Spiritual Tour of Tamil Nadu - Pondicherry 10 Days

Package Overview

International air ticket.
Lunch and dinner.
Entrance ticket at the places of interest.
Guide service.
All personal expenses.
Gala dinner on special occasions - Christmas and New Year, etc.

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Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Chennai

  Overnight Stay - Chennai
  
  Meet the Guest on arrival and transfer to hotel for rest and relaxation. Based on the operational possibilities and Guest’s arrival time, Vehicle will be provided for the Guest’s own choice of programmes i.e. sightseeing, shopping, entertainment, village tour, meeting friends and relatives and cultural programmes like dance, music, cinema, etc. at the arrival city. Vehicle is placed at the Guest’s disposal.

• Day 2 : Chennai

  Overnight Stay - Chennai
  
  Sightseeing Marina Beach, Kapaleeswar temple, Fort St. George, Museum, Santhome Church, Apparswamy temple and St. Thomas Mount.
  
  CHENNAI Marina Beach, Kapaleeswar Temple, Fort St. George, Museum, Santhome Cathedral Basilica, St. Thomas Church, St. Thomas Mount. Chennai has innumerable places of tourist interest. It is the Gateway to South India and 368 years old, and the 34th largest metropolitan city in the world. One cannot fail to notice the dominant British influences in the city. But Chennai retains a charming characteristic of a typical South Indian heritage. Fort St. George was built by the East India Company. Fort Museum contains many relics pertaining to the reign of the East India Company and British India. St. Mary’s Church is the oldest Anglican Church in Asia, the first English Church in Chennai and the oldest surviving British Church in India National Art Gallery and Government Museum has an excellent archaeological section and also houses a good ethnological collection of the Cholas. The Marina Beach is the second longest beach in the world. St. Thomas Mount is a small hillock burberry scarf sale, where the Apostle, St. Thomas was believed to have been killed by his assassins. Kapaleeswar temple is an ancient Shiva temple constructed in the Dravidian style and displays the architectural elements. St Thomas Cathedral- Santhome Cathedral Basilica is said to house the remains of St. Thomas, the Apostle.

  • Hotspots : Marina Beach, Fort St. George, Santhome Cathedral Basilica

• Day 3 : Thirupathi

  Overnight Stay - Thirupathi
  
  Drive - Chennai to Thirupathi - 4 Hrs. Sightseeing - Lord Venkateswara temple and on the way visit Tiruttani Murugan temple, Masur Goddess Mahishasura Mardhini temple and Thiruchanoor Goddess Padmavathi temple. Overnight Stay - Thirupathi
  
  TIRUTTANI hill temple has 365 steps indicating 365 days of the year. Here, Lord Muruga is in resplendent splendour with his consort Valli, whom he married after bringing her from nearby Vallimalai. The Tiruttani temple is known for its celebration of Karthikai festival every year. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishna, the first Vice President and second President of India was born in Tiruttani. He has donated his property to Sri Subramania Swamy Devasthanam. The neem tree leaves are not bitter here, SHRI MAHISHASURAMARDINI temple, Tirutanni - In 1962, the Arakkonam-Renigunta second broad gauge railway line work was being carried out. Near Saktimedu, while digging with a crow bar, a statue of Shri Mahishasuramardini was found and the villagers immediately erected a temple nearby and installed the statue. The Nadi-palm leaves astrology of Agastiya and Kaushika do mention about this Amman and the ways to conduct rituals. Neem is the holy tree in the temple and uniquely the leaves of the tree are not bitter. Devotees eat the leaves of the tree as part of their prayers to get the Goddess' blessing. SRI PADMAVATHI AMMAN TEMPLE at Tiruchanur is one of the deity’s consorts, Lakshmi. It Is the shrine of the Goddess Alamelumanga, the Consort of Lord Venkateswara. THIRUPATHI - Lord Venkateswara temple is one of the holiest place for Hindus and the second richest in the world. One of the most important pilgrimage centres in India, it is claimed to be the busiest in the world, eclipsing Jerusalem, Rome and Mecca in the sheer number of pilgrims visiting the shrine. Among the powers attributed to Venkateswara, is granting of any wish that is made in front of the idol at Tirumala. The temple is the richest and the most visited place of worship in the world. It is visited by 100,000 to 200,000 pilgrims daily, while on special occasions like the annual Brahmotsavam, the number ofpilgrims’ increases to 500,000. According to legend, the temple has a self-manifested murti-idol of Lord Venkateswara. The person, devoid of wealth and vision, is implored to go to the hill which burns up all evil and drives away all obstacles for peace and prosperity. When people travel to Tirupathi, they chant “Yedu Kondala Vada Venkataramana Govinda Govindaa” in Telugu. The Laddu is a world famous prasadam given at Tirumala Temple.

