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MADURAI & RAMESHWARAM TOUR WITH GRT HOTELS
NAVAGRAHA TEMPLE TOUR WITH GRT HOTELS & RESORTS
The Travel Itinerary 🚖
3 Days Download
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN MADURAI 🛕
WHY NOT? A CITY RICH IN CULTURE, FROM ROMAN TRADE TO PANDYA POWER AND THE BRITISH RAJ—IT'S A PLACE YOU SHOULD VISIT.
I'M PLANNING TO VISIT THE TEMPLES OF TAMIL NADU. WHICH CITY SHOULD I GO TO? MADURAI, MAYBE?
WITH BELL CHIMES ECHOING THROUGH THE WINDS & TEMPLES REACHING FOR THE SKY, MADURAI'S SPLENDOUR IS A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCE.
Arrival in Madurai: Arriving in Madurai feels less like ticking off a travel plan and more like showing up at a place that already knew you were coming. The scent of fresh flowers trails in the breeze while auto rickshaws zip around like they’re on a mission, and there’s an unspoken welcome in the way people nod at you. You check into the hotel, and suddenly, the combination of cool interiors and warm welcomes makes perfect sense. After all, when your morning's been all about airports, queues, and window seat wars, a glass of buttermilk will feel like a reward from the universe.
Start at Meenakshi: Once you're freshened up and ready to go, it's time to head straight to the heart of the city—the Meenakshi Amman Temple. This isn’t just a temple; it's the very rhythm of Madurai. Each of the towering 14 gopurams tells stories—some divine, some historic, but all unforgettable. As you stroll through the Dravidian-style pillared corridors, you’ll feel a shift in your view towards architecture. The peaceful silence and the sense that your worries are just quietly being handed over to something much bigger than you is an experience you won’t forget. The temple has a sacred water tank, and vibrant murals bring to life stories from the Thiruvilaiyadal Puranam. If you're lucky enough to visit during the Chithirai Brahmotsavam, you might just catch the Thirukalyanam, the celestial wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareshwarar. It's not just a festival—it’s Madurai's way of rolling out the red carpet for the gods.
Step into the Palace: Your next stop is the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Everything here feels larger than life. The arches rise so high they could challenge the clouds, and the 82-foot columns make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into the courts of the Gods. The Swarga Vilasam, once the beating heart of royal decisions, still holds a certain pride, as if it's quietly expecting a king to walk in any moment. And the courtyard? It’s the kind of grand expanse where you’d half expect a royal procession to march through—or at the very least, a troupe of dancers performing under a full moon.
Evening Wrap: As the evening light softens, you slowly make your way back to the hotel—legs aching a little, phone gallery fuller than your energy levels. You tell yourself, ‘just one last photo’, and then take five more. It’s that kind of day. The kind that leaves you tired in the best way possible, already dreaming of your bed but also secretly excited for what tomorrow might bring. Because trust us—Madurai isn’t done with you yet. Enjoy a traditional South Indian dinner, where every bite is a celebration of rich, authentic flavours, before resting up for another adventure tomorrow.Read More
DAY 2: MADURAI TO RAMESHWARAM 🛕
OH MY! HAVEN’T YOU HEARD OF GRT’S ITINERARY? THEY'LL ZOOM YOU AROUND TO TEMPLES IN MADURAI & RAMESHWARAM, NO HASSLE!
I WANNA VISIT THE AGNI THEERTHAM TEMPLE. I HEARD IT'S WHERE LORD AGNI COOLED HIS ANGER. BUT MADURAI TO THERE? TOO MUCH TRAVEL!
A SCENIC DRIVE FROM MADURAI TO RAMESHWARAM! FROM GOLDEN FIELDS TO SWAYING PALM TREES, GRT ENSURES A HASSLE-FREE JOURNEY TO THE TEMPLES IN THE CITY.
