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7 Nights / 8 Days
Daily Tour
10 people
English
Embark on a captivating journey through South India’s sacred and historical treasures with our “Heritage Trails and Sacred Sites: Exploring South India’s Rich Temples” tour. Begin in Chennai, where you’ll uncover the city’s rich history at Fort St. George and explore its vibrant temples and beaches. Venture to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram to marvel at ancient temples and monumental rock carvings. In Pondicherry, enjoy the unique blend of French colonial charm and serene beaches. Discover the architectural wonders of the Great Living Chola Temples in Thanjavur, before visiting the grand Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. Conclude your journey with a return to Chennai, enriched by South India’s spiritual and cultural legacy.
# | Discount group | From adult | To adult | Value |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Discount on 2-person group | 2 | 2 | 46.9% |
2 | Discount on 3-person group | 3 | 3 | 46.5% |
3 | Discount on 4-person group | 4 | 4 | 55.1% |
4 | Discount on 5-person group | 5 | 5 | 55.5% |
5 | Discount on 6-person group | 6 | 6 | 59.5% |
7 | Discount on 7-person group | 7 | 7 | 59.2% |
8 | Discount on 8-person group | 8 | 8 | 63.5% |
Arrival transfer to the hotel (check-in/out time 12pm). Visit Fort St. George, the first British fortress in India, now housing a museum with historical artifacts from the colonial era. Explore St. Mary Church inside the fortress, the oldest surviving church in Chennai, renowned for its historical significance and architecture. Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its intricate Dravidian architecture and colorful gopuram (gateway tower). See Vadapalani Murugan Temple, an important pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Murugan, famous for its vibrant festivals. Discover the Government Museum, featuring a wide range of exhibits including ancient sculptures, bronze artifacts, and natural history. Visit Santhome Cathedral, built over the tomb of Saint Thomas the Apostle, featuring neo-gothic architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows.
Breakfast at the hotel before departing for Pondicherry. Visit Kanchipuram, famous for its ancient temples including the Ekambareswarar Temple, known for its massive stone pillars and large gopuram. Explore Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring Monolithic Temples like the Pancha Rathas, Krishnas Butterball, Cave Temples, Shore Temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal, and The Arjuna Penance, a grand bas-relief depicting a scene from the Mahabharata. Arrive in Pondicherry, check in at the hotel, and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Auroville, an international township dedicated to human unity and peace, known for its futuristic architecture and the Matrimandir meditation center. Explore Pondicherry Museum, which houses a collection of French colonial artifacts, ancient sculptures, and coins. Drive through the French Quarters, admiring the charming colonial architecture of the French consulate, Raj Nivas (Governor's residence), Government Square, and the historic French churches and schools. Relax on the beach in the afternoon and enjoy the laid-back coastal atmosphere.
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Thanjavur, stopping to visit Chidambaram to see the Nataraja Temple, known for its exquisite bronze sculptures and dance performances. Explore Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a Chola-era temple built by Rajendra Chola I, renowned for its grand architecture and historical importance. Visit Darasuram Temple, famous for its intricate carvings and detailed sculptures, representing the pinnacle of Chola architecture. Arrive in Thanjavur, check in at the hotel, and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Brihadeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Rajaraja Chola I, known for its monumental size, stunning frescoes, and the towering vimana (temple tower). Explore the Thanjavur Palace Complex, featuring a museum with exhibits on Chola art and architecture, and the Saraswathi Mahal Library with its rare manuscripts. Spend the afternoon exploring nearby villages like Swamimalai, known for its traditional bronze casting workshops and rural charm.
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Madurai, stopping en route to visit Trichy's Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest functioning Hindu temples, known for its sprawling complex and impressive gopurams (gateway towers). Explore Rock Fort Temple, situated atop a rocky outcrop, offering panoramic views and notable for its ancient temples dedicated to Shiva and Ganesh. Visit Jambukeshwara Temple, dedicated to Shiva and known for its water feature symbolizing the element of water, with its unique underground sanctum. Arrive in Madurai, check in at the hotel, and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Meenakshi Temple, a renowned temple complex dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Shiva, famous for its colorful gopurams and intricate carvings. Explore Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, a grand palace with impressive arches and a rich history of the Nayak dynasty. See Alagar Koil, a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, set in a scenic location with a focus on its sacred tank and surrounding hills. Visit Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple and Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple, significant pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Murugan, offering serene and spiritual experiences. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Chennai. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to the airport for your onward destination.
Hotels used or similar for 7 nights accommodation
4 Star Hotels
Chennai x 2 nights: Accord Metropolitan/ The Park Chennai
Pondicherry x 2 nights: Le Pondy/ Accord Puducherry
Thanjore x 2 nights: GReaT Trails Riverview Resort
Madurai x 1 night: Fortune Pandiyan Hotel/ Regency Madurai by GRT Hotels
Yes, travelers can upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels by paying the supplement. Please send inquiry for same from the booking page to get the price quote.
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