  • Hotspots : Lord Venkateswara Temple

• Day 4 : Kancheepuram Thiruvannamalai

  Overnight Stay - Thiruvannamalai
  
  Drive - Thirupathi to Kancheepuram - 3 Hrs. Sightseeing - Varadharaja Perumal temple, Ekambareswarar temple, Kamakshi Amman temple and Ulaganatha Perumal temple
  
  Drive - Kancheepuram to Thiruvannamalai - 1 Hr for visiting Arunachaleswarar temple and Sithargal Ashrams Overnight Stay - Thiruvannamalai
  
  KANCHEEPURAM - There are 1008 temples built by the ancient rulers here earning the the place the epithet of Temple City of India. Vardharaja Perumal temple, Ekambareswarar temple, Kamatchi Amman temple and Ulaganatha Perumal temple are some of the most famous temples. The city is also famous for its silk since it is home to the finest silk industry in India. The city of Kancheepuram has served as a royal capital to the greatest empires for centuries. The first South Indian stone temples were constructed in Kancheepuram. Ekambreeswarar temple is one of the largest temples in Kancheepuram. Kamatchi Amman temple is one of the three most holy shrines dedicated to Sakthi. Kailashnatha temple reflects the simplicity of early Dravidian architecture. The Kailashnath temple is considered to be the oldest and the most beautiful temple in South India. Magnificent sculptures leave the onlookers mesmerized. EKAMBARESWARAR TEMPLE is one of the famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, in Kancheepuram. It is one of the five major Shiva temples or Pancha Bootha Sthalams representing the element - Earth. This vast temple is one of the most ancient temples in India having been in existence since 600 AD. The temple covers an area of over 40 acres. Rajagopuram is one of the tallest in South. A notable feature of the temple is the hallway with a thousand pillars. The temple's inner walls are decorated with an array of 1,008 Siva lingams. Its sthala-viruksham is a 3,500 year old mango tree whose branches are said to yield four different types of mangoes.
  
  THIRUVANNAMALAI is home to the Annamalaiyar Temple. Thiruvannamalai has long been associated with many yogis and siddhars. Thiruvannamalai is one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalam representing the fire element. On the day of Karthigai Deepam, a huge lamp is lit in a cauldron with three tons of ghee at the top of the Annamalai hill. Every full moon night, tens of thousands of pilgrims worship Shiva by circumambulating the Arunachala hill barefoot. Advaita Vedanta Guru Ramana Maharshi lived in Thiruvannamalai for 53 years until his death in 1950. Seshadri Swamigal and Yogi Ram Surat Kumar are other great gurus who lived in this city. There were many hundreds of saints guru and sidhargal lived in Thiruvannamalai.

  • Hotspots : Kamakshi Amman Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple

• Day 5 : Trichy

  Overnight Stay - Trichy
  
  Drive - Kancheepuram to Trichy - 5 Hrs. Sightseeing - Srirangam Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Rock fort Uchipillayar temple and Samayapuram Mariamman temple.
  
