A pilgrimage Trip to South India

Mahabalipuram was once a flourishing port of the Pallavas of ancient India. The monuments and sculptures here are world renowned and attract tourists from all over the world. Morning set aside for sightseeing of Mahabalipuram including the Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, Artisans Village etc. Afternoon, drive to visit Kancheepuram, the ‘City of Thousand Temples’, considered as the second holiest place in India and one of the seven sacred cities. It was successively the capital of the Pallavas and the Cholas. This place is also famous for hand-woven silk fabrics. Evening, back to the hotel. Overnight stay at Mahabalipuram.

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry. Pondicherry is a charming coastal town with a few enduring pockets of French culture and an ashram.Check into hotel for 01 night. Afternoon to explore the nearby places including the Auroville, Pondicherry Museum and the Botanical Garden. Evening to spend time at the beach. Overnight stay at Pondicherry.

After an early breakfast, drive to Swamimalai. En route, visit Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram.On arrival check into the resort for 02 nights’ stay. Afternoon for sightseeing tour of Tanjore. Tanjore was once the capital of the Chola dynasty of temple builders who ruled South India between 10th and 14th centuries. Visit the most spectacular Brihadeeswara Temple, capped by a monolithic cupola made of a single granite rock weighing 80 tones. The temple itself is decorated with carved panels depicting mythological events. Later, visit Saraswathi Mahal Library and Art Gallery with a large collection of Chola bronzes – a unique example of Hindu architecture. Overnight stay at Swamimalai.

After breakfast, go for a day tour to Trichy. Morning, visit the magnificent Rock Fort that dominates the city. 437 steps cut out into the rock side and interspersed with shrines, lead to the Vinayaka Temple built at its highest point. The ascent is climaxed by a magnificent view of the sacred Kaveri River. At a lower level along the rock is the Tayumanaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Later, visit Srirangam, a massive temple on an island in the Cauvery dedicated to Lord Ranganathaswamy. The temple has 21 magnificent gopurams and is adorned with exquisite sculptures. Overnight stay at Swamimalai.

After breakfast, drive to Chettinad where you will check into a private bungalow for 02 nights’ stay. Chettinadu or the land of Nattukottai Chettiars, is famous for its fortress like homes and temples that are architectural marvels.

Situated just behind the Raja’s Palace in a sleepy, rural town is this stylish heritage home. Constructed in 1902, this home that took 10 years to build, has courtyards, halls and corridors that are quiet, cool and beautifully decorated with intricate artwork, Burmese teak and Italian marble. Your host will introduce you to the local Chettinad cuisine and, given the slightest encouragement, will regale you with stories of local folklore. Overnight stay at Chettinad.

After an early breakfast, drive to Madurai. Madurai, known as the temple town of South India is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. On arrival, check into the hotel for 01 night stay. Afternoon for sightseeing tour of Madurai. Madurai is famous for the Meenakshi Temple, with its towering gopurams and rare sculptures. Other important attractions include Thirumalai Naicker Palace, Koodal Azhagar Temple and the Gandhi Museum. Evening to visit Sri Meenakshi Temple and attend the Pooja ceremony. Overnight stay at Madurai.

Morning, transfer to Madurai Airport to catch your flight to Chennai. On arrival at Chennai, meet and transfer to hotel for 01 night. Rest of the day, free to relax or for own activities. You can opt for a sightseeing trip of Chennai. Overnight stay at Chennai.

Morning at leisure. Later, transfer to Chennai Airport for your flight back home.