Madurai

Madurai - Upon arriving at Madurai airport, a representative will warmly welcome you. To ensure a comfortable start to your journey, you can either be transferred to your hotel or proceed directly to the temple tour of Madurai.

Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple - The town is home to Dravidian-style temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and his wife, Meenakshi Amman. It stands as one of India’s most significant and active temples, showcasing the brilliance of Dravidian architecture. With two shrines, one for each deity, it is dedicated to Meenakshi, the bride of Shiva in her Sundareshwara form, and a manifestation of Parvati known as “the one with fish-shaped eyes.” It is a popular sacred site in India, attracting visitors for weddings or purification rituals. In the temple’s 1000 Pillar Hall, the pillars are ingeniously designed to produce various tones when touched. The temple is typically open from 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal - Step back in time and explore the Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, a stunning architectural blend of Rajput and Dravidian styles. Marvel at its grand arches, intricate stucco work, and elaborate pillars, all of which tell tales of royal opulence and cultural sophistication.

Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam - Teppakulam (Temple Tank) is the site of the float festival, located 4 km from the Meenakshi Amman Temple.

Gandhi Memorial Museum - The museum features images and descriptions of Mahatma Gandhi’s life story, including the garment he wore at the time of his assassination.

Madurai - Rameswaram (170 km/3 hrs approx)

Rameswaram - Embark on a scenic journey to Rameswaram from the Madurai hotel at 7 AM, a sacred site nestled on the serene Pamban Island. Prepare for a spiritual journey that transcends time and place.

Pamban Bridge - On the way to Rameswaram, stop at Pamban Bridge to capture photographs with your family.

Arulmigu Ramanatha Swamy Temple - Visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples. It was established and worshipped by Lord Ram before he crossed the bridge called Rama Setu to the island kingdom of Lanka.

Hanuman Temple - The Hanuman Temple in Rameswaram, also known as the Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple, is famous for its unique depiction of Lord Hanuman with five faces, each representing a different aspect of the deity. It is considered a must-visit for Hindu pilgrims.

Jada Tirtham - This large pond, located 3.5 miles from Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, is considered extremely sacred. The mythology of this theertham is linked to the battle between Lord Rama and the demon Ravana, who had abducted Goddess Sita. Legend has it that Lord Rama atoned for his sin by building a lingam to offer prayers to Lord Shiva after the war and the death of the demon Ravana, who was also a Brahmin. Lord Rama washed his hair in this pond before worshiping the lingam of Lord Shiva. Since “Jada” means “hair,” it is known as “Jada Theertham.”

Dhanushkodi Beach Point - During the sightseeing at 1 PM, you will stop at Hyatt Place Rameshwar for lunch (at your own cost), where you can choose a cuisine and a preferred restaurant. After lunch, continue your tour by visiting Dhanushkodi Beach, located at the southern tip of Rameshwaram. Dhanushkodi Beach Point, situated on the southern tip of India’s Pamban Island, is a unique location where the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean meet, also known as the “end of Indian landmass.” It’s a popular tourist spot known for its natural beauty, historical ruins, and proximity to the Ram Setu (Adam’s Bridge). At the end of this tour at 4:30 PM, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Madurai.

Day Tour from Madurai to Trichy and Thanjavur

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple - Get picked up from your Madurai hotel at 7 AM and drive to Trichy (Tiruchirappalli) to visit the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (or Thiruvarangam Tamil). Your guide will explain why this Hindu temple, dedicated to Ranganatha (a reclining form of Vishnu), is so important and why its location on an island in the Cauvery River has made it vulnerable to natural disasters.

Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery - Break for lunch at 1 PM (additional cost). Then visit the Thanjavur Palace, which houses the famous Saraswathi Mahal library, an art gallery, and the Royal Museum with an intriguing collection of artifacts, paintings, books, and other memorabilia. The paintings in the Darbar Hall retell stories from the epic Ramayana. The walls and ceilings are adorned with detailed stucco figures of gods and goddesses.

Brihadeeswarar Temple - One of the largest temples in India, the Brihadeeswara Temple, also known as Peruvudaiyar Kovil, is located in Thanjavur. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, represented as a massive ‘Lingam,’ the temple was built around 1010 AD by the Chola king Rajaraja Chola I. It is considered one of the three ‘Great Living Chola Temples’ along with the Gangaikondacholeeswaram Temple and Airavastesvara Temple, and the complex is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Madurai - Around 4 PM, relax in your private car as your driver takes you back to your hotel in Madurai, arriving around 5 PM.

• Private transportation
• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Madurai
• Monument Entry Charges if mentioned
• Guide

• Food and drinks
• Gratuities

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.