Private Luxury Tour for Mandara
Pancha Bhuta Sthalams & Kumbakonam
► Choose to start your day with an energising yoga session under the care of an expert, certified yoga master.
► Visit all the Pancha Bootha Sthalams
► Visit some of the greatest living temples of India, many that have been in continuous worship for millennia.
► Explore the deeply spiritual region of Kumbakonnam .
► Discover the living temples of Chola dynasty.
► Delve into the dancing form of Shiva called Nataraja, one of Hinduisms most advanced concepts.
► Witness rituals that are in constant practise since the classical age, from 2500 BC!
Travel Style: Experiential
Service Level: 5 Star Hotels
Trip Type: Private Group
Escorted by Expert Cultural Custodians, not merely guides.
The Pancha Bhuta Sthalams & Kumbakonam
The tour kickstarts in Chennai, where we visit the Marundeeswarar temple where it is said that Shiva taught sage Agastya the curative properties of various herbs and plants. Since then the Marundeeswarar temple has been a place of worship for people with diseases and various problems with their health. It is said that sage Valmiki, who wrote Ramayana, worshipped here.
We then continue on to the Pancha Bhuta Sthalams, the five great temples that represent a manifestation of the five prime elements of nature: earth, water, fire, air, and ether.
We then spend 2 full days in Kumbakonam, exploring the great temples of Tamil Nadu. They are not just religious places but also architectural marvels that have withstood the test of time. The temples reflect the rich cultural heritage and deep spirituality of the region. Exploring these temples offers an opportunity to witness the grandeur of South Indian architecture and immerse oneself in the vibrant tapestry of Tamil Nadu's traditions and beliefs. Whether you are someone who wants to explore the spirituality of India or an architectural enthusiast, the temples of Tamil Nadu will leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul.
On this travel adventure, we explore some of worlds' most ancient and magnificent temples – some of which date to the classical age! An absolute time capsule – you will journey 1500 – 2000 years into the past, and immerse yourself in the almost exact sounds and sights one would have witnessed then!
This travel adventure is truly like none other!
What is included
- Accommodation in 5 star hotels and resorts .
- Daily breakfasts and dinners.
- Modern, air-conditioned coaches throughout.
- Services of an experienced and expert local Tour Manager throughout.
- All entrance fees where applicable.
- Pick up Chennai and drop Bangalore.
What is not included
- Travel insurance
- Flight Tickets
- Drinks
- Visas and any Visa related expenses
- Pick up and drop if not on arrival or departure dates / city from where tour starts and ends
- Camera fees where applicable.
- Anything that is not explicitly mentioned in the what is included section.
Special Private tour for Mandara & her friends
Dates
Dates | Availability | Price | To Book |
---|---|---|---|
Feb 09 2025 - Feb 18, 2025 | Private | $1990 PP | CONTACT US |
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival. You’ll be picked up from the airport and dropped at your hotel.
Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is today the 4th largest city in India. It was here that the British, in the 16th century, gained a firm footing which enabled them to conquer and rule India and much of South East Asia. We will visit St Thomas Basilica, where St Thomas is said to have been buried, and the Marundeeshwaran temple
Drive to Kalahasti, and visit the SriKalahasthi temple. This ancient temple represents the wind. Overnight in Tirupati.
Explore the city of a 1000 temples, Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram was the capital of many of South India’s ancient dynasties. Special focus on the Ekambareeswarar temple, which represents the Earth. Continue on to Thiruvanamalai.
Thiruvanamallai is a spiritual hub of the region. We will visit the Arunachalesvara temple, that represents fire. We will also spend time in the Ramana Maharishi Ashram. Onwards to Pondicherry for the night
Chidambaram houses the Thillai Nataraja temple, which is considered the center of the Hindu universe. Here, the lord is worshipped as space and in a dancing form called Nataraja, one of Hinduisms most advanced concepts. The temple represents Ether. Onwards to Kumbakonnam
Idyllic rice plantations, tall coconut trees gently swaying in the breeze – and ancient temples everywhere! The rice and ancient temple belt of the South, Kumbakonam and Thanjavur are home to some of India’s greatest and oldest temples with rituals that are in constant practice since the classical age, from 2500 BC! We will explore some of the regions most mighty and striking temples and dwell into ancient Indian art and architecture.
We will visit the Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval which represents the element water. We will also visit the fabulous Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam
Drop off Bangalore
HOTELS - THE GREAT TEMPLES OF TAMIL NADU TOUR
At Indian Expeditions, we understand the importance of good hotels throughout a touring holiday. All the hotels on our tours of South India have been personally selected by our directors to ensure they meet the highest standards. We have personally stayed in the hotels and experienced first hand how their services are. We have also hosted many groups of travellers in them. Furthermore, we have paid special attention in making sure the hotels we stay in suit the western traveller. Each hotel on our South Indian Tours has its own unique style and character, but all share the same high and excellent standard.
