South India Pilgrimage Tour

Day 01: Arrive Kochi – Alleppey Back Water Cruise, Overnight on Boat

Cochin airport meet with our office representative assistance and direct drive to Alleppey (75kms/ 2hrs approx)

Alleppey; also called the Venice of East, interlocked with a large number of canals and bridges. Board a houseboat from here and enjoy the cruise through the enchanting backwaters. Houseboat comprises twin bed room, with attached bathrooms, running water, and a lounge area in which to relax and enjoy the sights on the shore. Start our sail through scenic backwaters, passing through one of the few areas in the world where farming is done below sea level. The houseboat will cruise through the Chambakulam area by mid-morning and anchor to explore the boat yard, which displays the traditional long snake boats used in races. Visit St. Mary’s Church, established by St. Thomas in 1721. In the evening, catch a glimpse of village life along the backwaters and experience a way of life unique to this region. The boat will pass through picturesque stretches of the backwaters of Alleppey and moor up for overnight in Vemabanadu Lake. Overnight at Houseboat.

 

Day 02: Alleppey – Trivandrum/ Kovalam (160kms/ 3hrs approx)

Morning after breakfast disembarks from the houseboat, drive to Trivandrum, and check in at hotel. Rest day free and easy for personal activities relax. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 03: Trivandrum/ Kovalam

Breakfast at hotel, visit Padmanabha Swamy Temple; the temple is located inside the East Fort. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu,  & a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. It is known for its Mural Paintings and Stone Carvings. One among the 108 sacred Vishnu Temples in India, the presiding deity in here is Lord Vishnu reclining on anantha the serpent.

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum; The palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma - the King of Travancore, who was a great poet, musician, social reformer and statesman. This rare specimen of workmanship in the traditional travancore style of architecture also has exquisite wood carvings. The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless collections of the royal family.

The Napier Museum; Built in the 19th century, the indo - saracenic structure boasts a "natural" Airconditioning system and houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. The use of plaxtic is banned in the museum premises. Sree Chitbra Art Gallery; Located near the Napier Museum. This are gallery displays select paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich and exquisite works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of Art In India.                 Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 04: Trivandrum/Kovalam

Breakfast at hotel, visit Kovalam is a world-famous beach resort, which has been a favorite spot for tourists since 1930s. This beach has lovely coconut palms fringe the golden sands. Foreigners throng Ayurvedic parlors, yoga and meditation centers, that have sprung up all over the place. There are a number of beach resorts in and around Kovalam. The sea port of Vizhinjam is about 3km away and famous for its special varieties of fish, old Hindu temples, big churches and a Muslim shrine.

It was among the most prominent tourist spots in India during the hippy era. It still has a high status among tourists (mostly European) even now the glory of this beach attracting more and more tourists (western). Kovalam is finding a new  significance in the light of several Ayurvedic salons, and recuperation and regeneration resorts which provide a slew of Ayurvedic treatments for the tourists. The sands on the beaches in Kovalam are partially black in colour due to the presence of ilmenite and thorazite. There are two main beaches at Kovalam, separated by a high cliff. There is small light house in the Eve's beach. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 05: Trivandrum – Kanyakumari (85kms/ 2hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, morning free for personal activities relax on the beach. Afternoon drive to Kanyakumari, check in at hotel. Kanyakumari is a place where we can see the confluence of the three seas. The Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. One can actually see the three colours of the waters during the low tides.

 

Day 06: Kanyakumari

Breakfast at hotel, sightseeing of Kanyakumari. Visit Kumari Amman Temple; a popular pilgrimage of Kanyakumari located on the seashore, was built by the Pandya kings in 8th century and extensively renovated by the Chola, Vijayanagar and Nayaka rulers. The temple is dedicated to the virgin Goddess Devi Kanyakumari who is supposed to have done penance here so that she could marry Lord Shiva.The magnificent structure of this temple is reflected in its Navaratri Mandapa which has been beautifully painted and carved. The image of Mahishamardini (Durga killing demon Mahisha) is highly fascinating. Inside the temple there is an 18th century shrine with the foot prints of the goddess Kumari who performed her penance at this spot.

