11 Days Guided Tour - Symphonic Southern Pilgrimage

Your Tour

Day 01: Arrive Chennai

• Once you arrive in Chennai you will be assisted and transferred to your hotel. Remaining day at leisure. Overnight stay hotel.

• Post breakfast we proceed for the visit of Fort St. George surrounded by cannon-proof walls, The Fort Museum, Santhome Cathedral, Kapaleswarar Temple, The Government Museum to see the art and bronze gallery (Closed on public holidays). Overnight stay hotel. (B)

• In the morning we leave for Mahabalipuram enroute visit Kanchipuram-known as the Golden City of a Thousand Temples and is one of the seven sacred cities of India. It’s famous for its temples and hand-woven silks. Visit the Ekambareshwar Temple, Kailashnath Temple, Kamakshi Temple, the Vaikunthaperumal Temple. With a weaving tradition dating back to the Pallava era (when silk was the royal cloth), Kanchipuram is justly famous for its particularly fine silk saris, embellished with stunning patterns. In the afternoon we proceed to Mahabalipuram. Transfer to hotel. Overnight stay hotel. (B)

• Mahabalipuram, A serene beach resort is located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. It is popular for its exquisite rock-cut temples built by Pallavs and monolithic structures. Visit the seven pagoda-style Shore temple lashed by the waves of the sea and the Five Rathas (Chariots) and Arjuna’s Penance. Afternoon relax on the sea beach. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram. (B)

• Morning will be at leisure. In the afternoon leave for Pondicherry which was a formerly a French colony settled early in the 18th century. On arrival check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Pondicherry. (B)

• After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Pondicherry visiting Vardaraja Perumal Temple, Vedapureeswarar Temple and Manakula Vinayagar Temple. Later we go for viewing the Auroville and Aurobindo Ashram. Rest of the day free to explore the city on your own. Overnight stay at the hotel in Pondicherry.(B)

• After leisurely breakfast we drive you to Kumbakonam, another famed South Indian religious city in Tamil Nadu. After checking into the hotel, we shall take you out for the visit of Kumbeshwara Temple, which is the most important Shiva temple in this region. The Linga inside it is believed to have been shaped by the hands of Lord Shiva himself. We then proceed on to the Sarangapani Temple one of the most sacred Vishnu shrines in India. Next we visit Nageshwara Temple, built in the 10th century dedicated to Lord Shiva. Last but not the least we visit the Mahamakham Tank. The sacred nectar from Brahma's kumbh broken by Shiva was collected here. Overnight stay hotel (B)

• Morning drive to Tanjore (Thanjavur), the capital of the imperial Chola dynasty, enroute visiting Darasuram Iravadeeswarar Temple (A UNESCO Heritage site) and local villages. After checking into the hotel we shall take you for visiting the magnificent Brahadeeswarar temple dedicated to Lord Siva that bears witness to the glory of Chola architecture, sculpture and paintings. Saraswathi Mahal Palace, which has a collection of 30,000 palm leaf manuscripts and many rare European books. End the day by visiting the Thanjavur Art Gallery which houses priceless collection of bronze icons and granite sculptures dating from the 9th century AD. At your leisure you can also spend some time shopping in Thanjavur famous for Thanjavur Art Plates, handicrafts, handwoven silk, bronze icons, intricately inlaid brass work and bejeweled paintings. Overnight in Tanjore. (B)

• Today morning we shall drive down to Trichy, which is a fine blend of temples and monuments. After checking into the hotel we shall take you out for a city tour. Visit Srirangam, the district's most important pilgrim centre is located in an island just 7 km from Trichy. Surrounded by the waters of river Kaveri on one side and its tributary Kollidan on the other, is a 600-acre island-town enclosed within the seven walls of the gigantic Sri Ranganathaswami Temple. Later we will visit the Rock Fort. This is one of the oldest lumps of rock anywhere in the world & this site was developed as a citadel long ago by the Pallavas and later by the Nayaks. Overnight stay at the hotel. (B)

• Drive to Madurai, an ancient city, more than 2,500 years old, known as the Athens of the east. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel followed by the visit of the glorious architecture of Meenakshi Temple. This magnificently carved temple is the main attraction of Madurai. You cannot miss the closing ceremony at Meenakshi Temple surely a spectacular scene. Overnight stay in Madurai. (B)

• Morning will be at leisure. Afternoon we transfer you to the airport to board the flight for Chennai. Upon arrival in Chennai connect flight for onward destination.

Departure Dates

year-round

11 Days Guided Tour - Symphonic Southern Pilgrimage Location and other villas and tours nearby

Disclaimer: Pins in map may not be accurate if Google Maps cannot find the exact address. In this case an approximation is made.

Tour Location / Places Visiteds

Chennai-Kanchipuram-Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry-Kumbakonam-Tanjore-Tirchy-Srirangam-Madurai-Chennai

Additional Pricing Information

Tour Cost Includes:

• 10nights  accommodation on single room/ twin sharing  basis with early check-in facility
• Daily Breakfast
• All transfers, tours, sightseeing by chauffeur driven car as per the program.
• Professional English Speaking Guide in Chennai / Mahabalipuram /Pondicherry / Kumbakonam /Tanjore /Tirchy /Madurai
• All applicable taxes including  govt. service  taxes of 2.58%

Tour Cost Excludes:

• Any Air Fare & Visa Charges
• Entrance/Monument Fees
• Items of personal nature like Porterage charges, tips, Gratuities etc.
• Meals  other than specified in "Cost include" column

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