Though our tours are advertised as tours with 5 star hotels, some boutique hotels may not have a star rating, but have the same level of service and comfort as a 5 star.
Due to the growth in tourism in India, it may not always be possible to stay at our listed accommodation and an alternative of equal standards will be found.
Taj Club House Chennai
Set in the heart of Chennai, The Taj Club House is a strikingly contemporary 5 star hotel with elegant and extremely comfortable rooms. Perfect to recharge after a long haul flights and to get ready for the tours. Rooms are well-appointed with luxury, contemporary comforts and furnished with local artefacts, and the large picture windows ensure that natural light floods in.
Taj, Tirupati
Taj Tirupati is a luxury hotel located in the temple city of Tirupati, offering a blend of comfort, elegance, and excellent service. Situated near the famous Tirumala temple, it caters to both pilgrims and tourists with well-appointed rooms, fine dining options, and modern amenities. The hotel’s warm South Indian hospitality and tranquil ambiance make it a perfect place for relaxation after a visit to the temple. With its prime location and high standards of service, Taj Tirupati ensures a memorable stay for its guests.
Sparsa Resorts Thiruvannamalai
Shenbaga, Pondicherry
Shenbaga Hotel, located in Pondicherry, offers a blend of modern comfort and traditional hospitality. This upscale property is known for its spacious rooms, excellent service, and convenient location, making it ideal for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel features a range of amenities including a multi-cuisine restaurant, a well-equipped convention center, and a relaxing ambiance. With its mix of contemporary facilities and a warm, inviting atmosphere, Shenbaga is a popular choice for visitors exploring the charm of Pondicherry while seeking a comfortable and memorable stay.
Mantra Koodam, Kumbakonam
Mantra Koodam is designed like an ‘agraharam’ – the characteristically Brahmin (priests in India) street lined with ‘illams’ (homes). It’s a tribute to the region’s heritage and its historic stature as a seat of power in South India. The cottages are designed like traditional Tamil homes – with large verandahs, hand made tiles on the floor, ornate Burmese teak doors and open-to-air bathrooms. he property is known for its serene atmosphere, making it an ideal getaway for those seeking relaxation, spiritual rejuvenation, or a deeper connection with the region’s rich cultural heritage. With its personalized service and focus on local traditions, Mantra Koodam provides a peaceful escape, perfect for both families and solo travelers looking to unwind.
Courtyard by Marriott Tiruchirappalli
Courtyard by Marriott Tiruchirappalli is a contemporary hotel located in the heart of Tamil Nadu’s cultural and historical hub. Offering a blend of modern amenities and warm hospitality, it caters to both business and leisure travelers. The hotel features well-appointed rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, a fitness center, and event spaces for conferences and gatherings. Its central location makes it a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions such as the Ranganathaswamy Temple and Rock Fort Temple. With its focus on comfort, service, and convenience, Courtyard Tiruchirappalli provides a welcoming stay for visitors to the city.
Trip Information
CLIMATE
Sun-kissed – in a word! Glorious sunny days with bright blue skies is the norm. The climate of South India is tropical. Summer temperatures on the plains are very hot, but cooled by the South-West Monsoon, which lasts from June- September. During these months it can be very wet and therefore very humid. At hill stations, temperatures can become quite cool at night even in the summer and may drop below 15 C between December and February so warm clothing is necessary. The rest of south India remains warm and sunny during the winter months. Summer starts from April, with May – mid July being the hottest, where it can reach temperatures of over 40 C during the day. From August, it starts cooling down, with it being the coolest between December to end of February. The west coast (Kerala, Goa, parts of Karnataka) experiences rain between June and September, and in the east coast – Tamil Nadu, it rains mostly in November up to mid December. During the first 3 weeks of November, sporadic rainfall occurs, sometimes heavy for brief periods. The hurricane or cyclone season starts end of November and ends by around the 20th of December. One can expect intense spells of heavy rain and wind during this period, especially during the first 2 weeks of December.
Time difference to GMT
+5.5 hours
Plugs
3 Pin Round
Religion
Hindu, Islam, Catholicism, Protestant, Buddhism.
Language
English is spoken widely. Other major languages are Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Telugu. Our tours are conducted in English.
FOOD AND DRINK
The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more. The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip.
Lunch price
£8 / $ 10
Dinner price
£8 / $ 10
Beer price
£3 / $4
Water bottle price
£0.5 / $ .05
Foreign Exchange
LOCAL CURRENCY
Indian Rupee (INR)
RECOMMENDED CURRENCY FOR EXCHANGE
GBP/US$ are the best currency to change into local currency.