On two rocky islets just off the shore, southeast of the Kumari Amman temple, are the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, built  in 1970, and the 133 feet (41 m) tall statue of Tamil saint–poet Thiruvalluvar, one of the biggest statues in Asia, completed in 2000 by sculptor V. Ganapati Sthapati. One of the rocks, called Sri Padhaparai, is said to bear the footprints of the virgin goddess. Swami Vivekananda is said to have meditated on this rock for three days. Also on this rock, there is a Dhyana mandapam, an area for meditation. Ferry services are available to reach the memorial.

The Gandhi Memorial has been built on the spot where the urn containing the Mahatma's ashes was kept for public viewing before immersion. Resembling central Indian Hindu temples in form, the memorial was designed in such a way that on Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, 2 October, the first rays of the sun fall on the exact place where his ashes were kept.

Vattakottai Fort; a seaside Circular Fort fort near Kanyakumari, the southern tip of India. It was built in the 18th century as a coastal defence-fortification and barracks in the erstwhile Travancore kingdom. Entrance of the fort.It was constructed under the supervision of Captain Eustachius De Lannoy, an ex-Dutch naval officer of the VOC, who became commander of the Travancore army (the very army that defeated him in the Battle of Colachel) in the 18th century, after he earned the trust of the Travancore King Marthanda Varma. De Lannoy constructed Vattakottai, as part of the defence-fortifications he undertook throughout Travancore. The fort is made of granite blocks and, today, a part of the fort extends into the sea. It is a protected site under the Indian archaeological department. A major renovation of the fort was undertaken recently by the department, and the site is now a popular tourist spot. Vattakottai Fort commands a picturesque view of both the sea on it.

Church of Our Lady of Joy; The “Church of Our Lady of Joy” built by St. Francis Xavier is located at the southern edge of the town. The church is believed to have been founded in the year 1540. The sandy beaches and the multi coloured granite rocks are among other attractions here. The Church of St. Xavier enjoys a great fame and is visited by large numbers of devotes during the annual festival celebrated in between November and December which lasts for 10 days. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 07: Kanyakumari - Madurai (244kms/ 5hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Madurai check in at hotel.

Afternoon visit, Meenakshi Temple: This temple is the city's main attraction. This temple is nearly 2000 years old placed in the heart of the old town - a splendid example of Dravidian architecture. A striking feature of the temple is the astonishing structure know as “Ayiramkaal Mandapam” or the Hall of Thousand Pillars and each pillar features high, ornate, bold sculptures that look life like. The present temple was designed in 1560 by Vishwanatha Nayak and subsequently built during the reign of Tirumalai Nayak. There are four entrances to the temple with an area of six hectares. Each of its 12 towers has the height of 45 to 50 meters. The Potrama Raikulam or the Golden Lotus Tank is the place where the Tamil literacy society, called Sangam used to meet to decide the merits of the work presented to them. The temple museum has 985 richly carved pillars and each one surpasses the other in beauty.

Tirumalai Nayak Mahal: This Indo-Saracenic building was built in 1636 by the ruler whose name it bears. The imposing edifice is famous for the “Stuccowork” on its domes and impressive arches. The Sorgavilasam (Celestial Pavilion), measuring 75m x 52m, constructed entirely of brick and mortar without the support of a single rafter or girder, is a marvel of indo-Saracenic architectural style. Among other striking features of the palace are the massive white pillars, several of which line the corridor that runs along the courtyard. Connected by high decorated arches, these pillars measure 20m in height and have a circumference of 4m. Elsewhere, there are polished black stone pillars of varying heights. It was King Thirumalai Nayak’s grandson who demolished much of the fine structure and removed most of the jewels and woodcarvings in order to build his own palace in Tiruchirapalli. Gandhi Museum: The 300-year-old palace now converted into Museum has a picture gallery, a library of personal memorable of the Mahatma Gandhi and an exhibit of South Indian handicrafts and village industries.

