Ashrams and temples of Tamil Nadu
€2200
per person
An 16-day journey to the heart of India’s spirituality, including stays in various ashrams in Tamil Nadu, combined with visits to famous Temples, masterpieces of Dradivian architecture.
An ashram refers to a hermitage or monastery in the Hindu tradition where a master of wisdom has withdrawn, alone or with disciplines, to follow the spiritual path. Ashrams have been present in India for millennia. They are generally located far from human habitation, in forests or mountainous regions, amidst a natural environment conducive to peace of mind.
The contemporary ashram has not lost its original meaning; it is still a place of spiritual retreat, knowledge, and teaching of disciplinary practices such as yoga or meditation, as well as various other rituals drawn from the Vedas, such as yajna (fire ritual) or abishekam (ritual performed on a statue of a deity).
On this trip, we’ll take you to several ashrams in Tamil Nadu, some modern, like Isha Ashram in Coimbatore, and some more traditional, like Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram in Tirunavanamalai. Whether modern or traditional, these places all have one thing in common: they offer the traveler a rejuvenating break from an increasingly fast-paced and busy life, as well as a time for inner reflection.
Between these various spiritual stops, we will take the opportunity to visit some of the remarkable temples of Tamil Nadu, true architectural masterpieces.
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20-day grand tour starting from Chennai (Tamil Nadu) and ending to Kochi (Kerala) by the coastal road. A fascinating journey to meet thousand-year-old cultures through grandiose temples and lush landscapes.
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Day 1
Arrival in Chennai
Vanakam!
We'll warmly welcome you at Chennai Airport and take you to your hotel in the heart of the city.
Overnight in Chennai.
Day 2
Chennai - Mahabalipuram
Before leaving for Mahabalipuram, we will visit Chennai's key spiritual sites: the Hindu temples of Kapaliswarar and Thiruverkadu Karumari, as well as Mount St. Thomas and Santhomé Cathedral.
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Mount St. Thomas is the presumed site of the martyrdom and death of the Apostle St. Thomas. A small church built in the 16th century—erected on the very spot where the apostle is said to have been assassinated—houses a cross known as "St. Thomas," the oldest known.*
After these visits, head to Mahabalipuram, a charming coastal town, 1 hour from Chennai. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram with a hotel on the beach.Day 3
Mahabalipuram, splendour of pallavas kings
Mahabalipuram is home to breathtakingly beautiful monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The long fresco of "Arjuna's Penance," also known as "The Descent of the Ganges," is the best example.
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The various monuments surrounding the fresco are equally fascinating, not to mention the "Five Chariots" and the Shore Temple, one of the earliest monuments built on the site of Mahabalipuram, a precursor to later Dravidian architecture.
Overnight in MahabalipuramDay 4
Mahabalipuram - Tiruvannamalai (Ashram Ramana Maharshi)
After enjoying the sea spray of Mahabalipuram one last time, we set off for Tiruvannamalai, one of the highest pilgrimage sites in Tamil Nadu.
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The city is home to Arunachala Hill, which is considered by Hindus to be an Adi-Lingam (first lingam), the primordial form of Lord Shiva. The many ashrams and hermitages that have taken up residence there are the best testaments to the spiritual fervor of this place.*
Among these is that of Ramana Maharshi (1879-1950), considered a holy man by Hindus, but also by many followers around the world, who continue to worship at his samadhi (grave). His teachings are centered on the notion of "Self" and the question "Who am I?" (Atma Vichara).*
We will settle in this ashram, at the foot of Arunachala Hill.Day 5
Arunachala, Giri Pradakshina
A full day is dedicated to circumambulating the sacred hill of Arunachala, known as "Giri Pradakshina."
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This 14 km walk will take us to various sacred temples. You will be accompanied by our local guide who will explain the significance of the sites visited. Allow approximately 4-5 hours.*
Return to the Ramana Maharshi Ashram and enjoy free time during which you can attend prayers and rituals. Overnight at the Ramana Maharshi AshramDay 6
Virupaksha cave and Skandasramam
Early in the morning, we will climb to the summit of Arunachala Hill (1.4 km) to visit the Virupaksha cave and the small Skandasram monastery, two legendary places where Ramana Maharshi lived and meditated from 1916 to 1922.
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After Virupaksha, we will stay for a while at Skandasram. Its idyllic location and atmosphere are conducive to meditation.*
Before descending to the Ramana Maharshi Ashram, we will take a quick look at the panoramic view and the Tirunnamalai temple below, visited the previous day during the "Giri Pradakshina". Free time for the rest of the day. Overnight at the Ramana Maharshi AshramDay 7
Tiruvannamalai - Pondichéry
After these three precious days spent at the foot of Shiva Hill, we will head back to the coast and set down our suitcases in Pondicherry, a former French trading post and the home of Sri Aurobindo, a militant poet-philosopher who abandoned politics for the spiritual path.
