Places to Visit : Chennai, Mamallapuram, Kanchipuram, Pondicherry, Chidambaram, Tanjore, Trichy, Madurai, Kochi, Agatti, Bangaram
Chennai – Mamallapuram (55 Km , 1 Hour)
Arrive at Chennai airport. Welcome at the airport and transfer to Chennai city for a short tour. Start tour by visiting Fort St. George, built in 1639 along the coast of Bay of Bengal, Fort St. George is said to have marked the birth of the city. A Museum inside the fort is decorated with cannons of Tipu Sultan and many interesting artefacts. Also visit St. Mary's Church, which is also called as Westminster Abbey of the East. It is the first Anglican Church in Asia. Later drive to Mahabalipuram. Upon arrival check in at hotel. An ancient port with a flourishing maritime trade, Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram, as popularly known, is situated on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. It was the chief seaport of the Pallavas who ruled over South India from the 1st century BC to 8th century AD and is recognized as the site of some of the greatest architectural and sculptural achievements in India. Overnight stay.
Mamallapuram – Kanchipuram – Mamallapuram (160km 4 Hours)
In the morning leave for Kanchipuram, the golden city of a thousand temples, was once the capital of the Pallava dynasty. It is considered one of the seven sacred cities of India; some of the best temples were built here during the reign of the Pallavas between the 6th and 7th centuries. Subsequently, Kanchipuram also served as an important city of the far-flung empires of the Chola and the Vijayanagara dynasties. The city has earned its reputation as a great seat of learning and culture over the years. Kanchipuram is also famous all over India for its hand woven saris, famed as Kanchipuram saris worldwide. After visiting the magnificent temples, return to Mamallapuram to visit Shore temple which is one of the oldest temples in south India and belongs to the latter half of the 7th century AD. Said to have been constructed by King Rajasimha, it is a good example of the first phase of structural temples constructed in the Dravidian style. It has two shrines dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva, facing the east and the west. Overnight stay.
Mamallapuram –Pondicherry (155 Km, 3 Hours)
After breakfast drive to Pondicherry. Arrive and check in at hotel. A French colony up to year 1954, Pondicherry is a small conclave in India that retains a distinct French ambience and culture. This small, quiet Union Territory is well known for Sri Aurobindo Ashram founded by Sri Aurobindo, the well-known philosopher, attracts thousands of people from all over the country and abroad who come here to learn yoga and to meditate.
During afternoon visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, well known as the centre of Integral Yoga, the Ashram was founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo, a patriot, philosopher and savant. The Ashram symbolizes the ideals of Sri Aurobindo and Mother. The activities of the Ashram include agriculture, industries art and culture. The samadhi, the final resting place of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother is always decorated with flowers and attracts a large number of devotees. After visiting Ashram return to hotel for overnight stay.
Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Tanjore (172 Km, 4 Hours)
In the morning leave for Chindambarm. Also known as Thillai as the place was originally a forest of Thillai. Chindambaram is an important Pilgrimage center and a sacred place for Saivites. The town represents a rich cultural heritage of India. Visit Nataraja temple.
Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Nataraj, is the most unique temple as it is the only temple which is dedicated to the art of Bharatnatyam and Lord Shiva is not represented in usual Linga form but in dancing form. Continue drive to Tanjore and after arrival check in at hotel. Tanjore is a spiritual, cultural home of ancient temples and craft. The town is very famous for Tanjore Paintings and Thavil, a percussion instrument. The glorious Chola legacy has left behind no less than 74 temples in and around Tanjore, In the afternoon, visit Brihadeshwara temple. This is a Siva Temple built in 11th century by Rajendra. The glorious Chola legacy has left behind no less than 74 temples in and around Tanjore, of which Brihadeshwara temple is the crowning glory of Dravidian temple architecture. There has been continuous worship for over a thousand years here and the architecture of the temple symbolizes the fusion of ritual and philosophic concepts that flowered in the region. Overnight stay at hotel.
Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai (210 Km, 6 Hours)
Morning excursion to Trichy. This is a city of rock fort, situated on the banks of the river Kaveri. Tiruchirappalli, formerly known as Trichy, is an ancient town. The place was a stronghold of the Chola Empire. Afterwards, Tanjore was ruled by Pallavas who then ceded it the Pandyas. Trichy once again became part of the Chola Empire in the 10th century AD. Today, Trichy is a fine blend of tradition and modernity built around the Rock Fort. Apart from the fort, there are several churches, colleges and missions dating back to the 1760s. Visit Rock Fort temple, Trichy's most famous landmark is an 83m high rock. It is the only outcrop in the otherwise flat land of the city. Atop the rock is the UcchiPillayarKoil, a temple dedicated to Lord Vinayaka, from where one can enjoy a panoramic view of Trichy. One needs to climb up a flight of steps which leads to Thayumanaswami temple dedicated to Lord Siva. Sri Thayumanaswamy Temple has a 100-pillar hall and a Vimana covered with gold. On the southern face of the rock, there are several beautifully carved rock-cut cave temples of the Pallava period.