Onward Bound:Some mornings don’t need alarms—they begin with a sense of purpose and maybe the sound of your suitcase zipping up like it’s more excited than you. With a hearty breakfast behind you and Madurai’s temples waving you goodbye, you're off on a drive to Rameshwaram.
Palm-lined Path: The road ahead? Think golden fields, sleepy villages, and palm trees swaying like backup dancers in a vintage Tamil song. Every now and then, a goat might stare like it's judging your playlist—ignore it and keep cruising. It’s an easy drive of approximately three hours, so roll your windows down, let the breeze do its thing, and get ready to coast into one of the holiest towns in South India.
Spiritual Grandeur: Once in Rameshwaram, check in, refresh, and let the ocean-salted air start working its magic. Your first stop? The awe-inspiring Ramanathaswamy Temple—a place where architecture and spirituality meet and decide to go big.
Devotion in Stone:The corridors inside feel like they were built for a cosmic marathon. The pillared halls seem to stretch all the way into your past life. The third corridor alone is a whopping 197 metres east to west. If you lose count of pillars while walking, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many pilgrims pause halfway, wondering if they’ve entered a spiritual maze. Built by the Sethupathy rulers, the temple is more than a structure—it’s devotion in stone. And every step you take here echoes with stories whispered by centuries of faith.
Divine Pause:After this grand experience, head over to Agni Theertham, just a short walk away. The sea here isn’t just water—it’s legend. Even Lord Agni, the god of fire, came here for a spiritual detox (so yes, you're in powerful company). Watch as pilgrims break coconuts by the shore—an age-old ritual symbolising the offering of ego and seeking divine blessings. If you feel the urge to dip your toes in, go ahead—the ocean’s been waiting..
Evening Serenity:As evening rolls in, dig into a simple but soul-hugging dinner. Think warm rice, mellow spices, and seafood so fresh it might still be whispering ocean secrets. Nothing fancy, just food that fills you up like a good prayer. And when the stars start twinkling over Rameshwaram, you’ll know—it’s time to rest those temple-trotting feet. Day 2 ends not with a full stop, but a comma. Because the journey? It’s just getting started.Read More
DAY 3: RAMESHWARAM TO DHANUSHKODI 🛕
‘OF COURSE! HOW ABOUT A TRIP TO THE RUINS OF A ONCE-BUSTLING CITY? OR A LITTLE BRIDGE-SIDE WONDER? EVERYTHING'S ON OFFER, JUST BRING YOURSELF!'
THE TEMPLES VISIT IS GREAT by GRT, BUT DOES IT COME WITH ANYTHING MORE? ANY SPECIAL PLACES ON THE ROAD?
RAMESHWARAM’S LAST HURRAH IS NO LESS GRAND. FROM GHOST TOWNS TO GODLY VIEWS, THE JOURNEY WRAPS WITH WONDER, MADE WARMER BY GRT’S EVER-WELCOMING STAY.
Journey Continues: You’ve walked temple corridors, dined like royalty, and stood where legends once lived—but the curtain hasn’t closed just yet. Day 3 doesn’t wave goodbye—it throws in a surprise encore. Rameshwaram still has a few show-stealers up its sleeve. So keep your sandals handy and your curiosity on full charge. After all, the best journeys don’t end—they echo.
Spiritual Start: Kick off the morning at the Panchmukhi Anjaneyar Temple, where Hanuman welcomes you with not one, but five majestic faces. Feeling a little groggy? One look at Hanuman’s mighty form and you’ll be wide-eyed and wide-awake. Then it’s off to Dhanushkodi, once a bustling village, now standing as a windswept stretch of poetic ruins. The sea hums a background tune, and the breeze carries stories—some true, some imagined. It’s haunting, beautiful, and just the right place to channel your inner philosopher (or model, depending on your Instagram goals).
