Duration : 07 Nights / 08 Days
Destinations Covered : Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Tanjavur - Trichy - Madurai - Chennai
Tamil Nadu is a land steeped in tradition, where an ancient culture and heritage are still velvant in the modern age.In the temple towns of Thnajavur, Tiruchirapalli and Madurai, tall carved temple towers or gopurams pierce the sky. South Indian temples have special features of their own. The South Indian temples have a pyramidal structure which consists of many storeys, each of which was smaller than the one below.
Day01 : Arrival in Chennai
Arrival at Chennai. Reach Mahabalipuram. Overnight at an exotic beach resort.
Day 2 : Chennai Sightseeing – Mahabalipuram 60 Km / 01 Hr
Today morning go for sightseeing of the city after breakfast and later drive to Mahabalipuram. Chennai is considered to be the gateway of south India and is 350 years old city which has, history, culture, temples and shrines, forts and palaces to offer to its visitors. Places of the interest are Fort St.George; it houses the Secretariat and the Legislative Assembly.Visit one of the oldest Anglican Church of 1680 AD. Also see San Thome Cathedral, the resting place of St. Thomas the Apostle who laid the foundation of Christianity in India in 52 AD. Later go to see the marvelous collection of bronze by the Cholas rulers (900-1155 AD). Kapaleshwara temple is a massive with intricately carved Gopuram towering into the sky. Another 8th century shrine dedicated to Lord Krishna at the Parthasarathy Temple is worth visiting. On arrival check in your hotel for the night stay.
Day 03 : Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram.
After breakfast leave for temple tour of Mahabalipuram.The town of Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram has many Rathas built by the Pallavas King, Narsimhavarman (625-645 A.D).The five Pagodas or Rathas at Mahabalipuram are remarkable examples of rock cut architecture.
They are named after five Pandava brothers, characters of great epic Mahabharata. The Dharamraja Ratha is the biggest in size. Visit Shore temple which was built by Narasimhavarman II (690-720 AD). It is built of bricks and stones. The structure of the Shore temple is similar to that of the Dharamraja Rath. Later drive to Kancheepuram to see Kailashnath Temple constructed by the Pallava ruler Rajasimha a great son of Narasimhavarman in the early decades of 8th century. This temple is lined with Hindu religion dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple resembles very much with Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram as far as its pyramidal tower is concerned. This temple has a sanctuary, a rectangular court and a pyramidal tower. This temple has some very beautiful Shaivite sculptures. In the evening return to hotel for night stay.
Day 04 : Mahabalipuram – Tanjavur 310 Km / 06 Hrs
After early breakfast drive to South Indian art and architecture centre Tanjavur which is nearly 06 hours drive from Mahabalipuram.The Great temples built by Cholas (900-1155 AD) are now UNESCO World Heritage Monument are located in the vicinity of Tanjavur. On arrival check in hotel and rest of the day free to relax after long journey. Night stay at hotel.
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Day 05 : Tanjavur Sightseeing
Morning after breakfast go for guided temple tours of Tanjavur. Visit Rajarajeswara Temple also knows as Brihadeswara Temple was built by Rajaraja Chola in honor of Lord Shiva in about 1011 AD. This is the biggest and most perfectly built temple of South India. 
It is known for its spacious courtyard and massive tower. Its tower rises to a height of 57 metres like a pyramid in 13 successive storeys .Its top is crowned by a single block of stone, 25 feet high and weighing about 80 tons. This temple is an example of rhythm, poise and dignity. Next to Brihadeswara temple is Palace which houses Art Gallery. The construction was started by the Nayaks in 1550 AD but was completed by the Marathas. Also visit to the remains at Paluvurand Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Veda schools and bronze casting village. In the evening return to the hotel for night stay.
Day06 : Tanjavur – Trichy 60 Km / 01 Hr.
After breakfast head to Trichy located on the banks of the Cauvery River. Trichy is a perfect combination of history, tradition and religion.Once the citadel of the Chola kings, the fort has seen many dynasties. After check in formalities are over leave for guided city tour of Trichy. Visit the massive Rock Fort Temple which poses as the landmark of the city is situated on the shores of the Cauvery River. There is a spectacular view of the city from the temple. On the midway to the Rock fort is Thayumanaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Just 5 Km from Trichy is Srirangam, a temple town where 13th century temple complex with its 21 gopurams is set on an island in the river Cauvery.You can also go to Jambukeswara temple at Tiruvanaikkaval about 7 Km from Trichy is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Evening back to hotel for night stay.
Day 07 : Trichy – Madurai 130 Km / 03 Hrs
Morning head to Madurai the second largest city and the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu. 
The city is as old as 2500 Years and was the seat of learning during Sangam period. On arrival check in hotel and then leave for Meenakshi Temple which appears like a fortified citadel. It is a double temple for it has two separate sanctuaries; one is dedicated to Shiva and other to Parvati. The outer wall is 258 Metres long and 220 Metres wide. The temple has a holy tank, large pillared halls and four lofty gateways called gopurams. As mentioned above, this temple has many pillared halls. One of its halls is known as the “Hall of Thousand Pillars”. Night stay at hotel.
Day 08 : Madurai – Chennai (Flight) – Fly out.
In the meantime you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight for Chennai to carry forward your onward journey.
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Tour End
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Basic Inclusions of the package :
- Assisted transfers from airport to hotel and back
- Accommodation in hotels (as per the category selected)
- Daily Breakfast Buffet
- City tour + Drives by private car
- An English / Language speaking well mannered guide during sightseeing trips
- All currently applicable taxes
Exclusions:
- Any meal unless mentioned above, personal expenses like telephone /laundry bills etc.
- Entrance fees and still camera or video camera charges at various monuments and museums.
- Tips and gratuities to drivers, guides, and bellboys at hotels
- Departure taxes or Visa handling fees (A Visa is required to visit India)
- Any International Air fare, Airports tax and travel insurance etc. and other services not specified above.
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions.
Remarks
» All prices quoted per person in INR. on twin sharing basis. Rates subject to change without notice Rates are applicable for a minimum of two (2) persons travelling at one time.
» Rates are applicable for Indian market only.
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