Vaniyur Mariamman Teppakulam: This enormous temple tank is fed by water from the Vaigai river. Mariamman Teppakulam is a beautiful square tank spread over a huge area of almost 16 acres, located about 5Kms East of Meenakshi Temple. The tank is the scene of the colourful float festival held in January/February to celebrate the birth anniversary of King Thirumalai Nayak, who built this tank. The deities of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar are placed in a float, called “Teppam”, decorated with flowers and illuminated with hundred of lights. This float is taken around the tank to the sound of traditional music. On the Northern side of the tank a temple is dedicated to Mariamman, a famous village deity of Tamil Nadu. Overnight at Hotel.

 

Day 08: Madurai – Rameshwaram – Madurai (160kms/ 3hrs approx one way)

Breakfast at hotel, full day excursion to visit Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple; this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva constitutes the main attraction of the town of Rameswaram. Situated near the sea on the eastern part of the island, this temple is mostly known for its staggering structure, magnificent corridors and spectacular sculptures. It has been built under the patronage of a number of rulers from the 12th century. The most premier aspect of the temple is its corridor that is world’s longest one and stretches about 197 meters in East-West direction and 133 meters in the North-South direction.

The temple is even more appealing to the devotees because of the legend associated with it. It is believed that Lord Rama, after having killed Ravana had decided to offer Lord Shiva a prayer of gratitude for having guaranteed his succeeded in the war. He instructed Hanuman to fetch the lingam from Kailasa within a certain time, but Hanuman was delayed and Sita had to prepare one of sand, before the auspicious hour. It is said that this is the same Lingam of Sri Ramanatha in the temple. What acts as a supplementary to enhance this aura of myth and supernaturalism in the temple are the 22 wells, the water of which are believed to have medicinal properties. Also water from every well tastes different from the other.  Satchi Hanuman Temple; Very near to the Sugreevar temple is the Satchi Hanuman Temple, which is located about 3km from the main temple of Lord Ramanathaswamy. Legend has it that this temple enshrines the very spot where Hanuman had given Rama the good news of the welfare of his wife Sita with a stchi or an evidence of the Choodamani, or a jewel that Sita possessed. This is also a favorite destination for the devotees.

Evening back to Madurai. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 09: Madurai to Chennai

Breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport to board flight for Chennai. On arrival assistance and transfer to hotel rest day free and easy for personal activities relax etc. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Chennai – Tirupati (146kms/ 3hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Tirupati, check in at hotel.

Visit Tirupati which is renowned for Lord Venkateswara Swami temple; boasts of being one of the busiest pilgrimage sites in the world and always a part of most Pilgrimage Tours. Tirupati Tours take your around the Venkata hill which has the temple and offers a beautiful view of the deep valley and the lush green surroundings. True faith and belief in the holy shrine attracts worshippers from all around the world. Tirupati Packages takes you on a trip to other temples like Govindrajaswamy temple and Tiruchanur temple to feel the purity and bliss. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 11: Tirupati – Chennai (146kms/ 3hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to chennai, Afternoon half day city tour of Chennai visit: Fort St. George: Built in the 17th century, this fort was built under the supervision of Francis Day and Andrew Cogon and houses St. Mary's Church and a museum. Built in 1680, St. Mary's Church is the oldest Anglican Church in India and has some of the oldest British tombstones in India. It was here that the marriage of the couple who founded the Yale University in the States was solemnized. St. Mary’s Church, the oldest Anglican Church in India. India’s tallest flagstaff of 46mts, originally the mast of a ship wrecked in the 17th century stands here. Fort Museum (The Government Museum and Art Gallery)The museum has on its display many relics belonging to the times of British Raj in India and exhibits a collection of contemporary paintings as well as the rare military paraphernalia such as weapons, uniforms, coins, costumes and medals. Kapaleeshwarar Temple: The biggest temple in the city is a fine specimen of Dravidian architecture. The Shaiva temple has 13th century inscriptions and a 37-metre gopuram remarkable for its intricate carvings depicting stories from Hindu mythology. Marina Beach - It is the longest beach in the world after the one in Brazil and is a must visit. Set up in memory of industrialist B. M. Birla, the Planetarium takes visitors on an information-rich journey through space. A 236-seater hemispherical theatre houses a computerised projector that creates a simulated unravelling of the astronomical mysteries. The right place to kick-start amateur night-sky observation as a hobby. Overnight at Hotel.

