Destinations Covered: Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Thanjavur - Swamimalai - Thanjavur - Trichy - Chennai Duration: 15 Days / 14 Nights that can be extended to 25 Days/24 Nights (optional).
Day 1: Arrival at Chennai
Transfer to hotel for overnight stay at the hotel.
In the afternoon sightseeing tour of Chennai.
Chennai - Chennai or Madras is a bustling metropolitan city of India and the capital of Tamil Nadu. It is home to the famous Marina Beach, the second longest beach in the world. One can see here the archaeological section and bronze gallery of the Museum, Dravidian style Lord Shiva's Kapaleeshwar Temple, East India Company's St. George Forte, Santhome Cathedral, Parthsarthy Temple, Guindy National Park and Snake Park.
Day 2: Chennai
Excursion to Kanchipuram Temples for full day.
Kanchipuram- The city of thousand temples, Kanchipuram is one of the seven most sacred Hindu pilgrimage centers in India. Besides the thriving handloom and cotton industry, it is known for its 108 temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, 18 temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Adi Shankararchya's Ashram and silk weavers that have been living here for more than four centuries and are known to produce best silk sarees in the entire country.
Transfer to hotel for overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3: Mahabalipuram
In the morning, drive to Mahabalipuram.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of the city.
Mahabalipuram - The shore temples of Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram are known all over the world as an open stone art gallery and present stone sculptures that can be seen strewn all over the city along with the structured and chariot-shaped temples known as 'Rathas' and artificial caves cut out from volcanic rocks of Deccan India. However, the spotlight in the city falls on the Shore Temple on the beach.
Transfer to hotel for overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 4: Mahabalipuram
Day free to relax and take a lazy stroll on beach. You may opt for exciting beach activities or just lie in the sun and watch children making sand castles.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 5: Thanjavur
In the morning, drive to Thanjavur.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of the city.
Tanjore - Thanjavur or Tanjore are often referred to as the 'Rice Bowl of South India' and is the centre of Tamil literature. The highlights of the city are the circular building of Tamil University and Dravidian style Brihadeeswarar Temple built by Raja Chola.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 6: Swamimalai
In the morning, drive to Swamimalai.
Transfer to hotel on arrival for overnight stay at the hotel.
Swamimalai - 30 km from Tanjore, Swamimalai a small city believed to be one of the six abodes of Lord Skanda (also known as Lord Subramanya). Known for its sculptors, its is believed that Lord Subramanya reinitiated his father Lord Shiva here by explaining to him the meaning of Om (or Pranav).
Day free to relax and explore the city at leisure.
Day 7 to Day 12: Swamimalai
A six-day Ayurvedic treatment.
The schedule will somewhat resemble the one below:
06.00 - 06.30 a.m. Pooja and Rangoli
06.30 - 06.50 a.m. Initiation to Yoga
06.50 - 07.00 a.m. Meditation
07.00 - 08.00 a.m. Oil Message / Royal Herbal Bath
08.00 - 09.00 a.m. Theme Breakfast
09.00 - 13.00 p.m. Sightseeing tour of the city
13.00 - 14.00 p.m. Lunch
14.00 - 18.00 p.m. Sightseeing tour of the city
18.00 - 19.00 p.m. Cultural performances or traditional games
19.30 - 21.30 p.m. Theme Dinner
21.30 onwards Folk performance & folk story telling
Day 13: Trichy
In the morning, drive to Trichy.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of the city including Rock cut temple, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Sri Jambukeshwara Temple and St' John's church.
Trichy - Tiruchirappalli or Trichy is the fourth largest city of Tamil Nadu. Passing hands from Cholas to Pallavas to British, Trichy has a long history. Its highlights are the Rock Fort, several Churches, Colleges and Missions of the city are worth seeing. It was built by the Nayaks of Madurai and is the witness to the famous Carnatic wars that decided the fate of British and French in India. It is also known for its artificial diamonds and cigars.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 14: Chennai
Transfer to Chennai via flight.
Transfer to hotel for overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 15: Chennai
After breakfast, transfer to the Airport for flight to onward destination.
Extension Tour
Day 14: Madurai
Transfer to Madurai by road.
Transfer to hotel on arrival for overnight stay at the hotel.
In the afternoon, sightseeing tour of Madurai.
Madurai- Famous for the Meenakshi Temple, around which Madurai was built in shape of a lotus, this temple town of South India was once the capital of the Pandya rulers. Originally, it was named as 'Madhurapuri' as it is said that Lord Shiva showered divine nectar here on the day it was to be named. Jasmine flowers of Madurai are very famous.
Day 15: Rameshwaram
An excursion to the famous Hindu pilgrimage city, Rameshwaram, for the entire day.
Rameswaram - Connected to the mainland of India via Pampan bridge, Rameswaram is home to one of the grandest temples in the whole country, the Ramanathaswami temple. It is said to have been built at the spot where Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva on his way back from Lanka after he slew the Ravana. This temple has the 1220 m long corridor, the longest in a temple.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 16: Kovalam
In the morning, drive to Kovalam.
Rest of the day free to relax and explore the delightful small town at leisure.
Kovalam - Kovalam is known for its golden sands bordered by coconut palm trees. 16 km from Trivandrum, it was once a fishing village and is now an evergreen beach resort with a pleasant climate. Known as the 'Paradise of the South', Kovalam is now one of the most favoure tourist destinations all over the world. The scenic beauty, serenity and the seafood alonf with Ayurvedic massage parlours, yoga centers and water sport facilities make Kovalam a popular haven for tourists.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 17 to Day 24: Kovalam
Any 8-day Ayurvedic treatment, Kerala is so famous for.
Day 24: Chennai
Transfer to Chennai via flight.
Transfer to hotel on arrival for overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 25: Chennai
Transfer to Airport for flight to onward destination.
