Day 01: Arrive Chennai:
Arrive Chennai By International Flight. Today you will arrive at Chennai Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, our representative will meet you as you exit the arrivals terminal building and transfer to Hotel for check in. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Chennai – Mahabalipuram:
Post breakfast, take a tour of Chennai (formerly Madras), a state renowned for grandiose temple sculpture and architecture of the Chola, Cheran, Pallava and Pandya Dynasties. You will visit this sprawling city with its National Art Gallery & Museum, Fort St. George, Marina Beach, San Thome Cathedral and the Kapaleeswarar temple.
Later drive to Mahabalipuram (50 Kms, 01 Hr Drive). Mahabalipuram built in the 7th century, is an ancient Pallava port. Today it is the site of several antique sculptural marvels. On arrive check in at Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03: Mahabalipuram:
Post breakfast enjoy city tour of Mahabalipuram visiting Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance & the Cave Temple.
The Shore Temple: Though known as the land of Seven Pagodas, there is only one remaining today. The five-storied Sore Temple on the sea beach was built by the Pallava King Raja Singha at the end of seventh century in pure Dravidian sculpture.
Arjuna’s Penance- This skilfully carved rock of 29X7 metre is the largest vas – relief sculpture in the world. It gets its name from the figure of an ascetic who is believed to be Arjuna, the hero of Mahabharata, doing penance to obtain a boon from Lord Siva.
Mandapams /Cave temples: The temples are finely sculptured & carved out in Mahabali. Krishna Temple is the oldest temple. Later excursion to visit Kanchipuram (60 Kms, 01 Hr Drive, one way), the ancient capital of the Pallavas. It is known as the city of 1000 temples that still has 124 shrines. The first temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was built here in the 7th & 8th century A.D. and has paintings on its walls. The Temples of Ekambaswara, Kailasanath, Sri Kamakshi and Varadarajaswamy are of interest. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silks. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 04: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry:
Post breakfast drive to Pondicherry (100 Kms, 02 Hrs Drive) – A former French Colony presents an unusual combination of European culture & Indian traditions. On arrival check in at hotel.
Afternoon visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram – the final resting Place of Sri Aurobindo, a saint-cum-yogi who synthesized yoga and modern science. Move on to the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, noted for its Gothic architecture and stained glass panels, which depict the entire life of Jesus Christ. Visit the Pondicherry Museum where on display are findings of Arikamedu, the Chola bronzes and sculptures, glimpses of French heritage, specimens of modern and traditional handicraft, paintings, armouries, carvings and many other things of historical interest.
Rest of the day free for personal / beach activities. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 05: Pondicherry – Tanjore:
Post breakfast drive to Tanjore (160 Kms, 4 Hrs Drive). Tanjore – Draped in centuries of cultural and religious tradition, Thanjavur exudes the quiet wisdom of the past. Located on the East coast of Tamil Nadu, 200 miles South of Chennai, the river Cauvery, washes its banks. On arrival, check in at Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 06: Tanjore:
Post breakfast take a tour of Tanjore visiting Sri Brihadeswara Temple. The Chola King, Rajaraja I, built the Brihadeswara Temple in Thanjavur. The temple that was constructed in the 10th century AD is a magnificent example of Chola Temple architecture that was further applied in other cities in the peninsula too. Continue onto The Palace of Tanjore stands near the Brihadeswara temple. The Palace is a huge building that has been built through many decades.
Afternoon visit Trichy (50 Kms, 01 Hr Drive, one way), situated on the banks of the river Kaveri, Trichy was the citadel of the Chola Dynasty. Upon arrival proceed for visit to Golden Rock Fort. Half way up to the Vinayaka Temple which adorn the summit, and is reached through a tunnel in the rock, stands the Sri Thayamanaswamy Temple, with its 100 pillar hall and gold covered Vimana. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 07: Tanjore – Madurai:
Post breakfast , you will drive towards Madurai (200 Kms, 04 Hrs Drive). Madurai – The temple town is one of India’s oldest seats of culture, learning and pilgrimage.
Afternoon start to visit Thirumalai Nayak Palace, this Palace is an example of architectural grandeur and was built by King Thirumalai Nayak in 1636 AD. The palace was designed by an Italian Architect and served as the residence of the King. Today, its main attraction is the labyrinthine complex of temples within the Sri Meenakshi Temple, spread over six hectares. The temple contains friezes, stone and brass images, as well as one of the best exhibits of Hindu deities in its 1000-pillared hall. In the evening, you will visit the temple complex to witness the evening prayer ceremony.
Note: Non Hindus are not allowed inside the Inner Sanctum of the temple. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 08: Madurai – Coimbatore:
Post breakfast drive to Coimbatore (210 Kms, 04 Hrs Drive. On arrival check in at Hotel.
Free time for relaxation. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 09: Coimbatore – Mysore:
Post breakfast drive to Mysore (200 Kms, 04 Hrs Drive), known for its magnificent palaces and majestic buildings, sprawling gardens and tree lined boulevards, shimmering silks and sandalwood, the ‘City Royale’ always figures in the tourist’s itinerary. On arrival check in at Hotel.
Afternoon we proceed to visit Mysore Palace, the most famous palace of India, built in 1912, with the Indo Saracenic style of architecture; and Brindavan Garden, beautiful garden adjacent to a multipurpose dam, weaving a soulful panorama. In the evening visit Chamundi Hill – perched atop a hill – the 4.8m tall monolith of Nandi and the gigantic Mahishasura statue are great attractions of this place. Overnight at Hotel
Day 10: Mysore – Hassan:
Post breakfast proceed to Hassan (125 Kms, 03 Hrs Drive), En-route visit Shravanabelagola which is world famous for the monolithic naked statue of Lord Gomateshwara, the 75 feet tall standing atop one of the hills. The statue was carved out of the black granite and is a picture of serenity and composure.
Continue drive to Hassan and check in at hotel. Afternoon tour of Belur & Helebid. Belur which was the early capital of Hoysala empire and visit Chennakeshava Temple which houses sculptures showcasing variety of ornaments, the doorways, the ceilings. Then visit Halebid, the ancient capital of the Hoysalas, formerly known as Dwarasamudram (Gateway to the seas). The temples here represent one of the most artistically excited periods of Hindu cultural development. Overnight at Hotel
Day 11: Hassan – Bangalore:
Post breakfast leave to Bangalore (180 Kms, 03 ½ Hrs Drive). On arrival visiting Bangalore’s hottest attractions like Vidhan Sabha, a government edifice built in Neo Dravidian style; Lal Bagh Botanical Garden, adorned with beautiful flowers; Tipu’s Palace, belonging to the popular ruler, Tipu Sultan, this palace reflects Mughal architecture at its best, and Bangalore Palace, built in Tudor style. Overnight at Hotel
Day 12: Bangalore – Back Home:
Breakfast at Hotel and On time, transfer to Airport to board your flight to back home.
Tour End Here