Savour the Moment: As you return, catch your breath (and your hair) on the Pamban Bridge—Tamil Nadu’s most photogenic overachiever. The sea sparkles like it's showing off for a movie audition, and you might find yourself leaning out for that perfect click… only to realise your hairstyle now resembles a windswept coconut. Still, the view? Totally worth it. Back in Rameshwaram, it’s time for your final lunch with us—a humble goodbye from the town that’s been feeding both your soul and your appetite. Whether it’s a quick thali or a simple meal before checkout, savour it like the last page of a great novel. And if your stomach grumbles later, it’s probably just nostalgia.
Final Farewell: With that, you’ll check out and begin your drive back to Madurai—the bags a little heavier, the heart even more so. If time allows, squeeze in some last-minute shopping or pop into one last temple. If not, enjoy the road scenes with the emotional intensity of a Tamil movie climax—wind in your hair, playlists on, and silence filled with sweet memories.
A Journey That Lingers:Your Divine Darshan adventure may be wrapping up, but the journey is far from over. Tamil Nadu isn’t just a state—it’s a storyteller. One that speaks in temple bells, echoes in ancient walls, and dances in the flavours of a homemade meal. The roads will always be here, the gods ever-welcoming, and the memories ready to replay the moment you return.Read More
DAY 1: TRICHY ARRIVAL - TANJORE 🛕
Once you land at Trichy International Airport, your adventure begins with a beaming smile from your guide and driver, who are practically waiting for you and your family with open arms. First on your cosmic adventure is the Chandran Temple in Thingaloor, dedicated to the Moon God. If you’ve been feeling a little 'off' lately, or your horoscope’s been looking a bit shaky, offering your prayers here will surely set things right—goodbye to all that Chandra Dosha, and hello to peace of mind!
Next up is the Aalangudi Apatsahayesvarar Temple, also known as the Guru Temple. Here, you’ll meet Brihaspati, the planet Jupiter himself. It’s said that if wisdom, education, and the fine arts are your jam, a little prayer at this temple might just boost your intellectual and artistic flair. Who knows? You might walk out with an award-winning poem, or at least a profound appreciation for the beauty of ancient architecture.
Then, after all that spiritual fulfillment, it’s time for a well-deserved break—and a hearty lunch! Fill your stomach and prepare for a trip to the Suriyanar Temple, where the Sun God holds court. This is the only temple in Tamil Nadu that houses all 9 shrines of the Navagraha planets in one place, it’s like the ultimate planetary buffet.
Finally, we’ll wrap up your spiritual tour at the Sukran Temple in Kanjanoor. Dedicated to Lord Sukran, the planet Venus, it is believed to resolve issues related to love, marriage, beauty, and comfort. So, if your love life feels a little… dry, or if you just want to look good for your selfies, this is the place to be.
After a day of cosmic adventures, you’ll head to a place that feels like home—Great Trails River View Resort Thanjavur by GRT Hotels. It’s the perfect place to unwind and prepare for the exciting day ahead. So, put your feet up, sip on some chai, and get ready to do it all again tomorrow—this time, with even more excitement and laughter! Read More
DAY 1: TRICHY ARRIVAL - TANJORE 🛕
Once you land at Trichy International Airport, your adventure begins with a beaming smile from your guide and driver, who are practically waiting for you and your family with open arms. First on your cosmic adventure is the Chandran Temple in Thingaloor, dedicated to the Moon God. If you’ve been feeling a little 'off' lately, or your horoscope’s been looking a bit shaky, offering your prayers here will surely set things right—goodbye to all that Chandra Dosha, and hello to peace of mind!
Next up is the Aalangudi Apatsahayesvarar Temple, also known as the Guru Temple. Here, you’ll meet Brihaspati, the planet Jupiter himself. It’s said that if wisdom, education, and the fine arts are your jam, a little prayer at this temple might just boost your intellectual and artistic flair. Who knows? You might walk out with an award-winning poem, or at least a profound appreciation for the beauty of ancient architecture.
Then, after all that spiritual fulfillment, it’s time for a well-deserved break—and a hearty lunch! Fill your stomach and prepare for a trip to the Suriyanar Temple, where the Sun God holds court. This is the only temple in Tamil Nadu that houses all 9 shrines of the Navagraha planets in one place, it’s like the ultimate planetary buffet.
