Temple Trails - South India
09 Days / 08 Nights
Chennai | Mahabalipuram | Pondicherry | Tanjore | Trichy | Madurai
Day 01 : Arrive Chennai
Upon arrival you will be welcomed by our representative & transferred to hotel. Chennai - India’s fourth largest city and the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu was the site of the East India company’s first settlement founded in 1639 on land given by the Raja of Chandragiri, the last representative of the Vijaynagar rulers of Hampi. Overnight at Chennai.
Day 02 : Tour Chennai
Morning tour the ‘St. Mary’s Church’, built in 1678 – 80, was the first English Church in Chennai. The Saint Thomas Cathedral, built in 1504, then re-built in neo - gothic style in 1893, this Roman Catholic Church is said to house the remains of St. Thomas the Apostle. Also visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, an ancient Shiva Temple, constructed in pure Dravidian style. The Sri Parathasarathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, built in 8th century during the reign of the Pallavas. Other attractions include the National Art Gallery and Museum, which house some beautiful temple friezes, the bronze gallery, archeological section. Drive past the High Court Building, Fort St. George and the famous film studios. Overnight at Chennai.
Day 03 : Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram (70 kms)
Today drive you to Mahabalipuram. Enroute tour Kanchipuram - is the golden city of a thousand temples and one of the seven sacred cities of India. Its many gopurams can be seen while approaching the city from a long way off. Today, it is known not only for its temples but also for its handwoven silk fabrics. Visit Ekambareshwar Temple, Kailashnath Temple, Kamakshi Temple, the Vaikunthaperumal Temple, all built in the 7th and 8th centuries Continue your drive and check in. Overnight at Mahabalipuram.
Day 04 : Tour Mahabalipuram
After breakfast visit Mahablipuram - an ancient coastal port, world famous for its shore temple and was the second capital and sea port of the Pallava Kings of Kanchipuram. The whole of Mahabalipuram is a fabulous open-air museum of sculpture in living rock, Monolithic shrines, scooped out caverns magnificently sculpted within and the world’s biggest, bas relief in rock are truly wondrous examples of the sculptor’s art. Vying with this splendour is a beach. The famous temples of the Rathas, the Penance of Bhagirath, the Shore Temple and the eight Mandapams. (Shallow, rock cut halls). Evening is at leisure. Overnight at Mahabalipuram.
Day 05 : Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (110 kms)
Today we drive to Pondicherry - formerly a French colony settled early in the 18th century, it became part of the Indian Union in the early 50’s when the French voluntarily relinquished control. On arrival check in. Later visit the Botanical Gardens, Eglise De Sacre Coeur De Jesus, The Promenade, Government Park, Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Roman Rolland Library, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, French Institute and other museums and art galleries. Evening is at leisure. Overnight at Pondicherry.
Day 06 : Pondicherry - Tanjore (200 kms)
After breakfast drive to Tanjore - the capital of the powerful Chola dynasty. Today, it is the little town set amidst the lush green rice fields of the Cauvery delta. Magnificent temples, still bear witness to the splendour of Chola architecture. Enroute visit Nataraj Temple at Chidambaram and also visit the temples at Kumbakonam. Upon arrival check in. Evening is free for leisure. Overnight at Tanjore.
Day 07 : Tanjore – Trichy (60 kms)
Today proceed on a guided tour of Tanjore, visiting Brihadeeswara Temple, the palace, Sangeetha Mahal, Saraswati Mahal, Library, Raja Museum, Temple Museum and Schwarz Church. Later drive to Trichy - situated on the banks of the river Cauvery is the fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu. It was a citadel of the early Cholas which later fell to the Pallavas. Here you will visit the Rock Fort, Sri Jambukeshwara Temple, Tiruvannaikaval, Srirangam & other museums and art galleries. Check in late evening. Overnight at Trichy.
Day 08 : Trichy - Madurai (140 kms)
After breakfast drive to Madurai - one of the oldest cities in South India, has been the centre of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. Upon arrival check in. Later tour of Madurai - the primary interest is the Meenakshi Temple, where Dravidian temple architecture may be considered to be at its best. Its hall of a thousand pillars is fabulous and is filled with worshippers at all hours of the day. The tour also includes a visit to the Thirumalai Nayak Palace & Thiruparangundram temple. In the evening witness temple ceremony at Shree Meenakshi temple. Overnight at Madurai.
Day 09 : Departure
Today we transfer to Madurai airport for your onward flight.
INR 49500/ USD 845 (Based on 2 persons)
INR 38600 / USD 660 (Based on 4 persons) |
INR 53600 / USD 915 (Based on 2 persons)
INR 42200 / USD 720 (Based on 4 persons) |
| CITY |
HOTEL : STANDARD |
HOTEL : DELUX |
Chennai
|
Vijay Park |
Iris |
| Mahabalipuram |
Mamalla Beach Resort |
Chariot Beach Resort |
| Pondicherry |
Anantha Inn |
GRT Sunway |
| Tanjore |
Oriental Tower |
Sangam |
| Trichy |
Breeze Residency |
Sangam |
| Madirai |
Astoria |
GRT Regency |
End of a memorable tour !!!
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