7D / 6NTirupati Madurai Rameshwaram Kanyakumari Tour Package
● Starts Chennai
From₹20,500* / person
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5 days
4 nights
Chennai
start point
Oct–Mar
best season
16+ yearscrafting India journeys · since 2010
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Overview
Tour overview
Arupadai Veedu Tour in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu hosts six holy abodes of Lord Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who is also known by names like Kartikeya, Kumara Swamy, Skanda and Subramaniya. The journey to six temples (collectively known as Aarupadai Veedu Tour) that are located on hillocks as Murugan according to Tamil Literature is the God of the mountainous regions. Flocks of pilgrims throng these highly revered pilgrimage places that are also the stunning architectural masterpieces. Whether you plan a religious tour or a photography tour to Arupadai Veedu, you would treasure its memories forever in life. Plan your Arupadai Veedu tour with Waytoindia.com and stay in the best of resorts and hotels while you visit these holy abodes of Lord Murugan.
Arupadai Veedu Tour in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu hosts six holy abodes of Lord Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who is also known by names like Kartikeya, Kumara Swamy, Skanda and Subramaniya.
Tour highlights
Visit Swamimalai Murugan Temple
Visit Palani Dhandayutapani Temple
Visit Tirupparankunram Murugan Temple
Visit Thiruchendur Murugan Temple
Destinations covered
Best Time
Oct–Mar
Ideal For
Pilgrims/Devotees, Families, Seniors, Culture Lovers
Day by day
Day-by-day itinerary
A carefully paced plan, day by day. Tap any day for the stay, meals and altitude detail.
Arupadai Veedu tour begins with your arrival at Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. We pick you from the airport/railway station and escort you toThiruthani, where one of the 6 holy abodes is located. Thiruthani (or Tiruttani) Murugan Temple is located on a hillock and is accessible by climbing 365 steps (representing days of a year) or via a motorable road. It was here that Lord Kartikeya rested and attained peace after war with the demon king Surapadman and married one of his two consorts named Valli. Several other legends state that the divine place was visited by Lord Rama and Arjuna, one of the 5 Pandavas. Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma too worshipped Subramaniya here.
Start an early morning drive to Swamimalai. The town hasSwamimalai Murugan Templelocated over a hillock and accessible via 60 steps (each named after a Tamil year). It was here that Kartikeya imprisoned Lord Brahma who could not explain the meaning of the Pranav Mantra ‘Om’. When Lord Shiva (Kartikeya’s father) tried to convince him and asked him the meaning of the mantra, he explained it like a guru (teacher). Lord Shiva was impressed and praised him as Swaminatha Swami (Teacher of Shiva). This is the reason that Murugan’s shrine is atop the hill while Shiva’s shrine is at the foot.
Leave Kumbakonam to visit the third Murugan temple at Palani. Located over a hill is thePalani Dhandayutapani Templewhere Lord Murugan is worshipped as the one carrying dhanda (staff) yuta (weapon) in pani (hands). It was here that Kartikeya resided as a hermit and meditated after he was tricked by his brother Lord Ganesha to win a divine fruit of wisdom.
Today, you will visit the two of the six Murugan temples. First, visitTirupparankunram Murugan Temple(about 8 km. from Madurai), known for its inimitably beautiful architecture. It was here that Murugan married his second consort named Deivayanai, the daughter of God Indra. On arrival, pray at the temple and then you would love to discover the hypnotic rock-cut architecture and other impressive arts at every inch of the temple. Later, drive toPazhamudircholai(about 24 km. from Madurai) where the 5th Murugan Temple is located on a hill amidst dense jungles and fruit orchards. It was here that Murugan tested his ardent follower Avvaiyar. On arrival, pray at the temple and explore its architecture. Overnight stay at Madurai.
Drive from Madurai to Thiruchendur early morning. Located on the sandal mountain remains near the coast,Thiruchendur Murugan Templeis the place lord Murugan fought with and defeated the demon king Surapadman and also worshipped Lord Shiva. On arrival, pray at the temple and explore various construction features and the coast. Later, begin the drive back to Madurai. Reach back Madurai airport on time in evening.
Temples on the way
Sacred temples you can visit
On this journey you come close to 5 holy temples of India, from the Arupadai Veedu, Divya Desam, Navagraha circuits. Below you can see each temple and how far it is from where you stay, so you can plan your darshan with a calm mind and enough time.
