Enchanting Tamil Nadu

Enchanting Tamil Nadu

Upon arrival in Chennai, our Executive will meet you at the Airport followed by transfer from Airport to Mamallapuram. (Overnight in Mamallapuram)

In the morning we will proceed for a sightseeing tour of Mamallapuram. On this tour we will visit "Arjuna's Penance" - the largest Bas Relief whale-back shaped rock contains figures of Gods, demigods, men, beasts, birds and infant representing the entire creation. The  "Five Rathas", also known as Pancha Pandava Rathas consist of five monolithic temples with each temple is created in different style. At the end of a trip we will visit "The shore Temple", one of the oldest temples in South India, which was built in the 8 century AD, and constructed in Dravidian style. This temple has two shrines, one for Shiva and another for Vishnu. For lunch we take you to a traditional Indian restaurant. After lunch we proceed with our tour towards Tiger's Cave, which was once an open-air theatre and performed cultural programs. At the end we will visit the Crocodile Park located just 14 km from Mamallapuram, which keeps over 1500 crocodiles of several species of Indian and African alligators. They are kept in their natural surroundings in open pools and can be viewed from a safe proximity. (Overnight in Mamallapuram) 

Departing from the hotel after breakfast, we have a 7 hour drive to Tanjore. On route we visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram (famous Shiva temple) with its beautiful high towers full with many small sculptures depicting stories of old epics. Proceed to visit Darasuram temple (built in memory of the White elephant -AIRAVATH from the gods family), the temple has itsoriginal name as “Airavateshwara temple”. Further on we reach the Tanjore. On arrival at the hotel check in and free evening. (Overnight in Tanjore)   

After breakfast we have a full sight seeing tour visiting the world famous ‘Brihadishwara temple’ (houses one of Asia’s biggest Nandi - the bull). This temple was built by the Cholas and is very special because of its architecture. The most exciting is that the temple does not have a shadow falling on ground at any time of day but falls on its own body. Later we visit the Bronze gallery at the palace museum, followed by a visit to a village on the outskirts of Tanjore for a glance at people at work, making Bronze Statues and Glass paintings. (Overnight in Tanjore) 

After a morning check out from hotel after breakfast we drive to Karaikudi via Trichy - the town situated on the bank of river Cauvery. You will visit ‘Srirangam’ the largest temple complex in India, which lies on an island on the Cauvery River, on the northern side of this chaotic city. The most important entrance gate is more than ninety meters high. There are seven temple walls around the complex. We later visit the Rock fort temple in the main town. 437 rock cut steps will take you to the Ganesha shrine at the top. A view of entire Trichy town from here is breath taking. Later lunch at a nice restaurant and onward drive to Karaikudi the Land of Heritage & Devotion that enchants and enhances the soul. It is a tourist's paradise with a difference, and one, which certainly cannot be missed by the discerning tourist. A stray thundershower adds to the charm of the place, churning up the red soil, and filling up the temple tanks. The palatial mansions, makes Chettinad a place of rare charm, and a must-visit destination. Chettinad House is rich in cultural heritage, art and architecture, and is well known for its houses and the cuisine. (Overnight in Karaikudi) 

The morning after early breakfast, we drive to the oldest city of Tamil Nadu - Madurai. On arrival check in to hotel and in the evening visit the ‘Meenakshi Temple’ for the evening ceremony with a fanfare, where the god Shiva is lead to the bedroom of his wife, Meenakshi. (Overnight in Madurai) 

After breakfast we visit Madurai - Meenakshi temple (one of the largest temple complexes in south India), the Tirumalai Nayak Palace, the Gandhi Museum and Mariamman Teppakulam (the temple tank). Madurai is also a great place to look for bronze statues, carpets or other souvenirs. (Overnight in Madurai) 

Morning after breakfast checkout from the hotel and we will drive to Kanyakumari located at the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent where the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean meet. The name of this place has been christened after the virgin goddess Kanyakumari Amman. Mythological stories depict that Goddess Parvati under the disguise of Devi Kanya did a penance in one of the rocks in this area to reach the hand of Lord Shiva. This place is also a popular for pilgrimage. (Overnight in Kanyakumari

The following morning we take you to the airport for your onward journey. ...full details