Day 01 – Chennai

On arrival in Chennai,you will be be transferred to a city Hotel.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 – 2 Hours)-Pondicherry (125 kms-2.5 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 Dravida Vimana (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 Pondicherry.Overnight at Hotel

Kanchipuram – Kanchipuram, an ancient city known as “the city of thousand temples”, is one of the seven most sacred pilgrim centres 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-storey 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.

 Day 03 – Pondicherry

Full day for sightseeing of Pondicherry. Visit Auroville.The French Quarter in the city close to the beach is worth covering during late evening hours. 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.Sight seeing & 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,its essential to walk through the old town and closely observe the nature of its architectural traditions. Its 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 Francaise d’Extreme-Orient,Cluny Emboidery centre,Alliance Francaise,INTACH Heritage Centre for Exhibitions,Lycees Francaise and lot more.

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.its 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 restaurents with international cusines are seen everyehere.A walk through the market place on M G Road is also amazing.

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 al 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.

 Day 04 – 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 Ashram and Girivalam Road where you will find a number of Sadhoos just like in Varanasi.Afternoon 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 Fort in 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 neighbouring 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. Its not to be explained on words but to be seen and experienced.

Day 05 – Pondicherry-Swamimalai (150 kms 4 Hours Drive)

After an early  breakfast, drive to Swamimalai .Enroute visit Chidambaram and Gangaikondacholapuram..You will also visit the museum set in the resort you stay. Overnight stay at Kumbakonam(Swamimalai).

Chidambaram Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the heart of the temple town of Chidambaram, 78 km south of Pondicherry and 60 km north of Karaikal in Cuddalore District, the east-central part of the Tamil Nadu state of southeastern India. The Sangam classics refer to Viduvelvidugu Perumtaccan, respected clan of traditional Vishwakarmas, as being the chief architect of the temple renovation. There have been several renovations in its history, particularly during the days of Pallava/Chola emperors in ancient and pre-medieval periods.

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.

Day 06 – Tanjore/Swamimalai

Morning,  drive to Tanjore to visit the famous  Brihadeeswara temple, the finest contribution to Dravidian temple architecture.Also visit Palace Museum in Tanjore. Later visit Darasuram Iravadeeswarar Temple (UNESCO Monument),Mahamaham Tank etc.The village of Kumbakonam has many handicrafts units and vessel making centres.Evening for local visits.You may opt to visit the Kumbakonam Vegetable Market which is the second largest in Asia.Overnight stay at Swamimalai.

Tanjavur 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.The Raja Raja Chola Art Gallery has some fine pieces of stone and bronze sculptures from the 9th and 12th centuries.

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 – Swamimalai-Madurai (220 kms -5 hrs)

After a leisurely breakfast, proceed to Madurai, an ancient city, more than 2,500 years old, known as the Athens of the east. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at Madurai.

Madurai or the “city of nectar” is the oldest and second largest city of Tamil Nadu. This city is located on Vaigai River and was the capital of Pandyan rulers till the 14th century. The Pandyan king, Kulasekhara had built a gorgeous temple around which he created a lotus shaped city. Mythology says when city was being named; Lord Shiva blessed the city and its people. On the auspicious occasion some Divine nectar (“Madhu”) fell from the matted locks of Shiva and hence the city was named “Madhurapuri”. This sacred town of south attracts thousands of pilgrims and visitors from India as well as abroad. Madurai is synonymous with The Meenakshi Temple, Tirumalai Nayak Palace, Mariamman Tank, Koodal Alagar Temple, Gandhi Museum and Government Museum.

Day 08 – Madurai

Full day for sightseeing.Overnight stay 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 09 – Madurai – Rameshwaram (175 kms 4 Hours Drive)

After  breakfast,drive to Rameshwaram.On arrival check in at your hotel.Afternoon local visits.Overnight at the hotel.

Rameshwaram is a sea swept sacred island of great tourist potential. A hotspot pilgrim destination, Rameshwaram is nestled in the Gulf of Munnar at the very tip of Indian peninsula. Some of the most visited sites in the regions include: Ramanathaswamy Temple, Kothandaraswamy Temple & Dhanushkodi, Adam’s Bridge & Gandhamadana Parvatam.

 Day 10 – Rameshwaram-Chettinad (150 kms-4 Hours)

After  breakfast, drive to Chettinadu, a unique village known for its rich cultural heritage and tradition.On arrival check in to a heritage mansion for overnight stay.Evening for free walks around the village.

