Highlights of Tamil Nadu - South India

After breakfast, your Mahabalipuram sightseeing tour begins with visit to the Panch (five) Rathas - a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, near Chennai. These five structures, dating back to the 7th century, designed in the shape of chariots are made out of a large block of granite stone that represents the monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture. These chariots are named as Dharmaraja Ratha, Bhima Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Nakula Sahadeva Ratha and Draupadi Ratha inspired from the five Pandava brothers in the famous Indian epic "Mahabharata". Now visit the Arjunas Penance - a masterpiece (length around 96 feet) carved out in the mid 17th century. It depicts a story from the great Indian epic Mahabharata of how Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, performed severe austerities in order to obtain Shiva's weapon (Trishul). Next, witness the Mahasura Mandapam - a rock-cut cave temple dating back to late 17th century, portraying the artistic craftsmanship of the Pallavas (275 CE to 897 CE) and the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the 8th century AD, the Shore temple is a complex of two temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and one dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Also, it is one of the stone temples of South India which has stood strong over the years.

Close to the Panch Rathas is the Krishnas Butter Ball, just a km away. It is a gigantic rock of granite, over 20 feet in height, resting on a short incline. Weighing more than 250 tons, this rock miraculously stands on an extremely small, slippery area of a hill.

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry. On arrival, check-in at the hotel.Day free at leisure.

Overnight stay at hotel in Pondicherry.

Today, your Pondicherry sightseeing tour begins with visit to Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo (an Indian nationalist, philosopher, yogi, guru and poet) and Mirra Alfassa (known as The Mother) in 1926. Next, drive past the Seaside Promenade - a 1.5 km long stretch along the ocean. Visit the Pondicherry Museum - a treasure trove of rare bronze and stone sculptures from the Pallava and Chola dynasties and items from the French colonial time etc. Evening free at leisure.

Overnight stay at hotel in Pondicherry.

After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur -once-upon-a-time capital of Chola Dynasty (one of the longest-ruling dynasties of South India from 10101153). Thanjavur enjoys a rich historical heritage and holds a very important position in the molding of ancient as well as modern South Indian civilization.

On reaching, check-in at the hotel. Your Thanjavur sightseeing tour begins with visit to the Brihadeshwara temple built by Raja Chola I (who ruled South India from 985 to 1014 CE). This temple dating back to 11th century, is dedicated to Lord Shiva (God of destruction) and is a perfect example of Dravidian style of architecture during the reign of Chola dynasty.

Also, visit the Thanjavur Palace, locally called Aranmanai, is the residence of the Bhosle Family that ruled over Thanjavur from 1674 to 1855. Established in 1550, this palace is a maze-like complex partly constructed by the Nayaks who took over Thanjavur in 1535 and by a local Maratha dynasty (1676-1855). Originally named as Sivaganga Fort, the do-not-miss sections of this fort is the Saraswati Mahal Library Museum and an Art Gallery. 

Overnight stay at hotel in Thanjavur.

After breakfast, head toTrichy with first visit to one of the most famous landmark of this bustling town - the Rock Fort Temple. It is a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky outcrop, which rises abruptly from the plain to a tower overlooking the whole city. It is reached by a flight of steep steps cut into the rock and from its summit, you get a fantastic view of the town. Its other main landmark isSri Ranganathanswami Temple - one of the largest and most interesting temple complexes in India, built on an island in the middle of the Cauvery River, covering a staggering 2.5 sq km.

Your Trichy sightseeing tour ends with visit to the Jambukeshwara Temples that is symbolic of water element. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Drive back to Thanjavur.

Overnight stay at hotel in Thanjavur.

After breakfast, drive to Chettinad. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Your Chettinad sightseeing tour begins with a visit to a school in Kanadukathan where you will interact with the village children. Later, enjoy a Bullock Cart Ride at Chettinad Mansion.

Chettinad is a place for those who value lost grandeur over glitter, who choose elegance over excitement and who prefer an evenings walk through historys shadows to a night at the nearest.

Overnight stay at hotel in Chettinad.

After breakfast, drive to Madurai. On arrival, check-in at the hotel.Day free at leisure.

Overnight stay at hotel in Madurai.

After breakfast & short relaxation, your Madurai sightseeing tour begins with visit to Madurai Meenakshi Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in India built between the 16th and 18th centuries. The presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Meenakshi (Goddess Parvati) and her consort Lord Sundareshwara (Lord Shiva). This temple is estimated to have about 33 million sculptures surrouded by the ambiance of ceremonial events, countless devotees, spectacular market stalls and lots more. vibrant market stalls. Later, visit Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple - one of the 6 abodes or holy shrines of Lord Murugan). It was built by the King Maravarman Sundara Pandiyan in the 8th century. Your Madurai sightseeing tour ends with visit to the Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple - one of the 6 holiest Murugan shrines - that is blessed byLord Murugan with his two consorts (Valli and Deivyani).

In the evening, return back to Meenakshi Temple to witness the Aarti ceremony.

Overnight stay at hotel in Madurai.

After breakfast, our driver will transfer you to Madurai Airport to board flight to Chennai. On arrival, get on-time assistance and check-in at the hotel in Chennai.Day free at leisure.

Overnight stay at hotel in Chennai.

Transfer to Chennai International Airport to board flight back home.