KSTDC Package — Marketed by Padaki Travel Desk
Best of South India — Grand Pilgrimage Circuit
9 days through the sacred heartland of South India — 15+ temples spanning Tamil Nadu and Kerala, from Arunachaleshwara to UNESCO Brihadeeshwara, Rameswaram's 22 holy wells, Kanyakumari sunrise, Guruvayur, Palani Murugan and Kodaikanal.
🚽 Thiruvannamalai💃 Chidambaram🏛 Tanjavur UNESCO🚽 Meenakshi🌊 Rameswaram🌅 Kanyakumari🚽 Guruvayur⛰️ Palani🏔️ Kodaikanal
8 Nights
Duration
9 Days
Itinerary
2nd & 4th Sat
Departures
₹16,175
From / person
🚽Meenakshi
Madurai
Madurai
🌊Rameswaram
22 Holy Wells
22 Holy Wells
🏛Tanjavur
UNESCO
UNESCO
🌅Kanyakumari
Sunrise
Sunrise
🚽Guruvayur
⛰️Palani
Murugan
Murugan
Tour at a glance
Duration
8 Nights · 9 Days
Starts & ends
Yeshwanthpura, Bengaluru
Price from
₹16,175 per person
Transport
AC Deluxe Coach
Frequency
Every 2nd & 4th Saturday
Departure
6:00 AM
Temples
15+ major shrines
States
Tamil Nadu + Kerala
Guide
Professional multilingual
Senior discount
20% off on transport
LTC facility
✓ Available
Returns
Day 9 — 6:00 AM Bengaluru
About this tour
This 9-day KSTDC grand pilgrimage from Bangalore covers Thiruvannamalai, Chidambaram, Thirunallar, Kumbakonam, Tanjavur, Srirangam, Madurai, Rameswaram, Kanyakumari, Thiruvananthapuram, Guruvayur, Palani and Kodaikanal — one of the most comprehensive South India temple circuits available.
The tour covers two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Tanjavur Brihadeeshwara Temple (1987) and the Chola temples. Key experiences include Thirtha Snana in Rameswaram's 22 sacred wells, Kanyakumari sunrise and sunset, Vivekananda Rock, Kovalam Beach and a full day in Kodaikanal. All five Pancha Bhuta Stalas of Shaivism are effectively represented across the route.
Departs every Saturday at 6:00 AM from Yeshwanthpura, Bengaluru. Returns Day 9 at 6:00 AM.
Is this 9-day South India Grand Tour right for you?
A strong fit for
Reasonably fit senior citizens, families, solo travellers, pilgrims and first-time South India visitors who want a large temple-and-sightseeing circuit without separately arranging hotels, local transport or the route between destinations.
Understand the fixed-tour rhythm
This is a long conducted tour with a set itinerary. Travellers who choose it are usually prepared for several days on the road and often enjoy the group experience with like-minded co-travellers. It is less flexible for families travelling with infants or anyone who needs frequent unscheduled rest.
Rameswaram and temple darshan
The scheduled Rameswaram experiences listed in the itinerary, including the 22-theertham ritual bathing and temple darshan, are allotted time within the tour. The circuit should be treated as a regular-darshan tour, not as an itinerary for lengthy personal poojas or additional sevas.
Kodaikanal is a real leisure component
Kodaikanal is not merely a token stop: the itinerary includes a full sightseeing day. It also gives travellers a change of pace from the pilgrimage-heavy portion of the circuit before the return journey.
Before you book: the itinerary is followed as a group and there is no refund for the unused portion if a traveller voluntarily leaves the tour midway. If you need a slower pace, personal rituals or substantial flexibility, a customised private tour may suit you better.
What to know before you choose this tour
A 9-day circuit for travellers ready to cover a lot
This tour suits reasonably fit seniors, families, solo travellers, pilgrims and first-time South India visitors who want many important temples and destinations covered in one organised journey.
Regular darshan, not lengthy personal sevas
The circuit is designed around the temple visits listed in the itinerary. Lengthy individual poojas, additional sevas or detours cannot normally be accommodated within the group schedule.
Rameswaram's listed ritual programme gets scheduled time
The itinerary includes the 22-theertham ritual bathing and Ramanathaswamy Temple darshan. Travellers needing additional personal rituals should plan a private arrangement.
Be prepared to complete the full fixed circuit
This is a long conducted tour with a set itinerary. If a traveller voluntarily leaves midway, the unused portion is not refundable, so book only if you are reasonably comfortable completing the circuit.
Watch this tour on YouTube
Watch our overview of the South India Temple Tour — 9 days covering 15+ sacred temples across Tamil Nadu and Kerala by KSTDC AC coach.
Full route — 9 days
🏁 Bengaluru›🚽 Thiruvannamalai›💃 Chidambaram›🍐 Thirunallar›🚽 Kumbakonam›🏛 Tanjavur›🚽 Srirangam›🚽 Madurai›🌊 Rameswaram›🌊 Tiruchendur›🌅 Kanyakumari›⛩️ Suchindram›🏖️ Kovalam›🚽 Thiruvananthapuram›🙏 Kaladi›🚽 Guruvayur›⛰️ Palani›🏔️ Kodaikanal›🏁 Bengaluru
Departure schedule
Pickup point
KSTDC Counter, BMTC Yeshwanthpura, Bengaluru
Departure time
6:00 AM
Frequency
Every 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month
Night halts
Thirunallar (N1) · Madurai (N2) · Rameswaram (N3) · Kanyakumari (N4) · Thiruvananthapuram (N5) · Guruvayur (N6) · Kodaikanal (N7) · Bus (N8)
Contact
+91 97315 56663
Returns
Day 9 — 6:00 AM Bengaluru
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Bengaluru to Thiruvannamalai · Chidambaram · Thirunallar
6:00 AMDeparture from KSTDC Booking Counter, BMTC Yeshwanthpura, Bengaluru. Report 15 minutes before departure
Thiruvannamalai — Arunachaleshwara Temple, Pancha Bhuta Stala of Fire
11:00 AMThiruvannamalai — Annamalaiyar (Arunachaleshwara) Temple — one of the five Pancha Bhuta Stalas representing Fire (Agni). The sacred Arunachala Hill is Lord Shiva himself. One of India's largest temple complexes at 25 acres
Chidambaram Nataraja Temple — Cosmic Dance of Shiva
4:30 PMChidambaram — Nataraja Temple — cosmic dance of Shiva enshrined here. Chidambara Rahasyam — the space element represented as an empty space of consciousness
5:30 PMThirunallar — Sri Darbaranyeswarar Temple (Shaneeshwara) — one of the rarest Navagraha temples, dedicated to Shani (Saturn). The tank where King Nala was freed from Saturn's curse. Night halt
Day 2Kumbakonam · Tanjavur Brihadeeshwara (UNESCO) · Srirangam · Madurai Meenakshi
5:30 AMDeparture from Thirunallar
7:30 AMKumbakonam — Sri Kumbeshwara Temple. Breakfast at Kumbakonam (own cost)
Tanjavur Brihadeeshwara Temple — UNESCO World Heritage, Built by Raja Raja Chola (1010 AD)
10:00 AMTanjavur — Brihadeeshwara Temple (UNESCO 1987) — built by Raja Raja Chola I in 1010 CE. 66-metre vimana, 80-tonne capstone. Active place of worship for over 1,000 years
Srirangam — World's Largest Functioning Temple Complex
12:30 PMSrirangam — Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple — world's largest functioning temple complex (156 acres), one of the 108 Divya Desams. Lunch (own cost)
Madurai Meenakshi Sundareshwara Temple — 14 Gopurams, Tallest at 52m
5:30 PMMadurai — Meenakshi Sundareshwara Temple — 14 soaring gopurams (tallest 52 metres), 33,000+ sculptures. Night halt Hotel Rajadhani or similar
Day 3Rameswaram — Sea Bath · 22 Holy Wells Thirtha Snana · Ramanathaswamy Darshan
8:30 AMDeparture from Madurai to Rameswaram (175 km) via the iconic Pamban Bridge over the Palk Strait
11:30 AMArrival Rameswaram. Check-in to Hotel Rameswaram Grand or similar
AfternoonSea Bath — Agni Theertham — sacred ritual bath in the sea at the Palk Strait shore near the temple entrance
Rameswaram — Thirtha Snana in 22 Sacred Wells of Ramanathaswamy
AfternoonThirtha Snana — 22 Holy Wells — ritual bathing in all 22 sacred theerthas within the Ramanathaswamy Temple. One of the holiest acts in Hinduism
EveningDarshan of Lord Ramanathaswamy — temple with one of the longest corridors in the world (1,220 metres). Night halt Rameswaram
Day 4Spatika Linga Darshan · Tiruchendur (Murugan) · Kanyakumari Sunset
5:00–6:00 AMSpatika Linga Darshan — early morning darshan of the crystal Shiva lingam believed installed by Goddess Sita. Available only for overnight pilgrims
Tiruchendur Murugan — One of the Six Arupadai Veedu Shrines
11:00 AMTiruchendur — Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple — one of the six Arupadaiveedu (Murugan abodes), built on the seashore of the Bay of Bengal. Darshan and lunch (own cost)
4:15 PMKanyakumari — Sunset View & Kanyakaparameshwari Temple — southernmost tip of India where three seas meet. Night halt Gopinivas Grand or similar
Day 5Kanyakumari Sunrise · Vivekananda Rock · Suchindram · Kovalam · Anantha Padmanabha
Kanyakumari Sunrise — Where Three Seas Meet at India's Southern Tip
6:00 AMKanyakumari Sunrise — sun rising from the sea at India's tip. Breakfast (own cost)
7:45 AMVivekananda Rock Memorial — where Swami Vivekananda meditated in 1892. Ferry to island (at actuals). Thiruvalluvar Statue (133 feet) on adjacent rock
10:15 AMSuchindram — Thanumalayan Temple — dedicated to the Hindu Trinity as one deity. 46-foot Hanuman statue and famous musical pillars
3:30 PMKovalam Beach — Kerala's famous crescent-shaped beach at Thiruvananthapuram
Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple — Lord Vishnu in Ananthashayana Posture
5:30 PMSri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram — Lord Vishnu in Ananthashayana posture. Strict dress code: men dhoti only; women saree. Night halt Seven Hills or similar
Day 6Kaladi — Adi Shankaracharya Birthplace · Guruvayur (Guruvayurappan)
5:30 AMDeparture from Thiruvananthapuram. Breakfast en route (own cost)
12:30 PMKaladi — Adi Shankaracharya Birthplace — the 8th-century Advaita Vedanta philosopher's birthplace on the Periyar River. Lunch (own cost)
Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple — Most Important Vaishnava Shrine in Kerala
5:30 PMGuruvayur — Sri Krishna Temple (Guruvayurappan) — most important Vaishnava temple in Kerala. Strict dress code: men dhoti only; women saree. Photography prohibited inside. Night halt Nandini Tourist Home or similar
Day 7Palani — Dhandayuthapani Murugan · Kodaikanal
6:30 AMDeparture from Guruvayur. Breakfast en route (own cost)
12:30 PMPalani — Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple — one of the six Arupadaiveedu, atop Sivagiri Hill. Navapashanam idol. 693 steps or ropeway (charges at actuals). Lunch (own cost)
5:30 PMArrival Kodaikanal (2,133m). Night halt Hotel SV International or similar
Day 8Full Day Kodaikanal · Pillar Rocks · Coaker's Walk · Kodai Lake · Bryant Park — Departure
Full Day Kodaikanal — Pillar Rocks, Coaker's Walk, Kodai Lake & Bryant Park
9:00 AM–5:30 PMFull day Kodaikanal: Pillar Rocks (granite columns rising 122m) · Green Valley View (2,000 feet above Vaigai plains) · Coaker's Walk (1 km clifftop) · Kodai Lake (boating at actuals) · Bryant Park. Lunch (own cost)
6:00 PMDeparture from Kodaikanal for Bengaluru. Overnight coach journey. Dinner at Dindigul (own cost)
Day 9Return to Bengaluru
6:00 AMTour ends at KSTDC Head Office, Yeshwanthpura, Bengaluru. 8 nights of South India's most sacred shrines — all in one blessed journey
Not the tour you were looking for?
Browse all KSTDC Tour PackagesAccommodation
Night 1 — Thirunallar
Hotel Geethan Residency or Similar
Thirunallar, Tamil Nadu
Night 2 — Madurai
Hotel Rajadhani or Similar
Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Night 3 — Rameswaram
Hotel Rameswaram Grand or Similar
Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
Night 4 — Kanyakumari
Gopinivas Grand or Similar
Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
Night 5 — Thiruvananthapuram
Seven Hills or Similar
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Night 6 — Guruvayur
Nandini Tourist Home or Similar
Guruvayur, Kerala
Night 7 — Kodaikanal
Hotel SV International or Similar
Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Night 8 — Bus (Kodaikanal to Bengaluru)
KSTDC AC Deluxe Coach
Overnight return journey
Inclusions & exclusions
AC Deluxe Coach transportation throughout
7 nights hotel accommodation
Professional multilingual guide
GST included in ticket fare
LTC facility for govt. employees
20% senior citizen discount on transport
All meals throughout (own cost)
Vivekananda Rock ferry charges
Palani ropeway charges
Temple darshan / entry charges
Personal & shopping expenses
Tour pricing
Single
1 person / room
₹24,425
per person · incl. GST
Solo rate
Most popular
Double
2 persons / room
₹17,275
per person · incl. GST
Save ₹7,150
Triple
3 persons / room
₹16,175
per person · incl. GST
Best value
Calculate your total trip cost
Room type
No. of travellers
Estimated total cost
2 persons x ₹17,275 (Double)
₹34,550
* Includes 7-night hotel accommodation + transportation + guide + GST. All meals, darshan charges, ferry and ropeway charges are additional.
