Arrive Chennai

Upon arrival at Chennai International Airport, our company executive will greet you and assist you to your car for a smooth transfer to your pre-booked hotel.

Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the vibrant capital of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast along the Bay of Bengal. This dynamic city is steeped in tradition while embracing modernity, making it a fascinating destination. Known as the ‘capital of the south’, Chennai is one of India’s four major metropolitan cities, boasting a rich cultural heritage alongside a bustling urban lifestyle.

In the afternoon, embark on a city tour of Chennai. Start with the National Art Gallery, showcasing exquisite artworks. Visit Fort St. George, a 17th-century fort built by the British, now home to the Tamil Nadu state legislative assembly. Explore the Government Museum, the second oldest museum in India, which offers a deep dive into human history and culture.

Next, visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple, a magnificent 7th-century Lord Shiva temple with a towering gopuram, exemplifying Dravidian architecture in the Mylapore area. Finally, head to Marina Beach, the city’s most popular beach and a top tourist attraction. This natural beach is renowned for being the second-longest in the world.

Enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel in Chennai, soaking in the city’s unique blend of history and modernity.

Chennai – Mahabalipuram (By Private Vehicle 78 Kms 2Hrs Drive) enroute visit Kanchipuram

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then check out as you prepare to depart for Mahabalipuram in a private vehicle.

On the way, you’ll stop in Kanchipuram, known as the ‘City of a Thousand Temples.’ Here, you’ll visit the renowned Ekambeshwara Temple, a magnificent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Upon arrival in Mahabalipuram, check in at your pre-booked hotel.

Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a historic and popular tourist destination on the Coromandel Coast along the Bay of Bengal in Tamil Nadu. The town is celebrated for its serene and inviting atmosphere, stunning white sandy beaches lined with casuarina trees, and rich cultural heritage. It’s a perfect place to relax and soak in the beauty of the coastal scenery.

Enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel in Mahabalipuram.

Mahabalipuram

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel.

Afterward, embark on a private guided tour of Mahabalipuram, beginning with the iconic Shore Temple, a stunning structure that has stood for over 1400 years. Next, visit the Five Rathas, also known as Panch Rathas, an exemplary set of rock temples that showcase the evolution of Dravidian architecture. These temples, shaped like pagodas, bear a striking resemblance to Buddhist shrines and monasteries and are linked to the epic Mahabharata.

Continue your exploration with a visit to the Sculpture Museum, where you’ll see incredible structures such as Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna’s Butterball, and the Mahishamardini Cave.

After your tour, unwind on the sandy beach. For those seeking a bit more adventure, optional activities include boat rides in the Bay of Bengal with lifeguards, fishing trips, and a turtle walk along the seashore.

Enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel in Mahabalipuram.

Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (By Private Vehicle 138 Kms 3 ½ Hrs Drive)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then check out and depart for Pondicherry, now officially known as Puducherry. This charming former French colony, one of India’s seven Union Territories, beautifully blends traditional Indian sensibilities with French architecture, offering a unique and dreamy escape.

Upon arrival in Pondicherry, check in at your pre-booked hotel.

In the afternoon, join your English-speaking guide for a city tour of Pondicherry. Start with Auroville, a universal city dedicated to the ideal of human unity, envisioned by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. Inaugurated on February 28, 1968, Auroville aims to be a hub of continuous education and progress, welcoming people from all backgrounds and nationalities.

Next, visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, founded in 1926. This ashram has grown from a small group of two dozen disciples to a diverse community of nearly 1600 members.

Explore the French Colonial Town, where you’ll see many colonial buildings, churches, temples, and statues. The old part of town features French-style avenues and well-planned streets, adding to the city’s unique charm.

Enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel in Pondicherry.

Pondicherry – Tanjore (By Private Vehicle 295 Kms 6 Hrs Drive)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then check out and depart for Tanjore (Thanjavur) in a private vehicle. Upon arrival, check in at your pre-booked hotel.

Tanjore is located about 10 km south of the Cauvery River. The city’s name is derived from the demon Tanjan, who was slain by Sri Anandavalli Amman and Sri Neelamega Perumal. As per Tanjan’s last request, the city was named after him. Tanjore is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, particularly its ancient handicrafts and the making of bronze icons. The city is also famous for the Thanjavur dancing dolls (Thanjavur thalaiyattibommai), art plates, bell metal castings, bowls, powder boxes, and the exquisite inlay and engraving work seen in Tanjore paintings.

Enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel in Tanjore.

Tanjore

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel.

Afterward, embark on a guided tour of Tanjore, starting with the Thanjavur Maratha Palace Complex. Originally known as Sivaganga Fort, this site is more commonly called Thanjavur Aranmanai by the locals.

