South India Heritage and Temple Tour

Post breakfast, under the guidance of a local guide set out on a full day sightseeing tour of Chennai. Make a stop at the first English fortress in India- Fort St George which is the modern-day home of the state’s legislative assembly. Explore the galleries of the Chennai Museum. Later head towards the Kapaleeshwar Temple- built in the 7th century to honor of the Hindu goddess Shiva, the well-decorated tower known as a gopuram is a perfect example of Dravidian architecture. In the evening visit Marina Beach - one of the best places to visit in Chennai for viewing a spectacular sun rise or sun set. With food stalls, rides on ponies, to entertain you, a visit to here must be included on your trip to this city. Spend the overnight at the hotel in Chennai.

In the morning after an early breakfast, start for Mahabalipuram. En-route you will visit the holy city of Kanchipuram-once home to thousands of temples. This small town is also famous for its thriving handloom industry. Once in Kanchipuram, offer prayers at Kailasanatha Temple popularly known as KanchiKailasanathar. The closeness of temple’s enclosing wall, lend a feeling of intimacy to the surroundings. Continue the drive to the Mahabalipuram- an ancient port town known for its stone carvings and stone temples. A wander round the town’s magnificent, World Heritage–listed temples and carvings inflames the imagination, especially at sunset.Upon arrival, check in the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure or free for your own activities. Spend the overnight at the hotel in Mahabalipuram.

Post breakfast, set out for local sightseeing of Mahabalipuram - the sight of several antique sculptural marvels. In this ancient seaside town, shrines and huge sculptures cut-out of rocks can be seen. At the mouth of the river Palar, on large granite hall about 1 km in length from north to south is the site of many monuments, like The Descent of Ganges also known as Arjuna’s Penance, this open air sculpture showing the descent of the holy River, Krishna Mandap, The Rathas and the Shore temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Spend the overnight at the hotel in Mahabalipuram.

In the morning after an early breakfast, start for Pondicherry. Upon arrival, check-in the hotel, and relax for some time. Later proceed for local sightseeing of Pondicherry. Visit Arbindo Ashram- this ashram promotes Aurbindo’s ideas in bringing about a synthesis of Yoga and modern science, so as to unite the spirit and matter. From here, proceed to Auroville – a unique experiment in international living and in creating a new environment where men and women of all nationalities live together in harmony. Also explore the Paper industry and Government Museum. Spend the overnight at the hotel in Pondicherry.

In the morning after an early breakfast, start for Tanjore- the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu and famous for the Brahadeeswarar Temple. Upon arrival, check-in the hotel and relax for some time. Later do the local sightseeing tour of Tanjore. During the tour, first visit Brahadeeswarar Temple – the major landmark in the south Indian temple architecture. The Brahadeeswarar temple is a monument dedicated to Lord Shiva. Next proceed to Thanjavur Royal Palace Museum- home to beautiful stone sculptures of the Pandya, Chola, Nayaka and Pallava periods. The bronze idol of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is so stunning that it cannot be described in the words. Spend the overnight at the hotel in Tanjore.

Morning after the breakfast, drive to Trichy. Situated on the banks of the river Cauvery, Tiruchirappalli is the fourth largest city in the state. Upon arrival, do the sightseeing tour of the city that offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. The first stop is Rock Fort Temple is a complex which is home to 3 more temples, namely: Manikka Vinayakar temple at the foot of the hill, at the top of the hill the Ucchi Pillayar temple and the Taayumaanavar KoyilShivastalam, a rock cut temple dedicated. To reach the Shiva Temple one has to climb 417 steps to the top to take in the great panoramic views from there. Later continue to Madurai. Check in to the hotel for relax and overnight stay.

Morning after the breakfast, proceed for city tour of Madurai. Chennai may be the capital of Tamil Nadu, but Madurai claims its soul. Visit the ancient and one amongst the most important temples of India- Meenakshi Amman Temple. Renowned for its astonishing architecture, Meenakshi Amman Temple is dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva & famous for its towering ten tall Gopurams. From here, proceed to Thirumalai Naik Palace - a gracious building in the Indo Saracen style, famous for the stucco work on its domes & arches. In the evening, do not miss the visit to Tiruparankundram rock temple, and try to catch a glimpse of white peacock. Spend the overnight at the hotel in Madurai.

In the morning, after an early breakfast you will be driven to the Madurai Airport/Train station to board the flight /Train for onward destination or back home.