South India Temple Tour

Today we will proceed to another very important temple city - Rameshwaram. Upon arrival at the hotel in Rameshwaram after check in we visit the Ramanatha Swamy Temple, Rama Padam Temple, Pamban rail bridge. Visit all the Temples. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Rameshwaram Travel Guide Famous Temples of Rameshwaram

Ramanathaswamy Temple – It is one of the most famous temples of South India and is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built in the 17th century, it is a sheer architectural marvel. It houses the longest temple corridor in the world, 197 metres long and 133 metres broad and stands gloriously with 1200 breathtaking granite columns. An important pilgrim centre in India, it is a must-visit place on your South India holidays.

Five Faced Hanuman Temple – The popular South India temple is highly revered by Hindu devotees and is situated 2 km. from the Ramanathaswamy Temple. Folklores have that Hanumana, a mythological character from Hindu epic Ramayana, exhibited his 5-faced form for the first time in this place.

Kothandaramaswamy Temple – The 500-year old temple is a prominent pilgrimage centre in Rameshwaram, situated very close to the sea. The temple houses idols of Lord Rama, Devi Sita, Laxman and Vibhishan, the brother of Ravana from Hindu epic Ramayana. The temple walls feature artistic paintings depicting the story of Rama performing the last rites of Vibhishan here.

Best Places to Eat in Rameshwaram

Ahaan – A plush vegetarian restaurant at Daiwik Hotel in Rameshwaram, Ahaan offers brilliant multi-cuisine menu with Indian and international flavours.

Ashok Bhavan – It is a popular choice for South Indian delicacies at an affordable price. Delicious vegetarian thalis are available at just INR 35.
Ram Nivas – For real taste of North India, head off to Ram Nivas, known for its delicious vegetarian North Indian dishes. Price – Average INR 15-40 per person.

After breakfast , we will proceed to Kanyakumari. It is the southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula and the meeting point of three seas, namely Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. At Kanyakumari ,if the time permits you can enjoy the sunset in the evening and visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Kanyakumari Devi Temple. Enjoy the sunset. Overnight stay at hotel. Kanyakumari

Travel Guide Famous Temples of Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari Bhagavathi Amman Temple – It is one of the most famous Hindu temples in South India, dedicated to virgin Goddess Kanyakumari or Bhagavathi Amman, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. It is among the 108 Shakti Peethas in the world and holds immense significance to Hindu devotees. You must visit this renowned temple on your South India temple tour.

Sthanumalaya Perumal Temple – The temple is situated at Suchindram in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Trimurtis or Three Gods – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The shrine exhibits a Linga and it is believed that the top, middle and base of it represents Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma respectively.

Thiruvattar Sree Adikesava Perumal Temple – Your South India tour packages should include this ancient time, built way before the Padmanabha Swamy Temple at Thiruvananthapuram. It is nestled amidst three rivers – Kothai, Parali and Thamirabarani – on three sides and houses the idol of Adikesava and Sree Padmanabha.

Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple – A popular pilgrim destination near Kanyakumari, the temple houses the five-headed idol of Nagaraja, or the Lord of Serpents.

Best Places to Eat in Kanyakumari

Hotel Seaview – Their in-house restaurant serves delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, perfect to savour against breathtaking views of the sea. Price: Average INR 350 per person.

Hotel Seashore – Dine amidst a relaxed ambience as you sip on your favourite wine or spirit at Flames or take a quick bite at Cafeteria Lounge. Price: Average INR 410 per person.

Sangam Restaurant – The restaurant offers a variety of lip-smacking fare, including South Indian, authentic Kerala foods and multi-cuisine delicacies. Price: Average INR 280 per person.

After breakfast, we will today proceed to Madurai, another beautiful and historical place in south India. Upon arrival check in at hotel. After relaxing a while, proceed for sightseeing tour of Madurai visiting SRI MEENAKSHI TEMPLE , temple dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva. The five Gopurams that surround the temple are well known for stuccowork, and the 48.8 metre high southern gopurams is the tallest.

Legend has it that when the last Tamil Sangam met here, literary works were thrown into the temple tank. Those that floated were deemed to be outstanding literature.

The HALL OF THOUSAND PILLARS is a museum of icons, photographs and illustrations.

THIRUMALAI NAYAKAR MAHAL, 1 km from the temple is known for the musical pillars and the pathway.

GANDHI MUSEUM is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhis life and work and is housed in the 300-year-old Mangammal Palace. It has a collection of Mahatma Gandhi's personal memorabilia, books and letters, a fine exhibition of South Indian village industries, handicrafts and a huge open-air theatre. Over night stay at hotel in Madurai.

Madurai Travel Guide Famous Temples of Madurai

Meenakshi Temple – The world-renowned Meenakshi Amman Temple is a must-visit on your South India temple tour that unveils Tamil Nadu’s rich culture and spirituality. It is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, or Goddess Parvati and her consort, Lord Shiva, here known as Sundareswarar. An architectural splendour, you should not miss visiting this famous South India temple.

Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple – It is one of the Arupadaiveedu – the six abodes of Lord Muruga. The massive temple is carved in rock and offers stunning beauty.

Azhakar Kovil – The famous South Indian temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It features similar architectural style as that of other South India temples, including pillared mandapams and large gopurams.

