Bounded by the Bay of Bengal on the east, the Indian Ocean to the south and the Arabian Sea on the west, Tamil Nadu depicts the heart of Dravidian culture in India. Along with its glorious past, vibrant culture, rich history, and natural bounty in the form of beaches and clear skies it is also the 11th largest state in India.
It is the historical home of the famous Chola, Chera, Pallava and Pandya kingdoms which blossomed in ancient and medieval India. Tamil Nadu is renowned for its classical dance form – Bharatanatyam, rich jewel colored silks of Kancheepuram, intricately carved wood, stone pillars, and brass temple lamps. Known as the ‘Land of Temples the state harbors 274 of India’s holiest Shiva temples, and 108 are devoted to Vishnu. Also, five shrines devoted to the five Vedic elements (Earth, Wind, Fire, Water, and Ether) are found here.
Day 01 Arrive Chennai (By Flight)
Arrive Chennai, meet assist and transfer to the hotel.
Post breakfast in the morning, proceed for a half day sightseeing tour of Chennai which include Gandhi Memorial, Mylapore Temple, Marina Beach and Kalakshetra.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Chennai.
Chennai, on the Bay of Bengal in eastern India, is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. The city is home to Fort St. George, built in 1644 and now a museum showcasing the city’s roots as a British military garrison and East India Company trading outpost, when it was called Madras. Religious sites include Kapaleeshwarar Temple, adorned with carved and painted gods, and St. Mary’s, a 17th-century Anglican church.
Day 02 Chennai – Kancheepuram – Mahabalipuram (By Road) (148 Km/ 4H)
In the morning, leave by road for Mamallapuram. On the way, visit Kanchipuram. The erstwhile capital of the Pallava dynasty, Kanchipuram is home to around 1000 temples including 124 shrines.
Kanchipuram, also known as Kanchi, is an ancient city in southern India’s Tamil Nadu state. Considered a holy pilgrimage site by Hindus, it is home to many temples. The 8th-century Kailasanathar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a vast complex with intricate sandstone carvings. Ulagalanda Perumal Temple houses a huge statue of Lord Vishnu. A mango tree in the Ekambareswarar Temple courtyard is thought to be sacred.
Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram is a historic city and UNESCO World Heritage site in Tamil Nadu, India. During the reign of the Pallava dynasty, between the 3rd century CE and 7th century CE, it became an important centre of art, architecture and literature. Mahabalipuram was already a thriving sea port on the Bay of Bengal before this time. A significant amount of coins and other artefacts excavated from this region also indicate a pre-existing trade relation with the Romans even before it became a part of the Pallava Empire.
On reaching Mamallapuram, check in at the hotel to relax.
Later, set off for the sightseeing tour of the town.
Stay overnight in the hotel.
Day 03 Mahabalipuram – Tiruvanamali – Pondicherry (257 Km/ 5H 30M)
Post breakfast in the morning, drive towards Pondicherry.
On the way, visit Tiruvannamalai. Explore the beautiful temples in this city.
Tiruvannamalai is a Hindu pilgrimage town in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. At the foot of sacred Arunachala Hill is the vast, ancient Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, with intricately carved gopurams (towers). To the west, the huge Sathanur Dam was constructed in 1958 on the Thenpennai River. Nearby there are gardens, plus a crocodile farm and a small zoo.
Thereafter, have lunch and continue your drive towards Pondicherry.
On reaching Pondicherry, check in at the hotel for night stay.
Day 04 Pondicherry
After breakfast, visit Aurobindo Ashram.
While returning back, have lunch at the hotel and embark on a sightseeing tour of Pondicherry.
Overnight stay in the hotel.
Pondicherry (or Puducherry), a French colonial settlement in India until 1954, is now a Union Territory town bounded by the southeastern Tamil Nadu state. Its French legacy is preserved in its French Quarter, with tree-lined streets, mustard-colored colonial villas and chic boutiques. A seaside promenade runs along the Bay of Bengal and passes several statues, including a 4m-high Gandhi Memorial.
Day 05 Pondicherry – Chennai (By Road) (167 Kms / 3H 15M)
After breakfast, relax in Pondicherry.
Later, transfer to Chennai.
Visit Fort St. George, Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
Free time to explore Chennai markets.
Overnight in Chennai.
Day 06 Depart Chennai (By Flight)
Departure transfer to Chennai airport for flight to onward destination.
| City | Night (s) | 5* Hotels |
| Chennai | 01 | The Accord Metropolitan |
| Mahabalipuram | 01 | Chariot Beach Resort |
| Pondicherry | 02 | The Promenade |
| Chennai | 01 | The Accord Metropolitan |
– Welcome with fresh flower garlands.
– Meet assist at the airport and hotels.
– 05 nights hotel accommodation as per the program.
– Daily breakfast and dinners.
– Entrance fees to the monuments.
– Marina Beach and ST. George Fort.
– Shore Temple, Pondicherry Museum and SRI Aurobindo Ashram.
– Full day temple tour in Kanchipuram including Ekambareswarar temple, Kamakshi Amman temple, Varadharaja Perumal temple, Devarajaswami temple etc.
– Excursion to famous Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram
– Half-day trip to Tiruvannamallai the pilgrim center dedicated to Lord Shiva
– Visit the Aurobindo Ashram at Pondicherry
– Local English / French / German / Italian / Spanish / Chinese / Russian speaking guide.
– All transfers, sightseeing, excursions by private AC vehicle.
– All taxes.
– Tips
– International Air Fare
– Visa Fees
– Travel Insurance
– Personal expenses and drinks.
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.