Day 01 – Arrive Chennai
On arrival at Chennai airport you will be taken to the hotel. Chennai was the site of the first colonization of the British East India Company and was founded in the year 1639. For more than 2000 year Chennai area has been popular with seafarers, spice traders and cloth merchants. Chennai has grown from the merging of a number of small villages, including its former namesake Madraspatnam. Spend rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Chennai.
Day 02 – Drive Chennai – Mahabalipuram ( 55 kms / 1.5 hrs)
After breakfast half day sightseeing tour of Chennai - the fourth largest city inIndia, visiting the Fort St.George, St.Mary’s Church, St.Thomas Cathedral and the Fort museum - the museum has a collection of objects that come from the occupation of Chennai by the British East India Company, including letters from the famous Robert Clive.
Later drive to Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) famous for its shore temple once the principal port of the Pallavas who ruled between the 06th and 09th century AD. This charming and quiet town was destroyed by the tsunami in December 2004. Showing their courage and determination, the citizens of Mahabalipuram rebuilt their home very fast. On arrival in Mahabalipuram, check into hotel. Spend rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Mahabalipuram
Day 03 – In Mahabalipuram
Morning after breakfast, half day sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram visiting Ganesh Ratha - a rock cut dravidian temples resembling a chariout, Trimurti Cave temple, just north to the Ganesh Ratha, Five Rathas – are sculptured temples in the style of Chariots. Spend rest of the day at leisure relaxing on the beach.
Overnight in Mahabalipuram
Day 04 – Drive Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram – Pondicherry (160 kms / 03 hrs)
Morning after breakfast drive for Pondicherry en-route visiting Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram-the city of thousand temples, once the capital of Pallava. Kanchipuram still contains no less than 124 shrines. Mainly two rulers, Mahendray and Mamall Narashimha Parman, built the temples. Typical of their architecture is the Kailasnatha Temple dedicated to Shiva, believed to be 1200 years old. Other important ones include the 16th Century Ekambasreshwar Temple, Kamakshi Temple, and Vaikunta Perumal. Kanchipuram is also the centre for silk weaving and is famous for its saris and dress materials. Later continue your drive for Pondicherry, on arrival in Pondicherry, check into hotel
Overnight in Pondicherry
Day 05 – In Pondicherry
Pondicherry formerly a colony of France, is a fascinating synthesis of European culture and India. For years, his charm attracts travelers from around the world. With its friendly atmosphere, its location on the sea, shops and restaurants and its appetites, it is an ideal place to relax. After breakfast sightseeing tour of Pondicherry visiting the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo and a Frenchwoman known as, The Mother. The ashram does many cultural and educational activties in Pondicherry. Later, visit the Museum of Pondicherry and Auroville, a city dedicated to human unity.
Spend rest of the day relaxing.
Overnight in Pondicherry.
Day 06 – Drive Pondicherry – Trichy ( 255 kms / 05 hrs)
After breakfast drive to Trichy - the royal city of the Chola empire between 850 and 1270. On arrival in Trichy, check into hotel. After a short rest proceed for the half day sightseeing tour of Trichy including Rock fort Temple perched 83m high on a massive rocky outcrop, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple – a superb temple dedicated to Vishnu, Sri Jambukeshwara Temple dedicated to Shiva and Parvati and other religious sites.
Overnight in Trichy
Day 07 – Drive Trichy – Tanjavur (54 kms / 02 hrs)
After breakfast drive to Thanjavur. Thanjavur (Tanjore) was the ancient capital of the Chola Kings, controlled most of the Indian peninsula, including parts of Sri Lanka and the Srivijaya kingdom of the Malay Peninsula on the island of Sumatra. On arrival in Tanjavur, check into hotel. Later spent the day visiting Brihadishwara Temple, Fort, Thanjavur Palace & Museums.
Overnight in Tanjavur.
Day 08 – Drive Thanjavur – Madurai (165 kms / 03 hrs)
After breakfast drive to Madurai. Over the centuries Madurai remained under the juridictions of the Cholas, the Pandyas, the Muslim invaders and the Nayaks who ruled Madurai until 1781. Madurai is proud of its 2500 years of heritage. On arrival in Madurai, check into hotel. Spend rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Madurai.
Day 09 – In Madurai
After breakfast start your full day sightseeing tour of Madurai visiting the Meenakashi Temple- The Sri Meenaksh Temple was designed in 1560 during the reign of Tirumalai Nayak. This is a huge complex of temples is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture, with its bright colors and exquisite carved columns miles. Within the temple complex, housed is the 1000 pillard hall, is the Temple Art Museum. Later continue your city tour visiting Tirumalai Nayak Palace, Museums and Mariamman Teppakkulam Tank.
Overnight in Madurai.
Day 10 – Train Madurai – Chennai
Morning after breakfast transfer to Madurai railway station in time to board train for Chennai. Met on arrival at Chennai railway station and transfer to hotel.
Overnight in Chennai.
Day 11 – Depart Chennai
Transfer to Chennai airport in time to board flight for back home.