  TIRUCHIRAPALLI or Trichy is a city of great antiquity and has been ruled by the Early Cholas, the Early Pandyas, Pallavas, Medieval Cholas, Later Cholas, Later Pandyas, Delhi Sultanate, Madurai Sultanate, Vijayanagar Empire, Madurai Nayaks, and the British at different times. Tiruchirapalli has a number of historical monuments, magnificent forts, churches and temples. Sri Ranganthaswamy Temple - This superb temple complex at Srirangam is situated on a beautiful island, formed by two arms of the Cauvery River. God Vishnu is worshipped in the name of “Renganathar” in a sleeping posture, which cannot be seen anywhere else. There is a flower market in this place called as “sathara veedhi” from where flowers and garlands are exported to various foreign countries. Thiruvanaikaval Sri Jambukeshwara Temple has five concentric walls and seven Gopurams, with the customary decrease in size towards the sanctum sanctorum. The oldest human-built dam, Kallanai, which was built by Karikala Cholan across the Kaveri River, is near Trichy. One famous landmark in Tiruchirapalli is the Rock Fort, a big outcrop of rock, 83 metres in height. It is the only such outcrop, of its kind. On top of the rock fort is the Ucchi Pillayar Koil, a temple dedicated to the Hindu God Vinayaka-Ganesh, from where one can enjoy a panoramic view of Tiruchirapalli. The area surrounding the rock temple is a busy commercial region, mainly known for its textiles, Burmese, Chinese and Japanese goods. It has the greatest number of Christian Churches in India some of which are the Holy Redeemer’s Church, Our Lady of Lourdes Church and The Cathedral in Melapudur.

  • Hotspots : Jambukeshwara Temple

• Day 6 : Tanjore Kumbakonam

  Overnight Stay - Kumbakonam
  
  Drive - Trichy to Tanjore - 1 Hr for visiting Big temple and Saraswathi Mahal Library.
  
  Drive - Tanjore to Kumbakkonam - 2 Hrs. Sightseeing - Swamimalai Murugan temple and Ayyawadi Prithyankara Devi temple, Thingaloor Navagraha Moon temple, Alangudi Navagraha Guru temple and Thirunageswaram Navagraha Raghu temple.
  
  THANJAVUR is the home of Tanjore painting that is unique and popular around the world. It is one of the oldest cities in India and has a long and varied history. The city rose into prominence during the rule of the Later Cholas when it served as the capital of the Chola empire. The historical buildings are the Vijayanagara Fort, which contains a palace, a Bell Tower and the Saraswathi Mahal Library, which contains over 30,000 Indian and European manuscripts written on palm leaf and paper. The Brihadeeshwara Temple built by Rajaraja Chola was completed around 1010 AD. It also acted as a repository of the empire’s records, as the great Rajaraja had its walls covered with numerous inscriptions, recording his conquests and his endowments to various charities. The Big Temple is a superb and fascinating monument. Thanjavur has produced many classical musicians and Bharathanatyam dancers. Tanjore is well known for bronze sculptures, unique Tanjore paintings, Thavil, a divine instrument Veena, Thanjavur dolls and Tanjore plates.
  
  KUMBAKONAM - SWAMIMALAI is another famous and one of the six “Padai Veedugal” Battle Camps of Lord Muruga, Arupadaiveedu temples. It is the fourth among the Padai Veedugal. The sacred story associated with this temple is that Lord Karthikeya expounds the meaning of pranavam, AUM to his father, Lord Shiva, at this location. Hence, one can see Lord Karthikeya depicted as Guru, the teacher and Lord Shiva listening, as shishya or disciple in the raja gopuram. Lord Murugan imparts this universal mantra to his father. Lord Muruga is also known as Swaminathan and “Thagappan Swami” literally “Father God” - referring to the fact that Lord Muruga taught Pranava to his father and hence he was his father's Guru. Swamimalai village has the only school that teaches the art craft of making bronze icons.
  