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In the afternoon, stroll through the colorful streets of the French Quarter and visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, an emblematic site of Pondicherry. It contains the tombs of Sri Aurobindo and "The Mother," his spiritual companion, placed under a frangipani tree. The faithful come here to pray and meditate.*
We will continue with a visit to the Tamil Quarter and its distinctive architecture. Don't miss a stroll through the aisles of the Goubert Market, a veritable festival of colors and fragrances. Overnight in PondicherryDay 8
Pondichéry & Auroville
A few kilometers from Pondicherry, we will visit the city of Auroville, the "city of dawn," a place of research on human unity conceived by the Mother, Sri Aurobindo's spiritual companion.
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The idea was to build a futuristic city where people could live together in peace and harmony, beyond beliefs and nationalities.*
Return to Pondicherry, free time to wander around the city. Overnight in Pondicherry.Day 9
Pondichéry - Chidambaram - Kumbakonam - Thanjavur
Departure for Thanjavur (Tanjore), one of the architectural wonders of Tamil Nadu.
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On the way, we will visit the Chidambaram temple, dedicated to Shiva as the cosmic dancer (Nataraja). It is one of the few Hindu shrines where Shiva is represented by an anthropomorphic statue rather than the classic lingam.*
We will then travel to Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram, home to splendid ancient temples built by the Chola dynasty. Overnight in Thanjavur.Day 10
Thanjavur - Tiruchirappalli
Before heading to Tiruchirappalli, we'll visit another wonder of Tamil Nadu: the Brihadiswara Temple in Thanjavur, a World Heritage Site. We'll then head to Tanjore Palace, a complex of several historic buildings.
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After lunch, head to Tiruchirappalli (Trichy)Day 11
Visite de Tiruchirappalli (Rock fort, Sri Rangam...)
In the morning, we will attend the first abishekams (Vedic rituals) at the Premananda Ashram, then, in the morning, we will depart for Trichy and its architectural masterpieces.
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We will begin with the city's iconic landmark: the Rock Fort. This fortress-temple, perched on an 83-meter rocky peak, was used many times as a military fortification due to its natural strategic position. The fort has now abandoned its military role for a spiritual function and houses three temples.*
Trichy's other landmark is the Ranganathaswamy Temple, built on an island formed by the Kauveri and Kollidam rivers. Spanning 63 hectares, it is considered one of the largest religious complexes in the world.*
Depending on the time we have left, we will visit other temples in the surrounding area: Jambukeswarar, Samayapuram Mariamman, or Vekkaliamman.Day 12
Tiruchirappalli - Madurai
Drive to Madurai, the city of Minaskhi, the fish-eyed goddess.
Check-in at your hotel. Free time.
Overnight in Madurai.
Day 13
Visit of Madurai
Visit Madurai and its famous temple dedicated to the goddess Minakshi.
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A true city within a city, this 6-hectare sanctuary was built between the 12th and 18th centuries and features no fewer than 12 gopurams—towers adorned with stucco sculptures of deities and mythical animals, painted in bright colors. They can reach up to 52 meters in height.*
It is estimated that this sanctuary contains more than 30,000 statues. The little marvel of this temple is its hall with a thousand colorful pillars, converted into a museum.Day 14
Madurai - Palani - Coimbatore
Departure for the final leg of our journey: Coimbatore and the Isha Center.
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On the way, we'll stop at Palani, a hilltop home to one of the most sacred temples of the god Murugan, son of Shiva and Parvati. The spiritual fervor here is palpable. You might witness the trance-like dance of devotees with the "kavadi," a wooden hoop placed on their shoulders.*
Arrival at the end of the day at the Isha Center near Coimbatore. The Isha Foundation was founded in 1992 by Jaggi Vasudev (satguru) and offers yoga programs that do not belong to any existing yogic lineage. Overnight at the Isha CenterDay 15
Journée au centre d'Isha
Unlike previous ashrams, the Isha Ashram is modern in style with elaborate architecture. It is located at the foot of the Velliangiri Mountains, one of the lushest regions of South India.
Spent the day on site. Free time to soak up the surroundings.
You can meditate in the center's various meditation halls, the Dhyanalinga being the most remarkable.
Your visit will surely take you to the immense statue of Adiyogi Shiva, recognized as the "largest bust sculpture" in the world.
Overnight at the Isha Center
Day 16
Visit of Coimbatore
A day dedicated to visiting Coimbatore (30 km from the Isha Center) and its most sacred shrines: the Perur Patteeswara Temple, one of the oldest in the city, and the Marudhamalai Temple, where you might witness the "milk abhishekam," a ritual that involves pouring liters of milk over the idol while mantras are chanted with great fervor. Simply captivating.
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Return to the Isha Center and free time. Overnight at the Isha Center*
The next day, flight to the destination of your choice, end of the trip... Unless you continue the adventure with us! Vanakam.