Destination : Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Nagapattinam - Kumbakonam - Thanjavur - Trichy -Chettinadu - Rameshwaram - Madurai- Kodaikanal - Palani - Coimbatore - Chennai
Tamil Nadu redefines religious harmony through Hindu temples at Rameshwaram, Mahabalipuram and colonial churches and monuments in Chennai. Exquisite carvings adorn temple architecture. Pondicherry is home to Aurobindo Ashram built by Rishi Aurobindo, a famous saint-nationalist-preacher of India.
Our representative will welcome you on arrival. Today, enjoy a half-day tour of Chennai. Formerly known as Madras, the city of Chennai is known for rich traditions… classical music, architecture, art and dance form an indigenous part of the city's identity. Visit Fort St George… built in the 17th century, this fort houses St. Mary's Church and a museum. St. Mary's Church is the oldest Anglican Church in India. Visit the Kapeeleshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Gopuram, or entrance tower, has a profusion of sculptured images depicting stories from Puranic legends. Next, visit the San Thome Cathedral, named after St Thomas, the doubting discipline of Christ. Located at the southern tip of Marina Beach, it features a beautiful stained glass window at the basilica, depicting the story of St Thomas. Later, drive past Marina Beach, the second longest beach in the world.
Later in evening check in at a hotel and relax. Overnight in Chennai.
After breakfast check out hotel and proceed to Pondicherry, en route visiting Mahabalipuram. Visit the Panch Rathas or Five Ratha temples…. of the nine monolithic rock-cut temples found in Mahabalipuram, the most important are these, dedicated to the five Pandava brothers from the epic Mahabharata. The Dharmaraja Ratha is named after the eldest Pandava, and is the largest one in the line up. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Visit Arjuna’s Penance, the massive rock cut bas relief sculpture. It measures 27 meters in length and 9 meters in height, and depicts the story of Arjuna. Later, visit the Shore Temple … a five-storied structure made out of finely cut granite, and one of the earliest and most important structural temples. It is a world heritage sites.
On arrival to Pondicherry ,you will proceed for a half-day city tour . Pondicherry is referred to as 'India's Little France' and 'The French Riviera of the East'., as the French ruled this place for around 280 years. The French flavor, now seen in the colonial mansions, promenades, and street names on signboards. Visit the Shri Aurobindo Ashram. This world-renowned ashram was founded in the year 1926, by Shri Aurobindo, a revolutionary turned Yogi from Bengal along with The Mother (Mira Alfassa), a French painter and sculptor. Later, visit the Government Museum, which houses sculptures from Pallava, Chola and Vijaynagara temples. Thereafter, drive past the beach promenade.
Later in evening check in at a hotel and relax. Overnight in Pondicherry.
After breakfast you will check out from the hotel and proceed to Thanjavur en route visiting Nagapattinam. Upon arrival you will check in at a hotel and relax.
After breakfast you will proceed for a visit of temples in Thanjavur —the focal point of Tamil learning and culture. Thanjavur was the royal city of the Cholas, Nayaks and the Marathas, and the original home of Dravidian art and architecture. Visit the Brihadeshwara temple of Chola dynasty. The temple a has gigantic lingam cut from a monolithic rock, about 8.7m high. There is a huge Nandi Bull within the inner shrine of the temple… the second largest monolithic Nandi in the country. Continue your tour with a visit to Tanjore Palace & Museum, which houses an art gallery, a library, the hall of music, and the audience hall. On display here are relics of royalty - clothes, hunting weapons, headgear and much more. The other two great Chola Temples in Thanjavur are the Temple of Gangaikondacholapuram and the Airavatesvara Temple.
Thereafter proceed to Chettinad en route visiting Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), situated on the banks of the river Cauvery. The town and its fort were built by the Nayaks of Madurai. Visit the Rock Fort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky out crop which rises abruptly from the plain to tower over the old city. At the very top is the ancient temple dedicated to Ganapati. Continue your tour with a visit to Srirangam … the foremost of the eight self-manifested shrines of Lord Vishnu. It is also considered the most important of the 108 main Vishnu temples (Divyadesams). The temple complex covers 156 acres of land, and comprises seven concentric walls, and twenty one gopurams or towers. Non Hindus are not allowed the innermost sanctum of the temple.
Upon arrival Chettinad you will check in at a hotel and relax.
Overnight in Chettinad.
After breakfast you will proceed for a visit of Chettinad and then at noon you will drive to Rameshwaram. On arrival Rameshwaram you will visit temples and Gopuram in Rameshwaram and also visit the holy water tank. Enjoy an evening prayer at Rameshwaram temple. check in at a hotel and relax. Overnight in Rameshwaram. Overnight in Rameshwaram
After breakfast you will check out of the hotel and proceed to Madurai. On arrival, you will enjoy half-day tour of Madurai.
Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, Madurai was the capital of the Pandya kings, and an important cultural and commercial centre as early as 550 AD. Visit the Meenakshi Temple. The complex houses 14 magnificent Gopurams or towers, including two golden Gopurams for the main deities. Next, visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum at the Tamukkam Palace. The museum houses the history and relics of the freedom movement. Continue to the Koodal Azhagar Temple, one of the 108 temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Three separate altars feature three figures of Vishnu, in standing, sitting and reclining postures.
Later check in at a hotel and relax. Overnight in Madurai.
After breakfast you will check out hotel and drive to Kodaikanal. Upon arrival you will visit Kodaikanal- one of beautiful hill station in Temil Nadu. Enjoy time spent near Kodai Lake. Later check in at a hotel and relax. Overnight in Kodaikanal.
After breakfast you will check out hotel and drive to Coimbatore en route visiting Palani. Upon arrival Coimbatore you will visit Coimbatore for half-day. Later check in at a hotel and relax. Overnight in Coimbatore.
After breakfast you will transfer to airport to board flight for Chennai; upon arrival Chennai check in at a hotel and relax.
Overnight in Chennai.
Morning at leisure; at noon check out hotel and transfer to airport for onward connection; henceforth our services terminate and we wish you safe, happy journey back your home.