  Protects against black magic, accident, sudden death, protect from enemies, even punishes enemies and wins over enemies, PRATYANGIRA DEVI, Kumbakonam - The Pratyangira aspect of the Divine has been a bit of a secret for most of by gone ages. Many believed that direct experience with this energy was reserved for Saints and Rishis. Seeing Pratyangira in any form was considered an enormous blessing. Pratyangira comes from a very deep place within the Divine Mother, an area simply known as the Void where there are no thoughts of fear, pain, loss, want, time, or even space, just the warmth of the Mother's love. As Pratyangira energy manifests, it's often a very swift and sometimes ferocious current. Many of the Saints, who have seen its energetic expression, have described it as half lion and half human. She is always by the side of Her devotees. The Siddha Masters and great Maha Rishis like Sri Dhurvasa Munivar and Puli Paani Siddhar have been devotees of this mother. Pratyangira may look attractive because she radiates power. However, power comes with responsibilities, duties and maturity. Pratyangira sadhana, chanting Moola Manthram, prayer and Puja are performed mainly to protect oneself from attacks of black magic and to prosper in life. Advantages of this sadhana are too many. Tremendous Vak siddhi, Karya siddhi, healthy body and full protection from accidents, sudden deaths and people who are dumb are also benefitted. Vasikaram and forecasts are possible too. Our innermost desires will be fulfilled. If you are a gruhast sadhak, with family, practicing this sadhana improves family affairs, kids and sex life too. Long life with no diseases, Moksha or Final Liberation is also possible. This sadhana should not be used for petty reasons as it is an ugra sadhana. She punishes the enemies of her devotees. The temple was built amidst eight cemeteries, burning ghats and no archanai or abishekam is performed in this temple. Only homam is done on “no moon nights” and the main ingredient for the homam is dried chillies thrown in tones, in the homan fire, but it is surprising to note, that the chillies never harm any one participating in the homan while it is burning in the fire. Normally the red chillies smoke while burnt in fire harm human beings and cause cough non stop. But it will not happen while tons of chillies are thrown into Homam fire at this temple. Performing yagams, homams and prayers to the Goddess, protects true devotees from enemies and even punishes enemies and wins over their evil plotting. If you are a true devotee she is the most wonderful mother. She is Mahashakthi and she is also Lord Narashimha's wife Narashimee, which is another form of Maha lakshimi.
  
  Temple for having a comfortable and long life THINGALOOR The Kailasanathar temple known as the Navagrahastalam is associated with Chandra, the Moon God. Historians agree that it must have been in existence well before the beginning of the seventh century AD. Dedicated to the Moon or Chandra in Sanskrit and Thingal in Tamil, a visit to this temple is said to grant a comfortable and long life. In astrology, Chandra is the planet that removes stress and sorrow. This is an ancient Saivite shrine, associated with the life of Tirunavukkarasar. Legend has it that there lived a merchant Appoodi Adikal in the village of Thingaloor who was a devotee of Lord Shiva. Appoodi Adikal held Tirunavukkarasar in high regard and looked forward to the day when he would be able to host the saint poet. His son died due to a venomous snake bite while the saint was being entertained. The Saint is said to have miraculously restored the boy to life due to the Appoodi Adikal’s Devotion. Chandra Puja is dedicated to Lord Chandra, the Moon God. Grah Shanti Chandra Puja-Moon worship is recommended to those, having malefic Chandra or wrongly placed moon as per the horoscope.
  
  Temple to absolve all guru dhoshams and gain prosperity ALANGUDI Sri Abathsagayeswara Swamy Temple, the sthalam of Guru Bagavan. Ambal undertook severe penance and married Lord Shiva and hence this place is hailed as Thirumana Mangalam. Fame, wealth and siblings are the beneficial aspects of Guru. Going around Sri Dakshinamoorthy, twenty four times and lighting twenty four ghee deepams, while worshiping, is believed to absolve all guru dhoshams and bring prosperity to one's life. All Thursdays are special to Sri Guru, apart from New Moon Day or Amavasai, Full Moon Day or Pournami or Guruhorai or days falling on stars like Punarpoosam Visagam and Pooratathi are very auspicious for Sri Guru Bagavan. It is believed that performing Sahasranama Archana, Sri Guru Homam and milk abishegam will bring prosperity and fame in arts and will ward off all dhoshams. Bhudan Bagavan is attired in green, offering full green moong dhal, white kanthal flower and green cloth is believed to bring Sasthra Gnanam to devotees. .
  