Senior citizens (60+) receive a 20% discount on transportation. Carry valid age proof at the time of booking.
Dress code reminder: Padmanabhaswamy Temple (Thiruvananthapuram) and Guruvayur Temple require traditional attire — men must wear dhoti only (no trousers), women must wear saree. Carry traditional clothing or arrange on arrival. Padaki Travel Desk will advise at time of booking.
Book this tour through Padaki Travel Desk
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Frequently asked questions
What does this tour cover?
Day 1: Thiruvannamalai, Chidambaram, Thirunallar. Day 2: Kumbakonam, Tanjavur UNESCO, Srirangam, Madurai Meenakshi. Day 3: Rameswaram sea bath, 22 holy wells. Day 4: Spatika Linga, Tiruchendur, Kanyakumari sunset. Day 5: Kanyakumari sunrise, Vivekananda Rock, Suchindram, Kovalam, Padmanabhaswamy. Day 6: Kaladi, Guruvayur. Day 7: Palani, Kodaikanal. Day 8: Full day Kodaikanal, departure. Day 9: 6 AM return Bengaluru.
When does this tour depart?
Every 2nd Saturday and 4th Saturday of the month at 6:00 AM from KSTDC Booking Counter, BMTC Yeshwanthpura, Bengaluru.
What is the price?
Rs 24,425 (single), Rs 17,275 (double), Rs 16,175 (triple) per person. All include GST.
What is the dress code for Guruvayur and Padmanabhaswamy Temple?
Both temples require strict traditional attire — men must wear dhoti only (no trousers allowed), women must wear saree. Carry traditional clothing or arrange rental near the temple entrance.
What is Thirtha Snana at Rameswaram?
Thirtha Snana involves a sea bath at Agni Theertham followed by bathing in all 22 sacred wells within the Ramanathaswamy Temple complex. Considered one of the holiest acts in Hinduism.
What is the Brihadeeshwara Temple at Tanjavur?
Built by Raja Raja Chola I in 1010 CE. UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 66-metre vimana and 80-tonne capstone are among the greatest feats of ancient Indian engineering. Still an active temple after 1,000 years.
What is Guruvayur Temple?
The most important Vaishnava temple in Kerala, called the Dwaraka of the South. Strict dress code — men dhoti only, women saree. Photography strictly prohibited inside.
What is Palani Temple?
One of the six Arupadaiveedu (Murugan abodes), atop Sivagiri Hill. The navapashanam idol is made from nine medicinal herbs. 693 steps or ropeway to reach the summit.
Are meals included?
No. All meals throughout the 9-day tour are at own cost.
Does this KSTDC tour include Tanjavur Brihadeeshwara Temple?
Yes. Tanjavur Brihadeeshwara Temple (UNESCO World Heritage 1987) is visited on Day 2 — built by Raja Raja Chola I in 1010 AD, with a 216-foot vimana that casts no shadow at noon.
Is Rameswaram Thirtha Snana on this tour?
Yes. Thirtha Snana — ritual bathing in all 22 sacred theerthas of Ramanathaswamy Temple — is the centrepiece of Day 3 evening at Rameswaram.
Does this tour cover Kanyakumari?
Yes. Kanyakumari is covered on Day 4 (sunset) and Day 5 (sunrise) — India's southernmost tip where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean meet. Includes Vivekananda Rock Memorial.
Is Guruvayur Temple on this tour?
Yes. Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple (Guruvayurappan) is visited on Day 6 evening — the most important Vaishnava shrine in Kerala, also known as Dwaraka of the South.
Does this tour include Palani Murugan?
Yes. Palani Dhandayuthapani Murugan Temple is visited on Day 7 — one of the six Arupadai Veedu shrines of Lord Murugan, reached by ropeway or foot.
