Splendour Of Temples & Backwaters Of South India

Day 1: Arrive in Chennai

Met on arrival in Chennai and transfer to hotel for check in.

Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu state and is a major city in South India. Apart from being famous for its temples constructed in the Dravidian architectural style, it is also a cultural hub for various art forms. Also known as “Detroit of Asia” - being a major hub for automobile manufacturing units.

In the late afternoon visit the Theosophical Society - the founding place of Theosophy and Krishnamurti followed by St. Thomas Cathedral, the place where the relics of the Apostles Thomas are believed to rest. Overnight at hotel

Day 2: Chennai – Kanchipuram-Tiruvannamalai

After breakfast, checkout from hotel and drive to Kanchipuram (approx driving time 2 hours).

Visit Kanchi Kailashnath Temple and Shri Ekambareswarar Temple with a local guide.Both these temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Considered to be one of the epitomes of divinity, the Kailashnath Temple is made in sandstone with intricate carvings on the 60 shrines around the pathway and a huge Nandi bull statue on the outer periphery.

One of the five major Shiva temples representing the five elements, the Shri Ekambareswarar Temple represents the element of Earth, and was built in 600 AD. It has a hallway with a thousand pillars and the temple's inner walls are decorated with an array of an impressive 1,008 Siva lingams. The temple also has a 3,500 year old mango tree whose branches are said to yield four different types of mangoes.

The peaceful aura surrounding these beautiful temples will help you an inner calm.

Later drive to Tiruvannamalai (approx driving time 2:45 hours). Check into an environmentally sustainable, yet luxurious resort and relax.

While in your resort you can touch base with your spiritual side in a serene and stimulating environment. You can do yoga with the sacred Mount Arunachala in the background and take part in a whole lot of traditional activities while staying there.

Day 3 & 4: Tiruvannamalai

Apart from the activities at the resort, you will visit the Sri Ramana Ashram, the sacred mountain, walk the pilgrimage route around the mountain and visit the Arunachalesvara Temple during your stay here in this peaceful retreat.

Maharishi Ramana was a 20th century South Indian sage who inspired people to find real happiness through the direct path of practice of self-enquiry and awakened mankind to the immense spiritual power of the holy Arunachala Hill – where the ashram is located.

Arunachaleshwara, also known as Annamalaiyar, Temple is located at the base of the Annamalai Hills and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This 1125 year old temple is one of the five temples representing the five elements and is related to the element of fire.

Return to the resort for overnight.

Day 5: Tiruvannamalai- Auroville-Pondicherry-Auroville

After breakfast, check out from resort and drive to Auroville (approx driving time 2 hours), which is a township on the outskirts of Pondicherry, with people from all social classes, backgrounds and cultures. Conceptualized by the Mother (earlier known as Mirra Alfassa), its focus is on promoting human unity and transformation of consciousness. While at Auroville, visit the Matri Mandir - which is in the form of a huge sphere, and the lush 12 gardens around it.

Relax for a while and then drive to Pondicherry in the evening (half hour away) for sightseeing with a guide with a guide starting with the Aurobindo Ashram for some quiet introspection, followed by a visit to the Temple of Markula Vinaygar dedicated to Lord Ganesha. If you are lucky, you could be blessed by the elephant who walks through the temple at specific prayer timings. This will be followed by a visit to the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Built in neo-Gothic style of architecture a century ago, the stunning church has exquisite stain glass panels of 28 saints who were devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Take a short walking tour of the French Quarter (also known as White Town) with its huge colonial style houses – some of which have been deemed as heritage sites and are breathtakingly beautiful. In between stop by in any of the many French cafes that serve excellent crepes and other dishes. End up at the lovely Promenade along the rocky beach. There are a lot of French, Italian and other cuisines offered in the restaurants along the Promenade for a relaxing evening out.

Return to Auroville for overnight.

Day 6: Auroville

After breakfast, take time to introspect in the peaceful surroundings of Auroville, visit the Matri Mandir to energize and discover yourself.

Later we will organize a workshop on integral learning and yoga or wellness . These workshops help you practice detachment from one’s physical being to connect within for finding peace and the eternal. Time free to explore the rest of the ashram. Overnight at Auroville.

