Day 01 – Chennai

On arrival in Chennai,you will be transferred to your Hotel.Check in time 12 Noon. Afternoon go for an orientation tour of Chennai. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Chennai – There are several tourist attractions worth visiting in and around Chennai. Marina Beach is the second longest beach in the world. The St. George Fort, built in 1653, is currently used as the state government’s secretariat. Santhome Cathedral was built around 14th/15th century and is another colonial structure worth visiting. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kapaleeshwar Temple is the oldest temple in Chennai. Another important temple in the city dedicated to Lord Krishna is Parthasarathy Temple. Adayar Banyan Tree is one of the largest tree in the world. It measures 238ft from north to south and 250ft from east to west. The total area exceed 59,500 sq. ft. This tree is a unique specimen. It has been the centre of many notable gatherings of the Theosophical Society and thousands of visitors have rested in its shade.

Day 02 – Chennai- Kanchipuram (75 kms – 1.5 Hours) – Mahabalipuram (75 kms-1.5 Hours)

After  breakfast,  drive to  Kanchipuram, the city of thousand temples. Visit Kailasanatha Temple from the 8^th century AD. In Kailasanatha Temple, the  Pallava Style of DravidaVimana (The Tower over Sanctum)  was imitated later at Pattadackal in Karnataka in the second half of 8^th Century AD by Chalukyas. From there the Rashtrakudas borrowed the style  in the 9^th Century AD at Ellora, Maharashtra. Later  visit the famous Ekambareswara Temple which is a good example of the typical Composite style of Architecture. The construction was started in 8^th or 9^th Century by the Pallavas but continued by Cholas in 12^th Century and finished by the Vijayanagar Dynasty during 16^th Century. Also visit Varadaraja or Devaraja Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and visitable parts are of 16^th Century AD. You may also visit a Silk weaving unit.Later, drive to Mahabalipuram to check into your hotel in Mahabalipuram. Overnight at Hotel

Kanchipuram – Kanchipuram, an ancient city known as “the city of thousand temples”, is one of the seven most sacred pilgrim centers for the Hindus. There now remain about 126 temples and a few more in its outskirts. Today, apart from its temples, this small town is also known for its thriving handloom industry. Ekambaranath Temple, also known as Ekambareswarar Temple – The eleven-stored structure which is adorned with beautiful Stucco Figures is one of the tall temple towers in South India. The ancient mango tree in the courtyard inside the temple is revered by childless couples. They faithfully tie small cradles to the branches of the tree and leave with the hope that their desire for an offspring will be fulfilled. Also visit Kailasanatha Temple and Varadaja Temple.

Mahabalipuram has a significant role in the history and architecture of India which gives a major role for the archaeological enthusiasts. This is the only place in India where we have Cave Architecture, Monolithic Architectureand Structural Architecture still existing simultaneously. Also the long stretch of clean beach will give one a peaceful relaxation in  Mahabalipuram.

Day 03 – Mahabalipuram

After breakfast, sightseeing of Mahabalipuramto explore the heritage of Mahabalipuram temples, built in 7^th& 8^th century AD which are today the sight of several antique sculptural marvels.Afternoon at leisure for free walks. Overnight at hotel.

Mahabalipuram – It is among the most outstanding examples of Pallava art and architecture. The monuments are floodlit at night and so it is possible to enjoy their beauty even after sunset. Arjuna’sPenance – This skillfully carved rock is the largest bas  relief  in the world. There are nine rock cut cave temples. The Mahishasuramardhini cave, contrasting the goddess fighting a demon on one side, and Lord Vishnu’s cosmic sleep on the other, is a particularly remarkable one. Five Rathas –These rock-cut temples are rated as excellent example of Pallava art. Shaped in different styles, the Rathas are supposed to have been scooped out of a single rock formation.

Day 04 – Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry (100 kms-2 Hours)

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Pondicherry which still carries a strong flavor of the French presence in India. Visit Auroville en route. On arrival, check in at your hotel.Afternoon a familiarization of the City. The traditional French architecture is still maintained even in the latest renovations and the Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is the authorized agency for any such renovations in Pondicherry.After sightseeing, you will be brought to the Beach Road to spend some time walking through the beach side to see the public life around.Return to your hotel. Overnight stay at Pondicherry.

