01
Day: Arrival: Chennai:
Arrival in Chennai by international flight. Chennai,
home to ancient Dravidian civilization, hardly touched
by the invasions from the North, which is often claimed
to be the "pure" India. After a traditional
'Swagat' (Welcome) our representative would assist you
at the airport and to our hotel for check in. After
some rest, refreshment and breakfast take a city tour
of Chennai visiting Marina Beach, the second longest
beach in the world. The St. George Fort, built in 1653,
is currently used as the state government’s secretariat,
Santhome Cathedral was built around 14th-15th century
and is another colonial structure worth visiting. Dedicated
to Lord Shiva, the Kapaleeswara Temple is the oldest
temple in Chennai. Another important temple in the city
dedicated to Lord Krishna is Parthasarthy Temple. The
Snake Park has a large collection of snakes and many
other reptiles. Evening optionally you can visit flower
and fruit market. Overnight at the hotel.
Chennai (Madras): the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu is the most convenient point of entry. Chennai has an international airport, a seaport and a rail and road network that links it to all major towns and cities of the region. Tamil Nadu is a bastion of Hinduism, whose past endures into the present. Temples with towering spires called gopurams are a common feature of this state, seldom seen anywhere else in the country. Temples in Tamil Nadu were the fulcrum of society and even today art forms that have their origin in religious worship continue to colour daily life. Notable among these are splendid bronzes of deities, painting on glass and Bharatnatyam, and an evocative dance form.
02 Day: Chennai - Tirupati
- Chennai (Excursion 140 kms - 3 hours):
After breakfast drive to Tirupati. A temple and pilgrim
town located at the foot of the Tirumala Hills on which
the ancient and beautiful temple of Lord Venkateshwara
stands. Spread over seven hills, this township is the
most picturesque pilgrimage centre in the south. One
must see the fervour with which the devotees stand in
long queues for a glimpse of their Lord. Masses of coins,
jewellery & hair are received as offerings. On arrival
proceed for Darshan of Lord Balaji. After darshan drive
back to Chennai for overnight stay.
Tirupati: The presiding deity, Lord Venkateswara, is famous all over the world as the giver of boons, and is paid homages by people from all religions and races. Nestled cosily among seven hills of the Eastern Ghats, Tirupati is the destination divine for the pilgrims in search of God. The sublime seven hills of Lord Venkateswara beckon you to a stimulating experience in the divine destination of Tirupati. Picturesque locations, gorgeous valleys, ancient temples, and enthralling historic places. You will be awe-struck by the sparkle of the exquisitely carved Golden gopurams of this ancient Dravidian temple of Lord Venkateswara, giver of boons, the richest of all deities. The premises of the temple and the sanctum sanctorum will lure you back again and again.
03 Day: Chennai - Mahabalipuram
(75 kms - 1 ½ hrs):
After breakfast, take half-day sightseeing tour touching
Fort St. George, San Thome Cathedral and the museums
that contain the world's most complete and impressive
selection of Chola bronzes and stone sculptures from
South India and the Deccan. Later, drive on to, then
passed into the hands of the Marathas and later still
went to the British. For ages it has been the chief
Mamallapuram, The city, built in the 7th century, this
ancient city is said to be a sculptor's delight, boasting
of some of India's most sublime rock-cut art, for which
it is now a World Heritage site. On arrival transfer
to the hotel. The evening free for visit to local market
and individual activities. Overnight at the hotel at
Mahabalipuram.
Mahabalipuram with its picturesque location on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon is a happy combination of history, good beaches, hassle-free tourism and fabulous fish and lobster! Despite the many visitors, drawn by the former Pallava dynasty town, the place is friendly, relaxed, and the villagers are remarkably unperturbed by their crowds of visitors. Mahabalipuram is renowned for its series of charming rathas and the spectacular carved relief depicting Arjuna's Penance. The magnificent Shore Temple, built by king Rajasimha in the seventh century, is a unique temple that houses the shrines of both Shiva and Vishnu while the Varaha Cave is one of the many rock-cut caves in Mahabalipuram. The Krishna Mandapam has a bas-relief of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan hill in his fingertips.
04 Day: Mahabalipuram -
Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram (60 kms - 1 ½ hours,
one way):
After breakfast departure for sightseeing covering Shore
Temple, Arjuna's Penance & Five Rathas. Then after
lunch drive to Kanchipuram, the golden city of thousand
temples, one of Hinduism's seven most sacred cities
of the early Chola Period of the 2nd century. After
visit drive back to Mahabalipuram for overnight stay.
