from $ 3,485.00
Book Now

From Chennai to Pondicherry: Exploring Tamil Nadu’s Rich Culture

0/5
Duration

7 Nights / 8 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Explore the spiritual and architectural heritage of Tamil Nadu on this enriching 8-day private tour from Chennai. Experience a journey through ancient temples, majestic forts, and cultural hubs, including the famous temple cities of Kanchipuram, Trichy, Madurai, and Rameshwaram. Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Great Living Chola Temples and admire the unique blend of Dravidian art and architecture. Visit charming colonial Pondicherry and the historic town of Mahabalipuram with its magnificent rock-cut monuments. This tour offers a perfect mix of devotion, history, and vibrant culture, with comfortable private transfers and expert local guides throughout.

Highlights

  • Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram – One of the oldest structural temples in South India.
  • Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Trichy – Largest active temple complex in India.
  • Meenakshi Temple, Madurai – Architectural marvel with millions of detailed sculptures.
  • Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram – Famous for its long corridor and sacred Jyotirlinga.
  • Great Living Chola Temples (Thanjavur, Darasuram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram) – UNESCO World Heritage masterpieces.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 44.7%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 45.2%
6 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 52.6%
7 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 51.3%
8 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 56.3%
9 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 54.9%
10 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 59.8%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

Arrival transfer to hotel (early check-in subject to availability)
City tour of Chennai
Visit Fort St. George – British East India Company’s first fortress (1640 AD)
Visit St Mary’s Church – Historic church inside the fort
Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple – Ancient Lord Shiva shrine rebuilt by Vijayanagar kings
Visit Vadapalani Murugan Temple – Popular Hindu worship site
Visit Government Museum – Indo-Saracenic style building with Raja Ravi Varma artworks
Visit Dakshinachitra Museum – Living-history museum of South Indian culture
Visit Santhome Cathedral – 14th-century Portuguese pilgrim center
Drive past Prakasam Salai – Cluster of colonial churches and shrines
Drive past Marina Beach – 13 km natural urban beach along Bay of Bengal
Overnight at hotel

Day 2: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Trichy (350 km)

Breakfast at hotel
Drive to Trichy via Kanchipuram
Visit Kailasanathar Temple – 8th-century Shiva temple with intricate carvings
Visit Ekambareswarar Temple – Ancient Shiva temple with a 2500-year-old mango tree
Visit Varadharaja Perumal Temple – Vishnu temple with exquisite architecture
Visit Vaikundaperumal Temple – Another prominent Vishnu shrine
Visit Kamakshi Amman Temple – Dedicated to Goddess Parvati
Check-in at hotel in Trichy
Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple – Largest functional temple complex (156 acres)
Visit Rock Fort Temple – Ancient rock outcrop with panoramic views
Visit Jambukeswarar Temple – Shiva temple with concentric walls and seven gopurams
Overnight at hotel

Day 3: Trichy – Madurai (140 km)

Breakfast at hotel
Drive to Madurai, check-in at hotel
Visit Meenakshi Temple – Massive temple complex known for elaborate sculptures
Visit Thirumalai Nayakar Palace – Blend of Dravidian and Rajput architecture
Visit Alagar Koil – Temple in a scenic valley dedicated to Lord Vishnu
Visit Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple – Ancient hill temple of Lord Murugan
Visit Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple – One of six sacred Murugan shrines
Overnight at hotel

Day 4: Madurai – Rameshwaram (170 km)

Breakfast at hotel
Drive to Rameshwaram, check-in at hotel
Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple – Famous for longest corridor and sacred lingams
Visit Lakshmana Tirtham – Temple and sacred bathing spot dedicated to Lord Lakshmana
Visit Adam’s Bridge – Chain of reefs linking India and Sri Lanka, legendary crossing by Hanuman
Overnight at hotel

Day 5: Rameshwaram – Chettinad – Thanjavur (250 km)

Breakfast at hotel
Drive to Thanjavur via Chettinad
Explore Chettinad mansions – 19th-century palatial homes with imported luxury materials
Check-in at hotel in Thanjavur
Visit Brihadeshwara Temple – UNESCO site and Chola architectural masterpiece
Visit Vijayanagar Fort – Built by Nayaks and Maratha rulers
Visit Thanjavur Art Gallery – Ancient sculptures and coins collection
Visit Saraswathi Mahal Library – Over 30,000 preserved manuscripts
Overnight at hotel

Day 6: Thanjavur – Darasuram – Gangaikonda Cholapuram – Chidambaram – Pondicherry (180 km)

Breakfast at hotel
Drive to Pondicherry via temples
Visit Darasuram (Airavateshwarar Temple) – Stone carvings and chariot-shaped mandapam
Visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple – Tamil-style architecture with elaborate mandapas
Visit Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram – 10th-century temple symbolizing art and spirituality
Arrive and check-in at Pondicherry hotel
Overnight at hotel

Day 7: Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram – Chennai (150 km)

Breakfast at hotel
Visit Auroville – Experimental township centered on spirituality and harmony
Visit Pondicherry Museum – Collection of bronzes and colonial artifacts
Drive through French Quarters – Colonial architecture, consulate, Raj Nivas
Drive to Chennai via Mahabalipuram
Visit Five Rathas – Monolithic temples showing evolution of Dravidian style
See Krishna’s Butterball – Giant balanced granite boulder
Visit 7th-century Cave Temples – Rock-cut carvings in Mamalla style
Visit Shore Temple – Granite temple complex from 7th century
View Arjuna’s Penance – Large rock relief depicting mythological scenes
Arrive Chennai, check-in at hotel
Overnight at hotel

Day 8: Chennai – Departure

Breakfast at hotel
Transfer to airport as per flight schedule (standard check-out 11 AM)

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 7 Nights' accommodation in 5-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Any flight tickets.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Q: What kind of hotel accommodation is included in the package price?
We provide accommodation at carefully selected 5-star hotels or the best available quality options in regions where luxury properties are limited. Hotels are chosen for their comfort, location, and service standards. In case a specific hotel is unavailable, an equivalent standard property will be offered.

Hotels used or similar for 7 nights accommodation:
5-Star Hotels
Chennai – 2 Nights: Radisson Blu Hotel GRT Chennai/ Hilton Chennai
Trichy – 1 Night: Courtyard by Marriott
Madurai – 1 Night: Courtyard by Marriott/ The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai
Rameshwaram – 1 Night: The Residency Towers (best available option)
Thanjavur – 1 Night: Svatma
Pondicherry – 1 Night: Palais De Mahe/ La Villa

Q: Can I request a specific hotel or upgrade the hotel category?

Yes, we offer flexibility to upgrade hotels to luxury five-star or boutique properties at an additional cost, subject to availability. You can also request specific hotels during the booking process, and we will do our best to accommodate your preference.

Q: Are breakfast and other meals included at the hotels?

Breakfast is generally included with hotel stays unless stated otherwise. Lunch and dinner are optional and can be added to your package upon request. You can also explore local dining during the tour.

Q: Will I get confirmation for the exact hotels before my trip?

Yes, once your booking is confirmed, we will share the final list of hotel names and contact details along with your tour confirmation documents.

Q: I’m looking for a more budget-friendly tour. Can you provide prices with standard or 4-star hotels?

Absolutely! We understand that every traveler has different preferences and budgets. If you prefer standard accommodation or 4-star hotel options instead of the default 5-star hotels, we can customize the tour and provide a tailored quote based on your requirements.

Reviews

0/5
Not Rated
Based on 0 review
Excellent
0
Very Good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Showing 1 - 0 of 0 in total

Write a review

from $ 3,485.00

You might also like