Itinerary for Day 1 Madurai Local Sigtseeing Tour

About Madurai

Madurai is one of the ancient cities of South India with a glorious history. It is famous for its world acclaimed Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. The city of Madurai has been constructed in the form of a lotus and is built around the temple. It is situated on the banks of the river Vaigai. Owing to its rich cultural heritage and architectural splendor, the city is often referred to as the ‘Athens of the East’. The origin of Madurai dates back to the Sangam period, the golden period of Tamil Literature.

DAY 1 PICKUP FROM MADURAI: Hotel / Airport / Railway Station / Bus Station and proceed to Madurai Local Sightseeing places including:

MEENAKSHI SUNDARESWARAR TEMPLE

The Madurai Temple forms the heart and lifeline of Madurai city which is 2,500 year old. The original temple was built by Kulashekara Pandya, but the initiative to rebuild the structure was taken by first Nayak king of Madurai, Viswanatha Nayak (1559-1600) under the supervision of Ariyanatha Mudaliar. The temple was substantially expanded to the current structure during the reign of Thirumalai Nayak between 1623 and 1655 CE by the Nayak rulers. The credit for making the temple as splendid as it is today goes to Tirumalai Nayak who brought back glory to this magnificent structure.

KOODAL ALAGAR TEMPLE

Aunique feature of this temple is the three different postures of the same God. The three figures of Vishnu are in standing, sitting and reclining postures. These three figures of the deity are known by three different names. The most venerated of the three figures is Lord Vishnu in the seated posture. The seated Lord Vishnu is locally known as Lord Koodal Alagar from whom the temple derives its name. The reclining idol is known as Sri Ranganatha. Sri Surya Narayan Perumal is the name for the standing image of Lord Vishnu.

THIRUMALAI NAYAK MAHAL

The original palace complex was four times bigger than the present structure. It was divided into two parts, Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa and only the Swargavilasa is survived today. The palace was designed by an Italian architect. The ceilings are decorated with large paintings showing Shaivite and Vaishnavite themes. The Darbar hall (courtyard) and the Natakasala (dancing hall) are carry the original glory and are central attractions for visitors. There are 248 pillars, each 58 feet tall and 5 feet in diameter. It is believed that the Rangavilasa portion of the palace was demolished by Chockanatha Nayak, the grandson of Thirumalai Nayak and the materials were carried to Trichy to build a new palace.

THIRUPPARANKUNDRAM TEMPLE

Tirupparankundram Temple is one of the six abodes of Murugan and considered as the first and foremost temple of Lord Muruga. Several myths and legends are associated with this temple and one of them says that it is at this place that the Lord Muruga defeated the demon Surapadman and got married to Deivayani, daughter of the king of heaven, Indra and worshipped Lord Shiva.The main shrine is an early rock cut temple which has cells that house the sanctums of Subramanya, Durga, Vinayakar, Shiva and Vishnu. There are several mandapas in this temple known as Kambathadi Mandapam, Ardha Mandapam, and Mahamandapam situated at different levels connected by steps. There are several architectural features of interest, especially the rock cut portions of this hill temple dating back to the Pandya period and the life sized sculptures in the mandapams of the Nayakar period.

Drop at Madurai Hotel / Over Night Stay In Madurai End of a One Day Madurai Local Sightseeing Tour…

Itinerary for Day 2 Kanyakumari Local Sigtseeing Tour

About Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari was once referred to as the Alexandria of the east. This place has been a great center for art, culture, civilization, and pilgrimage for years. It was also a famous center for commerce and trade. During the early part of the eighth century AD Islam entered the southern part of India through the sea route with traders and missionaries. Through St. Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles of Christ, Christianity arrived in this area in AD 52. Islam, Christianity and Jainism have greatly contributed to the architectural wealth and literary heritage of this place. Kanyakumari was also under the control of the Cholas, the Cheras, the Pandyas and the Nayaks who were great rulers of south India. The architectural beauty of the temples is the work of these rulers.

DAY 2 PICKUP FROM MADURAI: Hotel / After Brakefast Chekout and proceed Kanyakumari Local Sightseeing places including:

VIVEKANANDA ROCK

The Vivekananda Rock Memorial was built in the memory of India’s one of the greatest saint and leader Swami Vivekananda. It is the place where he has meditated. Swami Vivekananda has arrived to Kanyakumari in 1892 and has meditated on this rock for two days. This was a few days before his departure for Chicago to attend World Religious Conference. It is said that at this place, Goddess Parvati has blessed Swami, who was an ardent devotee of Goddess Durga, and initiated his understanding of India, its glory and on the way to elevate it.It is a square hall with various sections namely Garbha Graham which is the Sanctum Sanctorum, Inner Prakaram, Outer Prakaram and Outer Platform around the hall.

