SPRITUAL TOUR TO SOUTH INDIA

Book: Call us on +91 98943 98923

SPRITUAL TOUR TO SOUTH INDIA  (13 NIGHTS /14 DAYS )

CHENNAI – MAMALLAPURAM – THIRUVANNAMALAI – PONDICHERRY – TANJORE – MADURAI – COIMBATORE – NATTIKA – COCHIN

TOUR INDRODUCTION:

South India is unmistakably the home for spirituality and its entrancing energy; no other country can equal it on this aspect. Faith and religion is visible in every element of life..The beautiful temple tour of south India travel showcases serenity in its legacy. The varied cultures and religions make the spiritual tour of India as one of the most popular itinerary. This Tours takes you on a fascinating journey to the land rich in momentous temples. There are several towns in South India that are specifically known as the 'Temple Towns' owing to some of the brilliant temples of the town. The south Indian style of temple architecture is called Dravida Style of Temple Architecture. We  across the difference between living and right living, through methods, which purify your body and mind. Rewarding one with absolute command over them. One will discover Yoga as a sound, healthy body and a focused, balanced mind.

TOUR HIGH LIGHTS :

ü  Explore seashore town of architectural, the Historical and artistic monuments, famous for its stone carvings and for its temples; has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

ü  Discover the harmonious community of Auroville

ü  Visit  the finest examples of the ancient Tamil splendid  architecture;The temple of Arunachleswar

ü  Ramana Ashram  - Ramana Maharishi, who taught simple methods of meditation to his disciples from all over the world.

ü  Visit Brihadisvara Temple, capped by a monolithic cupola made of a single gigantic granite block weighing 80 tons and Raja Chola Art Gallery

ü  Join the locals throng in famous Meenakshi Temple – enjoy the ceremonies, musicians playing & Temple activities.

ü  Discover the shrine of divine energy at Isha yoga centre . A powerful space consecrated for inner enfoldment, having a deeply dedicated community which is an embodiment of love and commitment to all

ü  Relax at delightful un-spoilt beaches

TOUR LODING INFO:  13 Nights Hotels

Accommodation is provided on twin sharing with breakfast at listed hotels or equivalent. A hotel list is as follows:

PLACE                                 NO.OF.NIGHTS                          HOTELS

MAMALLAPURAM                02                                IDEAL BEACH RESORT

THIRUVANNAMALAI            02                                SPARSA RESORTS

AUROVILLE                         01                                MANGO HILL
TANJORE                            01                                HOTEL PARISUTHAM

MADURAI                           02                                GRT REGENCY

COIMBATORE                      02                                ISHA YOGA CENTRE

NATTIKA                             03                                NATTIKA  BEACH RESORT

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

v     Accommodation on twin sharing rooms with daily breakfast at listed hotels or equivalent

v     Transfers /Transportation by Air Conditioned vehicle for entire tour as per itinerary

v     Bicycle Rishaw tour in Madurai

v     Service of  English speaking Tourist guide at Mamallapuram  , Tanjore , Thiruvannamalai , Madurai

v     Traditional lunch in Mamallapuram

v     01 hour Yoga session for 02 days while your stay in nattika Beach resort

v     All applicable taxes

TOUR PRICE EXCLUDES:

v     Meals other than those mentioned in above inclusions.

v     Camera fee and tips

v     All things of personal nature like laundry, telephone etc.

v     Inland & international flight ticket any

v     And all other than those listed in above inclusions

TOUR ITINERARY:

DAY 01:            CHENNAI (ARRIVAL)

Up on arrival at Chennai airport , meet & Greet followed by transfers to Mamallapuram Its enviable position on the Coromandel Coast, facing the Bay of Bengal, guarantees that this is a popular place to stay. Spend time on the white-sand beach shaded by casuarina trees and hire a bike to pedal through the surrounding countryside but make sure you allow time to explore this wonderful open-air museum, much of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site  On arrival check in & relax. Overnight in Mamallapuram

