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Great Living Temples and Coastal Charm: A South Indian Exploration

0/5
Duration

06 Nights / 07 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Experience the rich tapestry of South India’s spiritual and cultural heritage on this immersive journey. Starting in Chennai, explore the historic Fort St. George and the vibrant Kapaleeshwarar Temple before venturing to the coastal town of Mahabalipuram, renowned for its ancient rock-cut temples and stunning Shore Temple. Discover Pondicherry’s blend of French colonial charm and tranquil beaches, then marvel at the grandeur of the Chola temples in Thanjavur and the architectural splendor of Trichy’s rock temples. Conclude in Madurai, where the magnificent Meenakshi Temple and regal Thirumalai Nayakar Palace await. This tour offers a perfect blend of sacred sites and coastal allure, showcasing the essence of South India’s diverse heritage.

Highlights

  • This is a private tour/activity only for your group.
  • Enhanced cleaning/ traveler safety.
  • In-depth cultural experience.
  • Flexible sightseeing & stopover.
  • Most travelers can participate.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 46.8%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 48.0%
4 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 55.6%
5 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 56.2%
6 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 60.0%
7 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 59.7%
8 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 64.0%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Fort St. George, the first fort built by the British East India Company in India, which now houses the Fort Museum showcasing artifacts from colonial history. Explore St. Mary's Church, the oldest Anglican church in India, located within Fort St. George. Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its striking Dravidian architecture. See Vadapalani Murugan Temple, an important pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Murugan, featuring vibrant sculptures and a grand gopuram. Tour the Government Museum, home to a diverse collection of art, archaeology, and natural history exhibits. Visit Dakshinachitra Museum, an open-air museum displaying traditional South Indian architecture, crafts, and art forms. Explore Santhome Cathedral, a significant Christian pilgrimage site with neo-Gothic architecture, built over the tomb of St. Thomas. Relax at Marina Beach, a long and wide urban beach famous for its picturesque sunset views. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Chennai - Mahabalipuram (120kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Kanchipuram and visit Kailasanathar Temple, renowned for its intricate carvings and historic significance as one of the oldest temples in the region. See Ekambareswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring a massive temple tower and lush garden. Visit Varadharaja Perumal Temple, an important Vaishnavite temple known for its stunning architecture and historical legends. Explore Vaikundhaperumal Temple, an ancient temple famous for its beautiful sculptures and serene atmosphere. Visit Kamakshiamman Temple, dedicated to the goddess Kamakshi, known for its vibrant festivals and intricate artwork. Continue the drive to Mahabalipuram and check in at the hotel. Visit the Monolithic Temples, showcasing rock-cut architecture with detailed carvings. Explore the Five Rathas, a group of monolithic rock-cut temples, each representing a different style. See Krishna's Butterball, a massive rock balancing precariously on a small slope, an interesting geological phenomenon. Visit the Cave Temples, carved into rock, featuring elaborate carvings and inscriptions. Explore the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its ancient Dravidian architecture and seaside location. View The Arjuna Penance, a massive rock relief depicting scenes from the Mahabharata. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (120kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Pondicherry and check in at the hotel. Visit Auroville, an experimental community focusing on sustainable living and international collaboration. Explore the Pondicherry Museum, which showcases artifacts from French colonial times and archaeological finds. Walk through the French Quarters, featuring charming streets with colonial villas, French consulate, and Raj Nivas. Explore Government Square, known for its colonial-era architecture and the statue of Dupleix. Visit Churches including the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. Relax on the serene beaches of Pondicherry. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Pondicherry - Thanjavur (180kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Thanjavur. Visit Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, famous for its vibrant sculptures and being a major center for classical dance and music. Explore The Great Living Chola Temples at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, known for their grand architecture and historical significance. Visit Darasuram Temple, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its detailed carvings and unique architectural style. Check in at the hotel in Thanjavur. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Thanjavur - Trichy (60kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Brihadeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with grand Chola architecture and massive sculptures. Explore the Palace Complex, including the Tanjore Palace Museum with exhibits on Chola history and artifacts. Drive to Trichy and check in at the hotel. Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, a sprawling temple complex dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known for its towering gopurams and vibrant frescoes. Explore Rock Fort Temple, a temple complex situated on a massive rock formation offering panoramic views of the city. Visit Jambukeshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its unique architecture and historical importance. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Trichy - Madurai (135kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Madurai and check in at the hotel. Visit Meenakshi Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, famous for its detailed carvings and vibrant sculptures. Explore Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, known for its grand architecture and historical significance as the residence of the Nayak kings. Visit Alagar Koil, a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located on the outskirts of Madurai and known for its scenic surroundings. Explore Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Murugan, situated on a hillock. Visit Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple, an important temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, offering peaceful surroundings and scenic views. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Madurai - Deaprture

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport as per flight schedule for onward destination.

Included/Excluded

  • 6 Nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast & meal as per day plan (B- Breakfast, L- Lunch, D- Dinner)
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Madurai - Chennai flight fare approx. INR 4,500 per person in economy class.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Hotels used or similar for 6 nights accommodation

4 Star Hotels
Chennai x 1 night: Accord Metropolitan/ The Park Chennai
Mahabalipuram x 1 night: Chariot Beach Resort/ Confluence The Banquet & Resort
Pondicherry x 1 night: Le Pondy/ Accord Puducherry
Thanjore x 1 night: GReaT Trails Riverview Resort
Trichy x 1 night: Courtyard by Marriott
Madurai x 1 night: Fortune Pandiyan Hotel/ Regency Madurai by GRT Hotels

Can travelers upgrade the accommodation to 5-star 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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