South India Heritage Tour
08 Nights / 09 Days
Chennai Mahabalipuram Pondicherry Velankanni
Swamimalai Trichy Karaikudi Madurai Chennai
Day 01: Arrive Chennai
Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the
hotel. In the afternoon proceed for a half-day sightseeing of Chennai. Visit
National Art Gallery, Fort Museum, San Thome Cathedral and drive past Marina
Beach.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Chennai / Mahabalipuram
After breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram enroute visiting Dakshina Chithra,
where you can see reconstructions of traditional houses and other
handicrafts from rural Tamil Nadu and the rest of South India. It provides
an insight into the lifestyle of the four southern states. Visit the
Shore Temple, Arjunas Penance, Five Rathas, Krishna Mandapam, Tiger
Cave, Mahishasuramardihini Cave, Krishnas Butter Ball. Later in
the evening relax on the beach.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Mahabalipuram / Pondicherry
After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry, the French Town. Visit
Auroville, Aurobindo Ashram, Government Museum and the beach that runs
along the city. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Pondicherry / Chidambaram / Velankanni
After breakfast drive to Velankanni enroute visiting Chidambaram.
CHIDAMBARAM, This pilgrim centre famous for the Nataraja Temple where Lord
Shiva is seen as the cosmic dancer. The temple is spread over 40
acres, has the golden roof over sanctum sanctorum. The
gopurams show in detailed sculptures 108 postures of the BharataNatyam
Dance.
After the visit, continue drive to Velankanni.
VELANKANNI, The famous Roman Catholic Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health.
Many come seeking cures for various ailments some place models of cured
body parts at the shrine. The Museum situated opposite to the
Basilica has a very rich variety of exhibits. The precious offerings
made by the devotees are on display here.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 05: Velankanni / Tanjore / Swamimalai
After breakfast drive to Swamimalai enroute visiting Tanjore.
TANJORE, Tanjore is rich in its architecture, exquisite handicrafts,
paintings, bronzes and South Indian Musical instruments. Visit the
magnificent Brahadeeswara temple, where the shade of the tower (gopuram or
vimanam) will not fall on the ground. The second largest monolithic
sculpture, Nandi (Bull) can be found in the portal of the shrine. The
Royal palace complex houses in important library and museums, including a
superb collection of Chola bronzes.
After the visit, continue drive to Swamimalai.
SWAMIMALAI, Swamimalai is a sylvan village, located about five kilometers
west of Kumbakonam on the banks of a tributary of river Cauvery. The
temple has three 'gopuram' with three 'praharam'. The 'gopuram' on the south
side of the temple is decorated with statues and contains five storeys while
the other two entrances have no towers above them. Swamimalai is
fourth among the six abords or sacred shrines built to offer reverence to
Lord Muruga. The presiding deity here expounded the inference of the Pranava
mantra OM to his own Father Lord Siva Himself.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 06: Swamimali Trichy
After breakfast, drive to Trichy and check-in at the hotel.
TRICHY, Trichy was the citadel of the Chola dynasty in the medieval
period. In the 18th century it witnessed the Carnatic wars fought between
the French and the English. Lord Robert Clive's house is still there to see
and so is the Danish Church. The Rock-Fort is the landmark of Trichy. A
climb of 434 steps leads to the ancient temple of Ganapati on top and a
further climb to a Shiva temple. Visit Srirangam temple and Rockfort temple.
If time permits, explore some rarely visited ancient sites near Trichy
including Moovar Koil Temple at Kodumbalur, ancient cave temples of the
Jains at Sittannavasal and Pudukottai where a museum houses a wide range of
sculptures.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 Trichy / Karaikudi / Madurai
After breakfast, proceed for the day excursion to Karaikudi.
KARAIKUDI, Chettinadu or the land of Nattukkottai Chettiars, is famous for
its fortress like homes and temples that are architectural marvels and lip
smacking food. It is a hidden treasure. The palaces and mansions
reflect a conglomeration of architecture building styles. Burma teak
motif, handmade tiles, stained glass windows, elaborate chandeliers and
intricate carpentry are all unique ingredients of Chettinadu Mansion. Every
home is an architectural splendor.
After the sightseeing, continue drive to Madurai and check in at the hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 08 Madurai
After breakfast, enjoy full day sightseeing of Madurai visiting Mariamman
Teppakulam, a tank with an island temple, 1000 pillared Meenakshiamman
temple. built in 1560 A.D and visit to the temple to witness the famous
night ceremony when the Temple bronze of Lord Siva is carried to the bed
chamber of Goddess Parvathy to the accompaniment of religious prayers and
music. Also visit Thirumalai Nayaks Palace, an example of Saracenic
influence on Hindu architecture. Its curved dome which
soars without any visible support is a great
architectural feat and Gandhi Museum.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 09 Depart Madurai
In time transfer to the airport to connect the onward flight.