Is Kodaikanal on this tour?
Yes. A full day in Kodaikanal is covered on Day 8 — Pillar Rocks, Green Valley View, Coaker's Walk, Kodai Lake and Bryant Park before the overnight departure for Bangalore.
What UNESCO sites are on this tour?
Tanjavur Brihadeeshwara Temple (UNESCO 1987) is the primary UNESCO site on Day 2. The Great Living Chola Temples designation also covers the Srirangam and Gangaikonda Cholapuram temples visited on this route.
Is Chidambaram Nataraja Temple on this tour?
Yes. Chidambaram Nataraja Temple is visited on Day 1 evening — one of the Pancha Bhuta Stalas representing Akasha (ether), where Shiva's cosmic dance (Nataraja) is enshrined.
Is the KSTDC Best of South India Grand Tour suitable for senior citizens?
It can suit reasonably fit senior citizens who are comfortable with a 9-day conducted-tour schedule. The group format removes much of the route, hotel and local-logistics planning, but travellers should still be comfortable following the fixed daily itinerary.
Can I perform lengthy personal poojas or sevas during this tour?
This tour is best treated as a regular-darshan pilgrimage circuit. Time is provided for the experiences listed in the itinerary, but lengthy individual poojas, additional sevas or detours cannot normally be accommodated within the group schedule.
Is there enough time for the 22-theertham ritual and Ramanathaswamy Temple darshan at Rameswaram?
The published itinerary specifically includes the 22 holy wells Thirtha Snana and Ramanathaswamy Temple darshan, and the tour schedule allocates time for the listed programme. Travellers needing additional personal rituals should choose a more flexible private arrangement.
Why is Kodaikanal included in a pilgrimage-heavy tour?
Kodaikanal adds a meaningful leisure break to the circuit. The itinerary includes a full sightseeing day covering major Kodaikanal attractions before the overnight return to Bengaluru.
What happens if I leave this 9-day tour midway?
A traveller may discontinue for personal reasons, but the unused portion of the tour is not refundable. Travellers should therefore book only if they are reasonably confident of completing the fixed circuit.
Important notes
GST inclusive. Departures on 2nd and 4th Saturday only. Management may cancel if fewer than 15 seats. Report 15 minutes before 6:00 AM. Bus will not wait. Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Guruvayur require strict traditional dress code. Vivekananda Rock ferry and Palani ropeway at actuals. Smoking, alcohol and tipping strictly prohibited throughout.
Cancellation policy
More than 48 hours before departure10% deducted
Between 48 and 24 hours before departure25% deducted
Within 24 hours of departureNo refund
Ticket transferabilityNon-transferable
Terms & conditions
- 1.KSTDC is not liable for cancellations due to breakdown or events beyond management control. A proportionate refund applies if no alternate arrangement is made.
- 2.For all booking, cancellation or modification queries contact Padaki Travel Desk: +91 97315 56663 / muralidhar@karnatakatravelguide.in.
- 3.Tickets are not transferable to another person.
- 4.Management is not responsible for loss of luggage or personal belongings during the tour.
- 5.Management reserves the right to cancel the trip if fewer than 15 seats are booked. A full refund will be provided in such cases.
- 6.Children above 5 years of age are charged full fare. Children below 5 years are not allotted a separate seat. Valid age proof must be produced at the time of booking.
- 7.Passengers must report 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The bus will not wait for late arrivals under any circumstances.
- 8.Smoking and consumption of alcohol are strictly prohibited inside the coach throughout the journey.
- 9.Tipping the guide, driver, or any KSTDC staff member is strictly prohibited. All staff are paid by KSTDC.
- 10.Package tariff covers accommodation and transportation only. Food, entry tickets, and all personal expenses are borne by the tourist. Senior citizens (60+) are eligible for a 20% discount on transportation. LTC facility is available for State Government, Central Government, and PSU employees.
Why book through Padaki Travel Desk?
Authorised KSTDC travel agents — same official price, with personal service.
24×7 phone accessibility — call or WhatsApp any time. A real person always answers.
Instant booking confirmation — no waiting. Your seat is secured immediately.
Zero extra charge — exact same KSTDC price. Our service is completely free.
Fully official KSTDC booking — valid for LTC and all KSTDC protections.
Pre-travel guidance — packing tips, entry ticket info, and what to expect at each stop.
Senior citizen discount automatically applied — just carry age proof on travel day.
Authorised KSTDC Travel Agent
Padaki Travel Desk