The old town of Pondicherry has a unique charm and the French Quarter is unique in its cleanliness,architecture,discipline etc.To experience the spirit of Pondicherry,it’s essential to walk through the old town and closely observe the nature of its architectural traditions. It’s interesting to note that if someone wants an old building to be restored in Pondicherry,the local authorities ask for the approval of INTACH on priority.This is interesting and we could see how naturally those old buildings were restored in French style.One will walk through Town Hall (Mairie/Hotel de Ville),Notre Dame des Anges Church, Ecole Francaised ’Extreme- Orient, Cluny Emboidery centre, Alliance Francaise, INTACH Heritage Centre for Exhibitions, Lycees Francaise and lot more.

The main attraction in terms of the universality of Pondicherry is Auroville belongs to no religion, nation, colour etc. but to all men of goodwill,all those who thirst for progress and aspire to a higher and truer life.The dream behind this divine destinations is “A place on earth which no Nation could claim as its own,where all human beings of goodwill who have a sincere aspiration could live freely as citizens of the world and obey one single authority,that of the supreme truth;a place of peace,concord and harmony where all the fighting instincts of man would be used exclusively to conquer the causes of his sufferings and miseries,to surmount his weaknesses and ignorance,to triumph over his limitations and incapacities,a place where the needs of the spirit and the concern for progress would take precedence over the satisfaction of desires and passions,the search for pleasure and material enjoyment.The shopping plaza at the Auroville is a paradise for shoppers where you find a unique range of eco products made in the local villages.

The beach close to the French quarter is landscaped with wide stone paved pathways and the vehicular traffic is banned from 6 PM till 7.30 AM.it’s strictly maintained and the pedestrians enjoy their walk in the evening.Many of the old heritage buildings are now getting converted to hotels and guest houses.All kinds of restaurants with international cuisine’s are seen everywhere. A walk through the market place on M G Road is also amazing.

Day 05 – Pondicherry-Thiruvannamalai-(100 kms-2 Hours)Gingee Fort (40 Kms-1 Hour)- Pondicherry

After an early breakfast, drive to Gingee Fort also known as Senchi Fort. You will visit the monuments located at the foot of the hill. Later drive to Tiruvannamalai to visit Arunachaleswarar Temple and Ramana Maharshi Ashramand Girivalam Road where you will find a number of Sadhoos just like in Varanasi. Evening return to Pondicherry for overnight stay.

Thiruvannamalai, known for Arunachaleswarar Temple, one of oldest Shiva Temples in India. The famous temple city of Thiruvannamalai, looks similar to Madurai, but the temple is huge and the entry to tourists are permitted very close to the Sanctum Sanctorum. May be this is the right place to witness the closing ceremony as one can stand so close to the Sanctorum and also to the sleeping room, known as Palliyara. The Arunachaleswarar Temple at Tiruvannamalai is one of the biggest and grandest temples in South India.

Gingee Fortin Tamil Nadu, India is one of the few surviving forts in Tamil Nadu, India. So well-fortified was this place that Shivaji ranked it as the “most impregnable fortress in India” and it was called the “Troy of the East” by the British. The actual name of Gingee is ‘Sengiri’ meaning perhaps the “Red Hill” in Tamil that has got corrupted into Gingee. A popular tradition is that Senji Fort and the village are named after the local village Godess Senji Amman. Her temple existed before the construction of the Fort,half way up the Rajagiri Hill. The name has also been traced to Singavaram the neighboring Vaishnavite shrine, whose lord is considered the guardian deity of the place. Originally the site of a small fort built by the Chola dynasty in 9th century AD, it was later modified by Kurumbar while fighting the Chola and again by the Vijayanagar empire in the 14th century to elevate it to the status of an unbreachable citadel to protect the small town of Gingee. Though the Fort is accessible and seen from the main road, there is no much exploration happening and the tourists are not much to be seen at all.Before you enter the Fort,you may visit a Temple by name Venkitaramana Temple which stands the test of time beside the tall hill. Once you enter the Fort, it is a vast area where you will see the prison, Elephant bathing Pond, Women’s residence, a huge granary or store house to keep food and other consumables and many more. It’s not to be explained on words but to be seen and experienced.

