On Temple Trails

The ancient dynasties of the Pallavas, Cholas and Pandyas have left their imprint on South India. Their magnificent temples and temple towns transport the visitor back to a culture and way of life that has remained unchanged despite the inroads of the modern technological age.

Kancheepuram is one of India’s seven scared cities and one of its loveliest temple towns. It is also noted for its handloom silks.

Places Of Interest

Kailasanathar Temple, Vaikuntaperumal Temple, Ekambareshwarar Temple, Varadarajaperumal Temple, Kamakshiamma Temple, Sakiswarar Temple.

Access

Linked by rail to Chennai, Pondicherry and Madurai. Well connected by road.

TIRUCHIRAPALLI (TRICHY)

A Chola citadel in 2BC, the present town and fort were built in later times by the Nayak Kings of Madurai.

Places Of Interest

Rock Fort, Srirangam, Tiruvanaikkaval.

Access

Well connected by rail and road. Connected by air to Chennai.

CHIDAMBARAM

Chidambaram has one of the oldest and loveliest of Chola temples. The 1000 year old Shiva temple has tall gopurams, and elegant mandapas.

Access

Located south of Pondicherry, Chidambaram is linked by rail and road to most towns.

THANJAVUR

Thanjavur was once of the great capital of the Cholas. It was Raja Raja Chola, the empire builder, who also erected the most spectacular of the Thanjavur temples, the Brahadeeswarar Temple.

Around Thanjavur

Little temple town like Thirukandiyur, Tiruvarur and Thiruvaiyaru are not far from Thanjavur.

Access

Linked by rail to Tiruchirapalli and Chennai, thanjavur is well connected by road.

MADURAI

Madurai, another of Tamil Nadu’s ancient cities, was the great capital of the Pandyan Kings. Today it is a lively bustling city and a commercial centre.

Places Of Interest

Meenakshi Sundareswarar and Palani Temple, Tirumalai Nayak Palace, Vandiyur Mariammam Tank.

Access

Madurai is well linked by rail, air and road.

RAMESWARAM

The conch shaped island of Rameswaram, lies off the cost of Tamil Nadu.

Places Of Interest

Ramanathaswamy Temple.

Access

Well connected by rail and road. Nearest airport is Madurai (173Kms).

KANNIYAKUMARI

Kanniyakumari is the southern-most tip of the Indian peninsula, the spot where three seas - the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea meet. Noted for its marvellous beaches and spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

Places Of Interest

Kumari Amman Temple, Vivekananda Rock, Vattakottai Suchindram.

Access

It is also linked by rail and road to other parts of the country. The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram (87Kms).