Overview
Chennai, the bustling capital of Tamil Nadu, is a city where tradition meets modernity. Known for its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks, it offers a vibrant mix of old and new. The city’s deep-rooted culture is visible in its temples, classical dance forms, and festivals, while its modern appeal shines through in the city’s bustling markets, shopping malls, and contemporary infrastructure.
Highlights
- Trek to the world-famous Everest Base Camp
- Bustling Markets and Shopping in Chennai
- Serene Beaches and Waterfront Experiences
- Culinary Delights and Unique Dining Experiences
Itinerary
Chennai is home to some of the oldest and most stunning temples in India. The Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a prime example of Dravidian architecture with its grand gopuram and intricate carvings. Other temples like the Parthasarathy Temple and the San Thome Basilica provide insights into Chennai’s rich religious and architectural history. Visitors can marvel at these masterpieces while immersing themselves in the spiritual ambiance.
Your journey begins early with a 3:00 AM report to Hyderabad Airport, where you'll catch a 4:40 AM flight, arriving at Chennai at 6:10 AM. After a hearty breakfast, you'll embark on a scenic 6-hour drive to Chidambaram, arriving by 2:00 PM for lunch. Following lunch, you'll head to the Chidambaram Temple for a spiritual darshan at 3:00 PM. At 4:00 PM, make your way to the Vaideshvari Temple, just 10 km away, before continuing to Kumbakonam at 6:00 PM. You'll reach Kumbakonam by 8:00 PM, where you'll check in to your hotel and rest for the night.
Your day begins with a 5:00 AM departure for a visit to three temples by auto, with darshan completed by 7:00 AM. After returning to your hotel for breakfast, you'll set off at 8:00 AM for Swamimalai Darshan. By 10:00 AM, you'll head towards Tanjavur, located 40 km away, for darshan and lunch at 11:00 AM. Following lunch, you will depart at 2:00 PM for Jambukeshwaram, another 40 km journey, to complete your darshan by 3:00 PM. Finally, you will depart for Sri Rangam at 5:00 PM and rest for the night.
Your day begins with a 4:00 AM departure for an early morning darshan, followed by a return to the hotel for breakfast. By 9:00 AM, you'll embark on a 5-hour journey to Navapashanam, a significant spiritual site, with a lunch break along the way. You'll arrive at Navapashanam by 2:00 PM for darshan. Afterward, you’ll continue your journey to Rameswaram, located 70 km away, where you will arrive by 4:00 PM. After completing darshan at Rameswaram, you’ll settle in for the night, enjoying a well-deserved rest.
Spend the day exploring the serene town of Rameswaram by auto, visiting key local attractions like the iconic Ramanathaswamy Temple, Agnitheertham, and the Pamban Bridge. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and historic landmarks that make Rameswaram a revered pilgrimage site. After sightseeing, you’ll return to your accommodation for a restful halt, reflecting on the spiritual and scenic beauty of the town.
Your day starts with a 6:00 AM departure for Tiruchandur, a 6-hour journey (220 km) with breakfast along the way. Upon arriving at Tiruchandur by 12:00 PM, you'll visit the famous Tiruchandur Murugan Temple for darshan, followed by a delicious lunch. At 2:00 PM, you'll depart for Kanyakumari, located 100 km away, and arrive by 5:00 PM. Once in Kanyakumari, you’ll enjoy the serene surroundings and the iconic darshan, and then rest for the night, reflecting on the spiritual beauty of the place.
Your day begins at 6:00 AM with a visit to the iconic Vivekananda Rock and Temple for darshan, followed by a return to the hotel for breakfast. At 9:30 AM, you'll depart for Suchindram, located 30 km away, and arrive by 10:30 AM for darshan at the Suchindram Temple. Afterward, at 12:00 PM, you will depart for Trivandrum, a 90 km journey, with lunch on the way. Upon arrival at 4:00 PM, you will complete darshan in Trivandrum, followed by dinner. At 8:00 PM, you’ll begin the night journey to Srivilliputhur (320 km) to visit the Goda Devi Temple, concluding the day with travel to your next destination.
Your day begins at 5:00 AM upon arrival at Srivilliputhur, where you will freshen up and visit the Goda Devi Temple for darshan. After breakfast, you'll depart at 8:00 AM for Madurai, located 80 km away, and arrive by 10:00 AM for temple darshan (self by auto). After lunch, you will depart at 1:30 PM for Palani, a 100 km, 2-hour journey, arriving by 4:00 PM for darshan. You can choose to go by the roofway or take a train ticket for the ascent. Following the darshan, you'll depart at 6:00 PM for Coimbatore (100 km), arriving by 9:00 PM for a restful halt.
After breakfast and hotel check-out, visit the Aadi Yogi Isha Foundation to explore its serene surroundings. Following the visit, you'll be transferred to Coimbatore Airport for your flight to Varanasi.
The Cost Includes
- Airport pickup and drop as per itinerary
- All intercity transfers and sightseeing by private vehicle / auto as mentioned
- Hotel accommodation on twin/triple sharing basis
- Daily breakfast at hotels
- Assistance for temple darshan as per schedule
- Rameswaram local sightseeing by auto
- Driver allowance, fuel, parking, tolls, and interstate permits
- All applicable taxes
The Cost Excludes
- Airfare (Hyderabad–Chennai & Coimbatore–Varanasi)
- Train / ropeway tickets at Palani
- Auto / local transport not specifically mentioned in inclusions
- Special darshan, pooja, abhishekam, and archana charges
- Meals other than breakfast
- Personal expenses (tips, shopping, laundry, phone calls, etc.)
- Camera / video charges at temples
- Travel insurance and visa (if applicable)
- Expenses due to unforeseen circumstances (weather, strikes, delays)
FAQs
Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
