After breakfast – drive to Kanchipuram situated 71 kms from Chennai is the city of thousand temples, once the capital of the Pallavas, Cholas and Vijaynagar rulers is considered as the second holiest place in India, next only to Varanasi. Visit to Kailashnath temple, Ekambaranatha temple, Sri Kamakshi temple etc.

Later drive to Mahabalipuram – around 20 kms fro Kanchipuram. On arrival, check in to the hotel.

ahabalipuram is an hour’s drive from Chennai, has beautiful beach spanning 20 kms. The 7 th century town is famous for its rock – hewn temples, sculptures and world’s largest stone bas relief. In the afternoon, during the sightseeing visit Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna Mandapam, Varsha Mandapam, Mahishasuramardini Caves and Shore Temples.

Evening - relax and enjoy the sunset from the beautiful sandy beach of Mahabalipuram . Stay overnight at the hotel

Day 03: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry located 105 kms south of Mahabalipuram. On arrival, Check in to the hotel.

Pondicherry was French colony, who arrived in India in 1670 AD. This is perhaps the first attempted organized city in India with well laid out streets and avenues. The city presents

:an unusual combination of European Culture and Indian tradition. The added attraction here is the township of Auroville an oasis of peace and enlightenment.

During sightseeing of Pondicherry visit Auroville located 10 kms where soil from numerous countries was brought as a mark of international amity. Visit International meditation center is an architectural marvel. Later visit Light House 29 meters above sea lavel, Arikamedu – a historical site which, revealed local trade with Romans as early as 2 nd century BC. Ruins of the 18 th century house of French Jesuit Mission abandoned in 1783 are also located here. Finally visit Pondicherry museum.

Evening – relax on the Beach, which is 1.5 km long and is very clean. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 04: Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Kumbakonam - Swamimalai - Thanjavur

After breakfast drive to Chidambaram – 70 kms from Pondicherry . Chidambaram is famous for Lord Nataraja, the cosmic dancer (Shiva). Also Annamalai University is located here, which is a major residence University .

Further drive another 75 kms to reach Kubakonam – the four large temples – the Sarangpani, the kumbedwarar, the Nageswara and the Ramaswamy temple located here are noted for their sculptures and carvings. Later visir Swamimalai just 5 kms away is one of the six abodes dedicated to Lord Subramanya.

Finally drive to Thanjavur – 32 kms from Swamimalai. On arrival, check in to the hotel.

Thanjavur rose to its glory during the rule of Chola kingdom between 11 th & 14 th century and became the center of learning and culture. Its fertile land has given its name as rice bowl of Tamil Nadu. Thanjavur is also famous for its specialty paintings and handicraft.

Later in the afternoon continue your sightseeing tour of the city visiting famous Pragatheswarar Temple listed as World Heritage Monuments. This is an example of Indian sculptural architectural greatness. The cenetral tower of the temple is 216 feet tall. The walls of the sanctum are covered with paintings of Chola & nayak period. Also visit Archeological museum, Manora – 8 stories victory tower built by Naratha king Serfoji in 1814.

Evening at leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 05: Thanjavur - Thiruchirapalli (Trichy)

After breakfast drive to Trichy – 56 kms. On arrival, check in to the hotel

Trichy us located on the bank of Cauvery river. It was the citadel of Chola dynasty and also briefly ruled by Pallavas & the Pandyas. Today it is a pilgrim center and thriving commercial city.

Afternoon proceed for sightseeing tour visiting Athmanathaswamy Temple which, has graceful life size sculptures and is noted for its granite roof work. This temple was built in 10 th century A.D. Also visit Erakudi –Sirunavallur Granarey – this is an ancient granary was built for emergency storage during the Nawab of Arcot period. This stacco granary has lot of fine sculpture. Other places to visit are Lourdes Church is the replica of Basilica of Lourdes in Southern France and Rock Fort.

Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 06: Thiruchirapalli - Madurai

After breakfast drive to Madurai 142 kms, enroute visiting Dindigul Fort. On arrival, check in to the hotel.

Madurai is Tamil Nadu’s culturally most active city. Situated on the bank of River Vaigai, Madurai has rich cultural heritage of more than 2500 years old. Madurai was an important cultural and commercial center even as early as 550 A.D. It was the capital city for the great Pandyan Kings.

During sightseeing visit Meenakshi Temple dedicated to Meenakshi, the consort of Lord Shiva. There are 12 temples tower with intricately sculptured and painted. Later visit Thirumalai Nayak Mahal – the palace was built in 1636 by Nayak dynasty with the help of Italian architect. The Palace is divided in two parts Swargavilasa & Rangavilasa where earlier daily dances & music were conducted. Lastly visit Koodal Azhagar Temple – an ancient Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is noted for its remarkable architectural and sculptural magnificence.

Evening at leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 07: Madurai - Chennai

After breakfast transfer to the airport for thr flight back to Chennai. On arrival, meet at the airport and transfer to the transit hotel or to connect onward flight to Mumbai or Delhi or to return destination.