Finally, we’ll wrap up your spiritual tour at the Sukran Temple in Kanjanoor. Dedicated to Lord Sukran, the planet Venus, it is believed to resolve issues related to love, marriage, beauty, and comfort. So, if your love life feels a little… dry, or if you just want to look good for your selfies, this is the place to be.
After a day of cosmic adventures, you’ll head to a place that feels like home—Great Trails River View Resort Thanjavur by GRT Hotels. It’s the perfect place to unwind and prepare for the exciting day ahead. So, put your feet up, sip on some chai, and get ready to do it all again tomorrow—this time, with even more excitement and laughter! Read More
DAY 1: TRICHY ARRIVAL - TANJORE 🛕
We bring our A-game when it’s time to meet you at Trichy International Airport. Picture this: your tour guide greets you with a beaming smile, and suddenly, a chariot—yes, a Radha Sarathi—arrives to whisk you away through the enchanting city of Tirchy. (Don’t worry, we swapped the horse for a more modern ride.)
Your first stop on this divine journey is to meet none other than the Moon God, Chandran. Feel free to visit him in the morning, or even when you're feeling a bit “moody”—he’s always happy to help! Bow to him at the Chandran Temple, his humble abode, and ask for relief from the infamous Chandra Dosha. That nagging pain or suffering? He’s got you covered with a sprinkle of celestial charm.
Once you’ve slipped on your sandals (because let’s face it, we don’t want any temple trouble), it’s back in the chariot for the next leg of the journey. Hold tight as you glide toward the Aalangudi Apatsahayesvarar Temple, better known as the Guru Temple. This is the court of Jupiter, or as he’s called in the heavens, Brihaspati. Pray for wisdom, education, and the fine arts—maybe you’ll even impress Lord Indra himself with your newfound intellect.
With your thoughts well-fed, it's time to treat your appetite! Enjoy a hearty meal before heading to Suriyanar Temple, the abode of the Sun God himself. Now, this isn’t just any temple. It’s the only one in Tamil Nadu that has all 9 shrines of the Navagraha planets. Talk about a planetary all-you-can-pray buffet!
Now, for the grand finale of day 1, we’re taking you to the Sukran Temple at Kanjanoor, dedicated to Lord Sukran (Venus). If you’re struggling with love, marriage, or perhaps a little extra glow-up, Lord Sukran’s got your back. He’s said to help resolve issues in relationships, beauty, and comforts—probably the most adored deity by men, considering he's known to ensure the well-being of their wives (talk about a cosmic wingman!)
After all the divine adventures, it’s time to rest your celestial soul at Great Trails River View Resort Thanjavur by GRT Hotels, your haven for the night. Settle into the lush surroundings, breathe in the rustic air, and get ready for another heavenly day. Recharge and prepare for more divine discoveries tomorrow—we’re not done with the gods just yet! Read More
DAY 2: NAVAGRAHA TEMPLES VISIT 🛕
- Begin your day with a delicious breakfast and embark on a spiritual journey to the Navagraha temples, dedicated to the nine celestial deities.
- First stop: the Rahu Temple at Thirunageswaram! The Temple attracts devotees who want to get relieved of Naga Dosha. Here, Lord Rahu is seen with a human face while in other places, Lord Rahu is usually seen with a serpent face.
- Further, visit the Saneeswaran Temple (Saturn) at Thirunallar. Devotees believe that taking a holy dip in Nala Theertham at this temple will wash off all kinds of misfortunes and afflictions caused by their past karmas.
- In the afternoon visit Kethu Temple at Kilperumpallam. It is dedicated to Ketu Bhagwan or the shadow planet, Mercury. Here Ketu is enshrined with the body of an asura and the head of a snake. Later, return to Kumbakonam for an overnight stay.
