TRAVEL PLAN · INDIA
The Planets of South India
We agree the dates and duration for your group.
Tamil temples, the coast and Chola cities form a journey through South India's living religious culture. At its centre is the Navagraha tradition: nine planetary figures, their shrines and the ritual life of temples.
India · Planets of South India
The journey’s concept
Tamil temples, the coast and Chola cities form a journey through South India's living religious culture. At its centre is the Navagraha tradition: nine planetary figures, their shrines and the ritual life of temples.
Based on WST's original Planets of South India presentation, v11. Philosophical and astrological interpretations are approached as part of tradition; personal practices and meetings can be included according to group interests.
THREE REASONS TO CHOOSE THIS ROUTE
What makes this journey special
01
The Navagraha planetary circle
Explore temple tradition through architecture, symbolism and pilgrimage routes around Swamimalai. Visits follow realistic logistics, without promising every shrine in a single day.
02
From stone to ocean
Mahabalipuram and Chola cities provide the architectural section; Pondicherry and Auroville offer changing impressions and coastal time.
03
Arunachala and Chidambaram
Two expressions of Shaivite tradition: mountain and temple city. Services and circumambulations are optional; access depends on each shrine's rules.
THE ROUTE
Chennai — Kanchipuram — Mahabalipuram — Tiruvannamalai — Trichy — Thanjavur — Swamimalai — Chidambaram — Pondicherry — Auroville
PLACES AND EXPERIENCES
Proposed itinerary
The stages below outline a possible route rather than a confirmed departure schedule. Duration, transfers and visits are adapted to the chosen period and the group’s interests.
01 · Chennai and Kanchipuram
Welcome in Chennai, meeting the group and travel to Kanchipuram. Kailasanatha and Ekambareswarar temples are explored through Tamil architecture and the five elements.
02 · Mahabalipuram: stone and coast
Pallava coastal monuments, reliefs and an ocean walk. Visits account for heat and transfer times.
03 · Tiruvannamalai and Arunachala
Arunachaleswarar Temple, the mountain area and Ramana Maharshi's ashram. A long mountain circumambulation is an optional addition, not a participation requirement.
04 · Trichy and Srirangam
We explore Srirangam's temple city and Jambukeswarar's water symbolism. Visits follow access rules and group interests.
05 · Thanjavur and Darasuram
Chola architecture, stone carving and living temple culture. Travel and rest time are allowed between visits.
06 · Swamimalai and Navagraha temples
Several outings to selected planetary temples. The original presentation lists Thingalur, Alangudi, Suryanar, Kanjanur, Tirunageswaram, Vaitheeswaran Koil and Thirunallar; the final selection is made during costing.
07 · Chidambaram
Nataraja Temple and its symbolic language. Ritual elements are included only when access allows and with respect for the living tradition.
08 · Pondicherry, Auroville and return
The seafront, Sri Aurobindo's legacy and Auroville's visitor programme. Matrimandir requires separate arrangements. The itinerary concludes in Chennai.
Practical notes and preparation
- This is an itinerary foundation; old presentation dates and prices do not apply to a new request.
- Rituals and astrological interpretations are optional cultural elements; personal changes are not guaranteed.
- Some temples restrict access, clothing and photography.
- Temple excursions, facilitator, duration and accommodation are agreed for the group.
How to clarify travel arrangements
Agree the programme content
Accommodation, meals, transport, excursions, guiding, group activities and additional visits are specified in an offer for your enquiry. The items in this description are not a list of services already paid for.
Prepare a tailored quote
The price depends on group size, timing, logistics and service level. Before booking, we confirm included services, additional costs and participation terms. You may enquire for your own group or about joining another one.
CHOOSE YOUR PROGRAMME AND YOUR TIMING
This route can be arranged for your group
The calendar page presents a possible journey. The programme overview lets you explore the route independently of dates. Tell us your group size, preferred period and interests so we can prepare a suitable option.
Before you enquire
Can I join as an individual?
Yes, you can enquire about joining. Our team will check for a suitable group and confirmed arrangements. An enquiry alone does not reserve a place.
Can the dates and route be changed?
Yes. For your own group, we can discuss another period, duration and selection of visits. Feasibility depends on the season, logistics and local providers’ rules.
Are facilitators and special meetings confirmed?
Guides, programme authors, private meetings and special visits are confirmed in the individual offer. A programme’s historic name or theme does not guarantee a particular person’s participation.