Quarter provide a charming backdrop for an evening stroll along the promenade. Activities:

• Early morning yoga session
• Sri Aurobindo Ashram visit
• Auroville exploration
• French Quarter walking tour
• Beach meditation session

• La Villa or similar heritage hotel

• Continental breakfast
• Organic lunch at Auroville
• French-Indian fusion dinner

Journey to Thanjavur, home of the magnificent Brihadeeswara Temple. This architectural marvel, built in the 11th century, features one of India's largest Shiva lingams. The temple's 216-foot vimanam (tower) was built using a single granite block weighing 80 tonnes. Watch in awe as the setting sun bathes the golden stones in ethereal light. Activities:

• Morning drive to Thanjavur
• Guided tour of Brihadeeswara Temple
• Traditional art gallery visit
• Evening Bharatanatyam dance performance
• Night temple ceremony

• Svatma Heritage Hotel or similar

• Traditional Tamil breakfast
• Royal Chola thali lunch
• Garden dinner with local specialities

Enter the spiritual heart of Tamil Nadu in Madurai, home to the breathtaking Meenakshi Amman Temple. The morning air fills with the sound of ancient Tamil hymns as priests perform centuries-old rituals. Explore the thousand-pillared hall and witness the evening ceremony where Lord Shiva is carried to Parvati's chamber. Activities:

• Early morning temple ritual
• Temple complex guided tour
• Traditional market visit
• Evening aarti ceremony
• Night temple procession viewing

• Heritage Madurai or similar

• South Indian breakfast
• Temple prasad lunch
• Rooftop dinner

Travel to the sacred island of Rameshwaram, connected to mainland India by Pamban Bridge. This holy site is one of the char dhams (four divine sites) in Hindu tradition. Experience the unique ritual of bathing in the 22 holy wells within the temple complex, each believed to wash away different sins. Activities:

• Morning drive to Rameshwaram
• Temple tank bathing ritual
• Pamban Bridge visit
• Dhanushkodi Ghost Town tour
• Sunset at Agni Theertham

• Hyatt Place or similar

• Breakfast at hotel
• Seaside lunch
• Traditional vegetarian dinner

Witness the spiritual magic of Kanyakumari, where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean converge. Visit the Kumari Amman Temple dedicated to the virgin goddess and watch a spectacular sunset from the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Activities:

• Sunrise at three oceans point
• Kumari Amman Temple visit
• Ferry to Vivekananda Rock
• Gandhi Memorial visit
• Evening beach meditation

• Sparsa Resort or similar

• Continental breakfast
• Seafront lunch
• Traditional Kerala dinner

Enter God's Own Country - Kerala. Visit the renowned Padmanabhaswamy Temple, home to centuries-old traditions and mysteries. The evening is dedicated to experiencing a traditional Kathakali performance, where ancient stories come alive through elaborate costumes and expressions. Activities:

• Morning temple visit
• Palace museum tour
• Ayurvedic consultation
• Kathakali performance
• Night market visit

• Leela Raviz or similar

• Kerala breakfast
• Traditional sadhya lunch
• Fusion dinner

Experience the serene backwaters of Kerala on a traditional houseboat. Visit ancient snake temples and witness the unique water-based lifestyle of Kerala. The gentle lapping of water creates a perfect setting for evening meditation. Activities:

• Houseboat check-in
• Backwater cruise
• Village temple visits
• Sunset meditation
• Star gazing session

• Luxury houseboat

• Breakfast on board
• Fresh seafood lunch
• Traditional Kerala dinner

Conclude your spiritual journey in the historic port city of Cochin. Visit the ancient Jewish synagogue and witness the iconic Chinese fishing nets. A final evening of shopping in the spice market and a farewell dinner marks the end of your spiritual odyssey. Activities:

• Morning Jewish synagogue visit
• Spice market tour
• Cultural performance
• Farewell ceremony
• Airport transfer

• Taj Malabar or similar (day use)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Traditional Kerala lunch
• Farewell dinner

The South India Pilgrimage Tour is a 10-day/9-night journey starting in Chennai and ending in Cochin. This duration allows for an immersive spiritual experience while maintaining a comfortable pace for all participants.

The tour covers South India's most significant temples, including the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur, Rameshwaram Temple, and Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum. Each temple has unique architectural and spiritual significance.

Fly into Chennai International Airport (MAA) where our representative will meet you. The tour concludes at Cochin International Airport (COK). We recommend booking international flights that arrive in Chennai in the morning and depart from Cochin in the evening.

October to March is ideal for South India travel, offering pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall. December-January sees peak tourist numbers, so booking 3-4 months in advance is recommended for these months.

Daily breakfast is included at all hotels. The package also includes welcome and farewell dinners. Other meals offer flexibility to experience local cuisine, though our guide can recommend authentic vegetarian restaurants at each location.

Yes, a modest dress is required. We provide traditional Indian clothing suitable for temple visits. Women should wear clothing covering shoulders and knees, while men should wear long trousers and sleeved shirts. Shorts and sleeveless tops are not permitted in temples.

The tour involves moderate walking, typically 2-3 hours daily within temple complexes. Temples require barefoot entry, and some have steps to climb. We pace the activities comfortably, with regular breaks and optional activities for those needing rest.

Photography policies vary by temple. Some allow photos for an additional fee, while others prohibit photography entirely. Our guide will advise on specific rules at each location. External temple photography is generally permitted.

We recommend budgeting £30-40 per day for meals not included, £20-30 for shopping, and £15-25 for optional activities. Temple offerings and donations are personal choices but typically range from £5-20 per temple.

Yes, we've designed the tour to accommodate various age groups and fitness levels. The pace is moderate with regular breaks, and we can arrange ground floor rooms and special assistance when needed. However, participants should be comfortable walking barefoot in temples.

South India is a paradise for vegetarians! Most local cuisine is naturally vegetarian, and all hotels offer extensive vegetarian options. We can also accommodate vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary requirements with advance notice.

We use carefully selected 4-star hotels combining modern comfort with traditional charm. Properties include heritage hotels, boutique resorts, and one night in a luxury houseboat. All rooms have private facilities and air conditioning.

The 10-day tour covers 12 major temples and numerous smaller shrines. Each temple visit is structured to include both guided exploration and free time for personal worship or meditation.

Yes, all UK citizens need a visa to visit India. We recommend applying for an e-tourist visa online at least 4 weeks before travel. The visa process is straightforward, and we provide detailed guidance on completion.