ARRIVAL IN CHENNAI – CHENNAI SIGHTSEEING

Kapaleeshwarar Temple (Lord Shiva) - Upon arrival at Chennai Airport, guests will be warmly welcomed by the tour representative and commence the Chennai sightseeing tour. The first stop is the Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore, a stunning example of Dravidian architecture with its intricately carved gopuram and vibrant sculptures. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is believed that the original temple was submerged under the sea, with the current structure dating back to the 16th century.

Fort St. George - Next, visit Fort St. George, established in 1644, recognized as the first English fortress in India. It features a museum showcasing artifacts from the British era, including military memorabilia, paintings, and letters.

Government Museum - Continue to the Government Museum in Egmore, the second oldest museum in India. It boasts a rich collection of archaeological findings, numismatics, Roman antiquities, and traditional South Indian bronzes.

Marina Beach - Enjoy a visit to Marina Beach, stretching 13 km, it is the longest natural urban beach in India. Known for its scenic beauty and lively atmosphere, it features landmarks such as the lighthouse, statues, and memorials. Enhance the experience with a guided food tour, sampling local delicacies like idiyappam and dhokla at popular spots. Overnight stay in Chennai.

Inclusions: Accommodation, Local Food Dinner, Transportation, Tour guide
Tour Highlights: Kapaleeswarar Temple, Fort St. George, Government Museum, Marina Beach

CHENNAI – KANCHIPURAM – MAHABALIPURAM

Kamakshi Amman Temple - After breakfast, travel to Kanchipuram, a historic city 74 km from Chennai. Known as one of the seven Tirthas or Sapta Puri, Kanchipuram is revered by both Shaivites and Vaishnavites for its religious significance and temples. Begin the tour with a visit to the Kamakshi Amman Temple, a major pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, an incarnation of Parvati, known for its golden chariot and sacred tank.

Varadharaja Perumal Temple - Continue to the Varadharaja Perumal Temple, one of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred abodes of Vishnu), noted for its grand architecture and the large stone chain sculpted from a single stone.

Vaikunda Perumal Temple - Built by the Pallavas in the 7th century, this temple showcases their architectural prowess. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it features beautifully carved pillars and detailed reliefs.

Ekambareswarar Temple - Spanning over 25 acres, this temple is one of the largest in Kanchipuram and one of the five major Shiva temples representing the element earth (Prithvi Lingam).

Shore Temple - After exploring Kanchipuram, transfer to Mahabalipuram, a historically significant port town of the Pallava dynasty. The historical monuments of Mahabalipuram offer a glimpse into the grandeur of bygone eras.

Arrive and visit the Shore Temple, dating back to the 8th century, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It consists of three shrines, with the main shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple’s seaside location adds to its scenic beauty.

Arjuna’s Penance - Also known as Descent of the Ganges, this massive open-air rock relief is one of the largest in the world, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

Pancha Rathas - These five monolithic rock-cut structures, each carved from a single piece of stone, represent the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. They showcase different styles of Dravidian architecture.

Check in to your hotel and stay overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Distance: Chennai to Kanchipuram - 74 km (1.5 hours)
Kanchipuram to Mahabalipuram - 70 km (1.5 hours)

Inclusions: Breakfast, Accommodation, Transportation, Tour guide
Tour Highlights: Kamakshi Amman Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Mahabalipuram sightseeing

MAHABALIPURAM – PONDICHERRY

Auroville - After breakfast, transfer to Pondicherry, with a stop at Auroville. An experimental township founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa (The Mother) and designed by architect Roger Anger, Auroville aims to be a universal town where people from all countries can live in peace and progressive harmony.

White Town - Arrive in Pondicherry and embark on a cycle tour. This fully guided eco-friendly tour allows exploration of Pondicherry’s architectural beauty. Cycle through tree-lined paved streets, discovering the colonial heritage of White Town and French Town, enjoying the fresh breeze. An experienced English-speaking guide will provide interesting insights about each place visited. The French Quarter of Pondicherry is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, tree-lined streets, and colorful buildings. It is home to many charming cafes, boutiques, and historic landmarks.

Pondicherry - In the evening, participate in local activities with Pondicherry residents. Join a cooking class, then engage in saree draping and kolam (Rangoli) drawing. Stay overnight in Pondicherry.

Distance: Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry - 100 km (2.5 hours)

Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner, Accommodation, Transportation, Tour guide
Tour Highlights: Auroville, Cycle tour, Cooking demo

PONDICHERRY – CHIDAMBARAM - KUMBAKONAM

Chidambaram Nataraja Temple - After breakfast, transfer to Chidambaram, an important pilgrimage center for Shaivites, renowned for the Nataraja Temple. Arrive and visit the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer. It is one of the most important Shaivite temples and is known for its magnificent architecture and the annual Natyanjali dance festival.

Pichavaram Mangrove Forest - Later, drive to Pichavaram, located near Chidambaram, to explore the mangrove forest via a boat ride. This mangrove forest is the second-largest in the world and offers a unique ecosystem with diverse flora and fauna. Boat rides through the narrow canals provide a close-up view of the mangrove trees and bird species. After the mangrove tour, continue the drive to Kumbakonam. Arrive at Kumbakonam and stay overnight in the hotel.

Distance: Pondicherry to Chidambaram - 65 km (1.5 hours)
Chidambaram to Kumbakonam - 75 km (2 hours)

Inclusions: Breakfast, Accommodation, Transportation, Tour guide
Tour Highlights: Nataraja Temple, Pichavaram Mangrove Forest Boat Ride

KUMBAKONAM

Vaitheeswaran Koil - Embark on a journey starting with a visit to Vaitheeswaran Koil, a significant temple dedicated to Lord Shiva known for its healing powers. This temple is also part of the Navagraha (nine planets) temples and is associated with the planet Mars.

KUMBAKONAM – THIRUVANNAMALAI

Arulmigu Naganathaswamy Temple Thirunageswaram - After breakfast, drive to Thiruvannamalai. Enroute visit the prominent temples. First, visit the Sri Naganatha Swami Temple. Located in Thirunageswaram, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its shrine of Rahu, one of the Navagrahas. It is believed to have the power to alleviate the malefic effects of Rahu.

Airavatesvara Temple - Visit the Dharasuram Airavatesvara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, built by Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century. It is known for its exquisite stone carvings and detailed architecture.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram - Continue to visit Gangaikondacholapuram, built by Rajendra Chola I, this temple complex reflects the architectural prowess of the Chola dynasty and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Arrive in Thiruvannamalai and check in to your hotel. Overnight stay in Thiruvannamalai.

Distance: Kumbakonam to Thiruvannamalai - 150 km (3.5 hours)

Inclusions: Breakfast, Accommodation, Transportation, Tour guide
Tour Highlights: Sri Naganatha Swami Temple, Swamimalai Temple, Dharasuram Airavatesvara Temple, Sarangapani Temple

THIRUVANNAMALAI – CHENNAI DEPARTURE

Arunachaleshwara Temple - After breakfast, visit the Arunachaleswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and known for representing the element of fire among the Pancha Bhoota Stalas. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, representing the element of fire. The temple complex is vast and includes several shrines, halls, and tanks. The Arunachala hill, considered sacred, is a focal point of the temple. Later, transfer back to Chennai for departure. Arrive in Chennai and drop off at the preferred location, hotel, or airport.

Distance: Thiruvannamalai to Chennai - 195 km (4.5 hours)

Inclusions: Breakfast, Transportation

• 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

• Anything not mentioned in the program and inclusions
• Any personal expenses, tips and meals not mentioned in the program and 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.