Day 1 Chennai –Mahabalipuram:
Meeting and assistance at Chennai International or domestic airport/Railway Station and transfer
Resort/Hotel at Mahabalipuram. Day 2 : Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram: After break fast tour Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram is one of Hindu's seven most sacred cities. This "Golden city of a Thousand Temples" dates back to the early Cholas in the 7th century A.D. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silk weaving and a visit to the nearby villages to see the craftsmen at work on their looms is worth a visit. Overnight at Mahabalipuram Hotel. Day 3: Mahabalipuram:
After breakfast visit temples of Mahabalipuram. (World Heritage site) Built by the Pallava rulers in the seventh century, the complex comprises of 14 cave temples, nine monolithic "Rathas", three stone temples and two relief-sculptured rock panels. These two rock-panels give a graphic description of Arjuna’s penance when he prayed for the powers of Shiva and forms the largest Bass Relief in the world. Particularly of interest is the shore temple built on the water's edge with an east-facing altar designed to catch the rising Sun. Later depart for Pondicherry. On arrival check-in at the hotel. After noon visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram – of the late Sri Aurobindo, a Saint-cum-Yogi who synthesized yoga and modern science. Evening at Leisure. Overnight at Hotel at Pondicherry. Day 4 Pondicherry-Tanjore(177 kms/4.5 hrs) Early morning visit walk through the beaches return to Hotel and after breakfast depart for Tanjore (177 Kms). On arrival check-in at the hotel.
After having lunch at hotel visit the beautiful Chola Temple of
Brihadeshwara. The temple is capped by a monolithic cupola made of a single granite block weighing 80 tons. Its bronze and handicrafts make Tanjore one of the highlights of a visit to South India. Also visit Tanjore museum The Art Museum has an excellent collection of bronze deities and statues, and stone sculptures from the Chola period, dating from the 9th to the 12th century. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 5 Tanjore-Madurai (51 kms/1.15 hrs): After breakfast drive to Tricky (51 kms). Trichy On arrival visit Srirnagam, massive temple dedicated to Lord (51kms/1.15hrs) Vishnu, which contains within its walls a bazaar as well. Later drive to Madurai. On arrival check-in at the hotel Madurai (142 kms/4 hrs) Afternoon visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace – a gracious building in the Indo-Saracenic style, famous for the stuccowork on its domes and arches. Also visit Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva with its towering gopurams, rising high above the surrounding countryside. Overnight at Madurai. Day:6: Madurai-Chennai
After breakfast check out and fly to Chennai. On arrival at Chennai check into the Hotel. Evening at leisure or shopping at Spencer Plaza. Overnight at the Hotel. Day: 7 Chennai.
Morning at leisure or half-day sight seeing of Chennai, a short Orientation programme of Chennai city with visit of Bronze Museum. Fort and drive past Marina Beach. After lunch check out and transfer to airport/railway station. Tours ends but pleasant memories remain! |
