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India and Sri Lanka Holidays & Temple Tours of Tamil Nadu + Madurai + Kandy

Temples of Southern India + Sri Lanka

India And Sri Lanka Holidays Temple Tours Tamil Nadu Madurai Kandy

20 NIGHTS FROM:

$3,705

Per person sharing

Scheduled flights quoted separately

IPX20D

• India And Sri Lanka Holidays

• Temple Tours, Tamil Nadu

• Chennai

• Mahabalipuram

• Puducherry

• Thanjavur

• Madurai

• Aarti Ceremony

• Colombo

• Kandy

Enquire about our fascinationg India and Sri Lanka holidays & temple tours of Tamil Nadu, travelling from Chennai to Madurai - via the rock temples of Mahabalipuram, French-influenced Puducherry, the Great Living Chola Temples of Thanjavur, Trichy & Chettinad. Experience an aarti ceremony in Madurai, then fly to Colombo to explore Kandy & beautiful Sri Lanka. This private tour can be tailor made to your requirements.

Detailed itinerary ▶

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Day 1

You will be met at Chennai Airport by your driver and transferred to your hotel in the city, formerly called Madras and the state capital of Tamil Nadu.

Located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, Chennai is a major commercial, cultural, economic and educational centre, as well as being famous for its Madras curry.

Day 2

This morning enjoy a half day tour of the thriving city of Chennai.

We start with a visit to the Government Museum, which has some fascinating exhibits about ancient Chennai. We also visit Fort St George which dates back to the 17th century and is filled with memorabilia. Here you can see St. Mary’s Church, the first Christian church consecrated on Indian soil.

Our next stop is at the splendid St Thomas Cathedral Basilica, built in the 19th century by early Portuguese explorers over the tomb of Saint Thomas the apostle. It is one of the most sacred Christian sites in India and one of the world's few surviving apostolic burial sites.

Afterwards we drive along the marina to the ancient Kapaleeshwar Temple at Mylapore. This shrine to the Hindu god Shiva is over 2,000 years old and showcases the architectural splendour of the Dravidian period.

You afternoon is free for independent exploration or relaxation.

Note: All temples and museums are closed on Fridays.

Day 3

This morning your driver will introduce you to the beauty of Tamil Nadu state, as we leave Chennai and travel 1.5-hours to the ancient port of Mahabalipuram, with its huge casuarina trees and silvery sandy beaches. Here a group of temples were hewn out of rock along the Coromandel Coast during the 7th and 8th centuries by the Pallavas kings. These intricately carved structures, mostly in granite, are among the oldest surviving examples of South Indian architecture.

Now a World Heritage site, the Shore Temple is the oldest of these monuments but, unlike the other, it is built - not carved from rock - and contains a Vishnu Temple and two Shiva temples (a 3-in-1 abode of the gods). More than one hundred stone relief figures of people, animals and gods can be seen here. You can also admire the five Rathas (stone chariots) and the mythology associated with the 'Descent of the River Ganges' and the 'Penance of Arjuna' carved in stone.

Another curiosity in the town is Krishna's Butterball - a very large boulder balanced precariously on a small hill, that looks as if it could roll at any moment.

Day 4

Today we leave Mahabalipuram and travel 2.5-hours to the city of Puducherry, fondly called "Pondy".

Pondicherry was a market place in Roman times and has been controlled by many kings, emperors and sultans in its rich history. During the colonial era it was a French territory, with occasional interuption from the British and Dutch until it was incorporated into the Indian Union.

Day 5

This morning you will be taken on a tour of Puducherry.

We start with a visit to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram - a spiritual centre that is the home to more than 1,500 followers from around the world. Afterwards we take a walk through the French Quarter with its old buildings, visit the Sacred Heart Basilica and stroll along the Promenade with its monuments. You can also see Government Park, the Manakula Vinayagar Temple and the Roman Rolland Library.

Afternoon is at leisure to relax at your hotel and in the evening you can dine in a local restaurant.

Day 6

Today we travel 4.5-hours via Chidambaram, known for its famous Thillai Nataraja Temple, to Thanjavur (previously known as Tanjore), which is an important centre of southern Indian religion, art and architecture.

Thanjavur is home to one of the three exceptional Great Living Chola Temples, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

On arrival we visit the Thanjavur Royal Palace and Museum, with its fascinating collection of 19th century royal artefacts.

Note: Thanjavur Palace is closed on public holidays.