Day 06 –Gangaikondacholapuram – Darasuram – Kumbakonam (Total Drive 175 kms-4 Hours + Sightseeing time)

After an early breakfast at the hotel, drive to Gangaikondacholapuram (UNESCO temple) to visit the amazing architectural Marvel. Later visit Darasuram Iravadeeswarar Temple (UNESCO Monument).On arrival at Kumbakonam, check in to your hotel.Evening experience a cookery demonstration on traditional snack & Sweet for your evening tea/coffee. Overnight stay at Kumbakonam.

Rajendra I, the mighty Chola King, established his new capital at Gangaikondacholapuram with this magnificent city and temple to Lord Siva in the 11th century. It is 50 kms. from Chidambaram. 

The temple is noted for its massive and richly carved sculptures. A big Nandi in front of the temple made of brick and mortar, a lion head well with a flight of steps leading to the water level and the gigantic dwarapalakas are the other special features of this temple. The temple has a huge quadrangular passage which has dark ambulatory passage in between the double wall construction which is meant to distribute the vertical load of the temple superstructure. The inside passage is accessible to tourists between 9 AM to 12 Noon and 6 PM to 8 PM.

Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram (Tamil Nadu), dating back to the second half of the 12th century is one of the 4 biggest temples erected by the Chola Dynasty with those of Tanjore, Gangaikondacholapuram and Tribhuvanam. Remarkable monument for its architecture and its great decorative wealth, it has been registered in the world heritage list of the UNESCO in 2004. You can also see the traces of amazing paintings popular with Nayaks’ period of 17^th Century. Again the influence of social life is very much depicted in the paintings as well as the carvings.

Day 07 –Tanjore-Kumbakonam

Early morning,you shall visit the Wholesale Vegetable market at Darasuram which is said to be the second largest in Asia. After breakfast, check out and drive to Tanjore to visit the Big Temple (Brihadeeswara Temple) and Art Gallery.Afternoon return to Kumbakonam.Evening enjoy a bullock cart ride for half an hour to the nearby village. Overnight stay at Kumbakonam.

Thanjavur rose to the glory during the later Chola reign between the 10^th and 14^th Centuries and became a centre of learning and culture.Thanjavur is still the centre of all the classical arts and music.The Big Temple and the other famous temples in the district are known all over the world. It is the headquarters of Thanjavur district, the ‘Rice Bowl’ of Tamil Nadu. Thanjavur is also famous for its distinctive art style, which is usually a combination of raised and painted surfaces.Tanjore paintings are deeply rooted in tradition and still innovative within limits. This art is sacred and dedicated.

Day 08 –Day Trip to Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary (120 Kms-3 Hours’ Drive One Way)

After an early breakfast, drive to Point Calimere Wildlife & Bird Sanctuary with a packed lunch.You will have a ride through the Sanctuary to watch many migratory birds and wild animals. Afternoon return to Kumbakonam. En route visit the popular salt swamps where the villagers make raw salt. Overnight stay at Kumbakonam.

Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary is a  protected area in Tamil Nadu, South India along the Palk Strait where it meets the Bay of Bengal  The sanctuary was created in 1967 for conservation of the near threatened blackbuck antelope, an endemic mammal species of India. This sanctuary is an area of high biodiversity, with many unique species of animals and birds.

Animals: The main species of the sanctuary is the near threatened blackbuck antelope. It now has the largest population of blackbuck in South India. The predators of the blackbuck at Point Calimere are jackals, and sometimes village dogs. Other notable animals include: spotted deer, jackal, bonnet monkey, wild boar, monitor lizard, short-nosed fruit bat, small Indian civet, star tortoise, Indian grey mongoose, black-naped hare, jungle cat and feral pony.Bottlenose dolphin is frequently seen along the shore of the sanctuary in morning and evening hours during the winter. The shoreline beaches of the sanctuary are a regular nesting site of the endangered olive ridley turtle.

Waterbirds: This site has recorded the second largest congregation of migratory water birds in India, with a peak population in excess of 100,000, representing 103 species. In October these water birds arrive from Rann of Kutch, Eastern Siberia, Northern Russia, Central Asia and parts of Europe for their feeding season and start returning to those breeding places in January. These water birds include threatened species such as spot-billed pelican, Nordmann’s greenshank, spoonbill sandpiper and black-necked stork. Near threatened species include black-headed ibis, Asian dowitcher, lesser flamingo, spoonbill, darter and painted stork.

