Private - Multi day Tour to Madurai Rameswaram & Kanyakumari

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Madurai - Trasnfer & Sightseeing

Stop At: Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, Venmani Rd, Sellur, Madurai 625002 India
Madurai is situated on the banks of the river Vaigai. Madurai's history goes back to the 6th century B.C., when it traded with Greece and Rome. According to legend, drops of nectar fell from Lord Shivas locks on this site so it was named `Madhuram', Madurai or nectar city. Famous as a temple town, Madurai is also a major industrial city. The town has developed encircling the famous Meenakashi temple built in the Dravidian style - one for Lord Shiva and the other for his spouse Meenakashi. The temple offers lovely aleidoscopic views. Outside are the musical pillars which produce different `swaras or notes when tapped.Visit the popular Meenakshi Temple for an in depth tour of the temple complex.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, Near Meenakshi Temple, Madurai India
Thirumalai Nayak Palace built by King Thirumalai Nayak in 1636 AD. The palace was designed by an Italian Architect and served as the residence of the King. It is situated at a distance of 2.5 km from the Meenakshi temple of Madurai. The palace is divided into two major parts, Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa, which include the royal residence, theatre, shrine, apartments, armory, palanquin place, royal bandstand, quarters, pond and garden.
Duration: 45 minutes

Pass By: Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, Teppakulam, Madurai India
Vandiyur Mariamman Theppakulam - the venue of the annual Theppam or float festival, celebrating the marriage of Shiva and Meenakshi. The great tank has steps flanked by animal and bird shaped balustrades leading down to the rippling waters.

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight Stay @ Astoria by Sparsa

Day 2: Transfer to Rameswaram & Sightseeing

Stop At: Ramanatha Swamy Temple 3rd Corrider Road, Ramanatha Swamy Temple 3rd Corrider Rd, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623526, India
Rameswaram, is located on Pamban Island separated from mainland India by the Pamban channel and is about 50 kilometers from Mannar Island, Sri Lanka.
It is situated in the Gulf of Mannar, at the very tip of the Indian peninsula. Pamban Island, also known as Rameswaram Island, is connected to mainland India by the Pamban Bridge. Together with Varanasi, it is considered to be one of the holiest places in India to Hindus, and part of the Char Dham pilgrimage.
According to Hindu mythology, this is the place from where the Hindu god Rama built a bridge, across the sea to Lanka to rescue his wife Sita from her abductor Ravana. The Ramanathaswamy Temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva is located at the centre of the town and is closely associated with Rama. The temple along with the town is considered a holy pilgrimage site for both Shaivites and Vaishnavites.
On Arrival checkin to the hotel.
In the evening visit the temple, before visiting the temple, take a holy dip in the sacred sea followed by holy bath at 21 sacred well inside the temple complex.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu, India
Visit to Dhanuskodi, once sprawling coastal town, now ruined due to devastation Cyclone which hit this town in 1960's.

Visit Ram Sethu & Kothanda Ramar Temple
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight @ Daiwik Hotel - a 3 star Deluxe hotel in this temple town.

Day 3: Transfer to Kanyakumari

Pass By: Kanyakumari, Kanyakumari, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu
Kanyakumari and is an important pilgrim centre in the southern tip of India

Stop At: Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari 629702 India
A Memorial buile in memory of Vivekananda, who meditated in this rock when he visited Kanyakumari
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari India
133ft tall statue for this Tamil Saint
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight @ Hotel Sea View, a 3 star Hotel.

Day 4: Transfer back to Madurai & Drop

Stop At: Thanumalayan temple - Sthanumalayan Kovil, Suchindram, Kanyakumari India
Suchindrum known as Gnanaranya, is well known for its sculptural wealth. It is one of the few temples in the country where the Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Ishvara, are worshipped.
The temple enshrines Sri Sthanumalaya, the Trinity of God (Siva, Vishnu and Brahma). The linga is in three parts. The top represents Sthanu name of Siva,the middle Mal name of Vishnu, and the base Ayan name of Brahma. It is believed that the Trinity appeared here at the request of a sage, Atri, and his wife,Anusaya. Images of Vigneswari (a feminine form of Vinayaka), Goddess Aram Valartha Nayaki, Indra Vinayaka, Kala Bhairava and Saakahi Ganapathy are also enshrined. Inscriptions said to be of the 9th century are found in this temple.
Suchindrum known as Gnanaranya, is well known for its sculptural wealth. The 134-foot-tall gopuram beacons the pilgrims from a long distance. On the eastern corridor is the shrine of Guru Dakshinamurthi next to Konnayadi. The Navagrahas are engraved on the ceiling. On the outer prakaram, there are separate shrines for Cheravasal Sastha, Rama and Lord Muruga.
There is an imposing monolithic image of Lord Anjaneya opposite to Lord Ramas Shrine. It is about 5.5 m high and is said to represent the Viswarupa of Hanuman as shown to Sita at Ashoka Vana in Lanka. On the northern corridor, there are four musical pillars cut out of single on the north corridor.
Duration: 2 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.