THIRUVALLUVAR STATUE

Standing on a 38 feet high pedestal, the gigantic statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar is another popular attraction of a Kanyakumari tour. This statue was built by the Tamil Nadu Government, in the honor of Saint Thiruvalluvar who is undeniably one of the greatest Tamil poets and philosophers.Alluring every visitor with its immaculate sculpting, this stone sculpture has been built on 38 foot long pedestal to symbolize 38 chapters of virtue in the Thirukkural. Saint Thiruvalluvar Statue is around 133 feet long when combined with the height of pedestal. The height of 133 feet is also symbolic of the 133 chapters in Thirukkural. Thirukkural, along with many great creations, was written by Saint Thiruvalluvar. The statue is symbolic of various great verses and teaching of this ancient classic of Sangam Literature.

KUMARIAMMAN TEMPLE

Kumariamman temple is an ancient temple and has been mentioned in the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Sangam works Manimekalai and Puranaanooru. It is believed that this image of Kanyakumari was installed and worshipped by Parasurama.The black stone image of Kanyakumari in the sanctum bearing a garland is an enchanting one. Of particular significance is the glittering nose ring that is visible from a distance. The Vaisakha festival is celebrated in the tamil month of Vaikasi where an image of the goddess is taken around town. An image of the deity is held in worship at the Navaratri mandapam throughout the duration of Navaratri.

GANDHI MEMORIAL

The Gandhi Memorial completed in 1956 is built in the memory of the Father of the Nation.An urn of Mahatma Gandhi was kept here for public to pay homage before immersion. Mahatma Gandhi visited Kanyakumari twice in 1925 and 1937. In 1948 his ashes were immersed in the sea waters in Kanyakumari. In commemoration of this event a beautiful monument has been constructed here. It’s central shape is 79 feet high representing the age of the Mahatma at that time. The sun at Mid day on 2nd October would fall on the peedam through a hole in the roof.

Drop at Kanyakumari Hotel / Over Night Stay In Kanyakumari End of a Day 2 Kanyakumari Local Sightseeing Tour…

Itinerary for Day 3 Rameshwaram Local Sigtseeing Tour

About Rameshwaram

Adi Shankaracharya propagated the idea of Hinduism through Advaita Vedanta and the town of Rameshwaram stands as a testimony of his faith. One of the four pilgrimage places, Char Dham of India, it modestly invites followers of Lord Shiva from everywhere to pay visit at least once in their lifetime to the Jyotirlinga installed in the Ramanathaswamy Temple. Vaishnavites are also not left in their devotion to come to this place which is believed to be associated with Lord Rama, incarnation of Lord Vishnu as well.

DAY 3 PICKUP FROM KANYAKUMARI: Hotel / After Brakefast Chekout and proceed Rameshwaram Local Sightseeing places including:

RAMANATHASWAMY TEMPLE

One of the 12 jyotirlinga, Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple is the place where Lord Rama is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva. It is known for its high religious importance, association with the Hindu sacred epic Ramayana and captivating architecture. According to the legend behind this temple, Lord Rama, after his war with demon Ravana who had kidnapped Goddess Sita, had worshipped Lord Shiva here. Lord Rama had offered prayers to Lord Shiva so as to atone his sin of killing Ravana who was a half Brahmin. The lingam on which Lord Rama offered prayers was created by Goddess Sita and the same lingam is there in the temple. However, there is one more lingam in the Sri Ramanathaswamy temple, known as Viswalingam or Hanumalingam, which was brought by Lord Hanuman from the Himalayas. This temple has 22 theertham as well. According to belief, bathing in these theertham can liberate a devotee from his or her sins.

AGNI THEERTHAM

One of the popular theertham in Rameshwaram, Agnitheertham is also associated with Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. According to the legend, after the Lanka war, lord Rama before praying to Lord Shiva as a penance had taken bath in this theertham. There is one more legend, according to which, it is here when Goddess Sita had entered the fire, when doubts were raised on her chastity as she had stayed in demon Ravana confinement. She was unhurt and Lord Angi appeared to prove the pureness of Goddess Sita. However, as he had touched Goddess, he prayed Lord Shiva to atone his sins. It is then he had taken bath here. Hence, it is believed that taking a dip in the holy waters of Agnitheertham relive devotees of their past sins.

PAMBAN BRIDGE

Located around 7 km away from the holy town, Pamban Bridge is an important part of Rameshwaram tour. It is the first bridge in India which was constructed over a sea. Built in 1912 and was also considered to be biggest bridge second to only Bandra-Worli sea link which has been built recently. The view of sea around it, the experience of being in the middle of the vast ocean bring hordes of tourists here. It has also religious importance, as Pamban is said to the place where Lord Rama had quenched Goddess Sita’s thirst by putting an arrow inside the ground.

Drop at Rameshwaram Hotel / Over Night Stay In Rameshwaram End of a Day 3 Rameshwaram Local Sightseeing Tour…

Itinerary for Day 4 Thanjavur Local Sigtseeing Tour

About Thanjavur

Thanjavur (Tanjavur or Tanjore) is a temple site in the Tamil Nadu region of southern India. Thanjavur was the capital of the great Chola (Cola) king Rajaraja I, and it was he who commissioned the site’s magnificent temple, the Brihadishvara, in the early 11th century CE. Many other temples and shrines were added over the centuries making Thanjavur one of the most important and most visited historical sites in India today.

