The southern part of India is peppered with some outstanding temples that inspire sheer awe. Even travelers who are not religiously should make it a point to visit these ancient marvels just to soak in the exquisite architecture. Easy bus ticket booking has made easier than ever to cover all of them within a week. Here the must see temples in the southern part of the country.
Madurai: - Madurai is home to some of the impressive and majestic temples in the country. The most important of them is the Meenakshi Temple. This temple complex sprawls over 15 acres and features 4,500 pillars and 12 towers. The highlight of the complex is the intricate sculptures. The best time to visit the temple complex is during the 12 Chithirai Festival - a reenactment of the celestial nuptial ceremony of the temple's god and goddess held every April. Online bus tickets to Madurai can be easily booked on any of the popular travel portals.
Thanjavur: - Thanjavur's golden days was during the eleventh century when the Chola King Raja Raja I ruled the kingdom. The Chola dynasty built more than 70 temples all over Thanjavur with the most famous and biggest of them being the Brihadeswara Temple. The temple completed 1,000 years in 2010 has been tagged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the exemplary symbol of the might and ingenuity of the Cholas and is constructed solely out of stone.
Kumbakonam: - Located around 40 km from Tanjavur, this tiny town is crammed with more than 15 temples. If you are just using the town as a stopover and don't have too much time, make sure not to miss the Sarangapani Temple (dedicated to Lord Vishnu). Another must visit temple is the 12th century Airtesvara Temple which is renowned for its exquisite carvings and sculptures.
Rameshwaram: - The specialty of the Ramanthaswamy Temple is its surreal pillared highway, hailed to be the longest in India. The ceiling that runs through the pillars are painted with mesmerizing colours and is truly a sight to behold. The temple is located just 100 meters from the sea and pilgrims take bathe in the sea before entering the temple. The complex features 22 wells whose waters are considered to be holy and purifying to the mind and body. The town of Rameshwaram hold special significance to Hindus as its the spot from where Lord Rama built a bridge across the sea to rescue Sita.
Tirupati: - Easily one of the most popular temple in the country, it is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwar (Lord Vishnu). Located in southern tip of the state of Andhra Pradesh, ardent pilgrims of the Lord undertake a walk along 4,000 steps up the hill to reach the main shrine. Tirupati is the wealthiest temple in India and is apparent in its gold plated dome and the adornment of the main idol. It has been patronized by numerous kingdoms and rulers over the years and is a favourite amongst present day politicians and celebrities.
Kumbakonam: - Located around 40 km from Tanjavur, this tiny town is crammed with more than 15 temples. If you are just using the town as a stopover and don't have too much time, make sure not to miss the Sarangapani Temple (dedicated to Lord Vishnu). Another must visit temple is the 12th century Airtesvara Temple which is renowned for its exquisite carvings and sculptures.
