After breakfast we journey to experience and participate in The AGNIHOTRA Ritual ---“A sacred healing FIRE from the ancient science of Ayurveda”. A process of purifying the atmosphere through a specially prepared FIRE. The beneficial effects reduce stress, improve overall health and give one increased energy. Upon completion of the ritual we will visit the magnificent AKSHARDHAM TEMPLE. This temple complex displays millennia of Indian tradition and modern Hindu culture, spirituality, and architecture. This stunning spread of a hundred acres is entirely constructed from pink stone from Rajasthan and marble from Italy, intricately carved with flora and fauna, dancers, musicians and deities, numbering 20,000 with 234 intricately carved columns.

DAY TRIP TO AGRA -  We board the Gatimaan Express executive air conditioned chair car,  departing at 08:10 hours and arriving 09:50 hours. We visit the TAJ MAHAL which stands on the right bank of the River Jumna. Regarded as one of the Wonders of the World, it’s synonymous not only with India but known the whole world over. Many poets in India compare the beautiful monuments to a song written in stone and the Taj to a poem composed in white marble. To immortalize his passionate devotion to his bereaved consort and to build over her grave a mausoleum of matchless beauty, Shah Jahan summoned expert architects not only from India, but from far off countries such as Turkey, Persia and Arabia. Twenty thousand people were involved in the construction of this matchless and exquisite monument. Today, the main industry in Agra is based on marble carving which is exported all over the world.

After lunch we will visit the marble in-lay work mostly done by families whose ancestors were from the time of Shah Jahan. Later we will board our train back to Delhi. Departing at 17:40 hours and reaching Delhi at 19:30 hours. Overnight in Delhi. (BLD)

This morning we fly from Delhi to Chennai. Formerly known as Madras, it is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu and is India’s fifth largest city, located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. Chennai boasts of a long history from the East India Company through British rule.

This afternoon we visit the ST. THOMAS CATHEDRAL. According to the written records, Christianity was introduced to the Indian subcontinent by THOMAS THE APOSTLE in 52 AD. We will visit the ancient Church which is a holy place of international prominence, historical eminence and religious glory. A most profound tourist attraction. Preserving its glorious antiquity, this five century old shrine has been renovated and restored in recent times.

Late afternoon we will be visiting the Kapaleeswarar  Temple. The prime idol is of Lord Shiva in the form of Lingam. Built in the 7^th century by the Pallavas, this divine Temple is said to be one of the oldest Temples in Tamil Nadu. The Temple contains inscriptions dating back to the 13^th century AD and is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. The magnificent 140 ft. tall Gopuram depicts intricate carvings of tales from Hindu mythology. We will have an opportunity to mingle with the devotees and observe the various rituals of Hinduism. Overnight in Chennai (BLD)

This morning we travel to experience the holy city of Kanchipuram.

Kanchipuram is known for its Temple architecture, 1,000 pillared halls, huge Temple towers and silk saree. Kanchipuram has been ruled by the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Pandays; later the British. The city was known as a center of education and was known as Ghatikasthana or the ‘Place of Learning’. The city was also a religious center of advanced education for Jainism and Buddhism between the 1^st and 5^th centuries.

The city houses the Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Kamakshi Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple which are some of the foremost temples associated with the 108 Holy Temples of Lord Vishnu. Overnight in Kanchipuram. (BLD)

This morning we drive to TIRUVANNAMALAI— A Temple city synonymous with the fifth Hindu Element of Fire, it ranks as one of the five holiest towns of Tamil Nadu. The name means “Red Mountain” which refers to Mt. Arunachala and its “unearthly” crimson color in the dawn light which is stunning to behold. Mythology identifies the mountain as the place where Shiva asserted his power over Brahma and Vishnu by manifesting himself as a ‘Lingham of Fire’ or Agnihotra. The event is commemorated annually at the Nov/ Dec Full Moon Karthigai Festival and is known as the “Pradakshina” (most auspicious of the monthly full moon circumambulations of the Mountain). The town is filled with shrines, sacred tanks, ashrams and paved pilgrim paths scattered around the mountain. The main focus is undoubtedly the vast Arunachaleshwara Temple. “Temple of Eternal Sunrise”. Over 1,000 years in the building, this enormous complex consists of three concentric courtyards. Here Sri Ramana sat in a state of Supreme Awareness while ants devoured his flesh. Later in the afternoon we climb up the hill and visit the cave where Sri Ramana Maharishi spent some days. Here we spend 3 nights. (BLD)

Early this morning we visit the Annamalaiyar Temple. This complex expands over an area of 25 acres. It houses four gateway towers known as Gopurams. The tallest is the eastern tower with 11 stories and a height of 217 feet, making it one of the tallest temple towers in India. The temple complex houses many halls. The most notable is the thousand pillared hall. Next, we will visit the Ramana Maharishi Ashram and spend some time in ‘quiet’ and meditation. Later we return to our hotel. (BLD)

Trichy or also called Tiruchirapalli. The recorded history of Trichy begins in the 3^rd century BC when it was under the rule of the Cholas, and later ruled by different dynasties, including Pallavas, Pandyas, Vijayanagar Empire, Nayak Dynasty and the British. It is famous for The Ranganathaswamy Temple, dedicated to the reclining form of Hindu God Vishnu and is also the largest functioning Temple in the World. This city also played a critical role in the Carnatic Wars (1746 – 1763) between the British and the French.