Sri Subramania Swamy Temple – It is perched on a hill top and offers picturesque view of the Jawadu Hills, Padavedu Village and the nearby Renugambal Temple. It houses the idol of Lord Subramania with his consorts Goddesses Deivanai and Vallai standing on a peacock.

Best Places to Eat in Madurai

Kadambavanam Restaurant – Relish authentic Tamilian cuisine made from fresh meat, vegetables and herbs. You will also get several regional delicacies that you will find nowhere else. Price: Average INR 300 per person.

Hotel Aarthi – A perfect place for tourists looking for mouth-watering culinary delights. Price: Average INR 150 per person.

Taj Restaurant – High-quality non-vegetarian delicacies from around the world, served in a plush ambience with elegant interiors. Price: Average INR 300 per person.

After breakfast at hotel, proceed to Tiruvannamalai and check into Hotel. After refreshment proceed for sightseeing which includes Arunachaleswara Temple, Sathanur Dam , Gingee Fort, Padaveedu .Later reach back hotel . Overnight stay at hotel. Tiruvannamalai

Travel Guide Famous Temples of Tiruvannamalai

Annamalaiyar Temple – A famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is located at the foothills of Annamalai in Tamil Nadu. Here Shiva is worshipped as Annamalaiyar or Arunachaleswarar and his idol is referred as Agni Lingam. The temple complex is spread over 10 hectares and is one of the largest in India – a must-see on South India temple tour.

Best Places to Eat in Tiruvannamalai

The Dreaming Tree Restaurant – Here you will find everything organic! From its cosy interiors to grilled sandwiches, green salads, blended drinks, hearty soups and homemade cakes and breads, everything is pure natural and simple.

Tiru German Bakery – Another popular health and organic food restaurant, German Bakery serves traditional German bakery food in addition to other delicacies.

Chola – The Akash Inn restaurant specialises in authentic Oriental delicacies served with soups that can be picked from a wide spread.

After breakfast, Check out. It's time to bid farewell. On time transfer to Chennai Airport for your return flight. Tips on Planning Your South India Temple Tour

Do’s and Dont’s When You Visit a South Indian Temple Admission to some South India temples may require a nominal fee.

Make sure your tour operator books the tickets well in advance or you may have to wait long in the queue. Your South India temple tour package may cover admission fee to some temples. Wear decent clothes as it is an important part of South Indian culture.

Photography is prohibited in many temples. Make sure you respect the rule. Do not touch the idol or the priests in the temple. According to Hindu culture, it is a custom or symbol of respect to use your right hand when you receive the ‘prasadam’ or a part of the offerings to deities. Remove your shoes before entering the temple premises.

Do not carry food or eat inside the temple premises. Leather is strictly prohibited in some temples. Read the instructions carefully before you enter the temple and if required, keep your belongings in the respective area. It is better that you hire a local guide or have a tour operator representative who can help you know the history of the temple, mythological stories related to it, culture, etc.

Strange but Interesting Facts about Temples of South India The Secret of Temple Architecture– Temples of South India typically exhibit similar architectural style that includes Gopuram and Kalasam.

Elaborate Gopuram, or a rising tower, adorn the temple entrance. These are exquisitely decorated with artistic sculpture and carvings and beautifully painted to demonstrate various themes from the Hindu mythology, especially those associated with the presiding deity of the temple. Gopuram is a unique feature of Hindu architecture style that sets South India temples aside from others.

The Gopuram of the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, is the tallest one in South India, going up to 196 feet! Kalasam, on the other hand, is another unique feature of Hindu temples in South India. The Kalasam, in the form of inverted pot, lies on top of Gopurams and are made of an alloy of 5 metals including gold, silver, tin and copper.

The alloy gives the Kalasam electro-magnetic reception. The Kalasam is then filled with grains like rice, millet, ragi, corn, sesame, maize and salt in large quantities. These objects act as lightning conductors and are used as ‘earthing’ to protect the temple complex from lightning. The grains are changed once in every 12 years during a festival called “Kudamuzhugu Vilzha” because the grains have a capacity of 12 years to absorb electro-magnetic waves.

The architectural style of temples in South India clearly demonstrates utter scientific knowledge even during the ancient times. The Richest Temple in the World– Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is one of the 108 Divya Desams or holy abodes of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that the idol of Lord Vishnu was found in this place.

Considering utter divinity and spiritual significance of this place, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the most important pilgrim centres in India. But that is not all! It is also one of the richest Hindu temples in the world with treasures worth over Rs 1 lakh crore.

Another South India temple, Tirupati Venkateshwara Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, has over 50,000 crore rupees worth of treasures and is one of the richest temples in India. Interesting Facts

About Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai – The Meenakshi Amman Temple, featuring 12 breathtaking gopurams embellished with colourful stucco figures, is among the most famous temples of South India. No wonder, why it should be on everyone’s list of places to visit during South India temple tour.

It was one of the top 30 nominees for the “New Seven Wonders of the World.” There are an estimated 33,000 sculptures in the temple, depicting the brilliance of Vijayanagar temple architecture. It attracts over 15,000 visitors per day and around 25,000 on Fridays. The 10-day Meenakshi Tirukalyanam Festival is celebrated annually during April and May and attracts over 1 million visitors.