Tamil Nadu
This trip will introduce you to the richest places and temples in Tamil Nadu and introduce to a vibrant art and history. You will be captivated by their architecture and the history of their construction. It is also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the meaning and beauty of the sculptures, shapes and colors that constitute an unequaled heritage.
| Days | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Chennai - Arrive, relax, explore temples (Kapaleeshwara, Parthasarathy), St. Thomas Cathedral & Fort St. George. |
| 2 | Chennai - Kanchipuram (temples & silk weaving) - Mamallapuram (overnight). |
| 3 | Mahabalipuram - Explore Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, carvings & relax on beach. |
| 4 | Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (French Quarter, Auroville's Matrimandir). |
| 5 | Pondicherry - Kumbakonam (Chidambaram temple), brass & bronze workshops. |
| 6 | Kumbakonam - Tanjore (Dharasuram temple, Brihadisvara temple, museum & palace). |
| 7 | Tanjore - Karaikudi (Chettinad region mansions & cuisine). |
| 8 | Karaikudi - Madurai (temples: Karpagavinayagar, Kundrakkudi Murugan). |
| 9 | Madurai - Explore Meenakshi Amman temple (puja ceremony in evening). |
| 10 | Madurai - Thirumalai Naik Palace, Tiruparankundram temple, Gandhi Museum & shopping. |
| 11 | Madurai - Depart for home (airport transfer). |
Day 1 : Chennai
Upon arrival, your Passion To India guide will be happy to welcome you and help you check-in at your hotel where you can refresh and rest. A summary of your stay will be presented to you. Depending on your arrival time you can go for a walk and have a first contact with the city. Chennai is commonly known as “Gateway to the South”, the culture of South India is indeed very different from that of the North.Visit Kapaleeshwara temple, Triplicane and Sri Parthasarathy temple. And also visit St. Thomas Cathedral, Fort St. George, Museums. Night in Chennai.
Day 2 : Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mamallapuram
Enjoy your breakfast before heading to Kanchipuram, the historic capital of the Pallavas. Kanchipuram is also known for the quality of its locally made silk saris. Visit Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple, Ekambareshwara Temple, Kailasanatha Temple, and Vaigundha Perumal Temples. Enjoy a delicious meal, typical of South India, at a local restaurant before discovering a silk weaving workshop. After walking through the sacred city of Kanchipuram, you will be driven to Mamallapuram to spend the night.
Day 3 : Mahabalipuram
This morning, discover one of the most beautiful sites in South India. Mahabalipuram is known for its seven pagodas. Visit the Ganges Descent, Krishna’s Butter Ball, cave temples, the five Rathas and the famous seaside temple. After discovering this rich cultural heritage, enjoy your afternoon on the beach. Overnight at Mamallapuram
Day 4 : Mahabalipuram -Auroville - Pondicherry
After breakfast, proceed to Pondicherry, a former French colony. In the afternoon, visit the famous temple of Sri Manakula Vinayagar, Aurobindo Ashram and short visit of Auroville to see the temple of peace – Matrimandir. After discovering these must-see places, return to the hotel. Overnight in Pondicherry
Day 5 : Pondicherry - Kumbakonam
After breakfast, depart for Kumbakonam enroute visiting Chidambaram – the famous temple of Shiva. Proceed to Kumbakonam and check into hotel.. Visit Brass & Bronze manufacturing units and have a relaxed evening. Overnight stay in Kumbakonam.
Day 6 : Kumbakonam - Tanjore
After breakfast visit the temple of Dharasuram then departure for Thanjavur. Arrival and installation at the hotel. In the afternoon visit the great temple of Brihadisvara dedicated to the god Shiva and his big bull, the museum of Thanjavur, his art gallery and his palace. Night in Thanjavur.
Day 7 : Tanjore - Karaikudi
After breakfast depart to Karaikudi in the Chettinad region. This region owes its name to the Chettiars, a Tamil community of merchants who in the nineteenth century built palaces in the region. Three villages are included in UNESCO’s inventory. Stroll through this city with beautiful wide streets lined with splendid looking buildings. You will live in one of its extraordinary homes and taste the famous cuisine for its delicacy. Night in Karaikudi.
Day 8 : Karaikudi - Madurai
Enjoy the sunrise over this beautiful little town and after breakfast depart for Madurai. En route you can visit the temples of Karpagavinayagar and Kundrakkudi Murugan. Night in Madurai.
Day 9 : Madurai
Post breakfast, you can visit the incredible Meenakshi Amman temple, one of the masterpieces of Dravidian architecture and one of the most important active temples of India.
It is dedicated to the “wife” of the god Shiva. Its eleven huge colorful Gopuram overlook the surrounding countryside. At the end of the day you can attend a puja (ritual ceremony). Night in Madurai.
Day 10 : Madurai
Visit the Thirumalai Naik Palace – an Indo-Muslim building famous for its domes and stucco arches. Visit temple of Tiruparankundram and Gandhi Museum. Take a stroll around shops and markets and engage with localites. Night in Madurai.
Day 11 : Madurai
It’s time to pack your bags and leave with unforgettable memories of India. You will be accompanied to Madurai airport to board your return flight.
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