  Remedy for wrongly placed Rahu as per the horoscope THIRUNAGESWARAM Thiru Nageswarar or Naganatha Swami temple. Naga in Tamil-Sanskrit means Snake and Natha means God. It is one of the nine celestial bodies of the Navagraha Temples. The milk abhishekam is performed daily during Rahukaalam. At this time, the milk that is poured on the statue turns blue when it passes over the body and once again to white after it reaches the floor. This is also the only place wherein one can view Rahu Bhagawan with his consorts. The mythological serpents Aadhi Seshan, Dakshan and Kaarkotakan worshipped Shiva here. Rahu Puja or the Dragon's Head worship is dedicated to planet Rahu. Grah Shanti Rahu Puja is recommended for those, having malefic Rahu or wrongly placed Rahu as per the horoscope.

  • Hotspots : Kailasanathar Temple

• Day 7 : Vaitheeswaran Koil

  Overnight Stay - Vaitheeswaran Koil
  
  Drive – Kumbakkonam to Vaitheeswaran Koil - 4 Hrs. Sightseeing - Suriyanar Koil Navagraha Sun temple, Vaitheeswaran Koil Navagraha Sevvai temple, Thiruvenkadu Navagraha Budhan temple, Kanchanur Navagraha Sukkiran temple and Keezha Perum Pallam Navagraha Kethu temple. Overnight Stay - Vaitheeswaran Koil
  
  Vaitheeswaran Koil - Temple for health, success and prosperity SURYANAR KOVIL is dedicated to the worship of Sun-God. It is stated in one of the inscriptions found in the temple that it was built during the reign of Kulottunga Cholan in AD 1060. Lord Surya is known as the giver of health, success and prosperity. Every year in mid January, the harvest festival is celebrated as thanksgiving and to honour Lord Surya. Surya Puja or Sun worship is dedicated to Lord Surya. Grah Shanti Surya Puja or Sun worship is recommended to those having malefic Surya or wrongly placed Sun as per the horoscope.
  
  Temple cures all diseases and removes obstacles which delays marriage - VAITHEESWARAN KOIL means the Lord Doctor in the Tamil language. It is believed that prayers to Lord Vaitheeswaran can cure diseases. It is one of the nine Navagraha Temples and the planet Mars-Angaraka, is worshipped here. It is believed to be the site where Angaraka was cured of leprosy. This site is known for its Naadi astrologers. Thirunavukkarasar had severe stomach pain and his sister asked him to pray to Lord Vaidhyanatha Swamy to cure the illness. He prayed and his illness was cured. Lord Vaitheeswaran Swamy and his Consort Thaiyalnayaki Ambal gives darshan with the medicinal oil to cure the diseases of devotees. It is believed that Rama, Lakshmana and Saptarishis worshipped the Lord here. The ashes and Thiruchandu Urundai is supposed to cure all diseases. It is prepared from Homa Kundam. Another medicine given is Chandan or sandalwood powder with Saffron. People come here to offer Milagu-pepper and salt with jaggery in the Siddhamritam, to get rid of diseases. They also donate carved silver plated body organs in the Hundi vessel as offerings, to cure the diseases. In Vaitheeswaran Koil, there is a special shrine dedicated to Ankarakan or Chevaai-Mars.The belief is that offering prayers to Ankarakan will bestow valour, victory and strength. There is also a widespread belief that a visit here would remove obstacles which delay marriage.
  
  Temple eliminates difficulties, healthy progeny and possession of fertile lands THIRUVENKADU is a famous Navagraha temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the planet Mercury, one of the nine Navagrahas. There is a separate Sannidhi for Bhudhan, Mercury. The temple is quite large and all four important Saivite saints have sung in praise of this Lord. There is a reference to this temple in the Valmiki Ramayana. The oldest part of the temple is more than 3000 years old. Bhudhan is said to bestow wisdom and intellect. Budha Puja or Mercury Puja is dedicated to planet Mercury. Budha Puja on Wednesdays brings in manifold benefits like eliminating difficulties, healthy progeny, possession of fertile lands, etc.
  
  Temple for well being of wife KANCHANUR This Shivastalam is associated with Sukran - representing the planet Venus and is regarded as one of the nine temples of Navagrahas. This shrine is also referred to as Palaasavanam, Bhrammapuri and Agnistalam. Brahma is said to have been blessed with a vision of Shiva's marriage with Parvathi here. Men visit to pray for the well being of their wives. Shukra or Venus Puja is performed to appease planet Venus. Grah Shanti Shukra Pooja is recommended to those, having malefic Shukra or wrongly placed Venus in their horoscopes.
  
  Remedy for wrongly placed Ketu as per the horoscope KEEZHPERUMPALLAM the Naganathar temple known as the Ketu Navagraha temple is located in the hamlet of Keezhperumpallam. Rahu and Ketu are associated with the legend of the churning of the milky ocean. There is a shrine dedicated to Ketu in this temple where worship services are offered. Ketu Puja is dedicated to planet Ketu. Grah Shanti Ketu Puja, worship of Dragon's Tail is recommended for those, having malefic Kethu or wrongly placed Ketu as per the horoscope.

• Day 8 : Chidambaram - Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram

  Overnight Stay - Mahabalipuram
  
  Drive - Vaitheeswaran Koil to Thirunallar - 1 Hr Tirunallur Navagraha Saneeswaran temple visit.
  
  Drive - Thirunallar to Chidambaram - 1 Hr for visiting Nataraja temple and Thillai Kali temple
  
  Drive - Chidambaram to Pondicherry - 2 Hr. Sightseeing - Auroville Aurobindo Ashram, Manakula Vinayagar temple and Beach
  
  Drive - Pondicherry to Mahabalipuram - 2 Hrs. Sightseeing - Five Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna Mandapam, Shore temple and Beach. Overnight Stay - Mahabalipuram
  
  Temple for mental peace and to get rid of various diseases TIRUNALLAR is most popular for the shrine of Lord Shani in the temple. When the planet Saturn transits between zodiac signs, millions of people throng this shrine. The legendary King Nala was said to have been relieved of his afflictions, due to the malefic influence of Saturn, only after worshipping in this temple. Of the numerous tanks theertams, the Nala theertam is the most important one. By bathing here, it is believed that one is washed off all kinds of misfortunes and afflictions. Saturn occupies an important place. The “Shani Peyarchi” Festival, held once in two and half years to propitiate the malefic effects of Saturn is well attended. This is the only temple that is dedicated to Lord Shani or Planet Saturn. Shani Puja is performed to appease planet Saturn. Grah Shanti Shani Puja,is sought for mental peace and to get rid of various diseases.
  
  CHIDAMBARAM Nataraja temple is one of the panchabhoota temples representing space.The ancient Chidambaram Nataraja Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of the Cosmic Dancer and is the oldest temple in Southern India. The 1000 pillared hall, the Nritya Sabha or court is carved out like a gigantic chariot. Sambanthar, Tirunavukkarasar, Sundaramurti Swamigal, Manickavasagar and Nandanar attained Mukti in Chidambaram. Bharatanatyam dancers from different parts of the world offer their prayers to Lord Nataraja during the famous annual Natyanjali festival. A number of families are engaged in the gold and silver ornament-making business for generations. Most of the artifacts are hand created, which are rich in quality and artistry. Sri Raghavendra Swami was born near Chidambaram. Chidambaram is home to the Annamalai University.
  
  Goddess Kali is a deity in anger and her anger was pacified, ARULMIGU THILLAI KALI AMMAN Temple, Chidambaram - There is an interesting story about the construction of this temple in the outskirts of the town. It seems there was an argument as to who was superior between Lord Shiva and his wife Shakthi. In order to clear this doubt, Shiva decided to perform a dance at Chidambaram, in front of Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. Both Shiva and Sakthi were performing when Shiva was about to be defeated, he performed "Oorthava Thandava" one of the positions in dance where one raises his leg above his head. This could not be performed by Sakthi due to her shyness. Since she could not do it, she accepted her defeat and in anger went to the extreme end of the town. Her idol at Thillai Kali Temple is a deity in anger and has four faces. Her anger was pacified by Brahma's chanting and singing praises of her and thus 'Kali' calmed down. People whose birth star sign is Magha Nakshatra should visit Arulmigu Thillai Kali Amman Temple at Chidambaram
  
