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Exploring South India: A 5-Day Cultural Tour from Chennai to Madurai
Embark on a 5-day cultural journey through South India, starting from Chennai and traveling through Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Trichy, and culminating in Madurai. This itinerary offers a blend of ancient temples, historical landmarks, spiritual centers, and vibrant cityscapes, providing an immersive experience of Tamil Nadu's rich heritage and traditions.
Covered Destination:
Chennai: Kapaaleeswar Temple, Parthasarathy Temple, Fort St. George, Marina beach & shopping at T.Nagar
Mahabalipuram: The Arjuna`s Penance, Five Rathas, Krishna Butter Ball, Shore Temple
Pondicherry: Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Bharathi Park, Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Promenade beach
Trichy: Sri Renganathaswamy Temple, Jambukeshwarar Temple, Rock fort temple
Madurai: Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayak palace, Thiruparankundram
Today morning upon arrival you will be welcome by our tour executive and after introduction to our chauffer you will be transferred to hotel, after small refreshment you can visit famous Kapaleeswar Temple dedicated to is Lord Kapaleeswar (Lord Shiva). Gopuram, Mandapam and tank are interesting points to see, then you can visit Parthasarathy Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Then visit Fort St. George, the first bastion of British power in India & built in the year 1640 AD by the British East India Company and return back to hotel. In the evening if you are interested you can visit Marina beach, the world second largest beach or you can spend time for shopping at T. Nagar is the famous region in Chennai. Later start drive to Mahabalipuram. Overnight stay at Mahabalipuram.
Post breakfast you can do sightseeing of Mahabalipuram visiting – ‘The Arjuna`s Penance’ (Bass Relief), ‘Five Rathas’ (Symbolizes equality of men & women), the famous ‘Shore temple’ & the so called “Krishna Butter Ball”. Apart from the above said monuments you also visit many other cave temples. During the sightseeing, you can also make a visit to one of the sculpture studios to know more in detail about sculpturing and possible souvenir shopping. Later proceed to Pondicherry. On arrival visit of Pondicherry incl Aurobindo Ashram. Overnight stay at Pondicherry.
Today morning post breakfast and you can start drive to Trichy - visit famous Srirangam Temple, surrounded by the waters of the River Kaveri on one side & its tributary Kollidam on the other, is a 600-acre island-town enclosed within the seven walls of the gigantic Sri Renganathaswamy Temple, There are not less than 21 Gopuram here in this temple, one of which is the tallest in South India. then visit Jambukeshwarar Temple another famous temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple represents one of the five elements (water). Evening you can visit famous Rock fort temple most famed landmark is an 83 m high rock which is the only outcrop in the otherwise flat land of the city. The most amazing fact about the rock is that it is one of the oldest in the world approximately 3,800 million years, which makes it as old as the rocks of Greenland & older than the Himalayas, later return back to hotel. Overnight stay at Trichy.
Post breakfast you can drive to Madurai. Madurai is known to be the oldest city in Tamilnadu. – the famous “Meenakshi Amman Temple” dedicated to goddess Parvathi. Though it is famous by the name of goddess meenakshi, the temple is also dedicated to her consort lord Shiva as Sundareshwarar. Onward visit the beautiful Tirumalai Nayak palace – a 17th century marvel with beautiful architecture. In the evening visit to ‘Tiruparankundram’ a temple dedicated to the Lord Muruga and is famous as one of the six abodes of Lord Subramaniya. Post visit return to hotel of stay. Overnight at hotel in Madurai.
The tour ends today with a departure transfer to Madurai Airport / Railway Station for your onward journey. Tour Ends!!
5 FAQs
What is the best time to visit South India for this tour?
The best time to visit South India is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
What are the must-visit attractions in Chennai?
In Chennai, must-visit attractions include Kapaleeswar Temple, Parthasarathy Temple, Fort St. George, Marina Beach, and shopping at T. Nagar.
How can I experience the cultural heritage of Mahabalipuram?
In Mahabalipuram, you can explore the ancient rock-cut temples and monuments such as Arjuna's Penance, Five Rathas, Shore Temple, and Krishna's Butter Ball. Visiting a local sculpture studio offers insights into traditional sculpting techniques.
What spiritual experiences can I expect in Pondicherry?
In Pondicherry, you can visit the serene Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the spiritual Manakula Vinayagar Temple, and relax at the peaceful Promenade Beach.
What are the highlights of Madurai's historical sites?
Madurai's highlights include the Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Palace, and the Thiruparankundram Temple, each offering a glimpse into the city's rich historical and cultural heritage.