Arrive in Chennai and drive to Mahabalipuram. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Mamallapuram, or Mahabalipuram, is a town on a strip of land between the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake, in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It’s known for its temples and monuments built by the Pallava dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries.
Overnight at Mahabalipuram.
After breakfast, leave for a full-day excursion to Kanchipuram. Visit Kailashnath Temple, one of the oldest temples, built-in 7th century AD It is built of sandstone and house some of the most elegant sculptures of Natraj (Shiva in Cosmic dance). The Kailashnath temple also contains some remnants of mural paintings belonging to the Pallavas period. Next, visit Ekambareswarar Temple and Varadharaja Perumal Temple.
Later, return to Mahabalipuram and explore the serene beaches of the city.
Overnight at Mahabalipuram.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva,
Ekambareswarar Temple has been mentioned by the Tamil poets from the 2nd
century. The splendid temple was built by the Pallavas and later was renovated
by both the Cholas and the Rayas. One of the major highlights of the temple is
the fact that the 1000 Shiva lingas are all beautifully carved out of one
solitary stone. An architectural splendour of the bygone area, the temple is a
must-visit in Kanchipuram.
The religious capital of South
India, Kanchipuram is dotted with some of the finest temples in the country.
The city perfectly reflects its glorious past, when the kings who ruled the
city were not only powerful but created some of the masterpieces. The Dravidian
heritage and architectural style will surely take you back in time. Some of the
major attraction in Kanchipuram are Ekambareswarar Temple, Varadharaja Perumal
Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple, and Devarajaswami Temple.
Located in the holy city of
Kanchipuram, the temple is considered one of the abodes of Lord Vishnu and
believed to have been visited by the 12 poets and saints, or Alwars. The
architectural skills of ancient Vishwakarma Sthapathis are visible in its beauty!
After breakfast, leave for half-day sightseeing of Mahabalipuram. Visit Pancha Rathas and Shore Temple. The Pancha Rathas (chariots), Rock-Cut Monoliths was named after the heroes of the Mahabharatha epic: Arjuna, Bhima, simulates ceremonial chariots. Some of these Rathas are unfinished and in them can be seen the carving technique used to form temples out of living rock. Afterwards, you see the Shore Temple and a relief representing the descent of the river goddess Ganga to Earth.
Later, drive to Pondicherry. On arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Overnight at Pondicherry.
Pancha Rathas, meaning five
chariots, are spectacular stone structures, each carved out of a single huge
boulder. Excellent examples of the evolution of Dravidian style architecture,
the five monolithic pyramidal structures were named after the five Pandavas
from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The intricate carvings and fine work of art by
the skilled artisans of the 7th century will leave you in awe.
An 18th century complex of 3
temples, Shore Temple is located along the coast of Bay of Bengal. Listed
amongst the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, the temple is famous for the
rock-cut caves and the sculptured rock that line a granite hill. The brilliant
structure blends perfectly with the azure sea making it one of the must-visit
temples in Mahabalipuram.
Pondicherry (or Puducherry), a French colonial settlement in India until 1954, is now a Union Territory town bounded by the southeastern Tamil Nadu state. Its French legacy is preserved in its French Quarter, with tree-lined streets, mustard-coloured colonial villas, and chic boutiques. A seaside promenade runs along the Bay of Bengal and passes several statues, including a 4m-high Gandhi Memorial.
After breakfast, visit Aurobindo Ashram – here you will find the Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. Auroville is not a touristy place, it is more about the way of living. You can visit the Matri Mandir here but you need to follow the protocol to access it. At the Visitor’s Centre, you can watch the video that gives you a good idea about what Auroville is about and what to expect. You will then be guided to a viewing platform. It is about a km from the centre. Here, you can see the Matri Mandir, take pictures and spend some time before going back to the Centre. Later, visit Promenade Beach, Paradise Beach and Serenity Beach.
Overnight at Pondicherry.
The most picturesque beach in
Pondicherry, Paradise Beach is elegantly located where the Chunnambar River
meets the Bay of Bengal. Paradise beach is truly a paradise for its azure
waters, shimmering shores and peaceful ambience. A boat ride through backwaters
will get you to this golden paradise and will leave you simply mesmerised.
A perfect place for an evening stroll, Promenade Beach is one of the most visited places in the alluring coastal city of Pondicherry. It is dotted with some of the popular spots such as the state of Joan of Arc, Dupleix’s statue, the old heritage hall, the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, and an old lighthouse. Filled with great examples of colonial French architecture, the White Town by the beach is often compared to the seaside towns in the south of France.
Serenity Beach is one of the most
alluring and popular beaches in Pondicherry. Renowned for its Sunrise Point,
the calm beach makes it the perfect place to catch that spectacular sunrise.
While the natural beauty of the place is one of the best reasons to visit the
place, in recent years it has also become a popular destination for surfing.
With utmost relaxation and a chilled-out ambience, it is the perfect place to
indulge in activities like surfing, sunbathing, and even fishing.
