Visit to Venkateshwara temple is the highlight of any trip to Tirupati. The mad rush, non-stop chanting, high security, heavily adorned idol and the compelling aura around the deity – everything about Tirupati is simply alluring. Nothing more, nothing less. The Venkateshwara temple also known as “Temple of seven hills” is thronged by masses of people perennially, spread over a massive 26.75 sq.kms of area. The temple is the wealthiest temple in the Indian subcontinent because of the number of donations offered every year. The experience is surreal.
Lying on the Coromandel Coast, the city of Mahabalipuram nestles on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. The city is studded with both, natural and ancient beauty. It has the honour of being home to a group of monuments which are acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The grandeur architecture of the Shore temple, Panch Rathas, and Descent of the Ganges 1s endearing. And the glittering Mahabalipuram beach provides for all kinds of beach activities attracting thousands of tourists. Other major attractions here are the luxurious beach resorts, the crocodile bank, snake venom extracting centre, schools of art and sculpture.
Pondicherry (or Puducherry), a French colonial settlement in India until 1954, is now a Union Territory town bounded by the southeastern Tamil Nadu state. Its French legacy is preserved in its French Quarter, with tree-lined streets, mustard-colored colonial villas and chic boutiques. A seaside promenade runs along the Bay of Bengal and passes several statues, including a 4m-high Gandhi Memorial.
Tanjore or Thanjavur is a city of great prominence in terms of art, religion, and architecture. The cradle of the Tanjore style of paintings, the city is one of the most visited ones in Tamil Nadu It has many monuments, and the Brihadishwara Temple, dedicated to lord Shiva, is the most spectacular. The Thanjavur Maratha Palace gives a great insight into the cultural history. Other major tourist drawing places include the Gangaikonda Cholapuram, The Serfoji Sarasvati Mahal Library, and Swami Malai Temple.
Namaste and welcome to India. Arrive at Chennai International airport, meet our representative at the arrival terminal and immediate transfer to Tirupati (135kms/04 hrs).
Tirupati is a city in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Its Sri Venkateswara Temple sits atop one of the the 7 peaks of Tirumala Hills, attracting scores of Hindu pilgrims. Sri Venkateswara National Park, home to the temple, also contains the Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park with lions and primates. Nearby, next to a waterfall and cave believed to be sacred, Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. On arrival check in and overnight stay at hotel.
After breakfast proceed for Darshan of Venkateswara Temple (VIP Darshan tickets - subject to availability). The Temple dedicated to Lord Sri Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu, who is believed to have appeared here to save mankind from trials and troubles of Kali Yuga. Visit Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple; the temple dedicated to Goddess Padmavathi or Alamelumanga, the consort of Lord Venkateswara.
It May take 03-04 Hours for the Darshan so we suggest a night at Tirupati. Overnight stay at the hotel.
After Breakfast, drive to Kanchipuram – is a famous temple city and it served as the Capital city of the Pallava Kingdom. It is considered one of the seven holiest cities to the Hindus of India. In Hinduism, a k?etra is a sacred ground, a field of active power, a place where moksha, final release can be obtained. The Garuda Purana enumerates seven cities as providers of moksha, namely Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Varanasi, Avantika, Dwaraka, and Kanchipuram.
Visit Varadharaja Perumal Temple is one of the Divya Desams, the 108 temples of Vishnu believed to have been visited by the 12 poet saints. The temple along with Ekambareswarar Temple and Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kanchipuram is popularly known as Mumurtivasam (abode of trio)
Later, proceed to Mahabalipuram - the first example of Hindu Temple art, also known as the town of sculptures. It has various historic monuments built largely between the 07th and 09th centuries and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast check-out from hotel and leave for Tiruvanamalai. Located on the foothills of Annamalai Hills. As per Hindu mythology, Parvati, wife of Shiva, once closed the eyes of her husband playfully in a flower garden at their abode atop Mount Kailash. Although only a moment for the gods, all light was taken from the universe, and the earth, in turn, was submerged in darkness for years. Parvati performed penance with other devotees of Shiva, and her husband appeared as a column of fire at the top of Annamalai Hills, returning light to the world. He then merged with Parvati to form of ARDHNARISHWAR, the half-female, half-male form of Shiva.
