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Temples and Culture of Tamil Nadu

Duration : 10 Days / 09 Nights
Destinations : Chennai, Tirupathi, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Tanjore, Madurai, Trichy
Highlights of this tour :

  • Fabulous ancient architecture & beautiful temples.
  • Explore life of Pondicherry.
  • Learn about Tamilian culture.
  • Relax on the beaches.
Price on Request


INTRODUCTION


Destinations : Chennai, Tirupathi, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Tanjore, Madurai, Trichy

This 10 days tour will introduce you whole of South India, explore most exotic locations of Tamil Nadu. A wonderful experience of the beautiful beaches, the landscapes, the magnificent temples whose architecture and sculptures are evidence of the rich history of the area, picturesque wildlife sanctuaries, colourful festivals and cultures of Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu is the magnificent land of temples and a paradise for all art-lovers. The most of these temples were built at the time by large medieval dynasties of leaders of South India Commes the Cholas, Pallavas and Chalukyas.
During this trip you will visit the most famous temples of Tamil Nadu: The Meenakshi temple in Madurai, the Tirupathi temple, the temples of Mahabaliuram seafront, the temple of Thanjavur (Tanjore) and that of Rameshwaram. You will also visit Pondicherry, a former French colony.

The itinerary can be modified following your suggestions.


TRAVEL ITINERARY


Day
01
Arrive Chennai (Madras)

Arrive Chennai (Madras), the capital of Tamil Nadu. Transfer to your hotel. Chennai also known as the gateway of southern India as the "Queen of the Coromandel." Chennai has an interesting blend of Dravidian and Gothic architecture throughout the architecture of its buildings. In the afternoon, visit the memorial of Gandhi, Kala Kshetra, Mylapore temple and the walk on the Marina beach. Stay overnight at Chennai.

Day
02
Chennai to Tirupathi

Early morning after breakfast, drive to Tirupathi and visit the temple of the Lord Venkateshwara arrival. This is the famous residence of the god Venkateshwara is the oldest and richest temple in India. The sacred mountain of Tirumala is one of the highest places of pilgrimage because its top is the Tirupathi temple. Overnight in Tirupathi.

Day
03
Mahabalipuram - Tirupathi - Chennai

Drive to Mamallapuram via Chennai in the morning. Located south of Chennai and facing the Bay of Bengal, Mamallapuram is an ancient port. This small town is rightly regarded as a jewel of sculpture since the fifth century (during the dynasty of the Pallavas) when most of the temples were built. The carvings on rocks representing demons, gods and animals are poetic in nature. Among the many temples, the "Shore Temple" facing the sea, is the most intriguing. Exquisite finely carved figures attract the eye of the passer. Penance of Arjuna and Krishna Mandapa are two structures carved directly into the rock. All these works and rock caves have been included in the UNESCO heritage. All this and interesting rock cut caves HAS Mamallapuram won the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, enjoy the beach and the sea before returning to the hotel. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Day
04
Mamallapuram - Tiruvanamalai - Pondicherry

After breakfast, drive to Tiruvannaamalai to see the temple Arunachala dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located on the Annamalai hill, this temple is one of the most important Shiva temples. It is also a hub for sadhus (Hindu ascetics). The temple was built in the 16th and 17th century. His superbess Gopurams and monumental towers adorned by and others make it a masterpiece. This temple is of utmost importance to devout Hindus as it represents the fire, one of the elements of fives Panchabhoota Sthalam, the rest being water, earth, air and space. Later drive to Pondicherry (also called Puducherry), a place that still bears a frangrance of the presence of French in India.

Day
05
Pondicherry

A former French colony, Pondicherry stands today as the educational hub of reference thanks to its numerous educational institutions accredited by the Indian government. The city enorgueille its colonial buildings, its Gothic churches, its avenues to French and even temples and statues. Your morning in Pondicherry begin with a tour of the city to first of all visit the ashram of Aurbindo Ashram, the ideal place to learn about a combination of Yoga and modern science to unite the mind and matter, as shown in Shri Bhagwat Geeta (Hindu holy text). The afternoon visit to Auroville, the result of a unique expérimenation aimed to bring together an international community where men and women around the world could live in harmony. Be guided by the charm of Pondicherry the rest of the day.

Day
06
Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Thanjavur

Road to Chidambaram to visit the famous temple Natraja. Chidambaram is a major pilgrimage center, which houses one of the most sacred and ancient shrines of Shiva when it is in the form of a dancer (cosmic dance). The temple also houses the famous Natyanjali festival every year in which the dancers from around the world practice their art in order to offer prayers at Natraja. Lord Departure in the afternoon to Thanjavur (Tanjore), an important venue South India in art and architecture. The city shone under the reign of the Chola dynasty when most of its major temples were built. Among the most beautiful temples of this period, the temple puts Brihadeeswara beautifully enhance the architectural brilliance of that era. The latter, also known as the 'Big Temple', is inscribed in the UNESCO heritage. Overnight in Thanjavur.

Day
07
Thanjavur - Trichy

Morning, drive to Trichy, situated on the banks of the Kaveri River. Visit the Srirangam temple, situated on an island, is the largest active Hindu temple in the world. It covers about 63 1300m carrés.Le Rockfort temple is another famous monument of the city. It is situated on top of a huge rock piles. Also visit the temple built Jambukeshwar there are about 1,800 years old. Adjacent to Rangathaswamy temple is one of the most famous temples of Shiva, représeantant water, one of the elements of fives Panchabhoota Sthalams.

Day
08
Trichy to Madurai

After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Madurai. Madurai is the oldest city in Tamil Nadu, composed of a myriad of colorful markets, a crowd of pilgrims, religious processions euphoriques and home to the ancient Tamil Sangam. Visit the most popular tourist attraction, the Meenakshi temple of Madurai - one of the largest specimens of Dravidian architecture. Also visit the temple in the Hall of a Thousand Pillars, now converted into a museum displaying genuine antique treasures. In the evening you will attend the ceremony during which the image of Shiva is carried in procession to the shrine of Goddess Parvati. This special moment is accompanied by songs, prayers, percussion and lights torches. The palace of King Tirumalai (17th century) was built with the help of an Italian architect which earned him a unique look in the Dravidian architectural fusion, Islamic and European. Overnight Madurai.

Day
09
Madurai to Rameshwaram in Madurai

Morning, after early breakfast check out from Hotel and drive to Rameshwaram - the city with the most sacred temples and pilgrim centre of India, located in the Gulf of Mannar just 175 kilometers from Madurai. According to legend, the temple was built in the place where Lord Rama stopped before conducting his battle in Sri Lanka. After relaxing for some while, visit one of the twelve jyotirlingam shrines dedicated to god Shiva, known for its beautiful corridors and massive carved pillars, the Rameshwaram temple is located on Pamban island that separates it from the bustle of the city. Later drive back to Madurai and overnight at the hotel.

Day
10
Madurai - Chennai(Departure)

You will be transfer to Chennai airport for return flight.


ACTIVITIES


Enhance your travel experience to India by adding various adventure and cultural activities offered at different destinations.

To obtain the complete list of these activities please contact our executive with your travel dates.

Please note that these activities are not included in the package price. Please select the activities to include them in your travel itinerary.

Visit Auroville in Pondicherry
Visit Auroville during your trip to Pondicherry - South India.
Taste of Chettinad dishes
Experience the Chettiand food during your stay in Tamil Nadu.
Visit the Dravidians temples
During your stay in South India, organize your visit to the main Dravidians temples.
Relax on beaches in Pondicherry and Mahabalipuram
Plan your vacations on the beaches of Pondicherry.

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