DAY 4 PICKUP FROM RAMESHWARAM: Hotel / After Brakefast Chekout and proceed Thanjavur Local Sightseeing places including:

BRIHADEESWARAR TEMPLE

Also known as The Big Temple, Brihadeeswarar temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is famous for its grandeur and beautiful sculptures. The temple consists of an entrance tower followed by the main temple complex spread on a plot of 33,000 sq. ft. The inner part of the temple starts with a large Nandi mandapa which is a 12 foot tall monolithic idol with intricately carved Nandi Mandapa. The main shrine of Brihadeeswarar boasts an amazing structure with a large mandapa followed by an antarala and the sanctum. The 13-tier tower over the sanctum is the prime attraction of the temple which is 216 feet in height built in Dravidian style. The vimana boasts a massive which weighs 80 ton. It is said that a 2 km long ramp was built to carry the Sikhara and place it on the peak. The shadow of Sikhara never falls on the ground.

THANJAVUR PALACE

It was constructed partly by Thanjavur Nayaks around 1550 CE, and expanded by the Marathas. The palace is noted for its huge halls, spacious corridors, observation and arsenal towers, and a shady courtyard. The Palace is a must visit place in Thanjavur to understand the history and lifestyle of its rulers.The entrance to the palace is a large quadrangular courtyard which is encircled by walls with big gateways to the north and the east. The courtyard leads to a many-pillared hall. The Goodagopuram, also known as Bell Tower, an eight storied vimana like building situated on the southern side of the third quadrangle, has a height of 190 ft. It was the palace watch tower and also the armory of the Thanjavur Kings till 1855 AD. Beyond the Goodagopuram lies the six-storied tower called Manimandapam.

THANJAVUR ART GALLERY

The Art Gallery is located within Thanjavur Palace. The gallery houses a treasured collection of bronze icons, stone sculptures and other artifacts, which today stand testimony to that golden age in Tamil history.The gallery is situated in the second part of the palace behind bell tower. The galley consists of Stone sculptures arrange in a hall at the entrance and in the hall towards southern side of the complex near Manimandapam. The bronze sculptures inside the Nayak’s Durbar Hall showcase excellent craftsmanship. Durbar Hall is an excellent structure with beautiful paintings & sculptures on upper part of the walls and the ceiling. The hall also houses a marble sculpture of Raja Serfoji, popular Maratha ruler

THIRUVAIYARU

Thiruvaiyaru in Thanjavur district is situated on the banks of the river Kaveri. Thiruvaaiyaru has an old Shiva temple dedicated to Panchanatheeswar. However, it’s more famous for association with Thyagaraja, the Saint Composer The Panchanatheesvarar Temple dedicated to Shiva sprawls over a 14-acre campus and is both grand and serene. Beyond the temple are lush paddy fields and groves. The temple is about 1 Km from Thiruvaiyaru town centre. Timings – 6 AM to 12 PM and 4-9 PM.Thyagaraja is a composer of Carnatic music, who along with his contemporaries Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Sastri forms the Trinity of Carnatic. He composed hundreds of devotional songs, most of them in praise of the Hindu god Rama in Telugu language.Near the Shiva temple is the one-roomed house where Tyagaraja composed some of his greatest works. On the banks of river is the samadhi of the saint where music festival takes place annually.

Drop at Madurai / Hotel / Airport / Railway Station / Bus Station. End of a 4 Days \ Madurai To Kanyakumari Rameshwaram Thanjavur Local Sightseeing Tour…

[Four Days Tour Car Rental Tariffs]

Sl.No. Cab Type Per Day           Non Ac Per Day  A/c Add Km Add Hrs Parking Extra
1 Indica Rs 1,400/- Rs 1,600/- Rs 08/- Rs 150/- Yes
2 Toyota Etios Rs 1,800/- Rs 2,100/- Rs 10/- Rs 200/- Yes
3 Tavera Rs 2,100/- Rs 2,400/- Rs 12/- Rs 250/- Yes
4 Innova Rs 2,600/- Rs 2,900/- Rs 14/- Rs 300/- Yes
5 Tempo Traveller 12 + 1 Seater Rs 4,200/- Rs 4,600/- Rs 16/- Rs 400/- Yes
6 Mini Bus 20 + 1 seater Rs 5,200/- Rs 5,600/- Rs 26/- Rs 400/- Yes

Guests are requested to follow the itinerary provided in the 4 Days Madurai To Kanyakumari Rameshwaram & Thanjavur Local Sightseeing tour package. This 4 days Tamilnadu tour package can not be customized, however if guests prefer to visit different set of places in Tamilnadu and around, they can create their own itinerary and request for a custom quote from cab providers.