Overview
This exceptional tour covers predominantly the southern state of Tamil Nadu, providing varied insights into the state’s Dravidian culture. The trip will cover the major towns and cities of Chennai, Madurai, Dindigul, Chettinad, Tranquebar, Pondicherry and Mahabalipuram.
Tamil Nadu is famous for its Hindu temples all over the world. The trip will cover some of the most popular and beautiful temples Price On Request the Meenakshi temple in Madurai. Thereafter, you will get to experience the rich culture and village life of Tamils in Dindigul and Chettinad. After the rural experience, you can enjoy on the quaint beaches of Tharangambadi, also known as Tranquebar.
The Trip also covers the beautiful and historic French town of Pondicherry. The last leg of trip will take you to the port town of Mahabalipuram famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here, you can also unwind and relax on the clean beaches and enjoy local sea-food.
Highlights
- Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple and drive past Marina Beach in the cultural capital of South India (Chennai)
- Discover great Meenakshi Temple of Madurai
- Experience Luxury estate and interesting rural activities in the village of Dindigul
- Enjoy staying in a grand restored mansion in Chettinad region.
- Visit Dravidian temples and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Tamil Nadu
- Explore Danish settlement in Tarangambadi
- Visit the French town - Pondicherry
- Visit the Sea Shore temple and relax near beach in Mahabalipuram
Tour Details
01
Day 1 - Arrive Chennai
You will be received by our representative at the Chennai airport and transferred to the hotel. In the afternoon, proceed for short sightseeing tour of Chennai which includes avisit to the historical fort of St. George, one of the English East India Company’s first bases in India and drive past Marina Beach before you head back to the hotel. Overnight in Chennai.
02
Day 2 - Chennai – Madurai By Flight
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to take a flight to Madurai. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. In the evening, witness the ‘Aarti Ceremony’ at the famous Meenakshi Temple during which an icon of Shiva is delivered by worshippers to the shrine of his wife to rest for the night. Overnight will be in Madurai.
03
Day 3 - In Madurai
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and proceed for full day sightseeing tour of Madurai. Start tour with a visit to the Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple dedicated to Shiva’s wife Parvati (also known as Meenakshi). Afterwards, visit the weaver’s colony to learn how the famous Madurai cotton is woven, creating some of India’s most beautiful saris. Later, visit the Gandhi Museum and witness the sound and light show at Thirumalai Nayak Mahal. The evening is free to explore the colorful market of Madurai before returning to hotel. Overnight in Madurai.
04
Day 4 - Madurai to Dindigul By road 65kms / 2hrs
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Dindigul. Here, you will have a chance to stay in luxury homestay. You can relax in a hammock strung between palms, take a stroll through the coffee bushes and rubber trees, visit the home stay’s own farm from where your fresh milk comes from or explore the local village. This day is to relax or pursue activities on your own. Overnight in Dindigul.
05
Day 5 - Dindigul to Chettinad By road 110kms / 3hrs
Morning explore nearby villages of Dindigul for rural activities. Later travel to Chettinad, on arrival, check into the hotel. The evening is free for your independent activities. Overnight in Chettinad.
06
Day 6 - In Chettinad
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. In the afternoon, proceed for sightseeing tour of Chettinad visiting the Chettinad Mansions and the tile factory. The evening is free to relax or explore nearby villages at your own pace. Overnight will be at Chettinad.
07
Day 7 - Chettinad to Tranquebar By road 190kms / 5hrs
Enjoy leisurely breakfast at the hotel and then drive towards Tranquebar enroute visiting sightseeing places of Tanjore- Brihadeesvara Temple, The Old Palace and the Raja Museum & Art Gallery. Reach Tranquebar and check in to the hotel. Rest of the day is free to explore this old Dutch town and enjoy this charming heritage hotel. Overnight in Tranquebar.
08
Day 8 - Tranquebar to Pondicherry By road 116kms / 2.5hrs
After breakfast, explore the beautiful gate of King Street, the grand bungalows of Danish Governors and British Collector’s residence. Later drive to Pondicherry and check in to the hotel. In the evening, take a stroll in the French colony. Overnight in Pondicherry.
09
Day 9 - In Pondicherry
After breakfast, proceed for a city tour of Pondicherry and visit the commune of Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the French colonial town. The serenity and peacefulness of these places are something well worth experiencing. If time permits, experience a rickshaw ride in the French town and post that take a leisurely stroll around the tranquil, broad tree-lined boulevards and avenues of the French Quarter where colonial heritage villas line the streets. Overnight in Pondicherry.
010
Day 10 - Pondicherry to Mahabalipuram By road 138kms / 4hrs
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Later drive to Mahabalipuram and check in to the hotel. The evening is free to enjoy the beach. Overnight will be at Mahabalipuram.
011
Day 11 - Mahabalipuram to Chennai By road 60kms / 2hrs
After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram visiting the 7th-century Sea Shore Temple surrounded by lush gardens, followed by an exploration of the celebrated bas-relief at Arjuna’s Penance and the Five Rathas. Leave for Chennai. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. The evening is at leisure. Overnight will be at Chennai.
012
Day 12 - Chennai Departure
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. As per your flight timings, you will be transferred to the airport to take a flight back home with sweet memories of the tour. TOUR ENDS !