Astrological Tourism

Morning sightseeing around Mahabalipuram (also spelt Mamallapuram) visiting many monuments and fine examples of Dravidian temple architecture and Pallava art. Included are the famous Shore Temple, the five Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance (the largest bas-relief carving in the world) and a multitude of small temples carved into living rock. These reflect the historical importance of Mahabalipuram as a one-time capital and major trading port. Afternoon free for time on the beach. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Morning drive (2 hours or so) to Pondicherry, a seaside town and the former French colonial capital in South India. The French Quarter is quite unique, even old-fashioned and very walkable with many lovely old villas and more grand buildings in a tight cluster just behind the main beach. In the Tamil Quarter just across the covered canal, the picture is rather different- bustling markets, trendy boutiques, cafes and excellent restaurants provide a nice contrast to the Gallic side of town. Explore Pondicherry in the afternoon, and join the locals on a night-time stroll along the promenade adjacent to the main beach. Overnight in Pondicherry.

Depart after breakfast and drive an hour or so to Chidambaram, where Shiva is revered at Nataraja, the cosmic dance. The main temple here has a very special bejewelled image of Nataraja. In the afternoon visit Vaitheeswaran Koil village where you’ll encounter Vedic astrologers and a temple representing Mars in the pantheon of the ‘9 planets temples’. Engage with an astrologer and learn about your past, present and future. Overnight in Chidambaram.

After breakfast drive to Kumbakonam, another very important about 2 hours’ drive away. Kumbakonam has many temples dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu, located in and around the city. Aside from a wealth of temples, there are plenty more astrologers here practicing parrot astrology (if you have to ask what this is, you should definitely do it!), palmistry and more. The vegetable market here is excellent, and locals are convinced that the South Indian filter coffee made in their city is the best in the state- we would tend to agree. Overnight in Kumbakonam.

After breakfast, drive to Tanjore and visit the superb Brihadishwara temple, then continue on to Trichy and if time permits, tour Rock Fort Temple built atop a rock with expansive views across the city and beyond. Later transfer to Trichy airport and fly to your next destination from here.