13 Nights From £1630.00 per person, 2 sharing
Summary
Those who enjoy visiting temples and historical sites will be spoilt for choice in Kerala’s neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. Boasting wonderfully elaborate architecture, the temples showcase the opulent and lavish tastes of generations of royalty. Each has a unique and mesmerizing design and an equally intricate story to tell, so why not embark on a tour to see as many as you can as well as an array of other fascinating historical sights.
Itinerary
Day 1-3: On arrival at Chennai airport you will be met by your own personal driver. Your tour will begin in Chennai and include a visit to some of its most fascinating locations including the spectacular Kapaleeshwarar Temple, the National Art Gallery and St George’s Church. Should you wish you can then enjoy a short walk around Marina Beach (Chennai’s longest beach), and an evening stroll through the spice market.
Day 4: To Tirupati, a visit here will include a tour of Sri Venkateswara Temple, believed to be the oldest and the richest temple in the world.
Day 5: Tour the monuments and caves in Mahabalipuram and a selection of temples in Kanchipuram including Ekambareswarar Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Sri Kamakshi Temple and Varadharaja Perumal Temple.
Day 6-7: Sightseeing in Pondicherry, the ex French colony, which will include Auroville Ashram, Paradise beach, Seaside promenade, Basilica of Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Aurobindo Ashram, French war Memorial and a rickshaw ride through the maze of backstreets. Here you will captivated by the colourful floral displays of geraniums and bougainvillaea which decorate the French architecture. From Pondicherry travel south to Kumbakonam, making various stops along the way to visit some very special temples (Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple and Darasuram Airavateswarar Temple)
Day 8: At Kumbakonam visit Adi Kumbhakeshwar Temple and Kumbakonam brass factory.
Day 9: You continue your tour to Tanjore, to see Brihadeshwara Temple.
Day 10 -11: Your next visit will be to Madurai (3 hours South of Tanjore). En route you can stop at Trichy to visit the Ranganatha Temple, Rock Fort Temple and Jambukeshwara Temple. Once you arrive in Madurai, visit Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Palace and Gandhi Museum. In the evening your driver will take you to Meenakashi Amman Temple again to attend the night ceremony.
Day 12: Rameshwaram will be your next stop, where you can visit Ramanathaswamy Temple, Dhanushkodi Beach and other temples.
Day 13: Drive to Kanyakumari for a half day sightseeing visit to include Bhagavathy Amman Temple, Kanyakumari beach and Vivekananda rock memorial.
Day 14: You will be driven back to the airport in time for your return flight