Landbirds: The Sanctuary Harbour a large variety of resident and migratory land birds. The most common of the 35 resident species are white-browed bulbul, brahminy kite, small green-billed malkoha, crow pheasant, rose-ringed parakeet, grey partridge, blue-tailed bee-eater and common iora.Spotted and collared doves are common in the mangroves.

Day 09:Sreerangam-Chettinad (Karaikudi)-140 Kms-3 Hours’ Drive

After an early breakfast drive to  Sreerangam to visit the Temple with the tallest Temple Tower (Entrance Tower) in India. Continue drive to   Chettinadu Village.Visit Chidambara Vilas Palace for a traditional lunch on banana leaf.Later check into your hotel. Afternoon to explore the ancient heritage of Chettinad Village.Also visit Chettinad Palace from Outside. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Chettinad is the homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiars , a prosperous banking and business community, many of whose members migrated to South and Southeast Asia, in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today there is a diaspora of Chettinad people, who live in the USA, Singapore, Malaysia, among other places.Chettinad is well known for its Chettinad cuisine, Mansions, and Temples.Chettinad is rich in cultural heritage, art and architecture, and is well known for its houses, embellished with marble and Burma teak, wide courtyards, spacious rooms, and for its 18th century mansions. Local legend has it that their walls used to be polished with a paste made out of egg whites to give a smooth texture.

No Chettinad experience is complete without a visit to the streets lined by palatial homes.Many of them are uninhabited today,their owners having moved on with the times.But they stand proud,unbending to the vagaries of time,along with a few other reminders of a glorious era.Like the weekly santhai(market),the Raja’s special waiting room at the local railway station,the sari weaving centers,the tile manufacturing units at Athangudi and the many temples-the latter,an integral part of every Chettinad family.

Day10 –Chettinad-Madurai (90 Kms-2Hours’ Drive)

After breakfast, drive to Madurai, an ancient city, more than 2,500 years old, known as the Athens of the east for overnight stay.Afternoon for sightseeing of Madurai with an evening visit to Meenakshi Temple. Overnight at Madurai.

Meenakshi Temple – In the Ashta Shakti Mandapam inside the temple, the sculpted pillars tell the story of the beautiful princess of Madurai and her marriage to Lord Siva. The pillars of the Mandapam are decorated with scenes from the wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar. The life of Madurai revolves around the Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple. This magnificently carved temple is the main attraction of Madurai and its huge Gopurams towers over the city. Meenakshi temple has a thousand pillared ‘Mandapam’. Precisely there are 985 pillars and each of them is delicately and exquisitely carved. Among these are the musical pillars, which produce music when tapped. Surprisingly, these musical pillars are carved out of a single granite rock. The temple has been a hub of Tamil culture and has been sponsoring literature, art, music, and dance in the region for a long time.

Day 11 – Madurai – Cape – Anantya(275 kms-5 Hours)

After an early breakfast, proceed to Kanyakumari (Cape Comerin), the southernmost tip of Indian peninsulato visit the Sucheendram Temple from outside.Later drive to Padmanabhapuram Palace (Closed on Mondays) before checking into Anantya Resorts on the banks of Chittar Lake. Evening at leisure at the resort. Overnight at the resort.

Sucheendram Temple, has a beautiful gopuram, musical pillars and an excellent statue of the Hanuman, apart from a valuable collection of art from different periods. Padmanabhapuram Palace, a magnificent wooden palace of the 16th century, is a fine specimen of Kerala’s indigenous style of architecture.

Anantya’s location offers a great opportunity to experience the heritage and cultures of both the southern states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. In “God’s Own Country,” Kerala, you can explore Kerala’s famed beaches, tropical rivers, backwaters and lakes, and enjoy the world-acclaimed therapeutic Ayurvedic massages. In Tamil Nadu, you can immerse yourself in the rich tamil culture by visiting ancient temples and observing unique temple processions and festivals. You can journey to some as yet undiscovered and secluded beaches. Or, travel to the surreal edge of the Indian subcontinent where three seas merge to offer you spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

Day 12 –  Anantya

Full day at leisure at the Resort.You may opt to have an Ayurvedic Massage or some local tours offered from the Resort. Overnight at the resort.

Day 13 –  Trivandrum Departure (50 KMs-1.5 Hours)

Today you will be transferred to Trivandrum International Airport to connect your departure flight.

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