Cultural South India Tour

Arrive Chennai meet and assist at the airport then transfer to hotel.
Chennai, on the Bay of Bengal in eastern India, is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. The city is home to Fort St. George, built in 1644 and now a museum showcasing the city’s roots as a British military garrison and East India Company trading outpost, when it was called Madras. Religious sites include Kapaleeshwarar Temple, adorned with carved and painted gods, and St. Mary’s, a 17th-century Anglican Church.
Later visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Marina Beach, Fort St. George, Govt. Museum, and Vivekananda House.

OVERNIGHT STAY IN CHENNAI.

Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast drive to Mahabalipuram enroute visit Kanchipuram.
Kanchipuram is referred to as one of the 7 sacred cities of Hinduism. The Chola capital during the 2nd century, Kanchipuram today is an important place where people come to gain knowledge about Jainism, Hinduism and Buddhism.
You may visit the city’s popular temples such as Kamakshi Amman temple, Ekambareswarar temple and so on. Also visit the silk weavers of the city, residing here from past four centuries. Thereafter, continue towards Mahabalipuram. On arrival, complete the check-in formalities at the hotel.

OVERNIGHT STAY IN MAHABALIPURAM.

After breakfast go for sightseeing in Mahabalipuram. Also known as Mamallapuram, it has been the ancient port of the Pallava rulers. During their reign, the Pallava rulers constructed a number of architectural marvels such as caves, sculptural panels, temples and Monolithic rathas.
One of such attraction that you will visit today includes Krishna Mandapam. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, it is the world’s largest cave-cut Hindu temple. The walls of this temple consist of several figures, including those of Lord Krishna, humans, birds and demi-gods.The other attraction will be the Shore temple. Dating back to the 8th century, this temple is one of the finest examples of Dravidian style of architecture.The last attraction of the day is the Five (Paanch) Rathas. Also called the Paandava Rathas, it is a group of 5 monolithic temples, each erected in a different architecture styling.

OVERNIGHT STAY IN MAHABALIPURAM.

Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast drive to Pondicherry. On reaching, check-into the hotel.
Later visit today include the Sacred Heart Church, the Rai Niwas and Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Apart from being a religious site, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is an oriental specimen of Gothic style of architecture.
The other attraction, Raj Niwas, is the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Pondicherry. The last attraction of the day is Sri Aurobindo Ashram, founded by Sri Aurobindo, way back in the year 1926. This spiritual community is flocked by a huge number of visitors all round the year.

Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast drive to Tanjore in the morning, by car. En-route halt at Chidambram. This quaint town of Tamil Nadu is known as the seat Lord Nataraja, the Cosmic Dancer. Here, you visit Chidambram Temple, which is spread in around 40 acres of land. Also called Thillai Nataraja temple, it has a distinct feature of 5 sabhas. Thereafter, continue to Tanjore. On arrival, check-in at your hotel. After some rest, the rest of the day is for sightseeing in Tanjore including the very well-known Brihadeeswarar Temple.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The other attractions of the day include the Saraswathi Mahal Library and the Art Gallery.

OVERNIGHT STAY IN TANJORE.

After breakfast transfer to Madurai via Trichy. Upon arrival in Trichy visit is to the Srirangam, located at a distance of around 5 km from Trichy. Here you visit Sri Ranganathaswami temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and boasts of having one of India’s largest temple complexes. Your next visit is to the Tiruchirapalli Rock Fort, placed on the banks of the River Kaveri.
After sightseeing continue drive to Madurai. Upon arrival in Madurai transfer to the hotel.

OVERNIGHT STAY IN MADURAI.

After breakfast proceed for sightseeing of MADURAI– visit THIRUMALAI NAYAK Palace, THIRUPPARANKUNDRAM Temple, ALAGAR Koil and GANDHI Museum.

OVERNIGHT STAY IN MADURAI.

After breakfast leave for Periyar and enroute do Spice Plantation tour and upon arrival in Periyar transfer to hotel on arrival. You may opt for a pleasant boat ride along the Periyar Lake in the evening. Enjoy watching varied birds and animals like tigers, elephants, wild boar, deer, etc. at the Periyar / Thekkady National Park.

After breakfast drive to Marari. Upon arrival check in at the hotel.
Rest day free at leisure.

OVERNIGHT STAY IN MARARIKULAM.

Full day free at leisure.

OVERNIGHT STAY IN MARARIKULAM.

Morning free at leisure. Afternoon check out and drive to Cochin.
Upon arrival in Cochin transfer to the hotel.
Rest day at leisure.

OVERNIGHT STAY IN COCHIN.

After breakfast transfer to Cochin airport for flight back to home.