Day 7

We spend today exploring the Great Living Chola Temples, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. These magnificent 11th and 12th century Hindu temples were contructed during the Chola dynasty, which stretched all over southern India and its neighbouring islands.

There are three great temples. The Brihadisvara Temple complex at Thanjavur, known locally as 'The Big Temple', is one of the largest Hindu temples in India. It is enclosed within two courtyards and has an exquisitely decorated shrine. Built using granite, the tower above the shrine is one of the tallest in South India.

The Brihadisvara Temple complex at Gangaikondacholisvaram has a 53-m vimana (sanctum tower) with recessed corners and a graceful upward curve, which contrasts sharply with the straight and severe tower at Thanjavur.

The Dharasuram Temple complex at Airavatesvara features a 24-m vimana and a stone image of Shiva. These temples showcase the brilliant achievements of the Chola dynasty in architecture, sculpture, painting and bronze casting.

Day 8

This morning we drive 1.5-hours from Thanjavur to Tiruchirappalli (known locally as Trichy), an ancient city with many historic monuments and now an important industrial and educational hub in Tamil Nadu state.

After checking into your hotel enjoy a city tour of the museums and art galleries of Trichy, including the Rock Fort and Sri Jambukeshwara Temple - one of the five major Shiva Temples of Tamil Nadu.

We also visit the 600-acre island town of Srirangam that is enclosed within the seven walls of the gigantic Sriranganathaswami Temple.

Day 9

This morning we leave Trichy and drive 2-hours to Chettinad.

On arrival we view the majestic architecture of Chettinad Palace, which was constructed in 1912 with contributions from all around the world. We also visit Chettinad Museum, which showcases local history and culture.

Afterwards we check in to our hotel in this town that is also renowned for its spicy chicken curry.

Day 10

We leave Chettinad this morning and drive 2.5-hours to Madurai, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu situated on the banks of the Vaigai River.

As we leave Chettinad we visit the magnificent Vairavanpatti Temple, which was built in 19th century and is full of wonderful paintings from the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics. There is a natural spring behind the temple, which is believed to have miraculous healing properties.

We then continue to Madurai, which is the centre of the Tamil language and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The skyline of this ancient city is dominated by the 14 colourful gopurams (gateway towers) of the Meenakshi Temple. Covered in bright carvings of Hindu gods, the Dravidian-style temple is a major pilgrimage site, visited by millions of Hindus from around the world - particularly during the Chithirai Festival each April/May, which celebrates Meenakshi and Lord Vishna.

Later in the day we get a glimpse of Madurai's devout religious culture on a visit to the atmospheric Meenakshi Temple at prayer time, to observe an unforgettable aarti ceremony.

Day 11

This morning we explore the historic city of Madurai and the impressive Meenakshi Temple.

We also visit the the crumbling Tirumalai Nayak Palace and the Gandhi Memporial Museum, which presents a comprehensive account of the life of this great man.

The afternoon is free to explore the city further with your driver or relax at your hotel.

Day 12

Transfer to Madurai Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at Colombo Airport by your driver/guide and transferred to your hotel in the commercial, industrial and cultural centre of Sri Lanka.

Check in and relax in this harbour city, situated on an ancient trading sea route.

Day 13

This morning your driver/guide will take you an orientation tour of Colombo, which is the commercial and industrial centre of Sri Lanka. This city was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and today consists of an eclectic mix of grand colonial buildings, modern offices and bustling local shops.

We visit the vibrant Pettah Market and the National Museum, with its fine collection of antiques and Sri Lankan art. We also visit a Buddhist temple and a Hindu Temple, to experience the diversity of religion and customs of the people of Sri Lanka. You will then be introduced to the beauty of central Sri Lanka, as we travel 4.5-hours to Sigiriya and the Cultural Triangle.

Along the way we stop at the small Elephant Freedom Project that shelters captive Asian elephants. As they have only a few elephants, this offers a very personal experience - including the opportunity to walk with one of the elephants.

On arrival check into your hotel in the heart of this historic region.

Day 14

This morning we climb Sigiriya Rock - also known as Lion's Rock - a massive 5th century fortress and palace ruins surrounded by extensive gardens and reservoirs.

Here you can visit the small museum located near the entrance, before climbing 1,200 steps to the top of this amazing fortress in the sky that is now a World Heritage Site, with the reward of incredible views. Ancient rock paintings can be seen in one section of your ascent.