  PONDICHERRY is a living monument of French culture in India. The town was once upon a time, an abode of scholars well versed in the Vedas. Joseph François Dupleix became the Governor of this French Territory in India. Internal disturbances in Puducherry gave the British, the opportunity to gain control. However, after the Treaty of Paris, the British restored the settlements to the French. French Influence - The design of the city was based on the French grid pattern. (Originally Dutch, the plans of Pondicherry dating from the end of the seventeenth century are preserved in the National Archives at The Hague). The city has many colonial buildings, churches, temples and statues, which, combined with the systematic town planning and the well planned French style avenues, still preserve much of the colonial ambience. Beaches in Puducherry are Promenade Beach, Paradise Beach, The Auroville Beach and Serenity Beach. Sri Aurobindo Ashram is one of the best-known and wealthiest ashrams in India. Auroville is meant to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony, above any creed, politics and nationalities. The heritage buildings and monuments present around the Promenade beach are the Children’s Park & Dupleix Statue, Gandhi statue, Nehru Statue, Le Café, French War Memorial, 19th Century Light House, Bharathi Park, Governor’s Palace, Romain Rolland Library, Legislative Assembly, Puducherry Museum and the French Institute of Pondicherry. The French and the British tried to remove the deity from this place and even threw the deity in the sea. But the deity came back to the same place.Peace Of Mind - PONDICHERRY SRI MANAKULA VINAYAGAR TEMPLE was in existence even before the French came and settled in Pondicherry i.e. before 1666. The local people called their God as Manal Kulathu Vinayagar meaning God near the pond of sand. Later it was known as MANAKULA VINAYAGAR. The Jesuits and missionaries tried but could not demolish Manakula Vinayagar temple. The French and the British lived in this part of the town. They made every effort to remove the deity from this place and even threw the deity in the sea but every time they did this, the deity came back to the same place. Later a temple was built near the shores of the Bay of Bengal as per the Ganapathy Agamam and was named Bhuvanesa Vinayagar Temple. Thollaikkathu Siddhar, a saint standing 6ft tall, with broad forehead, glittering blissful eyes, big hole bearing ear, small pot bellied with hand extending up to knee cap and hands with lotus regai, guru medu and sanimedu at a height showing arul gnana regai, got enlightenment from this deity and attained Samadhi in this temple, nearly 300 years ago. From then on, people bring their new born here for worship before going to any other temple. The temple is 300 years old and its early history is marked by trouble, with the French ordering that the annual festival around the streets of Pondicherry should not take place. This caused unrest among the people and 15,000 of them gathered to set off towards Chennai. As they were all workers in a textile factory, the authorities revoked their decision, fearing that work would be affected. This type of incident kept repeating till, strangely, Dupleix, the great French leader himself developed affection for the idol. Such are the winning ways of Lord Vinayaka! who lives in a region bound by sand”. To the Eastern side of the temple lies the sea and the sand. Inside the temple, there is a small pond, which the priest will show to the devotee with the help of a lit camphor. Though the pond is close to the sea, the water is clear. It is believed that anything put into the pond will turn black in colour.
  
  MAHABALIPURAM - The rock carvings at Mahabalipuram are notable for the delightful freshness and simplicity of their folk art origins. It is one of the world famous monument sites of the country and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mandapa or pavilions and the rathas or shrines shaped as temple chariots are hewn from a granite rock face, while the famed Shore Temple, erected half a century later, was built from dressed stone. The Shore Temple in particular, strikes a very romantic theme and is one of the most photographed monuments in India now ravaged by wind and sea. Five Rathas - The five rathas are sculptured temples in the style of chariots and carved from solid rock. Krishna Mandapam - It features carvings of a pastoral scene. Arjuna’s Penance - Carved in relief, on the face of a huge rock, it is a giant open relief - sculpture on a massive scale, extolling an episode from the Hindu epic. The other monuments are Ganesh Ratha, Mahishamardhini Mandapam & Olakkaneswvara Temple, Dharmaraja Mandap and Varaha Cave Temple. Thirukadalmallai - This temple was also built by a Pallava King in order to safeguard the sculptures from the ocean. It is said that after building this temple, the remaining architecture was preserved and not corroded by the sea.

