Tamil Nadu: Blessed With Beauty And Culture
The eleventh largest Indian state by area, Tamil Nadu has been shaped by centuries of dynasties who are regarded as some of the finest rulers. Tamilians are as passionate about their politics as their film stars and many of the latter have embraced the profession of the former.
For leisure travelers, Tamil Nadu tourism is designed to thrill, engage and pamper. Its ancient temples with rock-cut architecture whisper stories in stone. Its fertile coastline breathes life into the places it fringes. Its vibrant art and culture scene are celebrated with fervor and have graced global shores with wide acclaim. One thing is for sure, anyone who visits this graceful state will want to return for more.
Day 01 Arrive Chennai (By Flight)
Arrive in Chennai, meet assist and transfer to your hotel.
Capital of the southeastern state of Tamil Nadu, Chennai is one of the four major metropolitan cities in India. The city also has its share of forts and palaces reminding the tourists the glory of bygone eras.
Chennai was developed as a British trading post, and as such, most of its attractions have a distinct colonial influence. Stretched over an area of 13 km, Marina Beach is the second longest beach in the world. The ST. GEORGE FORT, built in 1653, is currently used as the state government/’s secretariat.
SAN THOME Cathedral was built around 14th/15th century and is another colonial structure worth visiting. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the KAPALESHWAR TEMPLE is the oldest temple in Chennai.
Relax at the hotel and overcome the jetlag.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02 Chennai – Kancheepuram – Mahabalipuram (148 Kms / 03 hrs 48 min)
After Breakfast, Proceed for a tour of Chennai city.
Then drive to Kanchipuram, the fabled city of a thousand temples. There are 650 stone inscriptions here belonging to different dynasties. The temples reflect the maturity and efflorescence of Pallava art and the ornate and often imposing embellishments were produced later by the Chola, Vijayanagar and Chalukyan kings. There is solemn grandeur, a grandiosity of vision and ornamental excess in the temples here. Continue to Mahabalipuram for overnight at your beach resort.
Mahabalipuram with its picturesque location on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon is a happy combination of history, good beaches, hassle-free tourism and fabulous fish and lobster. It is renowned for its series of charming Rathas and the spectacular carved relief depicting Arjuna’s Penance. The magnificent Shore Temple built by king Rajasimha in the seventh century houses the shrines of both Shiva and Vishnu while the Varaha Cave is a rock-cut mandapam with two incarnations of Vishnu — Varaha and Vamana—besides scenes of kings and queens. The Krishna Manadapam has a bas-relief of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan hill on his fingertips.
Return to your hotel late by evening for overnight stay.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03 Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (By Road) (99 Kms / 01 hrs 49 min)
After Breakfast, Proceed to Pondicherry or Puducheri meaning ’the new settlement’.
It was a French settlement comprising of Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam besides Pondicherry. A unique thing about Pondicherry is that it spreads into several states. On arrival check in at your city hotel. During your afternoon tour visit SRI Aurobindo Ashram, Where Sri Aurobindo And The Mother Lived For The Most Parts Of Their Lives.
The Pondicherry Museum Is Home To Some Of The Most Exquisite Collections On Architecture And Sculpture. Pondicherry Also Has a pleasant beach alongside promenade and historical monuments. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 04 Pondicherry–Chidambaram–Kumbakonam–Tanjore (176 Km/ 4H 48M)
After Breakfast, Proceed to Tanjore.
En-route visit CHIDAMBARAM, famous for its NATARAJA TEMPLE.
Chidambaram is a temple town situated in Tamil Nadu around 58 km off Pondicherry. The place is famous for its temple complex where the renowned Nataraja Temple is housed. Arrive Tanjore in the afternoon to check in at your hotel. It is primarily a place for the art lovers, especially for those who love temple architecture and wonder about kings who erected these magnificent monuments.
After Chidambaram, Visit Kumbakonam.
Later, transfer to Tanjore.
During their reign, the Cholas made significant contribution to the various fields of art and architecture. The Brihadeeswara Temple, the wonderful Palace, Art Gallery And The Saraswati Mahal Library are some of the other things to see in Tanjore.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 05 Tanjore–Trichy–Tanjore (By Road) (59 Km/ 01 hrs 12 min–One Way)
After Breakfast, Proceed to the city of Trichy Thiruchirappally.
In Trichy visit ROCK FORT, from where the view is spectacular. The VINAYAKA TEMPLE at the top is reached by climbing a tunnel in rock. Half way up is the SRI THAYUMANASWAMY TEMPLE, dedicated to Lord Siva having a 100-pillar hall and a Vimana covered with gold.
Also visit TIRUVANAIKKAVAL or JAMBUKESWARA TEMPLE named after the elephant, which is believed to have worshipped Lord Siva here. Installed under an ancient Jambu tree, the lingam is partially submerged by water and meant to represent God incarnate as water. Later return drive to Tanjore by afternoon.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 06 Tanjore – Madurai (By Road) (189 Kms / 03 hrs 05 min appx.)
After Breakfast, Proceed to Madurai. Enroute visiting Chettinadu.
Chettinadu or the land of Nattukottai Chettiars, is famous for its fortress like homes and temples that are architectural marvels. rural town houses many stylish heritage homes, which took years to build, and has courtyards, halls and corridors that are quiet, cool and beautifully decorated with intricate artwork, Burmese teak and Italian marble.
Try out the local Chettinad cuisine for lunch. Later proceed to Madurai 90 km 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. Madurai is famous for the Meenakshi Temple, with its towering gopurams and rare sculptures.Here the architectural marvels of the temples and the exquisite sculptures fascinate all those who have a look at them. You can also participate in the many festivals and regale in the rich tradition of the locals.
Evening visit Sri Meenakshi Temple and attend the Pooja ceremony.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 07 Madurai – Chennai (By Flight) / Dep. Chennai
After Breakfast, Proceed for a city tour of Madurai. Some of the major attractions in the city are the Meenakshi Temple, Tirumalai Nayak Mahal, Gandhi Museum, Koodal Azhagar Tmeple, Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam etc. Other important attractions include Thirumalai Naicker Palace, Koodal Azhagar Temple and the Gandhi Museum.
Later, transfer to Madurai airport for flight to Chennai.
On arrival, connecting flight to onward destination.
| City | Night (s) | 5* Hotels |
| Chennai | 01 | The Accord Metropolitan |
| Mahabalipuram | 01 | Chariot Beach Resort |
| Pondicherry | 01 | The Promenade |
| Tanjore | 02 | Svatma Hotel |
| Madurai | 01 | Heritage Madurai |
– Welcome with fresh flower garlands.
– Meet assist at the airport and hotels.
– 06 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
– Guided tour to the famous Nataraja temple, in Trichy
– Sightseeing tour to the prime tourist attractions of Trichy including Jambukeshwar Temple, Srirangam temple and Rock Fort temple.
– Visit the prime tourist attractions in Madurai including King Tirumala’s Palace, Gandhi Museum and Great Tank.
– Local English / French / German / Italian / Spanish / Chinese / Russian speaking guide.
– Madurai – Chennai economy class air ticket.
– 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.