Arrival in Chennai – Sightseeing

Kapaleeshwarar Temple (Lord Shiva) - Arrive at Chennai Airport and meet your tour guide who will assist with your transfer and sightseeing.

Kapaleeshwarar Temple:
Begin your tour with this renowned Shiva temple in Mylapore. Constructed in the 16th century, it is famous for its tall, colorful gopuram (tower) and exquisite carvings. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Kapaleeshwarar and Goddess Parvati as Karpagambal.

Fort St. George - Fort St. George:
Visit India’s first British fortress, established in 1644. It features a museum with artifacts, uniforms, coins, and paintings from the colonial era.

Government Museum Chennai - Government Museum:
Discover the second oldest museum in India, located in Egmore. It showcases ancient South Indian bronzes, archaeological artifacts, and numismatic collections.

Marina Beach - Marina Beach:
End your day with a leisurely walk at Marina Beach, India’s longest urban beach. Enjoy the sea breeze and savor local snacks along the promenade.
Overnight stay in Chennai

Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram

Kamakshi Amman Temple - After breakfast, drive to Kanchipuram (74 km, 1.5 hours), known as the “City of Thousand Temples.”

Kamakshi Amman Temple:
A significant Shakti temple dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, a form of Parvati. Renowned for its golden chariot and sacred pond.

Varadharaja Perumal Temple - Varadharaja Perumal Temple:
A notable Vishnu temple with intricate stone carvings and a stone chain carved from a single rock.

Vaikunda Perumal Temple - Vaikunta Perumal Temple:
Constructed by the Pallavas in the 7th century, known for its beautiful relief sculptures and historic architecture.

Ekambareswarar Temple - Ekambareswarar Temple:
One of the largest Shiva temples in India, representing the element Earth (Prithvi Lingam) among the Pancha Bhoota Sthalas.

Shore Temple - Later, drive to Mahabalipuram (70 km, 1.5 hours).
Mahabalipuram Sightseeing:

Shore Temple:
An 8th-century temple complex primarily dedicated to Shiva, with a picturesque sea-facing location. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Arjuna’s Penance - Arjuna’s Penance:
A vast open-air rock relief depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, including the descent of the river Ganges.

Pancha Rathas - Pancha Rathas:
Five monolithic chariot-shaped temples carved from single rocks, each representing the Pandavas from Mahabharata.
Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry

Auroville - After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry (100 km, 2.5 hours). En route, visit:

Auroville:
A serene township built for global unity and harmony. Visit the Matrimandir (view from outside) – a golden sphere meditation center.

White Town - White Town Cycle Tour:
Enjoy a guided cycle tour through the French Quarter. See colonial buildings, colorful houses, churches, and charming cafes.

Pondicherry - Evening Cultural Activities:
Join locals for a cooking class, learn saree draping, and create beautiful kolam (rangoli) designs.
Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Kumbakonam

Chidambaram Nataraja Temple - After breakfast, drive to Chidambaram (65 km, 1.5 hours).
Chidambaram Visit:

Nataraja Temple:
A magnificent Shiva temple where he is worshipped as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer. The temple is renowned for its unique Chidambara Rahasya (secret of the universe) and stunning architecture.

Pichavaram Mangrove Forest - Pichavaram Mangrove Forest:
Enjoy a boat ride through one of the world’s largest mangrove forests, with narrow canals and abundant birdlife.
Arrival: Later, continue to Kumbakonam (75 km, 2 hours).
Overnight stay in Kumbakonam

Kumbakonam Temple Visits

Vaitheeswaran Koil - Vaitheeswaran Koil:
A Shiva temple known for its healing powers, associated with the planet Mars. Devotees pray for good health here.

Suriyanar Koil - Suryanar Koil:
A unique temple dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) along with shrines for all nine planetary deities (Navagrahas).

Kumbakonam – Thiruvannamalai

Swamimalai Murugan Temple - Swamimalai Murugan Temple:
One of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan, located on a small hill with steps representing Tamil alphabets.

Airavatesvara Temple - Airavatesvara Temple (Dharasuram):
A UNESCO World Heritage site built by Cholas, known for its exquisite stone carvings and detailed architecture.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram - Gangaikonda Cholapuram:
Built by Rajendra Chola I, this grand temple complex showcases the Chola dynasty’s architectural brilliance and is a UNESCO site.
Overnight stay in Thiruvannamalai

Thiruvannamalai – Chennai Departure

Arunachaleshwara Temple - After breakfast, Arunachaleswarar Temple:
Visit this vast temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, representing the element Fire among the Pancha Bhoota Sthalas. The temple complex is situated at the base of the sacred Arunachala Hill, a major pilgrimage site for centuries.

Departure: After the temple visit, drive back to Chennai (195 km, 4.5 hours). You will be dropped off at your preferred location or Chennai Airport for departure.

• Sightseeing tours
• Cycle tour in Pondicherry
• Boat ride in Pichavaram
• Daily breakfast
• 1 local food dinner in Chennai
• 1 dinner in Pondicherry
• English-speaking tour guides at each destination
• 6 nights in preferred category hotels (if tour will be chosen with hotels)
• All fees and/or taxes
• Private AC vehicle with driver

• Meals not mentioned in the program
• Personal expenses, tips, laundry, shopping.
• Anything not listed under “Inclusions”

• We can accommodate travelers with dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free but please make sure to add it in the special requirement section upon booking.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.