from $ 1,567.00
Book Now

Southern Splendor: Temples, Traditions & Tranquil Shores

Not Rated
Duration

4 Nights / 5 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through Southern India’s rich cultural tapestry on the Southern Splendor: Temples, Traditions & Tranquil Shores tour. Explore the architectural marvels of Mahabalipuram and the sacred temples of Kanchipuram, where history and spirituality converge. Wander through the charming French Quarters of Pondicherry, a blend of colonial elegance and vibrant Tamil culture. Marvel at the grandeur of Chola temples in Thanjavur and Darasuram, adorned with intricate carvings and ancient art. Experience the serenity of Auroville, and unwind on Pondicherry’s tranquil beaches. This tour promises an enriching immersion into the heritage, traditions, and natural beauty of Tamil Nadu.

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 46.9%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 46.6%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 55.5%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 55.6%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 59.4%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 58.9%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 63.3%

Itinerary

Day 1: Chennai - Pondicherry (235kms)

Pick up from your hotel or Chennai airport and drive to Pondicherry. Continue to Mahabalipuram to visit the Monolithic Temples, including Five Rathas, which showcase the evolution of Dravidian architectural styles. Admire Krishna's Butterball, a massive granite boulder seemingly defying gravity on a gentle slope. Explore the Cave Temples, adorned with intricate Mamalla-style carvings and panels. Visit the Shore Temple, a stunning 7th-century structure housing two Shiva temples and a carving of Anantasayana Vishnu, overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Marvel at The Arjuna’s Penance, a colossal rock-cut relief that is one of the largest in the world, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. Arrive in Pondicherry, check in at your hotel, and overnight.

Day 2: Pondicherry

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Auroville, an experimental township designed to promote peace and unity, centered around the Matrimandir, a golden dome symbolizing spiritual aspirations. Explore the Pondicherry Museum, which houses a rich collection of bronze sculptures, temple lamps, handicrafts, and art from the region. Drive through or take a leisurely walk around the French Quarters, where charming mustard streets, colonial villas, and vibrant Tamil settlements offer a picturesque blend of French and Indian cultures. Stroll through the vibrant Tamil quarters, absorbing the local atmosphere and architecture. Relax on the beach in the evening, enjoying the tranquil seaside environment. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Pondicherry - Thanjavur (185kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Thanjavur, stopping en route to visit the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, a significant shrine dedicated to the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva, showcasing Chola dynasty architecture. Explore Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, an architectural masterpiece from the Chola era, featuring elaborate carvings and a towering vimana. Visit Darasuram Temple, an 11th-century temple known for its artistic stone carvings and a unique chariot-shaped mandapam. Arrive in Thanjavur, check in at your hotel, and overnight.Arrive Thanjavur check in & overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Thanjavur - Trichy (60kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Brihadeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the greatest examples of Chola architecture, with a massive sanctum and a giant statue of Nandi at the entrance. Explore the Vijayanagar Fort, a historical monument built by the Nayaks and later fortified by the Marathas. Visit the Thanjavur Art Gallery within the Palace, which displays an exquisite collection of ancient sculptures and coins. See the Saraswathi Mahal Library, home to over 30,000 ancient manuscripts on palm leaves and paper, reflecting the rich literary heritage of South India. Drive to Trichy, check in at your hotel, and later visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, the largest functioning temple complex in the world, known for its 22 gopurams and intricate architecture. Explore the Rock Fort Temple, a towering 83-meter rock formation that houses ancient temples and offers panoramic views of the city. Visit Jambukeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring five concentric walls and seven gopurams. Overnight at the hotel.Drive to Trichy check in at hotel. Later visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple the largest functional temple in the world. The temple complex along with the surrounding area covers a total area of 156 acres, there are 22 gopurams including India`s tallest 72 meters, 13 storey high. Many people have had a hand in its construction, including the Cheras, Pandyas, Cholas, Hoysalas and rulers from Vijayanagar. Rock Fort Temple the 83m high Rock Fort is the only outcrop in the flat land of the city. The rock is one of the oldest in the world-approximately 3800 million years, which makes it as old as the rocks of Greenland and older than the Himalayas. Also visit Jambukeswarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, it houses five concentric walls, and seven gopurams. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5: Trichy - Chennai (330kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive back to Chennai with a stop in Kanchipuram, known as the "City of Thousand Temples." Visit Kanchipuram Kailasanathar Temple, an ancient monument showcasing exquisite Dravidian architecture and intricate carvings. Explore Ekambareswarar Temple, one of the Pancha Bootha Stalams, dedicated to the element of Earth, and known for its massive gopuram and sacred mango tree. See Varadharaja Temple, renowned for its elaborate carvings, vibrant history, and a huge chain carved from a single stone. Visit Vaikundhaperumal Temple, featuring intricate stone sculptures and a serene ambiance, highlighting the Pallava dynasty's contributions to temple architecture. Stop at Kamakshiamman Temple, a spiritual sanctuary famed for its divine energy and detailed artwork. Continue your drive to Chennai and drop off at your hotel or the airport.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 4 Nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • 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.
  • Any flight tickets.
  • 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 4 nights accommodation

4 Star Hotels
Pondicherry x 2 nights: Le Pondy/ Accord Puducherry
Thanjore x 1 night: GReaT Trails Riverview Resort
Trichy x 1 night: Courtyard by Marriott

Reviews

0/5
Not Rated
Based on 0 review
Excellent
0
Very Good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Showing 1 - 0 of 0 in total

Write a review

from $ 1,567.00

You might also like