Where you stay
Swamimalai Murugan Temple
Arupadai Veedu · Murugan · Tamil Nadu
While you stay at Swamimalai, you can have darshan at Swamimalai Murugan Temple.
Sarangapani (Kumbakonam) Divya Desam
Divya Desam · Vishnu · Tamil Nadu
While you stay at Swamimalai, you can have darshan at Sarangapani (Kumbakonam) Divya Desam.
Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple
Arupadai Veedu · Murugan · Tamil Nadu
While you stay at Madurai, you can have darshan at Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple.
Navagraha Temples (around Kumbakonam)
Navagraha · Navagraha · Tamil Nadu
While you stay at Swamimalai, you can have darshan at Navagraha Temples (around Kumbakonam).
A short drive from your stay
Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple
Arupadai Veedu · Murugan · Tamil Nadu
Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple is a short drive from your stay at Madurai (about 18 km). You can go for darshan and come back the same day.
UNESCO World Heritage
World Heritage Sites on this journey
This tour takes you close to 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites of India. These are places the world has recognised as our shared treasure. Below you can see each one and how far it is from where you stay, so you can plan your darshan and sightseeing with time to spare.
A short drive from your stay
Great Living Chola Temples
Cultural · Inscribed 1987 · Tamil Nadu
Great Living Chola Temples is a short drive from your stay at Swamimalai (about 28 km). You can see it as a half-day trip.
An easy day trip from your stay
Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram
Cultural · Inscribed 1984 · Tamil Nadu
Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram makes an easy day trip from your stay at Chennai (about 53 km).
Want to plan your trip around India’s World Heritage Sites? See all UNESCO World Heritage Sites of India.
Travel tips
Travel Tips
Travel Tips For This Tour
Travel Tips For Arupadai Veedu Tour
Travel Tips for your Arupadai Veedu Tour
Weather at Chennai: With a temperature, which is mostly hot and humid, Chennai has a tropical climate. April-June is the hot summer months with a temperature variation between 38-42o C. With the arrival of the Northwest monsoon winds, the monsoon season begins. The rain comes as a huge relief. However, the winter months are the most pleasant and comfortable in Chennai. The ideal time for exploring on your Arupadai Veedu tour is November to February.
Things To Remember On Your Arupadai Veedu Tour
- Carry skirts and three-quarters, which are below knee-length. Carry a scarf or stole to wrap around the neck while visiting the temple. Men should preferably wear, cargoes, or trousers while visiting the temple no shorts, lungis, or Bermuda allowed.
- Do not smoke in public areas in Chennai, police may arrest you for smoking in public.
- Use the bus or metro and avoid the auto rides. The auto drivers tend to rob off the visitors by charging exorbitant amounts.
- Do not litter the Chennai beaches during your Arupadai Veedu tour, as they are extremely particular and diligent about keeping their beaches clean.
Interesting Facts about Arupadai- Veeru
- Thirupparankundram Murugan Temple-According to mythology, this temple is auspicious for conducting weddings as in this temple the divine marriage of Lord Murugan and Goddess Deivanai took place.
- Thiruchendur Murugan Temple – On your Arupadai Veedu tour, you will notice this is the only temple, which has its entrance to the west and unlike other temples built by Kings; this one was essentially built by three saints.
- Palani Dhandayutapani Temple- The idol of this temple is made out of Nava Pashanam, which is nine poisonous elements which when mixed in a certain ratio, becomes medicinal.
- Thiruthani Murugan Temple- The sacred pond, Thiruthani Saravanapoikai, at the foot of the hill, has curative power. The water is greatly enriched with sulphur, iron and other minerals. The holy enriched water treats both mental and physical illness.
- Swamimalai Temple- The temple has a beautiful golden chariot made up of seven kilos of gold, besides metals like copper and 85 kilos of silver. The chariot is beautifully illuminated with electric bulbs. On paying up Rs. 1001, devotees can take the deity out in a procession in the golden chariot around the outer corridor. The devotees are then given a box of prasadam, shawl, and a silver pot.
- Pazhamudircholai Temple- Along with Lord Muruga two of his divine consorts - Goddesses Deivayanai and Valli are also worshipped as well. Most devotees come to this temple to seek blessing for academic excellence, child prayers, and marriage.