 Day 11 – Karaikudi (Chettinadu)

Full day to explore the Chettinadu Villages. Early morning visit the local village market in Kanadukathan and later visit the Chettiar homes around,Chettinad Palace from outside. Overnight at hotel. All hotels in Karaikudi and Chettinadu are converted from the old Chettiar Mansions looks like palaces. Chettinad has 101 Palaces in total.

Chettinad is the homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiars , a prosperous banking andbusiness 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 eggwhites 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 centres,the tile manufacturing units at Athangudi and the many temples-the latter,an integral part of every Chettinad family.

Day 12 : Chettinad-Tranquebar (200 kms-4.5 Hours drive)

After an early breakfast drive to Tranquebar,a Danish Colony before Independance.Rest of the day relax on beach. Overnight at Hotel.

Tharangambadi, also known as Tranquebar, is about 275 km from Chennai .This settlement was  chosen by the Danes to expand trade in the 17th century A.D. Ove Gedde, a Danish admiral, negotiated and signed a treaty with the Tanjore King, Vijaya Raghunatha Nayak, in November 1620. It provided for creation of a port at Tharangambadi mainly for export of pepper to Denmark. Work on the fort began immediately and was completed in 1622. By mid-19th century, all Danish settlement were transferred to the British East India Company under a pact. Tharangambadi was one of them and the Fort, along with 13 brass canons mounted on the ramparts of the fort, became British property.

 Day 13 : Tranquebar

Morning go for a sightseeing at Tranquebar. You may visit Dansborg Archaeological Museum, Governor’s Bungalow, Masilamani Nathar Temple etc. Overnight at Hotel.

The historical Fort Dansborg at Tharangambadi, a relic of the Danish Era in India, is back in the limelight with the initial phase of restoration work nearing completion. Constructed nearly four centuries ago, the monument which served as the residence of Danish Governor for 150 years, has been in ruins, because of age, weathering and apathy on the part of the administration.After independence, the monument was used as an inspection bungalow of the Public Works Department and in the late 1970s, a museum was set up to portray the Indo-Danish contacts in political, social and commercial fields. At present, a major portion of the Fort is under the control of the State Archaeological department, while one portion is with the Archaeological Survey of India.

One of the major attractions of Tranquebar is its rich ozone layer – most evident on the beach. The ozone has a rejuvenating effect and does wonders to the tired urban body. Every weekend hundreds of local families from the neighbouring villages gather around the 400 year old Fort which is the second largest Danish fort after Kronborg located in Denmark. Ice-cream vendors, balloon sellers and snack stalls give an insight into the humble expression of how people like to celebrate life by the ocean in Tranquebar.

The Dansborg Archaeological Museum situated inside the fort holds a collection of curios and artefacts dating back to the Danes. It also has fossils of early centuries, coins, fish bones, Chinese porcelain and weapons. Rare paintings of Maratha kings and palm leaf manuscripts are also stored here.Built in 1784, the Governor’s Bungalow is currently under restoration and will be transformed into a local cultural centre. This building along with the surrounding buildings, will be a central public area for Tranquebar and its inhabitants. A library, an exhibition area, a shop, a Tamil restaurant and a tourist office will be a part of this project.The 700 year old Masilamani Nathar Temple built in 1306 by the Pandya King Maravarmam Kulasekara Pandyan is unique in its architecture. It was built combining Chinese architecture with Tamil architectural technique, possibly in an attempt to attract Chinese merchants who were visiting India

 Day 14 – Tranquebar-Mahabalipuram (200 kms-5 Hours drive)

After breakfast,drive to Mahabalipuram.Check into your hotel on the beach.Day free. Overnight stay at Mahabalipuram.

 Day 15 – Mahabalipuram

After breakfast,half day sightseeing of Mahabalipuram.Rest of the day free for leisure. Overnight stay at Mahabalipuram.

Mahabalipuram – It is among the most outstanding examples of Dravidian art and architecture. The monuments are floodlit at night and so it is possible to enjoy their beauty even after sunset. Arjuna’s Penance – This skillfully carved rock is the largest bas – relief sculpture 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 fort of the rathas are supposed to have been scooped out of a single rock formation.

 Day 16 – Chennai Departure (55 kms-1 Hour  drive)

Today you will be transferred to Chennai international airport for departure.