On arrival Tiruvanamalai, visit ArunachaleshwarTemple: - This is also one of the five elements temple of Lord Shiva and it represents fire. It is one of main pilgrimage centres of Lord Shiva which is visited by the devotees throughout the year. Especially in every full moon days, many of the devotees go for Girivalam. Apart from the main temple, guests can also visit Ramana maharishi Ashram. Ramana Maharishi is a well-known rishi not only for Indians. There are many devotees and followers of Ramana Maharishi all over the universe.
Later proceed to Pondicherry. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Visit the ancient French colony and Sri Aurobindo's Ashram- It was founded in 1920 in reverence to freedom fighter turned saint Aurobindo. Mother Mirra Richard, who was the most revered disciple of Sri Aurobindo spent most part of her life in the Ashram
Post visit later proceed to Chidambaram - It is an ancient and historic temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Natarajan. Chidambaram is one of the five holiest Shiva temples, each representing one of the five natural elements; Chidambaram represents akasha (Sky) where Lord Shiva is worshipped in his manifestation as Sky. We can see the dancing deity - Lord Shiva in this Chidambaram temple. Here we can see the shrines of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The deity of Lord Shiva, which is placed in the inner sanctum will be taken out for the procession every year during festival period.
Later, proceed to the Tanjore for overnight stay at the hotel.
Breakfast at the Hotel. In the morning: Visit of Tanjore, with the temple of Brihadishvara dedicated to the god Shiva and the Museum of bronzes of the Chola dynasty.
Post visit of Brihadishvara temple, embark on your journey to Trichy. Visit of the temple-city of Sriranqam, where the pilgrims celebrate ancient rituals on the banks of the Kaveri River.
Later in the evening you will be transferred to the airport to board your onward journey flight.
Our services ends here.
Located at the foothills of Tirumala Hills, Marasa Sarovar Premiere is a 5-star hotel in the temple town of Tirupati. The hotel is designed with a unique theme in accordance with the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu to offer guests a pleasant experience. Venkateswara Temple, also known as the Tirupati Temple and other temples are easily accessible from our hotel. Beautiful interiors, warm hospitality, and personalised services make us one of the best Tirumala hotels. All the 121 rooms & suites are designed in rich temple tones and offer spectacular views of Tirumala Hills.
Offering unparalleled views of the Bay of Bengal, the award-winning Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram is just steps from the shore. Set in 44 acres of lush, landscaped gardens, our hotel and resort provides extensive facilities for the ultimate getaway or destination event. After an unforgettable morning on the water, take a short stroll to spend an afternoon at the dramatic archeological sites of Mamallapuram, also called Mahabalipuram. Our spa, fitness center, and 27,000-square-foot meandering outdoor pool are just a few of the perks you can enjoy during your stay. We offer a wide range of activities, from adrenaline-pumping ATV rides, boat adventures, and scuba diving to more relaxing activities like archery, indoor games, and canoeing. The resort’s business facilities are the most diverse in the region, with nine meeting rooms, the area’s largest pillarless ballroom, and approximately 65,000 square feet of expansive lawns ideal for gala dinners, weddings, and team-building activities.
An address in the French Quarter with a distinct colonial stamp. Palais de Mahe lies close to the sea side promenade, barely 50 metres from the cool breezes and gentle rumblings of the Bay of Bengal.
This signature hotel - with its majestic courtyard, deep verandahs, attractive pillars and period furniture - combines south Indian fire and flavor with French intensity and fervor to bring you an experience that is in every way unforgettable.
The SVATMA experience is designed as a voyage of discovery of the mind indulging in the luxury of leisure, dabbling with the arts, in a beautiful home environment. At every spot, SVATMA has a personality and there are unique spots to match every mood of every person.