The most picturesque beach in
Pondicherry, Paradise Beach is elegantly located where the Chunnambar River
meets the Bay of Bengal. Paradise beach is truly a paradise for its azure
waters, shimmering shores and peaceful ambience. A boat ride through backwaters
will get you to this golden paradise and will leave you simply mesmerised.
After breakfast drive to Tanjore. Enroute visit Chidambaram. Chidambaram is settled between two rivers in a 40-acre temple-complex. It has some of the oldest, and magnificent temples of the South. Shiva Natraja or the Dancing Shiva stands in his cosmic dance pose in the golden rooted sanctum sanctorum. Flanking the temple are 108 sculptured illustrations of Bharat Natya Shashtra. In Aakash Lingam hidden by a veil, lies the real secret of Chidambaram.
On arrival at Tanjore, check-in at the hotel.
Overnight at Tanjore.
A 3- hour drive from Tanjore will
take you to, Chidambaram, a charming town in Tamil Nadu. The town is adored for
the Thillai Nataraja Temple, and the annual chariot festival. Thillai Nataraja
Temple, also known as the Chidambaram Temple is one of the holiest temples of
South India dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the must-visit in Chidambaram.
After breakfast, visit the famous Brihadeeswara Temple. The greatness of this temple is marked by the enormous Lingam - the 'Brihadeeswara' that is the prime deity of the shrine. The tall Lingam is reached by the Gurukkal (priests) through the stairs leading to the top.
Later, drive to Madurai. On arrival check-in at the hotel.
Overnight at Madurai.
Built in the early 11th century,
Brihadeshwar temple or the Big Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a prime
attraction of Tanjore. It is well-known in the country for being one of the
well-preserved heritage sites. One of the finest examples of Dravidian style
architecture, the beautiful Brihadeeswara Temple is a must-visit in Tanjore.
After breakfast, head for sightseeing of Madurai. Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace. Later, in the evening visit Meenakshi temple to watch the evening procession, in which Lord Shiva is symbolically carried in a palanquin accompanied by musicians, temple singers, and priests to the temple of his consort Parvati (Meenakshi).
Overnight at Madurai.
Madurai is home to one of the
oldest and largest temple complex in Tamil Nadu, Meenakshi Amman Temple. An
iconic place to explore, the temple features one of the best of Dravidian
architectural style in India. The Hall of Thousand Pillars or Aayiram Kaal
Mandapam in the temple is a wonderful piece of art and is believed to be built
out of a single rock. The vibrant and bustling 17th century temple is one of
the major attractions in the city and a must-visit spot.
One of the most iconic buildings in
Madurai, Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal is well-known for its intricate
Indo-Dravidian architecture and designs. Madurai's second-biggest attraction,
the palace was declared as a national monument and till date continues to be
one of the splendid monuments of Southern India. Located around the famous
Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal is a must-visit in the city.
After breakfast, drive to Rameshwaram. Have lunch on the way. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Later, in the evening visit Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple and Kothandaramaswamy Temple.
Overnight at Rameshwaram.
The vibrant and marvellous Arulmigu
Ramanathaswamy Temple is the pride of Rameshwaram. Famous for its collection of
Lingas, which were made up of sand, salt, stone and other elements, the temple
is one of the most visited temples in South India. The stunning Dravidian style
architecture will undoubtedly leave you in awe. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and is
one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples, Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple is a
must-visit.
Located in Dhanushkodi,
Kothandaramaswamy Temple is one of the significant pilgrimage destinations in
Rameshwaram. This temple holding the deities of Rama, Lakshman, Sita and
Hanuman is believed to be the residing spot of Vibhishana, the younger brother
of Ravana. Lined along the alluring shores of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian
Ocean, historical ruminants, and breathtaking horizons of the azure sea, the
temple is one of the must-visit spots in Rameshwaram.
After morning darshan, drive to Kanyakumari. On arrival, check-in at the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight Kanyakumari.
After breakfast, head for sightseeing of Kanyakumari. Visit Sunrise Point, Trisea Sangamam, Devi Kumari Amman Temple, Mahatma Gandhi Mandapam, Kamarajar Memorial, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue (133 Ft.), and Surendran Temple.
Overnight at Kanyakumari.
Dedicated to late. Sri. Kamarajar,
The freedom fighter, Former Chief, and a veteran political leader of Tamil Nadu,
Kamarajar Memorial is one of the major tourist attractions in Kanyakumari. The
tranquil monument is built on the same site where his ashes were kept for the
public to pay respect before being immersion in the sea.
The memorial is dedicated to Mahatma
Gandhi whose sacred ashes were kept here before being immersed in the sea. One
of the best features of this memorial is that the Mandapam has been built in
such a way that on every 2nd October the sun’s rays fall on the exact spot where
the great man’s ashes were placed. To pay tribute to the father of the nation
this place should be in your list of places to visit in Kanyakumari.