DAY 02:            MAMALLAPURAM

Morning after a  Leisure breakfast we proceed to  visit Arjuna's Penance -Nothing can prepare you for the wonderful bas-reliefs covering two huge boulders. The exquisite detail, dating from the 7^th century, depicts the flow of the Ganges down from the Himalayan mountains as well as scenes from Indian daily life.The Five Rathas-You won't believe that these shrines are carved whole from an outcrop of rock. Each of the five temples is dedicated to heroes from the great epic of the Mahabharata. Spend time admiring the detail of the carvings which include gods, humans and elephants and wonder why the temples are incomplete and were never consecrated.Shore Temple - Relish the delightful seaside location, overlooking the Bay of Bengal, and landscaped gardens surrounding the Shore Temple, a popular place for the locals to visit. Dedicated to both Vishnu and Shiva, the decorative beauty of the temple, built in Dravidian style, has suffered erosion by its proximity to the sea.After sightseeing we take you to experience & enjoy the Traditional Thali  Food  served on banana leaf . Overnight in Mamallapuram

DAY 03:            MAMALLAPURAM -  THIRUVANNAMALAI                                                      (190km/3.5h)

we drive you down to Tiruvannamalai via Kanchipuram.where  you can visit the Kailasanath Temple( dedicated to lord Shiva),the Ekambaranatha temple,Vaikuntha Perumal temple, Varadaraja temple, the Kamakshi Amman temple and the many 'gopurams'( pyramid shaped tower gateways to the Dravidian age temples).continue our   drive to Thiruvannamalai –which is  filled with density of holiness and sounds. Which leave the influence on visitors by physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.  Tiruvannamalai is one such pilgrimage site, filled with mystical experiences, fascinating explanations and mysterious power. Over Night in  Thiruvannamalai

DAY 04:            THIRUVANNAMALAI

Join the thousands of pilgrims who head for Thiruvannamalai and experience this deeply spiritual city located on arid plains. Home to many meditation  and yoga centres, many of the faithful are drawn here seeking treatment from the siddha yogis residing in the town .  Arunachaleshwara Temple - Home to the largest temple in India dedicated to Lord Arunachaleshwara, the spectacular gopuram (tower) is 66m high and dates from 750AD. Enjoy the colourful parade of pilgrims as they walk around the perimeter of the temple in order to receive the blessings of Lord Arunachaleshwara. Ramana Rishi Ashram In a city famed for its spiritual healers, take time out to meditate at the Ramana Rishi Ashram, an oasis of calm in a bustling city. Set in a peaceful location in the foothills of Arunchala, guests spend their days reading the teachings of Ramana Rishi and meditating in the lovely courtyard area. Be warned that many visitors come for a few days and find themselves staying much longerOver Night in  Thiruvannamalai

DAY 05 :           THIRUVANNAMALAI  -  PONDICHERRY                                                        (110km/3h)

Depart from hotel after breakfast and drive to Auroville - Discover the harmonious community of Auroville, inspired by The Mother as a place where people can come together, regardless of nationality, belief or colour, to live a meaningful life. Experimental buildings, combining Western and Indian elements, are located along narrow rural roads, shaded by lush greenery. This utopia supports itself through agriculture, handicrafts and alternative technology. Over Night in Auroville

DAY 06:            PONDICHERRY – TANJORE                                                                                             (190km/5h)

Depart from Hotel after early breakfast and Drive to Tanjore ( Rice bowl of south india) . Enroute we stop at visit Dharasuram situated 40 km from Tanjore. Here we will visit the Airatesvara temple from 12th century of Chola architecture constructed by Raja Raja II.The row of large statues around the temple was replaced with brick in the 14th century and Columns with unique Further drive towards Tanjore  - Despite its important history and culture, Tanjore is surprisingly overlooked by visitors to South India. A bustling market town in one of the main rice-growing regions of Tamil Nadu, Tanjore was once the capital of the Chola empire and, although many buildings from that period no longer survive, the town is still full of lovely temples.

and on arrival check in the hotel. Over Night in  Tanjore

DAY 07:            TANJORE  - MADURAI                                                                        (165km/4.5h)

