About this tour
This 5-day KSTDC pilgrimage from Bangalore covers Madurai, Rameswaram and Kanyakumari by AC Deluxe Coach — Meenakshi Amman Temple, Ramanathaswamy Thirtha Snana, Spatika Linga Darshan, Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple and Kanyakumari sunrise with Vivekananda Rock.
Day 2 opens at Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai — one of the grandest temple complexes in South India — before travelling to Rameswaram for the Thirtha Snana ritual in the 22 sacred wells of Ramanathaswamy Temple. Day 3 begins with Spatika Linga Darshan at Rameswaram, then Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple and Kanyakumari sunset at India's southern tip. Day 4 covers Kanyakumari sunrise, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Bhagavathy Amman Temple and departure.
Departs every Thursday at 7:00 PM from Yeshwanthpura, Bengaluru. Returns Day 5 at 6:00 AM.
Frequently asked questions
What does the KSTDC Mini South India tour cover?
Day 2: Meenakshi Temple Madurai (freshup halt), Rameswaram arrival, Thirtha Snana (bathing in 22 sacred wells), temple darshan. Day 3: Spatika Linga early morning darshan, Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple, Kanyakumari sunset. Day 4: Kanyakumari sunrise, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari Temple, departure. Returns Bengaluru 6 AM Day 5.
What is Rameswaram Thirtha Snana?
Thirtha Snana at Rameswaram involves bathing in all 22 sacred wells (Theerthas) within the Ramanathaswamy Temple complex. Each well has a different name and is believed to have unique spiritual properties. Bathing in all 22 is considered one of the holiest acts in Hinduism, said to cleanse all sins.
What is the Spatika Linga at Rameswaram?
The Spatika Linga is a rare crystal (quartz) Shiva lingam at the Ramanathaswamy Temple, believed to have been installed by Goddess Sita. It is distinct from the main Ramalingeswara lingam installed by Lord Rama. The early morning Spatika Linga darshan (5–6 AM) is a special ritual available only to overnight pilgrims.
What is special about Kanyakumari?
Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) is the southernmost tip of mainland India where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean converge. It is unique for its sunrise and sunset — the sun rises from the sea on the east and sets into it on the west. On full moon days, the sunset and moonrise are simultaneously visible.
What is the price of this tour?
AC Deluxe coach: ₹10,610 (single), ₹8,100 (double), ₹7,640 (triple) per person. Volvo AC upgrade: ₹11,080 per person. All include GST.
What is the difference between AC Deluxe and Volvo AC?
The standard package uses an AC Deluxe coach (comfortable air-conditioned bus). The Volvo AC option is an upgraded Volvo multi-axle coach with wider, more reclinable seats for greater comfort over the long overnight journeys. The Volvo option costs ₹11,080 per person regardless of room occupancy.
Are meals included?
No. Package covers accommodation and coach transportation. All meals and personal expenses are borne by the traveller.
What is Suchindram Temple?
Suchindram (Thanumalayan Temple) near Kanyakumari is unique in being dedicated to the Hindu Trinity — Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva worshipped as one deity called Sthanumalayana. It features a remarkable 46-foot Hanuman statue and famous musical pillars that produce distinct tones when tapped.
Does this KSTDC tour include Meenakshi Temple Madurai?
Yes. Meenakshi Amman Temple is visited on Day 2 morning — one of the grandest temple complexes in South India with 14 soaring gopurams, the tallest rising to 52 metres.
Is Rameswaram Thirtha Snana included in this tour?
Yes. The Thirtha Snana ritual bathing in the 22 sacred theerthas (wells) of Ramanathaswamy Temple is the centrepiece of Day 2 evening and night at Rameswaram.
Does this tour cover Kanyakumari sunrise?
Yes. Kanyakumari sunrise is one of the highlights of Day 4 morning — watching the sun rise from the sea at India's southernmost tip where three seas meet.
Is Vivekananda Rock Memorial on this tour?
Yes. Vivekananda Rock Memorial is visited on Day 4 morning — the island rock where Swami Vivekananda meditated in 1892 before his historic speech at the Chicago Parliament of Religions.
Does this tour include Suchindram Temple?
Yes. Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple is visited on Day 3 — dedicated to the Hindu Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva) as one deity, with a famous musical pillars corridor.
Is Spatika Linga Darshan part of this tour?
Yes. Spatika Linga Darshan is on Day 3 early morning at Ramanathaswamy Temple — a rare darshan of the crystal Shiva lingam believed to have been worshipped by Goddess Sita.
What is the best time to visit Kanyakumari on this tour?
The tour runs year-round. October to February is the best time — clear skies for both sunset and sunrise views. Monsoon months (June–August) can have rough seas affecting the ferry to Vivekananda Rock.