The vistas of the sunset are breathtaking and magnificent amidst the azure sea at Kanyakumari Sunset Point. The confluence of three seas, the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea, which is also known as the Trisea Sangamam, makes it even more scenic and unique. To spend some time away from the bustling city, Sunset Point is the best place to find some moments of peace.
A trip to Kanyakumari would be incomplete without a visit to Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the most famous tourist attraction the coastal city. A ferry will take you to the island which is said to have been the site where Vivekananda attained enlightenment. It is located on one of the two adjacent rocks projecting out of the Lakshadweep Sea and comprises of the Shripada Mandapam and the Vivekananda Mandapam. The Shripada Mandapam has a study hall and a museum, where you can explore Vivekananda's life and work in depth. If you are seeking spiritual vibes and serenity, Vivekananda Rock Memorial is where you should be.
After breakfast, head to the airport for your onward journey.
Hotel Sea Breeze Annexe lies within 2 km from Shore Temple and 4 km from Tiger Cave. It has massage parlour and internet access. Located near the Mahabalipuram Beach, Hotel Sea Breeze Annexe is a budget property that offers standard accommodation. Set in lush greenery, it has 21 soberly done up rooms that are provided with all kinds of basic amenities. Rooms are available in two options- Air-conditioned and Non-Air-conditioned. With a convenient location near the beach, the hotel is an ideal pick for leisure travellers. It offers facilities that include internet access, doctor-on-call, acceptance of credit cards and laundry. The travel desk provides proper assistance for sightseeing in and around Mahabalipuram. Within the premises, there is an Ayurvedic massage parlour and where guests can rejuvenate themselves.
Hotel Smith Palace is a budget hotel situated 1 km from Puducherry Railway Station and 2 km from Rock Beach. Guests are offered comfortable accommodation in 20spacious rooms, equipped with amenities like wardrobe/closet, wake-up service and bathroom with free toiletries.suitable for children, 24-hour front desk and parking facility are a few of the facilities offered at Hotel Smith Palace. This hotel in Pondicherry offers good value for money accommodation. The hotel in Pondicherry is accessible via travel hubs such as Pondicherry Airport (8 km). Places worth a visit include Puduvai Aquarium (2 km).
Hotel Sumi Palace promises to give you an unparalleled experience in terms of hospitality within the contours os a limited budget. We not only offer you a pleasant stay within the delightful environs of the city. But, also give you a chance to feel comforted with the quick service of our dedicated staff, linen, and hygienic washrooms, make your stay awesome in this heaven of elegance. And ensure that you enjoy a comfortable stay at our hotel. Come and feel the experience a blend of modern amenities, spacious accommodation in a safe and secure environment. Situated in Thanjavur in the Tamil Nadu region, Sumi Palace Annexure has a balcony. This apartment features a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. The air-conditioned apartment consists of 2 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and a kettle, and 1 bathroom with a bath or shower and a hairdryer.
Meenakshi’s Sunshine Hotel is the obvious choice for tourists, corporates, bureaucrats, businessmen, and executives visiting the temple city of Madurai. It is also the preferred hotel when it comes to spending quality time with the family, on a vacation or a quiet getaway. Meenakshi’s Sunshine Hotel is the ideal base for you to visit nearby attractions on day trips, and return to your home away from home for the night. We pride ourselves at offering you executive luxury and comfort at economy prices. The tariff, as you will discover, is economical, and our way of pampering our revered guests. The impeccable cleanliness, warm hospitality, and efficient service are true value add- ons we extend to all our guests.
The Hotel Rameswaram Grand is the perfect family hotel for visiting pilgrims. We’re just opposite to Rameswaram railway station and around three minutes from the main bus stand. As for the main purpose of your visit, did you know we’re only three minutes away from the Rameshwaram Temple? With world-class amenities and en-suite facilities, we’re sure to offer a memorable experience. We offer rooms under two categories, viz., the Superior Double Bed and the Superior Triple Bed. Whether you are traveling with your family, or are a part of a sizeable tour group, we promise a memorable experience. All our rooms are well furnished and include facilities like free wireless and dedicated room service. Hospitality isn’t only about offering a welcome drink or a complimentary gift – it goes beyond that! At Hotel Rameshwaram Grand, we take pride in being a gracious host.
Hotel Sea Face is located at the southernmost point of peninsular India, the meeting point of three great water bodies. The Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean. The hotel is strategically designed premises along with the state of the facilities makes this hotel a destination itself. Luxury accommodation completely redesigned individual, elegant and refined, our rooms offer the ultimate in comfort and luxury in Kanyakumari. The hotel’s turn-of-the-century origins are evident in the subdued colors, discreet patterns, and rich fabrics. Complete with marble bathrooms and classic furnishings. Ideal for business or leisure, the hotel offers Wi-Fi and smartly designed work areas in each guest room. Our guest rooms suites offer an inspiring environment; the spacious windows let the sunlight in and provide breathtaking views of Kanyakumari.
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