What is the best time for the South India Temple Tour?

October to March offers pleasant weather for temple visits and sightseeing.

Is this tour suitable for older adults?

Yes, the itinerary ensures comfortable travel, easy temple access, and flexible schedules for people of all age groups.

Are pujas or special darshan available?

Yes, they can be pre-booked at Tirupati, Madurai, and Mantralayam.

Are meals included in the tour package?

Meals depend on your chosen meal plan (CP/MAP/AP). Vegetarian meals can be arranged.

Can the tour be customized for shorter duration?

Yes, the yatra can be modified to suit your schedule or interests.

Are local temple guides provided?

Yes, local English-speaking guides can assist at major temples.

Is this tour family-friendly?

Yes, it is ideal for families, groups, and senior devotees.

Which cities include hotel stays?

Hotels are arranged in Chennai, Tirupati, Mantralayam, Madurai, Trichy, and Pondicherry.

Are flights included in this tour?

Domestic flights can be added as per convenience.

What makes this yatra special?

This journey connects major temple circuits of South India, combining devotion, history, and divine architecture.

South India Temple Tour – Trail of the Divine Yatra

Overview

Itinerary

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Overview - South India Temple Tour

The South India Temple Tour takes travelers through the heart of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, where faith and heritage blend beautifully. This 12-day yatra explores some of India’s most sacred temples, offering a deeper connection with divine energy and centuries-old traditions.

Sacred Beginnings in Tirupati and Mantralayam

The journey begins in Chennai, followed by a drive to Tirupati, home to the world-famous Tirumala Balaji Temple. Pilgrims then continue toward Ahobilam, renowned for its Nava Narasimha temples, before reaching Mantralayam, the sacred abode of Raghavendra Swamy. Moreover, devotees can participate in temple rituals and explore nearby shrines that hold immense spiritual significance.

From Thiruvannamalai to Madurai’s Divine Splendor

Next, the South India Temple Tour proceeds to Thiruvannamalai, dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Arunachaleswarar. Afterward, the yatra heads to Madurai, where the majestic Meenakshi Amman Temple mesmerizes visitors with its artistic Dravidian architecture. Additionally, travelers visit Thirupparankundram, Pillayarpatti, and Palamuthircholai, completing a sacred circuit of Murugan temples.

Historic Temples and Coastal Serenity

Continuing onward, the tour includes Trichy’s Ranganathaswamy Temple and Rockfort Temple, both architectural marvels of South India. Furthermore, it extends to Chidambaram, a temple celebrating Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance, before reaching the French-inspired coastal town of Pondicherry. Finally, the journey returns to Chennai, where travelers enjoy leisure time exploring Marina Beach and Kapaleeshwarar Temple.

A Journey of Faith and Fulfillment

Throughout the pilgrimage, devotees encounter peace, devotion, and the enduring power of South India’s temple culture. The South India Temple Tour not only offers darshan at ancient shrines but also provides insight into India’s spiritual and cultural depth.

Trip Highlights

Visit world-renowned Tirumala Balaji Temple
Darshan at Nava Narasimha Temples of Ahobilam
Seek blessings at Raghavendra Swamy Temple, Mantralayam.
Explore Thiruvannamalai’s Arunachaleswarar Temple
Visit Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple
Cover the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan
Explore Trichy’s Srirangam and Rockfort Temples
Visit Chidambaram Nataraja Temple
Enjoy Pondicherry’s serene beaches and colonial heritage
Temple walk in Chennai and Kapaleeshwarar Darshan
Experience South Indian temple architecture and rituals
Peaceful balance of spirituality, heritage, and leisure

Day 01 :

CHENNAI ARRIVAL - TIRUPATI (135 KM / 4 HRS)

Arrive at Chennai International Airport (MAA)
Meet and greet the representative at the airport
Private transfer to Tirupati – a sacred temple town & home to the world-famous Tirumala Venkateswara Temple
Upon arrival, transfer and check into the hotel
Relax and settle in after your journey
Evening at leisure
Overnight stay in Tirupati

Day 02 :

TIRUPATI - AHOBILAM - MANTRALAYAM VIA KADAPA (430 KM / 8.5 HOURS)

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
Proceed for early morning darshan at Tirumala Venkateswara Temple – one of the richest and most visited temples in the world, dedicated to Lord Vishnu
Visit Padmavathy Temple – dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and considered the consort of Lord Venkateswara
Drive to Ahobilam – a significant site for devotees of Lord Narasimha, known for its ancient shrines and scenic forest setting
Visit Upper Ahobilam and Lower Ahobilam temples – dedicated to the nine forms of Lord Narasimha, revered in Vaishnavite tradition
Continue the journey towards Mantralayam with an overnight stop at Kadapa
Upon arrival, transfer and check into the hotel
Overnight stay in Kadapa

Day 03 :

KADAPA - MANTRALAYAM (240 KM / 5 HOURS)

