South India Temple Tour

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

1. Chennai (Madras)
   Pass by
   Upon arrival at Chennai airport, be greeted by a representative who will facilitate a seamless transfer to your hotel.
   After check-in and some relaxation, begin your half-day city tour of Chenna
2. Madras High Court
   Pass by
   Drive past the iconic Madras High Court, an architectural marvel boasting a blend of Indo-Saracenic and Gothic Revival styles, known for its striking red brick facade and intricate detailing.
3. Ripon Building
   1h
   Continue to admire the majestic Ripon Building, a fine example of Neoclassical architecture, serving as the seat of the Chennai Corporation since its completion in 1913.
4. Fort St. George
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Proceed to Fort St. George, the first British fortress in India, where history echoes through its corridors and museum exhibits, offering insights into Chennai's colonial past.
5. 1h
   Explore the divine ambiance of Kapaleeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, adorned with intricate carvings depicting Hindu mythology and vibrant rituals that captivate devotees and visitors alike.

Day 2: Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram (120kms/ 3hrs approx)

1. Chennai (Madras)
   8h
   Depart for Kanchipuram, the 'City of Thousand Temples', renowned for its architectural splendor and rich cultural heritage.
2. Kailasanatha Temple
   30m
   Explore the ancient Kailasanathar Temple, a masterpiece of Pallava architecture, dedicated to Lord Shiva and dating back to the 8th century AD, adorned with intricate sculptures and carvings portraying various mythological tales.
3. Ekambareswarar Temple
   30m
   Visit the Ekambareswarar Temple, one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas representing the element of Earth, where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of an ancient mango tree, symbolizing fertility and prosperity.
4. 3h · Admission ticket included
   Proceed to Mahabalipuram, a coastal town renowned for its UNESCO-listed monuments, where the timeless Shore Temple stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Pallava dynasty, overlooking the azure waters of the Bay of Bengal.
   Explore the Five Rathas, a group of monolithic rock-cut temples showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and architectural brilliance, each dedicated to a different deity and carved from a single rock formation, providing insight into ancient temple architecture and sculpture.
5. Mahabalipuram
   4h
   Later visit Monolithic Temples - locally known as Rathas. They were executed by chiseling out the exterior face of the boulder. Work started from top to bottom. Shore Temple - built with blocks of granitein in 7th century during the rule of King Narsimha-Varman II Rajasimha the temple complex consisting of two Siva temples and a carving of Anantasayana Vishnu. Cave Temples - cut and decorated with panels in the Mamalla style of the Pallava period in the 7th century. Remnants seen in the caves also indicate that they were plastered and painted when built. Krishna's Butterball - a gigantic granite boulder resting on a short incline.

Day 3: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (100kms/ 2hrs approx)

1. 8h
   Depart for Pondicherry, a charming blend of French and Indian cultures, known for its tranquil beaches, spiritual ambiance, and vibrant streets.
2. Sri Aurobindo Ashram
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Visit the Aurobindo Ashram, founded by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother in 1926, serving as a spiritual retreat and center for integral yoga, with serene surroundings and meditation halls that provide a tranquil sanctuary for seekers.
3. Auroville
   2h
   Explore the experimental township of Auroville, a utopian community promoting peace, sustainability, and cultural diversity, where visitors can engage in various activities, workshops, and volunteer programs aimed at fostering unity and harmony among people of different backgrounds.
4. French Quarter
   2h
   Stroll through the picturesque French Quarter, admiring its colonial architecture, vibrant cafes, and serene promenades, which offer a glimpse into Pondicherry's unique cultural heritage and laid-back atmosphere, reminiscent of its colonial past.

Day 4: Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Gangai Kondacholapuram - Darasuram - Thanjore (170kms/ 4hrs approx)

1. Pondicherry
   Pass by
   Journey to Thanjavur, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, renowned for its rich history, architectural wonders, and contributions to art and literature.
2. Nataraja Temple - Chidambaram
   1h
   En route, visit the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his cosmic dancing form, known as Nataraja, symbolizing the eternal rhythm of creation and destruction, with its intricately carved pillars and gopurams showcasing the architectural prowess of the Chola dynasty.
3. Arulmigu Peruvudaiyar Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gangaikonda Cholapuram, once the capital of the Chola dynasty under Rajendra Chola I, boasting majestic temples, intricate sculptures, and a rich cultural legacy that reflects the grandeur of its glorious past.
4. 2h
   Continue to Thanjavur and marvel at the Darasuram Temple, a splendid example of Dravidian architecture, adorned with intricate carvings, sculptures, and inscriptions that depict mythological tales, historical events, and cultural practices of ancient India.
5. Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery
   2h
   Visit the Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery, which houses a rich collection of artifacts, paintings, sculptures, and royal memorabilia from the Chola dynasty, offering insights into the region's royal heritage, artistic traditions, and cultural achievements.

Day 5: Thanjore - Trichy (60kms/ 1.5hrs approx)

1. 2h
   Begin your day with a visit to the Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Big Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Chola architecture, dedicated to Lord Shiva, with its towering vimana, intricately carved sculptures, and majestic Nandi statue, symbolizing the zenith of Dravidian temple architecture and artistic excellence.
2. Rock Fort Temple
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Drive to Trichy and ascend the Rock Fort Temple, an ancient fortification perched atop a 272-foot high rock, offering panoramic views of the cityscape and surrounding landscapes, with its sacred shrines, meditation caves, and gopurams that attract pilgrims and tourists from far and wide.
3. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
   2h
   Explore the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple complex, one of the largest temple complexes in India, dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a form of Lord Vishnu, with its sprawling architecture, intricate carvings, and colorful gopurams, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and religious fervor of the region.

Day 6: Trichy - Madurai (140kms/ 3hrs approx)

1. Tiruchirappalli
   Pass by
   Depart for Madurai, one of the oldest and holiest cities in India, known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant temple architecture, and bustling markets.
2. Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple
   2h
   Visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a sprawling complex dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, with its towering gopurams, intricately carved pillars, and colorful mandapams, reflecting the grandeur of Dravidian temple architecture and the devotion of its worshippers.
3. 2h · Admission ticket included
   Explore the Tirumalai Nayak Palace, an architectural marvel built in the 17th century by King Tirumalai Nayak, with its grand courtyard, ornate pillars, and exquisite stucco work, showcasing the opulence and splendor of the Nayak dynasty.
4. Gandhi Memorial Museum
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Discover the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi at the Gandhi Memorial Museum, housed in the historic Tamukkam Palace, with its galleries, exhibits, and artifacts that chronicle the Mahatma's struggle for freedom, nonviolent resistance, and vision of a united India.

Day 7: Madurai - Chennai (flight)

1. Madurai
   Pass by
   Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before bidding farewell to South India's cultural treasures.
2. Chennai (Madras)
   Pass by
   Transfer to Chennai airport for your onward journey, departing with cherished memories of a journey filled with history, spirituality, and architectural wonders.

Pickup details

As per your flight schedule, coordinated pickup will be arranged from Chennai International Airport (MAA). Pickup is also available from Chennai Port and all hotels, residences, and other accommodations in Chennai. A private chauffeur-driven air-conditioned vehicle will be provided for the entire tour. Travelers arriving at the airport or port will be welcomed and assisted by our office executive. Please provide your hotel, cruise, or flight details at least 3 days before the tour. Hotel check-in/check-out time is 12:00 PM; early check-in is subject to room availability and can be pre-booked at an additional cost. Office executive and driver contact details will be shared one day prior to the tour.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels