We could not find guides for temples in Chennai/Kaanchipuram/Madurai but it will be great to have someone who could explain the history and myths associated with the temples.
We found a fantastic guide(Mr. M.K. Srinivasa +91-94439-95932) in Mahabalipuram and that made our tour quite memorable.
Every temple closes at 12 in the noon and reopens at 4 in the evening. Plan wisely. In December pretty much every temple had huge crowds due to Ayappan pilgrims(going to Sabrimala).
Every temple closes at 12 in the noon and reopens at 4 in the evening. Plan wisely. In December pretty much every temple had huge crowds due to Ayappan pilgrims(going to Sabrimala).
Day 1 (Thursday, 19th Dec):
1. Flight from Hyderabad to Chennai
2. Checked into Hotel Savera
3. Guindy snake park
4. Elliot's beach
5. Kapaleeswar temple
6. Parthsarathy temple
7. Prem prakash Bhavan
8. Back to hotel
Day 2 : (towards Mahabalipuram)
1. Dakshina chitra museum
2. Crocodile bank
3. Muttukadu boating house
4. Tiger caves (reminded me of Buduruvagala in Sri Lanka)
5. Checked into Spago inn
6. Mahabalipuram beach
7. Dinner at Lattitude 49
8. Back to hotel
Day 3 : (Kaanchipuram)
1. Kamakshi Amman Temple
1. Kamakshi Amman Temple
2. Lunch at GRT regency, Gandhi road
3. Silk shopping at A G Babu Sah, Gandhi road
4. Varadaraja Perumal Temple
5. Dinner at Le Yogi, Mahabalipuram
6. Back to hotel
Day 4 : (Mahabalipuram)
0. There are guides available at Arjuna's Penance. We found Mr. M.K. Srinivasa (+91-94439-95932) who was quite knowledgeable.
0. There are guides available at Arjuna's Penance. We found Mr. M.K. Srinivasa (+91-94439-95932) who was quite knowledgeable.
1. Group of monuments including Pancharatha and Shore temple
2. Lunch at Lattitude 49
3. Back to hotel
4. Mahabalipuram beach
5. Dinner at Babu Cafe
6. Left for Chengalpattu railway station to catch train for Madurai - the route was very very dark
Day 5 : (Madurai)
1. Checked into Poppy's Hotel
2. Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal
3. Meenakshi Amman Temple - make sure to see it from all 4 side from outside. Each Gopuram(tower) is different.
4. Gandhi Museum
Day 6 : Madurai
1. Alagar kovil temple - Beware of monkeys here. They will snatch your bags and water bottles and any food items you may have in your hands.
2. Vishal De Mall (nothing to do here)
3. Tirupparankunram Murugan Temple
4. Koodal Azhagar Temple
Day 7 - back to Hyderabad