Visit the Thanjavur Art Gallery, housed in the Nayak Hall of the palace, which features an eclectic collection of stone and bronze idols, primarily from the Chola period. Next, explore the Royal Palace Museum, where you can view royal clothing, headgear, hunting weapons, and even a skeleton of a 92-foot whale that washed ashore near Tranquebar in 1955.

Later, visit the magnificent Brihadeshwara Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Also known as Periya Kovil, Raja Rajeswara Temple, and Rajarajesvaram, this temple is one of the largest in India and a stunning example of Dravidian architecture from the Chola period.

Enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel in Tanjore.

Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai (By Private Vehicle 150 Kms 5 Hrs Drive)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then check out and depart for Madurai in a private vehicle. Madurai, the largest temple town in Tamil Nadu, is bordered by the districts of Dindigul and Thiruchirapalli to the north, Sivagangai to the east, Theni to the west, and Virudhunagar to the south. Known as the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, Madurai is one of India’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and was ruled by the Pandya kings for much of its history.

On the way, stop in Trichy to visit the Rock Temple, a historic fort and temple complex built on an ancient rock. Also, visit the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, which is considered the foremost of the eight self-manifested shrines of Lord Vishnu and the most important of the 108 main Vishnu temples.

Continue your drive to Madurai, also known as the Temple City and the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. Upon arrival, check in at your pre-booked hotel.

In the evening, visit the Meenakshi Temple to witness the ‘aarti’ ceremony. The Meenakshi Temple is one of the oldest and most important temples in India, located in the heart of Madurai, and holds great mythological and historical significance.

Enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel in Madurai.

Madurai

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel.

Begin your exploration of Madurai with a visit to the weaver’s colony, where you can learn about the intricate process of weaving the famous Madurai cotton.

Next, head to the Gandhi Museum, housed in the historic Tamukkam Palace, which belonged to Rani Mangammal of the Nayak Dynasty and was built around 1670 A.D. In 1955, the Tamil Nadu State Government gifted the palace and its 13 acres of land to the All India Gandhi Smarak Nidhi to house the Gandhi Memorial Museum. The museum was inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru on April 15, 1959.

Then, visit the Tirumalai Nayak Mahal, built in 1635 by King Thirumalai Nayak. Designed by an Italian architect, this palace was created as a royal residence and is a masterpiece of architectural brilliance. Don’t miss the sound and light show, which offers a musical glimpse into the rich history of Madurai.

Later in the evening, take a stroll through the colorful markets of Madurai, where you can experience the vibrant local culture and perhaps pick up some unique souvenirs.

Enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel in Madurai.

Madurai – Periyar (By Private Vehicle 185 Kms 4 ½ Hrs Drive)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then check out and depart for Periyar (Thekkady) in a private vehicle. Periyar is a renowned national park and one of India’s tiger reserves.

Upon arrival in Periyar, check in at your pre-booked hotel.

In the afternoon, embark on a boat ride on Lake Periyar in a common boat to explore the wildlife. This unique boating experience allows you to see a variety of birds and other species within the nearby Periyar Park, offering a peaceful and scenic journey through the lake.

After your boat ride, visit a spice plantation. As you walk through the streets of Kumily or along the winding pathways among the plantations, you’ll be struck by the lingering aroma in the air. The scent of cloves, nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon, or cardamom fills the atmosphere, often combining to create a delightful fragrance. The unique geographical and climatic conditions of Kumily, including its cool climate and elevation, make it ideal for spice cultivation.

Enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel in Periyar.

Periyar

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel.

Today, enjoy a full-day Jeep Safari in Periyar, including breakfast, lunch, evening tea and snacks, trekking, and pedal boating. The Gavi Jeep Safari, conducted by KTDC, begins at 5:30 AM and ends at 5:00 PM. Gavi is an eco-tourist spot in Kerala that has gained popularity after being listed by ‘Alistair International’ as one of the leading eco-tourism centers and a must-see place in India.

Gavi is a haven for nature lovers, preserved in its natural scenic beauty and untouched by modernity. It is renowned for its wildlife, including endangered species like the Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed macaque, which are often seen on the outskirts of Gavi. Kerala’s treasured elephants are also frequently sighted. For bird watchers, Gavi is a paradise with over 260 species of birds, including the great pied hornbill, woodpecker, and various kingfishers.

This splendid spot is a must-visit for all who love nature, offering an unforgettable experience of Kerala’s natural beauty.

Enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel in Periyar.

Periyar – Alleppey (By Private Vehicle 145 Kms 3 ½ Hrs Drive)

House Boat disembark at Alleppey & Alleppey – Cochin (By Private Vehicle 75 Kms, 1 ½ Hrs Drive)

Cochin

Leave Cochin

Start your day with a final breakfast at the hotel. Afterward, check out of your room.

Our executive will assist you with your transfer to Cochin International Airport, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey as you board your flight for your onward destination.

Safe travels!