Depart from hotel after breakfast and proceed for visiting - Brihadeshvara TempleThis magnificent temple, over 1000 years old and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, evokes the power of the Chola kings as it towers over the town. Study the detailed inscriptions which depict temple life and the dancers, musicians, potters, goldsmiths and astrologers who lived there. Enter the pavilion in the main courtyard to view the shining black Nandi statue, one of the largest in India, and weighing an astonishing 25 tons Bronze casting with a history of traditional bronze casting take the opportunity to view the masters at work using the lost-wax method. This method, used to create sacred temple bronzes during the Chola period, is still practised today and is being passed down through the generations to ensure that bronze casting continues to thrive!! Ahead  our drive to Madurai . On arrival Relax & unwind. Over Night in Madurai

DAY 08:            MADURAI / TOUR IN BICYCLE RISHAW

Get right under the skin of this fascinating city and take a leisurely rickshaw ride, with a friendly wallah driving you, through the maze of streets. Take in the sights and smells that surround you; pass through vegetable markets and see the locals haggling over the price; stop at the dhobi ghats where the city's laundry is done in the river; and spend time in the Gandhi Museum which charts India's freedom struggle.  .Over Night in Madurai

DAY 09:            MADURAI – ISHA YOGA  (COIMBATORE )                                                         (220km/5h)

Depart from hotel and Drive to Comibatore - Set in the foothills of Velliangiri mountains near Coimbatore, the ISHA YOGA CENTRE takes yoga and meditation to a higher plane, rejuvenating both mind and body.The foundation of this organization was laid by the Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, an enlightened master who has transformed the lives of thousands of people from struggle and disappointment to ones of peace and fulfillment. Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev firmly promotes that his life is an endeavor, "To help people experience and express their divinity." A self independent child who did not fit into the practical life of the world, he started yogic practices like Pranayams and Asanas under the tutelage of Shree Raghavendra Rao popularly known as Malladihalli

Swami as early as the age of 13 years. Located against the backdrop of Velliangiri Mountains known as Dakshin Kailash, the Center founded by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev that reflects the stillness and the splendor of the surrounding majestic mountains; The Center houses the Isha Foundation which is devoted to advancing physical, mental and spiritual health through yogic science. The Foundation manages a unique Dhyanalingam meditation shrine and multi-religious temple, over 25 Yoga centers, an Ashram and hospital.

The ashram conducts the Sahaj Sthithi Yoga, a form of yoga, enough to integrate into one's daily life. The course is held for 13 day with 3 hours a day workshop. The Sahaj Sthithi Yoga amalgamates dynamic raja yoga practices, breathing techniques and shoonya meditation or an effortless process of conscious non-doing. It stimulates the release of physical, mental and emotional blocks and activates spontaneous expression of vital energy. Over night in Isha Yoga center

DAY 10:            ISHA YOGA CENTER

Full day at Isha Yoga Center to take participate in all the activities going on in Yoga Center. Over night in Isha Yoga center

DAY 11:            ISHA YOGA – NATTIKA                                                                               (125km/3.5h)

Depart from the  Center and drive to nattika  beach  - A spanking new beach resort right at the sandy coasts of Nattika beach near Thrissur, Located in a picturesque locale dotted with coconut palm, this beach resort that is designed in ethnic Kerala architectural style.  Overnight in Nattika

DAY 12:            NATTIKA

Morning you will have One hour Yoga session. After breakfast we take You  excursion to Cochin - visiting - ‘The Jewish Synagogue’ (closed on Friday & Saturday) at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town, ‘The St. Francis Church’, the oldest European Church in India, ‘The Santa Cruz Basilica’ originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese, The Dutch Palace (closed on Friday & Saturday), Spice market at the narrow streets. Evenings by the Chinese fishing area are very lively with the daily fish market in here. All the live catch from time to time comes to sale. If you are a person who likes to eat fish, then you can buy very fresh fish from here and ask the nearby restaurant to cook the same for you . Return back to Hotel . Overnight in Nattika

DAY 13:            NATTIKA

Morning you will have one hour Yoga session & Spend rest of your time at leisure on the beach . Overnight in Nattika

DAY 14:            DEPARTURE TRANSFERS

Depart from Hotel and drive to Cochin airport to connect onward flight 

END OF SERVICES