The Presence of a large number of energy equipment manufacturing units in and around the city has earned it the title of ‘Energy Equipment and Fabrication Capital of India’. After breakfast we check out and travel to enjoy the myriad of Temples. Later in the afternoon we drive for about 3 hours to beautiful Madurai. (BLD)

MADURAI. This is the longest living city in the World and a major city in the State of Tamil Nadu. Located on the banks of River Vaigai, Madurai has been a major settlement for two millennia and has a documented history of more than 2,500 years. Madurai is one of the many Temple towns which was built around the Meenakshi Amman Temple. This Hindu Temple is located on the south side of the Vaigai River. It is dedicated to Meenakshi and her consort, Sundareswarar. The complex houses 14 gopurams or towers ranging from 148 to 164 feet in height. The tallest being 170 feet. There are also two golden sculptured Vimana,(Shrines) over the sanctum of the main deities.

The Temple is a significant symbol for Tamils and has been mentioned since antiquity in Tamil literature. The present structure was built between 1623 and 1655 CE. Today the Temple attracts 15 to 20 thousand pilgrims daily. There are an estimated 33,000 sculptures in the Temple and was in the list of top 30 nominees for the New Seven Wonders of the World. The Temple has a hall of a thousand pillars, a wonderful piece of architecture believed to be built out of a single rock. There are many ancient paintings inside the museum of this Temple. The principal deity is Meenakshi, a form of Goddess Parvati and is carved in emerald hued stone.

After our Temple and city tour we return to the hotel. (BLD)

After breakfast we drive to Coimbatore.

Coimbatore is also called Kovai and is one of the major metropolitan cities in Tamil Nadu. Kovai is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu after Chennai. The largest exporter of jewelry, poultry and auto components, it is also a hub for the textile industry in South India. The City is referred to as the Manchester of South India. It was ranked as the ‘7^th Best City in India’ in the Ease of Living Index 2020.

On arrival we check in. Later in the evening we drive around the city to include a visit to the famous Maruthamalai temple
dedicated to Lord Murga, the Son of Lord Siva. (BLD)

After breakfast we check out and drive to Coonoor.

Coonoor is a hill station (Town) in the Southern State of Tamil Nadu. It’s known for its tea estates in the surrounding Nilgiri Hills. At an elevation of 1,850 meters (6,070 feet) above sea level the temperatures drop to a cool 50 to 70 degrees F. Coonoor and Ooty were the summer capitals of the British because of the lovely climate. On arrival we check in. After lunch we proceed to visit the Tea Factory, where we will be shown the original process. Later in the evening we return to our hotel. (BLD)

This morning we visit the famous Mariamman Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati

and later we drive to Ooty. Ooty is one of the prettiest places in the Western Ghats. With its rolling hills, lush tea plantations, misty realms, shimmering lakes and cool climate it was given the nickname, ‘Queen of Hill Stations’. In addition to being extremely scenic, the hill town is home to several colonial buildings. From Coonoor, the drive is about 40 minutes. Once we reach Ooty we have lunch and later visit the Elk Hill Murugan Temple. Perched atop a small hill and enveloped in immense lushness we reach the 40 ft. stunning statue of Lord Murugan. Along with the sculpture of Lord Murugan the temple also houses those of Goddess Kali, Lord Ganesh and Lord Shiva. Later we drive back to Coonoor and enjoy the rest of the evening to explore. (BLD)

Today we have a free day allowing us a time to integrate, meditate, journal and enjoy the cool weather, spend time at the spa or sip tea watching the mountains. We have the moment to avail ourselves of the lovely hotel, feeling the fond memories of this wonderful tour. (BLD)

This morning after breakfast we check out and drive to Coimbatore for a couple of hours. On arrival we have lunch and after, head to the airport to board our flight to Delhi; departing at 15.20 hours and arriving at 18.30 hours. On arrival we check in to the hotel to do final packing before departing for the airport and our peace filled journey home with gratitude in our hearts for all we have experienced. (BLD)

If this extension interests you. It is 2 nights in Varanasi and 3 nights in Darjeeling.

Itinerary and prices upon request.