A feel of rich fullness and wholesomeness is what you experience in all the comforts provided under one roof. The SVATMA is all about self-surrender to the abundant charms of ancient Tamil Nadu – its arts, architecture culinary heritage and culture.
See HotelJourney to India.......once is not enough!!!!
BANKING AND CURRENCY
Currency
The Indian Rupee is the official currency of the Republic of India. The modern Indian Rupee is subdivided into 100 paise (singular paisa). Banknotes in circulation come in denominations of INR 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 2000. Please note that as of November 2016, the older 500 and 1000 INR note are no longer valid legal tender and only new ₹500 notes will be accepted.
The latest Indian Rupee coins are available in denominations of INR 1, 2, 5, 10.
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited. However, amounts exceeding US$5,000 or equivalent in cash, or US$10,000 or equivalent in all forms of currency must be declared. The export of foreign currency is allowed up to the amount imported and declared.
Currency can be changed at banks, airports or authorised money changers. Many hotels also have facilities to change money but this is a more expensive option. It is illegal to exchange money through unauthorised money changers. US Dollars and Pounds Sterling are the easiest currencies to exchange.
Banking
Banking hours: Monday-Saturday 10h00-03h30 (Bank will be closed on second and forth Saturday).
Strictly speaking, you can neither import nor export Indian currency, but you can get some at the airport straight away to at least get you transport to your accommodation. There are Authorized Foreign Exchange dealers in most big cities, and banks will also change your currency at a fair rate if you have time for the paperwork.
A good way of getting your travellers currency is via an ATM but beware of hidden bank charges, both from the bank providing the ATM and the card-issuing bank - you also do not know what exchange rate you are getting.ATMs are found in most towns and are recommended for cash withdrawals.
Visa, MasterCard and American Express are usually accepted in tourist hotels and many other shops. Debit cards are also widely accepted.
Travellers cheques are widely accepted and may be changed at banks and larger hotels. The most widely accepted currencies include US Dollars and Pounds Sterling. Some banks may refuse to change certain brands of traveller's cheques whilst others may exchange quite happily.
TRAVEL, TRANSPORT AND GETTING AROUND
India is big and there are lots of interesting ways to travel around it, most of which could not very well be described as efficient or punctual. Allow considerable buffer time for any journey with a fixed deadline (eg. your flight back), and try to remember that getting there should be half the fun.
India's large size and uncertain roads make flying a viable option, especially as prices have tumbled in the last few years. Even India's offshore islands and remote mountain states are served by flights, the main exceptions being Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh (although crossing over from neighbouring states is fairly easy). Due to the aviation boom over the last few years, airports have not been able to keep up with the air traffic. Most Indian airports continue to function with one runway and a handful of boarding gates. Check in and security queues can be terribly long, especially in Delhi and Mumbai.
Railways were introduced in India in 1853, more than one and half a centuries ago, by the British, and today India boasts of the biggest network of railway lines in the world, and the rail system is very efficient, if not always on schedule. Travelling on Indian Railways gives you the opportunity to discover the Indian landscape and scenic beauty first hand and is generally more economical than flying domestic. It is one of the safest ways of travel in India. With classes ranging from luxurious to regular, it's the best way to get to know the country and its people. Most train passengers will be curious about you and happy to pass the time with a chat.
In central locations of big cities like airports or stations reliable pre-paid taxis are available and will save you money as well as the bargaining hassle. However beware of touts who would claim themselves to be running pre-paid taxis. Always collect the receipt from the counter first. The receipt has two parts - one part is for your reference and the other part you will need to handover to the taxi driver only after you reach your desired destination. The taxi driver will get his payment by submitting or producing this other part to the pre-paid taxi counter. Normal taxis running by meter are usually more common. In many non Metro Cities (or even in Metros depending on time) taxies or autos may ply without the usual meter.
While you can't take a cross-country bus-ride across India, buses are the second most popular way of travelling across states and the only cheap way of reaching many places not on the rail network (eg. Dharamsala).
