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South India Rich Temples, Culture and Heritage Tour from Chennai

Package price On Request

Product Code : AGORA707

Embark on a captivating journey through South India's rich heritage and ancient temples. Explore the cultural treasures of Chennai, Kanchipuram, and Trichy, known for their magnificent temples and architectural wonders. Experience the spiritual aura of Madurai and Rameshwaram, where you'll witness sacred rituals and visit revered shrines. Discover the architectural marvels of Thanjavur and immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of Pondicherry. Conclude your tour in Chennai, enriched with a deep appreciation for South India's vibrant heritage.

 

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

Upon arrival at Chennai airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. After checking in and freshening up, embark on a city tour of Chennai, the vibrant capital of Tamil Nadu. Visit Fort St. George, a colonial-era fortification housing the St. Mary's Church and the Fort Museum. Explore the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a magnificent Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Take a stroll along the Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, and witness the bustling activity along the shores of the Bay of Bengal.

 

Day 2: Chennai - Kanchipuram - Trichy (350kms)

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Trichy (Tiruchirappalli). En route, visit Kanchipuram, renowned as the "City of Thousand Temples" and a major pilgrimage site for Hindus. Explore the Ekambareswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Kailasanathar Temple, known for its intricate carvings. Continue your journey to Trichy and check in at your hotel. In the evening, visit the famous Rock Fort Temple, perched on a rocky outcrop, offering panoramic views of the city. Explore the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in India, known for its architectural grandeur and religious significance.

 

Day 3: Trichy - Madurai (140kms)

After breakfast, proceed to Madurai, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax for a while. Later, visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, an iconic landmark of Madurai with its stunning gopurams (towering gateways) and intricate sculptures. Explore the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a magnificent palace known for its Indo-Saracenic architecture. In the evening, witness the magical ceremony of the Aarti (prayer ritual) at the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a spectacle of lights and music.

 

Day 4: Madurai - Rameshwaram (170kms)

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Rameshwaram, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple, a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its architectural brilliance and sacredness. Take a dip in the holy waters of the Agnitheertham, a significant bathing ghat, and seek blessings at the Gandhamadhana Parvatham, offering panoramic views of the island. Explore Dhanushkodi, a ghost town with remnants of a cyclone-ravaged village and pristine beaches. Enjoy a relaxing evening by the seashore and witness the enchanting sunset.

 

Day 5: Rameshwaram - Chettinad - Thanjavur (250kms)

After breakfast, proceed to Thanjavur, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels. En route, visit Chettinad, a region famous for its distinctive cuisine and well-preserved mansions called "Chettinad Houses." Immerse yourself in the grandeur of these traditional houses, adorned with exquisite woodwork and intricate designs. Continue your drive to Thanjavur and check in at your hotel. In the evening, visit the Brihadeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Chola architecture. Explore the Vijayanagar Fort and the Thanjavur Art Gallery & Saraswathi Mahal Library, housing a vast collection of ancient manuscripts and artworks.

 

Day 6: Thanjavur - Darasuram - Gangaikonda Cholapuram - Chidambaram - Pondicherry (180kms)

After breakfast, embark on a picturesque drive to Pondicherry. En route, visit the Great Living Chola Temples at Darasuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exquisite architecture. Continue to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, another magnificent temple showcasing the architectural brilliance of the Chola dynasty. Proceed to Chidambaram and visit the Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his cosmic dancing form. Arrive in Pondicherry, check in at your hotel, and unwind. In the evening, explore Auroville, an experimental township promoting harmony and peace.

 

Day 7: Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram - Chennai (150kms)

After breakfast, discover the charm of Pondicherry with a visit to the Pondicherry Museum, showcasing artifacts and relics from the region's rich history. Take a leisurely drive through the enchanting French Quarters, admiring the colonial architecture and visiting prominent landmarks such as the French consulate, Raj Nivas, Government Square, churches, and French schools. Depart for Chennai, with a stop at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient rock-cut temples and intricate stone carvings. Arrive in Chennai, check in at your hotel, and relax.

 

Day 8: Chennai - Departure

After breakfast, embark on a final city tour of Chennai. Visit the iconic Marina Beach, a bustling promenade along the Bay of Bengal. Explore the vibrant Mylapore neighborhood, known for its cultural heritage and the Kapaleeshwarar Temple. Discover the fascinating Government Museum, showcasing a diverse collection of art, archaeology, and natural history. Immerse yourself in the bustling markets of Chennai, where you can shop for souvenirs and traditional handicrafts. In the evening, as per your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Chennai airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your enriching South India tour.

- Assistance on arrival at airport.

- 7 Nights' accommodation in selected price category hotels.

- Daily breakfast at hotels.

- Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the 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.

 

Hotels used or similar for 7 nights accommodation

Chennai x 2 night
3* - Raj Park/ MGM East Woods
4* - The  Raintree/ Accord Metropolitan
5* - ITC Grand Chola/ The Leela Palace

Trichy x 1 night
3* - Red Fox Hotel/ Grand Gardenia
4* & 5* - Sangam Hotels/ Ideal River View Resort

Madurai x 1 night
3* - Astoria by Sparsa/ Madurai’s Residency
4* - GRT Regency/ Fortune Pandiyan Hotel
5* - Heritage Madurai/ The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai

Rameshwaram x 1 night 
3* & 4*- Daiwik Hotel
5* - Hyatt Place Rameswaram

Thnjore x 1 night
3* - Grand Gardenia/ Oriental Towers 
4* - Sangam Hotels/ Ideal River View Resort
5* - Svatma

Pondicherry x 1 night
3* - Shenbaga Hotel/ Annamalai International
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Palais De Mahe/ La Villa

- Any flight tickets.

- Camera charges at monuments if any.

- Meals other than mentioned in the inclusions.

- Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc. 

- Gratuities and optional activities.

- Anything not mentioned in inclusions.