- Immerse yourself in the divine aura as you visit these sacred shrines. Return to GReaT trails River View Resort Thanjavur by GRT Hotels for a restful night.
DAY 3: NAVAGRAHA TEMPLES VISIT 🛕
- After breakfast, continue your pilgrimage to visit the remaining Navagraha temples.
- Vaitheeswaran Koil (Sevvai Temple) is dedicated to the planet Mars or Angaraka. Devotees visit this temple, seeking a cure for illness.
- In the afternoon visit Budhan Temple (Swetharanyeswarar Temple) at Thiruvenkadu. It is believed that worshipping Budha Bhagavan at Swetharanyeswarar Temple will bless one with good education and knowledge.
- Later, explore the village ambience and local craftsmanship unique to the region.
- Enjoy your evening at leisure at GReaT trails River View Resort Thanjavur by GRT Hotels, soaking in the serene environment.
DAY 4: TANJORE - TRICHY DROP🛕
- After breakfast, check out and proceed to Trichy.
- Before that visit the iconic Brihadeeswarar Temple (Big Temple), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Chola architecture.
- Then if time permits visit the famous Srirangam Temple, the largest functioning Hindu temple, and later drop off at Trichy for your onward journey.
FAQs
What is the duration of the Madurai to Rameshwaram temple trail?
The GRT's temple itinerary of Madurai and Rameshwaram spans 3 days and 2 nights. It covers the spiritual and cultural landmarks of both cities.
Where will I stay during the trip?
- Day 1: Stay in Madurai, preferably at GRT's Madurai hotels.
- Day 2 & 3: Stay in Rameshwaram, with GRT Hotels offering recommendations based on your preferences.
What are the key highlights of the trip?
Day 1 - Maduari:
- Meenakshi Amman Temple: Famed for its colourful gopurams and divine energy!
- Thirumalai Nayak Palace: A marvel of Indo-Saracenic design.
- Optional: Traditional South Indian dinner arranged by the hotel.
- Ramanathaswamy Temple: Visit one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples.
- Agni Theertham: Visit the sacred coastal waters for ritual cleansing.
- Panchmukhi Anjaneyar Temple: The Temple houses an idol of five-faced Hanuman.
- Dhanushkodi: A hauntingly beautiful ghost town by the sea.
- Pamban Bridge: An iconic sea bridge connecting Rameshwaram to the mainland.
What is the travel distance between Madurai and Rameshwaram?
The distance is approximately 173 km and takes about 3.5 to 4 hours by road.
What are the suggested visiting hours for key sites?
Meenakshi Temple: 5:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Ramanathaswamy Temple: 5:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Other sites: Open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Ramanathaswamy Temple: 5:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Other sites: Open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Is there a dress code for temples?
Yes. Modest and traditional attire is recommended:
- Men:Shirts with dhotis or full-length pants
- Women:Sarees, salwars, or long skirts
*Avoid shorts, sleeveless clothes, and tight outfits.
Is this itinerary suitable for seniors or families?
Absolutely. The itinerary is senior and family-friendly, and GRT Hotels can arrange:
- Early check-ins
- Wheelchair assistance
- Comfortable travel with regular halts
Are meals included in the stay?
- Breakfast is included at GRT Hotels.
- Lunch and dinner can be arranged on request or enjoyed at curated local restaurants.
Can I shop for local specialties?
Yes!
- Madurai is famous for cotton sarees, temple jewellery, and handicrafts, and GRT will take you to those famous spots!
- Rameshwaram also offers seashell crafts, devotional items, and conch souvenirs.
Can this itinerary be customised?
Yes. GRT’s team can tailor the experience based on your:
- Temple interests
- Travel schedule
- Preferred pace (leisure or compact)
Who can I contact for bookings or help during the trip?
You can reach out to us at Regency Madurai by GRT Hotels:
Phone Number: +91 80692 50515
Or make a direct booking from here.
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Day 3: Navagraha Temples Visit_3e99fc19)
Day 4: Tanjore - Trichy Drop
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