FOOD, DRINK AND CUISINE ADVICE
Water for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should first be boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is often unpasteurised and should be boiled. Avoid dairy products likely to have been made from non-boiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Do not eat salads, vegetables should be cooked and peel your own fruit. Don’t eat street vendor food unless it is piping hot. Tap water is not safe to drink, rely on bottled water which is widely available. However, do check the seal on bottled water.
Indian food is world-renowned for its tantalising flavours, spiciness and enormous variety. Curries are created from the subtle and delicate blending of spices such as cumin, turmeric, cardamom, ginger, coriander, nutmeg and poppy seed although these vary from region to region and every spice has medicinal properties and use.
Vegetable dishes are more common than in Europe, particularly in the fruity, coconutty dishes of southern India, while northern India has an entirely different but equally satisfying cuisine to sample. Breads like paranthas, chapatis, naans and rotis are also part of the main diet in several states like Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Achars (pickles), relishes and chutneys again vary by region and add more resonance to amazing meals.
Sweets or mithai too have regional specialities. They tend to be milk based and some are syrupy and fried. Well-known northern sweets are gulab jamun, jalebi (it’s worth watching how these syprup-based confections are made in the street), kulfi, kheer, halwa and laddu. From the east are rasgulla and rasmalai. The south has several burfi and halwa-type desserts like coconut burfi and badam halwa made from almonds.
While care should be taken in where one eats, exceptional food can be had in the most humble surroundings such as food at ashrams as can be found in 5-star restaurants. Non-vegetarians will find fabulously spiced mutton dishes according to regional specialities including fish dishes typical to coastal areas.
10 to 15% is usual in restaurants that impose no service fee; optional where service fee is added to bill.
CLIMATE AND WEATHER
The weather is mainly hot most of the year with significant variations from region to region. The coolest weather lasts from around the end of November to the beginning of March, with fresh mornings and evenings, and mostly sunny days. The really hot weather, when it is dry, dusty and unpleasant, is between March and June. Monsoon rains occur in most regions in summer anywhere between June and early October.
CLOTHING AND DRESS RECOMMENDATIONS
Male or female, one rule covers all visitors to India: don't leave the house with your arms or legs bare. You'll naturally get attention as a foreigner, as full-on staring is common and accepted on Indian streets, but you'll suffer far less negative attention if you remain covered up. For most locations and seasons in India, thin, loose linen or cotton pants and button-down shirts will keep you comfortable in hot, humid weather and help you blend in. While you may see Indian young adults sporting tight jeans and fitted brand-name tops, you'd stand out significantly more in the same outfit. If you visit anywhere in northern India - not just the mountains, Delhi too - during the winter, prepare for seriously cold weather. Bring jeans and heavy shirts and pick up an Indian wool wrap.
What you can get away with at an Indian beach depends entirely on which beach you visit. In the state of Goa, a popular beach and club getaway destination, locals are accustomed to seeing tourists in bikinis on the beach and Indian men often sport Speedos. But skimpy clothes need to stay on the beach. Don't walk around town or your hotel in nothing but a bikini and sarong. In less Western-frequented beach destinations, such as the beaches around Bombay, Alibag and Chowpatty, or anywhere in the south, hit the beach in light pants and a tunic.
When visiting temples and other religious sites on your own or part of a tour, be on the lookout for signs advising visitors to dress in a specific way to enter the temple. The government of India advises that some religious institutions require visitors to cover their heads or remove their shoes, and covering your legs and arms in respect goes without saying. Certain sites may carry more specific requirements, such as donning a certain colored sash or sarong-like covering. Take your cue from other visitors exiting the site.
ELECTRICITY AND PLUG STANDARDS
For the most part, electrical sockets (outlets) in India are the "Type D" 5 amp BS-546 sockets. This is actually an old British standard. The "Type D" Indian plug and socket is not to be confused with the "Type M" South African plug and socket. In pictures, they look very similar, but the South African type is much larger than the Indian type, and they are physically incompatible. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in.
Electrical sockets (outlets) in India usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliances are not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.
