Pondicherry Mahabalipuram with Trichy and Madurai - Tamil Nadu
From
₹ Soon*
Per person
Duration
5 N / 6 D
Tour Code
Dw1035
Category
Southern India
Book This Tour
This spiritual tour takes you through South India’s ancient temples and historic sites, starting from Chennai and ending in Madurai. Explore iconic destinations like Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Tanjore, Trichy, and Madurai, with visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites, grand temples, and rich cultural landmarks. Enjoy a deep dive into the region’s heritage, architecture, and spirituality.
Day 1 - Chennai Arrival
Arrive at the Chennai airport, be welcomed, and then be taken to the hotel for a refreshment and check-in.
See the vibrant Dravidian-style Kapaleeshwarar Temple, which was renovated after being founded in the 7th century and is devoted to Lord Shiva.
Discover Vivekananda Illam, a museum devoted to Swami Vivekananda’s life that was once an ice shop where he stayed in 1897.
Drive by Marina Beach and San Thome Church after learning about Chennai’s past at the Government Museum and Fort Museum.
Go back to the hotel and spend the night there.
If staying an additional night, optional:
On the way to Mahabalipuram, stop via Dakshinachitra, Anna Zoological Park, and Guindy National Park.
Shop around T Nagar and explore the Theosophical Society.
Day 2 - Chennai – Mahabalipuram (60 Kms / 1 Hour Drive)
Check out of the hotel after breakfast and travel to Mahabalipuram.
Enjoy a full day of touring after you arrive:
See the Pandavas’ rock-cut temples known as the Five Rathas.
Discover the 7th-century Indian architecture in the Mahishasuramardini Mandapa, a rock-cut cave temple.
Explore the Penance, a huge rock relief that shows the Ganges’ descent, and the Mahabalipuram Lighthouse.
See the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a view of the Bay of Bengal, and Krishna Mandapam.
Unwind at the beach at Mahabalipuram.
Go back to the hotel and spend the night there.
Day 3 - Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (90 Kms / 2 Hours Drive)
After breakfast, depart the hotel and head towards Pondicherry along the picturesque East Coast Road (ECR).
Check into the hotel as you arrive, and then spend the entire day sightseeing:
See the Integral Yoga-focused Matrimandir, a spiritual structure in the heart of Auroville.
Discover Auroville, often known as The City of Dawn, a global community with a distinctive worldview.
Explore the historic Chola port city of Arikamedu.
Admire the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus’s architecture.
Explore the picturesque Promenade Beach.
Discover the tranquil Shri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual learning facility.
Go back to the hotel and spend the night there.
Extracurricular Activities:
Enjoy a sunbath on Serenity Beach’s sands.
Savor water sports, such as scuba diving, at Paradise Beach Karaikal Beach.
Day 4 - Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Gangaikonda Cholapuram – Tanjore (195 Kms / 4 Hours Drive)
After breakfast, leave the hotel and start driving to Tanjore, stopping along the way in Chidambaram:
See the 1,000-year-old Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram, a place of worship for Lord Shiva that has four imposing gates encircling a central temple.
Continue on to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a historic town that served as the capital of the Chola Empire during the reign of King Rajendra Chola. See the Lord Shiva-devoted Gangaikondacholapuram Temple.
Proceed to Darasuram and visit the Airavateswara Temple, which was built in the 12th century by Rajaraja Chola II and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When you get to Tanjore, check into your hotel and unwind for the night.
Day 5 - Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai (210 Kms / 4 Hours Drive)
Check out of the hotel after breakfast and head to Tanjore for some morning sightseeing:
See the 1,000-year-old Brihadisvara Temple (Brihadeeswarar Temple), which was constructed by Raja Raja Chola I and is devoted to Lord Shiva. It is an excellent illustration of Chola architecture.
Discover the Thanjavur Maratha Palace Complex (Aranmanai), renowned for its silk, handicrafts, and bronzes, which was once the home of the Bhonsle dynasty.
Travel by car to Trichy:
Visit the Rock Fort Temple, where you can ascend to the Lord Shiva temple after ascending 434 steps carved into the rock that lead to the temple devoted to Lord Ganapati. Views of the Kaveri River are breathtaking.
See Srirangam Temple, one of the biggest temples in India, which is devoted to Lord Vishnu and has a bustling bazaar inside.
Proceed to Madurai via car, settle into your hotel, and unwind for the night.
Visit Option:
Go to Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple, popularly called Palliyarai, for the Night Ceremony. The sanctum sanctorum is closed for relaxation at night, which is an important local Tamil custom.
Day 6 - Madurai Departure
Extracurricular Activities in Madurai (during a two-day stay):
Alagar Koyil is a medieval Hindu temple with intricate sculptures and carvings situated in a picturesque setting.
A sizable temple tank is Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam.
Koodal Azhagar Temple: Known for its vibrant idols atop the tower, this revered temple is devoted to Vishnu.
Gandhi Museum: A museum dedicated to presenting Mahatma Gandhi’s life and legacy.
Lord Murugan is worshipped at the Thirupalkundram Murugan Temple, a hilltop temple.
Atheyam: An exciting theme park.
- Accommodation in the listed hotel or similar, in the base category room.
- Transfers and sightseeing by a deluxe A/C tourist vehicle, as per the itinerary.
- Daily breakfast included.
- All local sightseeing provided in the same vehicle, from breakfast until sunset (excluding arrival and departure days).
- An extra bed will be provided in the form of a folding cot or mattress, in accordance with the hotel's policy.
- Insurance coverage for all passengers under 70 years of age.
- GST and any international/domestic airfares (quoted separately).
- Charges for English-speaking guide/escort and airport tax.
- Extra bed charges and all meals not mentioned above.
- Personal expenses such as telephone calls, laundry, drinks (soft/hard), lunch, tipping, and camera fees at monuments.
- Monument or temple entrance fees, boat rides, and porterage services at airports/railway stations.
- Any other expenses not mentioned in the inclusions.
- Rates are subject to change due to inflation or tax hikes and are based on currently applicable taxes.
Very Important: VEHILCE DRIVING UP & Down HILL WILL BE NON AC
IMPORTANT: Kindly note that names of hotels mentioned above only indicate that our rates have been based on usage of these hotels and it is not to be construed that accommodation is confirmed at these hotels until and unless we convey such confirmation to you. In the event of any of the above-mentioned hotels not becoming available we shall book alternate accommodation at a similar or next best available hotel and shall pass on the difference of rates (supplement/reduction whatever applicable)
FAQ
What is the best time to take this tour?
The best time for this tour is between November and March, as the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing and travel across South India.
Is breakfast included in the tour?
Yes, daily breakfast is included for all guests during the stay at the hotels.
Can we customize the itinerary if we want to add extra sightseeing or activities?
Yes, the itinerary can be customized based on your preferences. Additional activities or visits to other attractions can be arranged with prior notice.
Are the temple visits suitable for people with limited mobility?
Some temples, like those in Trichy and Madurai, involve climbing steps or walking long distances. It’s recommended to check in advance if mobility assistance is needed for certain locations.