WHERE TO EXCHANGE
The Indian rupee is a restricted currency and it is best not to obtain in the UK as rates are very poor. We strongly advise you not to exchange you at airports on arrival as they give very poor rates. Your Tour Leader will advise you on the best places in each town. Both GBP and USD cash are easy to exchange. It’s not possible to change money using a credit or debit card.
ATM AVAILABILITY
ATMs are available widely. You must inform your bank that you are travelling to India and ask them to enable your cards to have withdrawal / transactions enabled for India.
CREDIT CARD ACCEPTANCE
In most establishments that are medium to large.
TRAVELLERS CHEQUES
Opportunities to exchange are limited.
CLOTHING
South India is a tropical region with high humidity. Lightweights are needed all year round with some warmer clothes for the cooler winter evenings (November to February) in hill stations such as Munnar, Thekkady and Chikmagalur. Casual clothes are the most practical: tight fitting garments, brief shorts and skirts should be avoided, since they attract unwelcome attention. Swim wear can be worn in very few beaches but in all resorts and hotels if you are using the pool. Bring a light and easy to carry water p
FOOTWEAR
Walking shoes or trainers and sandals are recommended. Note that temples do not allow footwear to be worn inside, and footwear must be left at the entrance of temples. You can wear socks inside.
LUGGAGE
While our maximum cap on luggage per person is 50 KG – two main pieces of luggage and day sac, we highly recommend that you do not overload yourself. One main piece of baggage and a day sac per person are recommended. Note that domestic airlines in India usually allow 15 KGS of checked in baggage and 7 kgs of cabin baggage per person. Most hotels where we stay at offer express laundry services for about USD 1 – USD 2 per piece.
EQUIPMENT
Binoculars, torch, sun screen, insect repellent.
TIPPING
Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff (like in hotels, or drivers) will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, your leader may organise a group’s tips kitty for included activities and meals and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Accordingly, you should allow GBP35 / $ 40 approx. 3’000 Indian Rupees for group tipping.
For all non-included services and meals on your trip please tip independently at your discretion.
Transport Information
Sedans, such as the Toyota Etios. SUVS such as the Toyota Innova / Volkswagen Taigun. Minibuses such as the Force Tempo or Force Urbania. All vehicles used will be in excellent condition, fitted with individual bucket seats and with air conditioning. The type of vehicle used will be at our discretion, though if you have any preference do send us an email and we will try to accommodate your request.
Accommodation notes
Accommodation in South India is as varied as the region itself and standards might not always meet those back home. We have chosen the best of the best resorts and hotels for your adventure.
All rooms are twin-share and they have their own bathroom attached.All towels and bedding are provided.
Government Travel Safety Advice
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice.
Price Guarantee
Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.
Visa and Passport Information
India: Holders of passports endorsed British citizen, as well as Australian, New Zealand and US passport holders may be eligible for the e-Tourist Visa to enter India.
The visa can be applied for through the official Indian government visa website only – https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html . Please check all eligibility criteria that can be found on the website but important points are listed below –
You must be arriving into one of 29 selected entry points which can be found via the official Indian Government website link above. However, you can exit from any of the authorised immigration check posts in India.
Passports must have at least 6 months validity from the date of arrival in India and at least two blank pages for stamping. Visa applications will take approximately 4 days to process.
Those applying for a 30 day electronic visa can only apply within 30 days of arrival for your visa to be valid. Furthermore double entry is permitted and you can only obtain two 30-day visas in a calendar year.
Please note these costs are subject to frequent change so you should check on the official Indian government visa website mentioned above. Biometric data will be collected on arrival in India.
If you are not eligible for the e-Tourist Visa, please refer to VFS Global to apply for your Indian visa – https://www.vfsglobal.com/india/uk/how_to_apply.html
Whilst the online form offers a relatively quick way to apply for a visa, some applicants have reported difficulty in completing the form. If you would like to use a visa service to process your visa on your behalf, we recommend CIBT Visas. They have expert knowledge in visa requirements, and are dedicated to ensuring that obtaining your visas is as efficient and hassle-free as possible.
CIBT provide various levels of visa service, including detailed information about which visas and documentation you and your party require, clear and user-friendly application forms, and a full concierge service to manage your application from start to finish. There is a team of experts on hand to offer advice, and liaise with embassies on your behalf.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
Booking conditions
Before booking your Indian Expeditions trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
Your safety and enjoyment on tour
We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at info@experienceindia.co.uk as soon as possible.
Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Your Tour Leader
We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments on trip – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.
Insurance
It is a condition of booking with Indian Expeditions that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. Please ensure that you are covered for the full duration of your holiday, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy.
Vaccinations
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Tetanus, Infectious Hepatitis, Typhoid and Polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
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