Kanchipuram is known as one of India's Seven Sacred cities. Kanchipuram was, one of India's seven sacred cities. Kanchipuram was the historical capital of the Pallavas. It was under the Pallavas from 6th to 8th century A.D and later became the citadel of Cholas, Vijayanagar Kings, the Muslim and the British. It has been a centre of Tamil learning, cultural and religious background for centuries. Kanchi is also known centre of the finest silk sarees made in the country. Kanchi has magnificent temples of unique architectural beauty bearing eloquent testimony to its glorious Dravidian heritage. Adi Sankara established his episcopal seat (Kamakotipeetam). Kanchipuram is the birthplace of C.N. Annadurai, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu affectionately called as "Anna" by the people of Tamil Nadu.
05 Day: Mahabalipuram -
Pondicherry (135 kms 3 - 4 hours):
After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Pondicherry,
the capital of the French colonies in India since the
17th century. Afternoon visit the local market and evening
free for leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Pondicherry: This attractive, former French colony exudes a Mediterranean aura with its sophisticated streets, elegant houses, ornamental gardens and the Hotel de Ville. History of Pondicherry: A former French colonial cit, located along the Bay of Bengal didn't come under Indian rule until 1954. You can still hear a fair bit of French being spoken as you stroll along its remaining seaside villas and cobblestone streets. The city is really two towns in one: La Ville Blanche, the colonials' former playground, and La Ville Noire, the crowded inland area where the native Indian population was forced to live.
06 Day: Pondicherry - Tanjore
(170 kms- 4 hours):
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Pondicherry
visiting Sri Aurobindo Ashram - the final resting place
of Sri Aurobindo, a saint-cum-yogi who synthesized yoga
and modern science. It is also the final resting place
of the Mother. Also visit the Museum, which has rooms,
furnished with period furniture of French India; Church
of Sacred Heart of Jesus. Later check out and drive
to Tanjore. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Rest of
the evening free for relax. Overnight at the hotel.
Tanjore or Thanjavur as it was earlier called, was the capital of the chola empire from the 10th century to the 14th century A.D. later is become part of the Vijayanagar kingdom political. Literary and religious centre of the South. The celebrated temple Brihadeshra built by the Chola King during the 11th century is its major attraction. The Saraswati Mahal library, dating back from the time of the Marathas, containing rare collections of books and manuscripts on paper and palm leaves.
07 Day: Tanjore - Trichy
- Madurai (158 kms 3 -4 hours):
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Tanjore visiting
beautiful Chola Temple of Brihadeshwara. The temple
is capped by a monolithic cupola made of a single granite
block weighing 80 tons which was taken to the top with
the help of a 6 km long ramp, an old technique used
by the Egyptians for building pyramids. After visit
depart by surface for Madurai en route sightseeing tour
of Trichy visiting the ancient temples dedicated to
Lord Ganapati, 434 steps cut out into the rock side
and interspersed with shrines lead to the temple. Yet
another flight leads to Temple of Lord Shiva. After
visit continue to drive to Madurai. On arrival transfer
to the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Madurai.
Trichy: the rock fort surrounds the city. On the top of the rock there is a fort and a temple. After crossing 434 rocks cut steps, there is a temple called Mathrubhutewarar temple, which is dedicated to lord Siva. There is another temple called Ucchi Pillar temple, which is dedicated to lord Ganesh and located at the top of the rock. The entire city can be seen from this place. Srirangam temple and Sri Jambukeswarar temple are famous in Trichy.
08 Day: Madurai:
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of the city
visiting Meenakshi Sundareshwar, one of the largest
temple complexes in India built between the 16th and
18th centuries. Apart from the estimated 33 million
sculptures there, the temple is absolutely absorbing
with the endless rounds of ceremonies, prostration of
countless devotees and glittering market stalls, later
visit Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, Palamuthirsolai
Murugan Temple. Overnight at Madurai.
Madurai, the cultural capital and second largest city of Tamil Nadu is one of the oldest cities of southern India. Madurai has been a centre of learning and pilgrimage, for centuries. It is believed that, the divine nectar falling from Lord Shiva's locks, gave the city its name - Madhurapuri, now known as Madurai. Known as the temple city, Madurai is situated on the banks of the River Vaigai. Madurai is also an important pilgrimage center. The 985 beautiful pillared Meenakshi Amman Temple is the major attraction of Madurai. The city is also renowned for its textile mills, engineering industries and large university areas.
09 Day: Madurai - Chennai
(By Air) – Hometown (By Air):
After breakfast check out the hotel and transfer to
the airport to board the scheduled flight for Chennai.
On arrival transfer to the International airport to
board the connecting flight for home country. On departure
the tour concludes with happy memories.