Day 7: Auroville–Thanjavur–Madurai

Early morning check out and drive to Thanjavur (approx driving time 4 hours) to visit the famous Brihadeeswara Temple with guide.

Brihadeeswara Temple was built in 1010 AD and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a magnificent architectural structure built with over 130,000 tons of granite (which was available only beyond a 100 mile radius of the temple) and carved intricately to highlight the opulence of South Indian architecture. In the courtyard, one is further mystified by the single stone six-meter high magnificent Nandi bull statue which adds to the attraction of this amazing temple. Just meditating or sitting in a quiet corner around the temple is enough to energize your senses.

After feasting your eyes on the fabulous temple, drive onwards to Madurai (approx driving time 3 hours). Arrive at hotel and check-in.

Day 8: Madurai

After breakfast, drive to the Meenakshi Amman Temple – one of the oldest and most important temples in India, which is also known for its amazing architecture.The guide will help you explore and understand the temple which has a great mythological and historical significance. The bustle of ash-smeared priests and devotees performing prayers, with the hum of the vedic chantings in the corridors will leave you mesmerized.

A special Hindu prayer ceremony will be organized for the general well-being of the group members and their families within the temple premises.

Later visit the 17th century Thirumalai Nayakar Palace famous for the “Stuccowork” on its domes and impressive arches.

You could go for lunch at a local restaurant (on own) followed by some retail therapy near the temple. You could also choose to walk back to the temple to observe the architecture and people. Return to hotel for overnight.

Day 9: Madurai–Kollam

After breakfast, check out and leave for Kollam (approx driving time 6.5 hours). Lunch on own. Arrive in Kollam and check in at a center for Ayurvedic treatments (optional) and to enjoy the scenic backwaters, where you can soak in nature at its finest form and feel your stress seep away.

Day 10- Day 13: At Resort

Spend your time indulging in serene activities which refresh and recharge your system. It could be yoga sessions in the serene backdrop of the lake, or unwinding over coffee while you listen to the rhythm of the oars of a passing boat and watch birds wing their way to their nests. Take a cruise around the village in the traditional boat and let the enchanting beauty of the backwaters enthrall you. There is no end to the experiences on offer at this peaceful place.

Day 14 – Kollam – Kochi

Check out and drive from Kollam to Kochi (approx driving time 3.5 hours). Check in at hotel. Lunch on own and relax a bit.

Later in the afternoon leave the hotel (without guide) to explore the amazing offerings of handicrafts and spices in the spice market. The aroma and quality of the authentic spices available in this part of the country is unmatched, and they make for a special gift for your loved ones back home. Drive back to hotel for overnight.

Day 15: Kochi

After breakfast, depart for Kochi sightseeing with guide (half day). This day you will be imbibing the history of various rich cultures. You will visit the 15th century Mattanchery Palace (also known as Dutch Palace). This palace has a lovely collection of murals which depict some of the great Indian epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. The other exhibits include life-size portraits of the Kings of Cochin along with their weapons and ceremonial dresses.

This will be followed by a visit to St. Francis Church – one of the oldest European Churches in India – where the Portuguese explorer Vasco De Gama was first buried. Then comes a visit to the Santa Cruz Basilica and the treasures it offers - seven large canvas paintings including a beautiful reproduction of the 'Last Supper' by Leonardo da Vinci, ceilings adorned with paintings that depict scenes from the Via Crucis of Christ, and the beautiful stained glass - will leave you spellbound.

The guided tour will end with the Jewish Synagogue which will leave you enthralled with the sparkling Belgium chandeliers, 4th century copper plates displayed on the walls and the hand-painted blue willow patterned tiles.

Return to hotel for brief rest.

Early evening leave for a Kathakali performance. This starts with an hour-long session in which the extensive makeup is applied to the artistes. This is a prelude to the actual dance and music programme (1.5 hours) which follows. Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world in which dancers take various roles in performances traditionally based on themes from Hindu mythology. Kathakali is a harmonious combination of five forms of fine art – literature, music, painting, acting and dance so be ready to be enthralled by this cultural performance.

Return to hotel for overnight.

Day 16: Kochi - Flight back home

After breakfast, checkout from hotel and departure transfer to Kochi airport for flight back home.