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
Drive to Mantralayam – a sacred town on the banks of River Tungabhadra, renowned for the Brindavan of Sri Raghavendra Swamy, a 17th-century saint and Madhva philosopher
Upon arrival, transfer and check into the hotel
Visit Raghavendra Swamy Mutt – the samadhi site of Sri Raghavendra, where rituals and prayers are performed daily
Visit Panchamukhi Anjaneya Temple – where Lord Hanuman is worshipped in his five-faced form, located on a rocky hill
Break for lunch and spiritual relaxation & Evening free for darshan and temple rituals.
Overnight stay in Mantralayam

Day 04 :

MANTRALAYAM LOCAL TEMPLE EXPERIENCE

Breakfast at the hotel
Enjoy a sacred spiritual experience in Mantralayam
- Perform Patha Pooja – a special personal ritual at the Mutt in reverence to Sri Raghavendra Swamy
- Participate in the daily rituals and sevas at the temple complex
- Spend peaceful time by the Tungabhadra riverbank
- Evening at leisure to revisit the Mutt or join evening aarti
Overnight stay in Mantralayam

Day 05 :

MANTRALAYAM - NAVABRINDAVAN AND RETURN

Breakfast at the hotel
Drive to Navabrindavan – a sacred island near Anegundi that houses the samadhis of nine Madhwa saints, accessible by coracle boat on the river
Explore the mystical and tranquil shrines surrounded by scenic nature
Return to Mantralayam by evening
Evening darshan or leisure time at the Mutt
Overnight stay in Mantralayam

Day 06 :

MANTRALAYAM - THIRUVANNAMALAI (420 KM / 8 HOURS)

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
Drive to Thiruvannamalai – a spiritual center in Tamil Nadu nestled at the foot of Arunachala Hill, famous for its
connection with Lord Shiva and spiritual enlightenment
Upon arrival, transfer and check into the hotel (Season Towers or similar)
Evening free for leisure or spiritual orientation at the Girivalam path
Overnight stay in Thiruvannamalai

Day 07 :

THIRUVANNAMALAI TO MADURAI – 250 KM / 5.5 HOURS

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
Visit Arunachaleswarar Temple – one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalam representing fire, sprawling across 25 acres with lofty gopurams
Drive to Madurai – the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, famed for its grand Meenakshi Temple and centuries-old Dravidian architecture
Upon arrival, transfer and check into the hotel (Hotel Poppys or similar)
Evening at leisure or explore local markets & Rest
Overnight stay in Madurai

Day 08 :

MADURAI - TRICHY VIA THIRUPARANKUNDRAM, PILLAYARPATTI AND PALAMUTHIRCHOLAI – 160 KM / 4.5 HOURS

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
Early morning darshan at Thirupparankundram Murugan Temple – one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan, built into a rock
Visit Pillayarpatti Karpaga Vinayagar Temple – an ancient Ganesha shrine carved out of rock, known for wish fulfillment
Visit Palamuthircholai Murugan Temple – nestled in a forested hill, another of the six sacred abodes of Murugan
Drive to Trichy – a spiritual and heritage-rich city on the banks of the Kaveri River
Upon arrival, transfer and check into the hotel
Overnight stay in Trichy

Day 09 :

TRICHY - PONDICHERRY VIA CHIDAMBARAM & BHUVANAGIRI – 200 KM / 5 HOURS

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
Drive to Chidambaram – a temple town known for the Nataraja Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer
Visit Chidambaram Nataraja Temple – one of the holiest Shiva temples and a marvel of Chola architecture and spiritual significance
Visit Bhuvanagiri – birthplace of Sri Raghavendra Swamy and an important pilgrimage site
Continue onward to Pondicherry – a coastal city with strong French colonial heritage, spiritual centers, and serene beaches
Upon arrival, transfer and check into the hotel
Evening at leisure by the Promenade
Overnight stay in Pondicherry

Day 10 :

PONDICHERRY TO CHENNAI – 150 KM / 4 HOURS

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
Visit Auroville & Matrimandir – a universal township devoted to human unity and meditation in a golden sphere
Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram – a spiritual community rooted in integral
yoga
Visit Manakula Vinayagar Temple – an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha with a golden chariot
Drive to Chennai – capital city of Tamil Nadu, a vibrant coastal metropolis known for its temples, culture, and cuisine
Upon arrival, transfer and check into the hotel
Evening at leisure or shopping at T Nagar / Marina Beach stroll
Overnight stay in Chennai

Day 11 :

CHENNAI LEISURE DAY

Breakfast at the hotel
Enjoy a half-day city and temple tour of Chennai
Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple – a 7th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Dravidian architecture
Visit San Thome Church – a Roman Catholic minor basilica built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle
Visit Marina Beach – one of the longest urban beaches in the world
Evening at leisure for rest or shopping & Rest and relax at the hotel
Overnight stay in Chennai

Day 12 :

DEPARTURE FROM CHENNAI

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
Private transfer to Chennai International Airport (MAA)
Proceed for final departure to Kuala Lumpur
End of services

Trail of the Divine: South India Temple Tour

Overview

Itinerary

Inclusions & Exclusions

FAQs

Map