 

Day 12: Chennai – Bangalore (fly/train)

Breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport/ railway station to board flight/ train for Bangalore. On arrival check in at hotel. Rest day free and easy for personal activities relax etc. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 13: Bangalore – Puttaparthi (155kms/ 3hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Puttaparty the Abode of Bhagwan Sri Satya Sai Baba: Puttaparthi, once a sparsely populated village, has shot into national and international fame as the abode of Bhagwan Sri Satya Sai Baba. The original name of Sai Baba is "Satyanarayana Raju". He was born on November 23, 1926 in Puttaparthi.

He started showing unusual talents and purity and compassion from an early age. Baba's supernatural abilities caused some  concern to his family, who took him to Vedic doctors. After being pronounced to be possessed by the divine rather than the diabolical, at the age of fourteen he announced that he was the new incarnation of Sai Baba, a saint from Shirdi in Maharashtra who died eight years before Satya was born. Number of devotees, from all over the world flock to this small town every year to have a glimpse of the Baba, and be touched by him.

His disciples have constructed the 'Prashanti Nilayam' an ashram, which attracts large number of devotees throughout the year. Prasahanti Nilayam means 'the abode of peace". The ashram was inaugurated in 1950. The ashram is a huge complex with room for thousands, with canteens, shops, a museum and library, and a vast assembly hall where Sai Baba gives 'darshan' twice daily. A considerable number of devotees turn out for his birthday celebrations in Puttaparthi, where he delivers a message to his devotees.

Museum; One of the oft-visited locations in the ashram is the museum, perched on a nearby hillock. The museum contains models of various temple structures including the Golden Temple of Amritsar, the Mecca mosque, etc. The story of Satya Sai Baba, right from his birth to the time he attained Nirvana, are also depicted in the form of pictures. The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 12 noon. It contains a detailed, fascinating display on the major faiths with illustrations and quotations from their sacred texts, punctuated by Sai Baba's comments. Within the campus of the ashram, there is a sophisticated planetarium as well. Overnight at Hotel.

 

Day 14: Puttaparthi

Breakfast at hotel; Visit Birth Place of Bhagavan Sai; A Siva temple in the Puttaparthi village signifies the birth-place of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The temple was opened by Baba in 1979. The real birthplace, not known to most people, is located accross the river in a small dilipated house.

Sathyabhama Temple; On the other side of the street there is a temple for Sathyabhama, a rare one exclusively established for Sathyabhama. Sathyabhama is commonly known as the consort of Lord Krishna, and the worse example of such. Perhaps this is the reason why the temple in Puttaparthi is the only temple in the world dedicated to Sathyabhama. Sri Kondama Raju, Bhagavan's grandfather, had a dream where he found Sathyabhama standing in heavy rain and wind, asking for shelter. This lead to the determination of constructing a temple for Sathyabhama.

Sri Raju Kalyana Mandapam; The Old mandir was constructed in the year 1945. Bhagavan selected a new location for His darshans and a new mandir, the current one, was constructed in 1950. Thereafter the old mandir has been used as Kalyana Mandapam (marriage hall) and is given for free use for marriages in the village. The Village Mosque; The village mosque and the hall opposite was constructed and opened by Baba in 1978. At a certain borderline from Puttaparthi, accidents and diseases would set-in on travellers. Bhagavan asked local people in the area to dig at a certain spot, and a plate was discovered, containing various Muslim inscriptions. The plate was moved into the Mandir, and all inauspicious events stopped. A mosque was built in Puttaparthi and the plate was taken on yearly processions to the mosque from the mandiram. Anjaneya (Hanuman) Swamy Temple; This temple is between Kalyana Mandapam and the Sathyabhama temple. At the entrance, Lord Siva as Lingam, brought by Bhagawan from Kasim, is installed. The temple appears as if Anjaneya engraved in a guha stands inside a cave. There is always a pool of water at the feet of Anjaneya (Hanuman) representing the tears he sheds in his love and longing for Lord Rama. Kalpa Vriksha; This 'wishfulfilling' tree is an old tamarind tree from Bhagavan's childhood. The Kalpa Vriksha is famous from Bhagavan's life story in Professor Kasturi's Sathyam-Shivam-Sundaram series. In His boyhood, Bhagavan used to display His miraculous powers to His playmates by asking these to think of any fruit, in or out of season, and the same would appear hanging off the branches of the tamarind tree. Thus the name 'wishfulfilling tree' was given. Today the tree is a great look-out point over the Chitravathi river. It is located on the side of a hill on the banks of the Chitravati. Overnight at Hotel.