After returning to your hotel for lunch, enjoy an afternoon private jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, where you can hope to see wild Asian elephants. The elephants are particularly numerous in August and September, when they migrate along a corridor from neighbouring parks to feed on the fresh grass on the lake bed - an annual event known as "The Gathering". Birdlife is also prolific in this park.

Note: If you have mobility issues, you can still view Sigiriya Rock from the gardens at the bottom. Please expect Minneriya to be extremely busy, with many jostling vehicles.

Day 15

Today we travel 1.5-hours to the sacred city of Anuradhapura - founded in the 4th century BC and the first kingdom in Sri Lanka. It was the capital of the island for many centuries and is now a World Heritage site.

On arrival we explore Anuradhapura which is surrounded by temples, monasteries and the well-preserved ruins of the great Sinhala civilisation.

The ancient remains on the mountain peak of Mihintale is a pilgrimage site regarded as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, as it was here that the monk Mahinda met King Devanampiyatissa and introduced him to it. We view several ancient royal palaces and some of the tallest 'stupas' in Sri Lanka (commemorative monuments with a circular base, supporting a massive dome). We also visit the Jayasiri Maha Bhodhi (Sacred Bo Tree) which is over 2,200 years old and was grown from a branch of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment – making it the the oldest historically documented tree in the world.

On the way back we detour 1-hour to view the famous Avukana Buddha statue, carved out of a large granite rock face during the 5th century. Standing at over 40 feet (12 m), it is the tallest and most magnificent undamaged ancient image in Sri Lanka.

Note: Please dress appropriately when visiting sacred sites, with shoulders and knees covered.

Day 16

This morning we drive 1-hour to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa - the capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to 13th centuries following the fall of Anuradhapura and today a World Heritage Site.

Here you can explore these magnificent ruins, which contain some fine examples of Buddhist statues and marvel at this ancient civilisation, before returning to Habarana.

The afternoon is free to relax at your hotel, where optional activities include riding an elephant, touring the local town in a bull cart or enjoying an Ayurvedic spa treatment.

Note: Please dress appropriately when visiting sacred sites, with shoulders and knees covered.

Day 17

This morning we travel 3-hours to the bustling hill capital of Kandy.

Along the way we stop at Dambulla to explore its famous Golden Rock Cave Temple, a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site for 22 centuries. This vast isolated rock mass with five caverns filled with statues is the largest and best preserved cave monastery in Sri Lanka and is a World Heritage Site.

We also visit a Spice Garden, before checking into your Kandy hotel in this religious and ancient capital of kings.

In the late afternoon we visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth that houses a tooth relic of the Buddha. Religious pooja ceremonies, when the golden casket containing the tooth is revealed, are held daily at 05.00, 09.30 and 18.30 - so this is the best time to visit.

Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a World Heritage Site partly due to this temple. Its principal Buddhist complexes have considerable importance – the high priests of the two best known, Malwatte and Asgiriya, are the most important in Sri Lanka and the Asgiriya Maha Vihara has a large reclining Buddha image.

In the evening enjoy a Cultural Show, with dancing and fire walking.

Note: Please dress appropriately when visiting the temples, with shoulders and knees covered. There is a steep uphill walk to Dambulla Temple, so this excursion is not suitable for people with mobility issues.

Day 18

This morning we depart from Kandy and travel 5-hours through the beautiful scenery of central Sri Lanka to your Southwest Coast beach resort.

Check into your hotel, settle in and relax on the shores of the warm Indian Ocean.

Days 19 To 20

At leisure to relax and enjoy the sparkling Indian Ocean beaches of the warm Southwest Coast.

You can swim in the sea, suntan around the swimming pool or indulge yourself with a spa treatment, as this region is renowned for its yoga and Ayurvedic spa remedies that cleanse body, mind and spirit. Enjoy the local Sri Lankan culture and food, as well as miles and miles of wide sandy beaches, framed by coconut palms.

Optional excursions include a canal boat ride to see water birds, monkeys and water monitors. You can visit a turtle hatchery, as sea turtles nest on these beaches from December to April, and participate in water sports on Bentota Lagoon.

Full day excursions are available to historic Galle Fort, Udawalawe National Park and its Elephant Transit Home, the impressive Mulkirigala Rock Temple, and Koggala where from October to May you can take a flight to see enormous blue whales (these should be booked in advance).

Day 21

Transfer 2.5-hours to Colombo Airport for your flight home.

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