Magnificent South11 Days & 10 Nights

Upon arrival at the Chennai Airport our representative will welcome you and escort you to the hotel. Rest of the day is at your disposal to enjoy at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Following a refreshing breakfast proceed for a local sightseeing tour of Chennai (Madras) - the fourth largest city in India and the capital of Tamil Nadu. The city apart from being a major commercial hub of South India is also a centre for South Indian art, architecture, music, dance, culture, traditions and festivals. There are many places of tourist attraction in and around the city - Marina beach (a gorgeous 11 km shoreline), Kabaleeswarar Temple, Santhome Cathedral, Sree Parthasarathy Temple, Government Museum, Fort Museum, National Art Gallery, St. Thomas Mount, Guindy Deer & Snake Parks, Little Mount Shrine, Fort St. George and St. Mary’s Church, Valluvar Kottam, Kalakshetra, Sittratangam and Zoological Park. Overnight at the hotel.

After an early morning breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Tirupathi; on arrival check-in into hotel. Afternoon proceed for a local sightseeing tour of Tirupathi. The temple town of Tirupathi is a major Hindu pilgrimage center; famous for its Lord Venkateswara Temple. The temple, said to be the richest in India, has a history dating back to the 9th Century A.D, when Pallavas, the rulers of Kancheepuram, patronized this temple. The temple attained the zenith of its glory in the 15th century AD under the royal patronage of the Vijayanagar Emperors. Return for an overnight stay at the hotel.

Following breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Mahabalipuram (en-route visit the temple town of Kanchipuram); on arrival check-in into hotel. Afternoon, proceed for a local sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram. The town, famous for its stone carvings, is situated on the shore of Bay of Bengal, 58 km south of Chennai. Once a thriving port city under the Pallava Empire this UNESCO world heritage site has many rock-cut monuments dating from 7th – 9th century AD. Places of tourist interest include the Shore Temples, Arjuna’s Penance, Krishnamandapam, Mandapams, Rathas, Crocodile Farm, Covelong beach, and Thirukkazhukundram. Return for an overnight stay at the hotel.

Depart for Pondicherry by road after a refreshing breakfast; on arrival check-in into hotel. Rest of the day is at your disposal to enjoy at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, proceed for a local sightseeing tour of Pondicherry. Pondicherry, known as ‘The French Riviera of the East’, was a French colony until it was integrated into India as a Union territory in 1954. The town still remarkably preserves its French heritage in its many colonial monuments, cuisines, language, customs and traditions. Places of tourist interest include the Sree Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville, The French Institute and the Raj Nivas. Return for an overnight at the hotel.

After morning breakfast check-out from the hotel and proceed by road to Tanjore; on arrival check-in into hotel. Rest of the day is at your disposal to enjoy at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After a refreshing breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Tanjore. Tanjore, was once the imperial capital of the Cholas, a dynasty that ruled over South India, parts of Sri Lanka, and the Maldives Islands for four centuries (900 – 1300 AD). These mighty emperors were great patrons of art, architecture, music and literature. During their reign countless magnificent temples were built all over the kingdom including many great ones in their capital city of Tanjore. The prime attraction of Tanjore is the imposing Brihadeeswara Temple built by king Rajaraja Chola in A.D 1010 – now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Places of tourist interest include Sri Brahadeeswara Temple, Palace, Art Gallery, Saraswathy Mahal Library, Schwartz Church, Thirukandiyur, Thiruvalyaru, and Kumbakonam. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Madurai via Trichy; on arrival check-in into hotel. Evening is at your disposal to expend at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Following a filling breakfast, proceed for a local sightseeing tour of Madurai. The temple town of Madurai, situated on the banks of river Vaigai, is one of the most ancient cities in India with a history dating back to the pre-Christian times. It was the imperial capital of the Pandyan Empire in the 14th Century AD. Madurai was the seat of Tamil learning and the last of the Tamil Sangams (Academies) was held here nearly 2000 years ago. Places of tourist interest include the imposing Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, Gandhi Museum, Vaigai Dam, Thirupparankundrum, Athisayam Water Theme Park, Azhagar Koil and the Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Madurai Airport or Railway station for your onward journey.