 

Day 15: Puttaparthi – Bangalore (155kms/ 3hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Bangalore check in at hotel.

Later city tour visit the Lal Bagh Garden: Hyder Ali laid out this famous botanical garden and his son added horticultural wealth to them by importing trees and plants from several countries. The garden today houses over 1000 species of flora which include rare and enchanting collection of tropical plants, trees and herbs. Also see the Government buildings Vidhana Soudha: This splendid neo-Dravidian granite building that dominates the northern boundary of the Cubbon Park is the home of the State Legislature and the Secretariat. The massive sandalwood door of the Cabinet room is a spectacular feature of this imposing building. The Vidhana Soudha is bedecked in illuminated glory during special periods and is a sight worth viewing.

The Bangalore Palace & Fort: The Bangalore Fort was built by Kempe Gowda and expanded by Tippu Sultan. Within its walls is the well preserved 16th century Ganapathi Temple. The Bangalore Palace was built by a Wodeyar king in 1887 on the 400 acre space. Inspired by the Windsor castle, this palace was built in the Tudor style, complete with Gothic windows, foiled windows, battlements and turrets resembling the Daria Daulat Palace in Srirangapatanam, this summer palace has been constructed largely of wood and is famous for its carving and paintings.

Tippu’s Summer Palace: The palace was first a mud-brick defense built by Kempegowda in 1537. Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan later rebuilt it 1791. The two-storied structure (replica of the Daria Daulat in Srirangapatnam) served as Tipu's summer retreat. An inscription on the wooden screen describes the palace as the 'abode of happiness', almost mocking the ruins that surround it. Though the palace still has elegant teak pillars, most of the painted decorations have been destroyed and it is in very bad shape. Overnight at the hotel.

 

Day 16: Bangalore – Mysore (130kms/ 3hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Mysore check in at hotel.

Visit Srirangpatna the Daria Daulat Bagh with its delicate lattice work and frescoes were the summer palace of Tipu Sultan, the legendary Tiger of Mysore, who defied the might of the British. Nearby, are the tombs of Tipu and his celebrated father Hyder Ali and the famous Sri Ranganatha Temple, which gives this charming town its name.

Mysore Maharaja's Palace: Designed by the English Architect, Henry Irwin, the Mysore Palace dominates the skyline of Mysore. A three storied structure in the Indo-Saracenic style built between 1897-1912, the palace has beautifully designed square towers at cardinal points, covered with domes. The Durbar Hall with its ornate ceiling and sculpted pillars and the Kalyanamantapa (Marriage Pavilion) with its glazed tiled flooring and stained glass, domed ceiling are worth noting. Intricately carved doors, the golden howdah (elephant seat),paintings as well as the fabulous, jewel encrusted golden throne (displayed during Dasara) are amongst the palace's other treasures. The walled palace complex houses the Residential Museum (incorporating some of the Palace's living quarters),temples and shrines including the Shwetha Varahaswamy temple. The palace is illuminated on Sundays, Public Holidays as well as during the Dasara Celebrations when 97,000 electric bulbs are used to illuminate it. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 17: Mysore – Bangalore (130kms/ 3hrs approx one way)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Bangalore check in at hotel. Rest day free and easy for personal activities relax etc. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 18: Bangalore - Departure

Breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport to board flight for your onward destination.