  • Hotspots : Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Promenade Beach, French War Memorial

• Day 9 : Chennai

  Overnight Stay - Chennai
  
  Drive - Mahabalipuram to Chennai - 1½ Hrs. “ Free and Leisure Tour “ - Based on operational possibilities, Vehicle will be provided for Guest’s own choice of programmes i.e. sightseeing, shopping, entertainment, village tour, meeting friends & relatives and cultural programmes like dance, music, cinema, etc.

• Day 10 : Chennai Fly Back

  "Transfer" to Airport or Railway Station for return journey after completion of tour. Based on the Guest’s Departure time and Operational possibilities, Vehicle will be provided for Guest’s own choice of programmes i.e. sightseeing, shopping, entertainment, village tour, meeting friends & relatives and cultural programmes like dance, music, cinema, etc at Departure city. Vehicle is placed at the Guest’s disposal.

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Inclusions

• Sightseeing
• Transfers

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Exclusions

• International air ticket.
• Lunch and dinner.
• Entrance ticket at the places of interest.
• Guide service.
• All personal expenses.
• Gala dinner on special occasions - Christmas and New Year, etc.

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Package Start From

• Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, Asia

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Terms & Conditions

Other Terms & Conditions :
Hotel check - in & out will be 12 noon.
Generally all Hindu Temples in India are closed from 12 Noon to 16.00 Hrs. on all days.
3 rd Bed as Additional Bed is provided on the floor with foam mattress (1 Room for 3 Persons).

Drive from one city to another city can be undertaken at any time of the traveller's choice, based on comfort, convenience, possibilities, driving feasibility (Not during night) and sightseeing timings.

The vehicle will not be available for use by travellers from 22:00 hrs to 06:00 hrs i.e. during night hours. This is to ensure safety of the travellers and rest for the driver to enable the driver to drive the vehicle safely during the day.

The places mentioned in the sightseeing visit of each day can be skipped on operational reasons by our agencies and travellers for various unknown reasons such as traveller's interest, shortage of time, requirement of more time for another place, visiting alternate place instead of the scheduled place, traffic jam, closure of the place, strike, bandh, etc. The traveller's punctuality and co- operation will help us follow the scheduled programme of visit to every place and cover all the places.

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This Tour is Offered by

JJ Car Rental View Profile

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• #156/1, SS Swadhama, Vishweshwaraiah Layout, 5th Block, Bangalore, Karnataka, India - 560056
• 08069247359 (Ext : 467)
• XXXXXXXXXX@gmail.com View Mail ID

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Client Testimonials

• 

  BHV MURALI KRISHNA - ONGOLE

  Reviewed: Oct 16, 2013

  THE TRIP WAS VERY NICE AND WENT ON WELL AS PER THE SCHEDULE. THE COURTESY OF MR JAYESH AND DRIVER MR ASHOK WAS VERY MUCH SATISFACTORY AND LOOK FORWARD FOR AVAILING SERVICES IN ALL MY FUTURE TRIPS.

• 

  Aparna - Kollam

  Reviewed: Sep 26, 2013

  A BIG thank you to Team Rudraholidays for organising a wonderful trip for me and my family. Our stay was comfortable and our drive was lovely. Keep going Rudraholidays..u r The BEST !! :)

• 

  Dr.Vijay.K.Shastri - Hyderabad

  Reviewed: Sep 25, 2013

  First of all, I am truly impressed the way you had organised our stay at Tirupati and Madurai and the transportation too. We had a comfortable stay and we certainly owe it your organsing skills. In the near future , we would always like to avail of your services as you have provided us quality service at a real value for money. Keep up the good work and May RUDRA HOLIDAYS take travel and tourism to a HIGH LEVEL indeed. With best wishes

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