What travellers say
What travellers say
4.7
Way to India · rated 4.7★ on Google across 46 reviews
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Yashvind Kumar Poteeram★★★★★
“A big thanks to Way To India for organising such a truly memorable and spiritually fulfilling experience during our 12 Jyotirlinga Darshan pilgrimage from 1st May to 18th May. They organized the entire journey exceptionally well, ensuring that every aspect of the trip was smooth, comfortable, and hassle-free. From transportation and hotel arrangements to darshan planning and coordination, everything was managed professionally. Despite the extensive travel across multiple destinations, the itinerary was well-structured, allowing us to complete all the Jyotirlinga darshans comfortably. Thanks to staff of Way To India, especially, Ms Neha, who was supportive, responsive, and attentive throughout the journey, always ready to assist whenever needed. Her dedication and careful planning made this sacred pilgrimage stress-free and enjoyable. I sincerely appreciate their excellent service, commitment, and hospitality. Highly recommend Way To India to anyone planning a spiritual tour, especially for the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra. Thank you for making this divine journey so special and memorable.”a month ago · Google
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Aruna Persand★★★★★
“We have successfully completed the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra, with Waytoindia and it was a truly blessed and unforgettable journey. Every aspect of the tour was well planned and professionally organized, from transportation and accommodations to temple visits and sightseeing. Visiting all twelve sacred Jyotirlingas was a deeply spiritual experience. The itinerary was designed efficiently, allowing us to have darshan at each shrine comfortably while enjoying the cultural and religious significance of every destination. We sincerely appreciate the excellent support and coordination throughout the trip. The team was always available to assist, ensuring a smooth and stress-free pilgrimage. Thank you Waytoindia for making our dream of completing the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra a reality. We highly recommend this tour to anyone seeking a well-organized and spiritually enriching pilgrimage experience. Har Har Mahadev! 🙏🕉️”a month ago · Google
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Yash Bhargava★★★★★
“We recently entrusted our honeymoon planning to 'Way to India', and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made. From itinerary finalization to on-ground execution, everything was handled with remarkable professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail. Every aspect of our trip — flights, hotels, transfers, experiences, and even the small thoughtful touches — was perfectly curated. The itinerary was balanced, well-planned, and tailored exactly to what we wanted. We never had to worry about a single thing; all arrangements were seamless and absolutely hassle-free. What truly stood out was their responsiveness and genuine care. They were always available, always patient, and consistently went the extra mile to ensure our journey was special. Special thanks to Neha Ma'am for planning everything. We are incredibly grateful and wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone looking for a stress-free, personalised, and delightful travel experience. Thank you for making our honeymoon truly magical!”4 months ago · Google
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
The ideal time to undertake the Arupadai Veedu Tour is between November and February. During these months, the weather is more pleasant and comfortable, making it easier to explore the temples and surrounding areas.
When visiting temples during the Arupadai Veedu Tour, it is important to dress modestly. Women should wear skirts or three-quarter pants that are below knee-length, and men should opt for cargoes or trousers. Avoid shorts, lungis, or Bermudas.
Yes, it is advisable to carry a scarf or stole to cover your neck while inside the temples. Additionally, smoking in public areas is prohibited, and visitors should maintain decorum and respect the sanctity of the religious sites.
Using public transport like buses or the metro is recommended for traveling between the temples. Avoid auto-rickshaws as they may charge exorbitant fares. Plan your itinerary to minimize travel time.
While the Arupadai Veedu Tour is generally safe, it’s wise to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables. Follow local guidelines and respect the customs of the places you visit.
No special permits are required for the Arupadai Veedu Tour. However, it is advisable to check for any specific temple regulations or guidelines before your visit.
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather, along with comfortable walking shoes. Don't forget to bring a scarf or stole for temple visits, a water bottle, and any personal medications you may need.
The areas included in the Arupadai Veedu Tour are generally well-connected by road. Mobile network coverage is good in most places, but it’s advisable to check with your service provider for specific roaming plans.
Photography rules vary by temple. Some may allow photography in certain areas, while others may prohibit it altogether. Always check for signage or ask temple staff before taking photos.
Respect local customs by removing your shoes before entering temples, and avoid touching sacred objects unless permitted. Be mindful of your behavior and maintain a respectful demeanor at all times.
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