01
Day: Chennai Arrival:
On arrival at Chennai International Airport you will
be welcomed by our representative then transfer to
the hotel where we are holding the room on ready occupancy
basis. Overnight stay in Chennai.
02 Day: Chennai:
After breakfast take a city tour of Chennai: the gateway
of South India will put you in touch with a different
phase of India - Classical, Ancient, Gentle. Chennai,
the 4rth largest city in India. Spread over 50 miles
and features a large and beautiful waterfront on the
Bay of Bengal. The British East India Company established
its first trading post at Chennai, and in 1653 the
company built Fort Saint George to protect its position.
Take a sightseeing tour of Chennai visiting Marina
Beach, the second longest beach in the world. The
St. George Fort, built in 1653, is currently used
as the state government’s secretariat, Santhome
Cathedral was built around 14th-15th century and is
another colonial structure worth visiting. Dedicated
to Lord Shiva, the Kapaleeswara Temple is the oldest
temple in Chennai. Another important temple in the
city dedicated to Lord Krishna is Parthasarthy Temple.
The Snake Park has a large collection of snakes and
many other reptiles. Evening optionally you can visit
to flower and fruit market. Overnight at the hotel.
03 Day: Chennai - Tirupati
- Chennai (Excursion 140 kms - 2 ½ hours):
After breakfast drive to Tirupati. A temple and pilgrim
town located at the foot of the Tirumala Hills on
which the ancient and beautiful temple of Lord Venkateshwara
stands. Spread over seven hills, this township is
the most picturesque pilgrimage centre in the south.
One must see the fervour with which the devotees stand
in long queues for a glimpse of their Lord. Masses
of coins, jewellery & hair are received as offerings.
On arrival proceed for Darshan of Lord Balaji. After
Darshan drive back to Chennai for overnight stay.
04 Day: Chennai - Mahabalipuram
(65 kms - 1 ½ hrs):
After breakfast, take half-day sightseeing tour touching
Fort St. George, San Thome Cathedral and the museums
that contain the world's most complete and impressive
selection of Chola bronzes and stone sculptures from
South India and the Deccan. Later, drive on to, then
passed into the hands of the Marathas and later still
went to the British. For ages it has been the chief
Mamallapuram, The city, built in the 7th century,
this ancient city is said to be a sculptor's delight,
boasting of some of India's most sublime rock-cut
art, for which it is now a World Heritage site. On
arrival transfer to the hotel. The evening free for
visit to local market and individual activities. Overnight
at the hotel at Mahabalipuram.
05 Day: Mahabalipuram
- Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram (65 kms - 1 ½
hours):
After breakfast departure for sightseeing covering
Shore Temple, Arjuna's Penance & Five Rathas.
Then after lunch drive to Kanchipuram, the golden
city of thousand temples, one of Hinduism's seven
most sacred cities of the early Chola Period of the
2nd century. After visit drive back to Mahabalipuram
for overnight stay.
06 Day: Mahabalipuram
- Pondicherry (135 kms 3 hours):
After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Pondicherry,
the capital of the French colonies in India since
the 17th century. Later take a city tour of Pondicherry,
including a visit to Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the
Ecole Françoise d’Extreme Orient, which
is nearly 100 years old, with programs in Sanskrit,
Tamil and Archaeological studies. The French Catholic
influence is evident in a number of churches, notably
the Jesuit Cathedral (Notre Dame de la Conception’
1691-1765), The Church of Our Lady of Angels (1855),
famous for an oil painting of Our Lady of Assumption
given to the Church by King Louis Napoleon III, and
the 17th century Chapel of Our Sisters of Cluny. In
the evening you can visit to French colonies and local
market. Overnight at the hotel.
07 Day: Pondicherry -
Tanjore ( 190 kms- 4 hours):
After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Tanjore,
on arrival check in to the hotel, after relaxation
visit beautiful Chola Temple of Brihadeeshwara. The
temple is capped by a monolithic cupola made of a
single granite block weighing 80 tons which was taken
to the top with the help of a 6 km long ramp, an old
technique used by the Egyptians for building pyramids.
The more than 200 feet in height and constructed in
the Dravidian truncated pyramid form, and has a huge
lingam in its sanctorum. Return to the hotel for overnight
stay at Tanjore.
08 Day: Tanjore - Trichy
- Madurai (158 kms 3 hours):
After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Madurai
. En route visit to Trichy take sightseeing tour of
the city, most famous landmark of this bustling town
- the Rock Fort Temple, a spectacular monument perched
on a massive rocky outcrop, the Sri Ranganathanswami
Temple. This temple is one of the largest and most
interesting temple complexes in India, built on an
island in the middle of the Cauvery River and covering
a staggering 2.5 sq km and Jambukeshwara - Mysore
Temples. After visit continue to drive to Madurai.
On arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight at hotel
in Madurai.
09 Day: Madurai:
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of the city
visiting Meenakshi Sundareshwar, one of the largest
temple complexes in India built between the 16th and
18th centuries. Apart from the estimated 33 million
sculptures there, the temple is absolutely absorbing
with the endless rounds of ceremonies, prostration
of countless devotees and glittering market stalls,
later visit Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, Palamuthirsolai
Murugan Temple. Overnight at Madurai.
10 Day: Madurai - Chennai
(By Air):
After breakfast check out the hotel and transfer to
the airport to board the afternoon flight to Chennai.
On arrival transfer to the International airport for
the onwards journey for home country. On departure
the tour concludes with happy memories.