Also visit Srirangam Temple, which is a very important pilgrimage site for Hindus. Srirangam, surrounded by the waters of the Cauvery on one side and its tributary Kollidam on the other, is a 600-acre island-town enclosed within the seven walls of the gigantic Sri Ranganatha Temple. There are not less than 22 gopurams, one of which is the tallest in India. Continue drive to Madurai and check in at hotel for overnight stay.
Madurai
Morning city tour of Madurai, a sacred confluence of culture and religion, is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and the city is built around the temple that was built by Pandian King Kulasekhara around 2,500 years ago. The city got its fame during the Sangam period in the conglomeration of Tamil scholars around 100 years ago. The city has also served as the capital city of the Pandya Kings and has been visited by many travellers. In the afternoon we shall leave for sightseeing tour of the city.
Visit Sri Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple. The temple is the largest temple complex in the country. It is an excellent example of the Dravidian architecture. The temple features two sanctuaries out of which one is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Sundareswarar and the other to his consort Meenakshi. The Tirumala Naik Palace is located at the distance of 1.5 km from Meenakshi-Sundareswarar temple. Built in 1636 AD by King TirumalaiNayak, one of the leading rulers of the Nayak dynasty. The original structure is four times larger than the present structure and was divided into two parts. The structure was famous for impressive stucco work and alluring arches. Overnight stay at hotel.
Madurai – Kochi (270 Km, 7 Hours)
Morning after breakfast at hotel leave for Kochi. On arrival check in at hotel, Kochi, In the afternoon start tour of Kochi city which is situated in the south west coast of India in Kerala. It also known as queen of the Arabian Sea. It has rich history as Dutch, British, Portuguese, Chinese and Arab have left their indelible marks of their culture and architecture which are evident.
First visit Dutch palace museum, also known as Mattancherry Palace., the two storey structure has been built in traditional Kerala style architecture. The Portuguese palace features murals depicting Hindu temple art, portraits and exhibits of the kings of Kochi. Then visit, Jewish Synagoguethat which was destroyed by cannon fire during the Portuguese raid and was rebuilt. The interior is truly captivating. Next stop is St. Francis Church, built in 1503, it is the oldest European church having a great historical importance. The church houses one of the oldest cemeteries in India, the Dutch cemetery. Visit to Kochi is not complete without seeing Chinese fishing nets, along the sea front which is a legacy of the earliest visitors to the coast. They are said to have been brought by traders from the court of Kubla Khan around 1350 AD.
In the evening, enjoy the classical dance of south India, Kathkali. It is stylized Indian dance drama renowned for its attractive makeup of characters, elaborate costumes, well defined movements, and detailed gestures presented in tune with a playbook.
Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Kochi – Agatti By Flight
Morning after breakfast at hotel, transfer to Kochi airport in order to take the flight for Agatti which is the only airport in Laskhadweep and 5.6 km long island blessed with aquatic diversity which includes turtles, coral growths and multi colored fishes. Being the gateway to Lakshadweep, Agatti is a small chain of islands.
On arrival at Agatti airport you will be transferred to Bangaram by boat.
Upon arrival at Bangaram island, you will be received with welcome drink and proceed for check in to your cottage at Bangram Island Beach Resort. Overnight stay.
Bangaram Island
Bangaram Island is an uninhabited island located at a distance of 12 km from the Agatti Island. Bangaram Island is also recommended for water sports like kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving. It also has one of the two world class scuba diving schools in Lakshadweep.
Bangaram Island, also known as Bunnagara, is an atoll which surrounds a lagoon formed by the Arabian Sea. The small island encompasses an area of 1.234 km sq filled with the many elements of natural beauty. Truly enchanting and mesmerizing beyond one can explain, Bangaram island is one of the least explored parts of the Lakshadweep islands. The lagoon enclosing Bangaram encircles two small islands- Thinnakara and Parali, which lie close to Bangaram.You may relax or enjoy water sports on direct payment. Overnight stay.
Bangaram Island
Day free to relax or optional can enjoy water sports activities available on direct payment basis. Overnight stay
Bangaram Island
Day free to relax or optional can enjoy water sports activities available on direct payment basis. Overnight stay
Bangaram – Agatti (By Normal Boat, 30 Minutes)
After breakfast you will be transferred to Agatti airport to catch onward flight.
