Chennai, Kanchipuram, Vellore, Pondichery & Mahabalipuram

Ziua 1 · Arrive Chennai

1. 1

   Chennai (Madras)

   Trecere fără oprire

   Upon your arrival at Chennai airport, our representative will warmly welcome you and facilitate your transfer to the hotel. Please note that standard check-in time is 2:00 PM, and early check-in is subject to room availability.

2. 2

   Fort St. George

   2 ore Intrarea inclusă

   Embark on a comprehensive city tour of Chennai. embark on a comprehensive city tour of Chennai. Begin your exploration with a visit to Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India, built in 1644. Explore the Fort Museum within its premises, showcasing artifacts from the colonial era, including weapons, coins, and paintings.

3. 3

   Ripon Building

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   Admire the grandeur of the Madras High Court, an iconic building featuring a magnificent Indo-Saracenic architectural style, and the Ripon Building, a colonial-era structure adorned with ornate Corinthian columns.

4. 4

   Kapaleeshwarar Temple

   30 min

   Continue your tour with a visit to the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a stunning Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its towering gopurams (gateway towers) and vibrant sculptures depicting Hindu mythology. Marvel at the intricate carvings and soak in the spiritual ambiance of this ancient temple.

5. 5

   Oprirea 5

   o oră

   Drive past historical landmarks such as St. Mary's Church, the oldest Anglican church in India, dating back to the 17th century, and San Thome Basilica, built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle. Admire the stunning Gothic architecture and delve into the rich history of these sacred landmarks.

6. 6

   Marina Beach

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   Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll along Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world.

Overnight at Hotel

Ziua 2 · Chennai - Kanchipuram - Vellore - Pondicherry (295kms/ 6hrs approx)

1. 1

   Chennai (Madras)

   Trecere fără oprire

   After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Pondicherry, with en route stops at Kanchipuram and Vellore.

2. 2

   Kanchipuram

   2 ore

   Begin your day with a visit to Kanchipuram, renowned as the "City of Thousand Temples" and a center for silk weaving. Discover the Ekambareswarar Temple, one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalams representing the element of Earth, adorned with a thousand-pillar hall and a sacred mango tree believed to be over 3,000 years old. Explore the vibrant silk weaving industry of Kanchipuram, renowned for its Kanchipuram silk sarees, known for their rich colors, intricate patterns, and lustrous texture. Visit local weaving workshops and witness skilled artisans crafting these exquisite sarees using traditional techniques passed down through generations.

3. 3

   Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple

   1 h 30 min

   Continue your journey to Vellore, where you'll visit the iconic Golden Temple, also known as Sri Puram Mahalakshmi Temple, a spiritual marvel adorned with intricate gold leaf work, ornate sculptures, and vibrant paintings depicting Hindu mythology. Explore the spiritual ambiance of this divine shrine, dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, and soak in the serene atmosphere of the temple complex.

4. 4

   Vellore Fort

   o oră Intrarea inclusă

   Explore the historical Vellore Fort, a fine example of military architecture dating back to the 16th century. Discover its fascinating history as you explore the Jalakandeswarar Temple, a masterpiece of Vijayanagara architecture, and the Tipu Mahal, a graceful palace built by Tipu Sultan. Marvel at the intricate carvings, grand halls, and secret passages within the fort complex, offering insights into the region's rich heritage.

5. 5

   Pondicherry

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   Arrive in Pondicherry, a charming coastal town known for its French colonial architecture, serene beaches, and spiritual retreats. Check into your hotel and spend the evening leisurely exploring the quaint streets of the French Quarter, also known as White Town, characterized by its vibrant boulevards, colorful colonial buildings, and chic cafes offering delectable French cuisine and artisanal delights.

Overnight at hotel.

Ziua 3 · Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram - Chennai (160kms/ 3hrs approx)

1. 1

   Pondicherry

   2 ore

   Begin your day with a city tour of Pondicherry, exploring its unique blend of French and Tamil architecture, spiritual sanctuaries, and cultural landmarks. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, founded by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, a spiritual community dedicated to yoga, meditation, and inner transformation. Explore the ashram's serene gardens, meditation halls, and the samadhi (memorial) of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, experiencing a sense of tranquility and spiritual harmony.

2. 2

   Auroville

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   Discover Auroville, an international township and experimental community founded on the principles of unity, peace, and sustainable living. Visit the Matrimandir, a gleaming golden dome symbolizing the universal mother, and immerse yourself in its serene ambiance, perfect for meditation and reflection.

3. 3

   Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram

   2 ore Intrarea inclusă

   Embark on a scenic drive to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient rock-cut temples, intricately carved sculptures, and stunning coastal scenery. Explore the majestic Shore Temple, a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, offering panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal and breathtaking sunset vistas. Marvel at the architectural marvels of the Pancha Rathas (Five Chariots), monolithic rock-cut temples representing various architectural styles and mythical characters from the epic Mahabharata.

4. 4

   Arjuna's Penance

   o oră Intrarea inclusă

   Explore the mesmerizing bas-relief of Arjuna's Penance, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and intricate carvings of celestial beings, animals, and divine figures. Admire the Krishna Mandapam, adorned with exquisite sculptures depicting Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill, and the Varaha Cave Temple, showcasing magnificent carvings of Lord Vishnu in his Varaha (boar) incarnation.

5. 5

   Chennai (Madras)

   Trecere fără oprire

   Conclude your tour with a scenic drive back to Chennai, where our representative will bid you farewell at your hotel or the airport, marking the end of your memorable journey through Chennai, Kanchipuram, Vellore, Pondicherry, and Mahabalipuram.