Tamilnadu Art & Temple Culture Tour

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Tamilnadu Art & Temple Culture Tour

Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Puducherry - Kumbakonam - Thanjavur - Chettinad - Madurai
10 Days - 09 Nights

Overview

Immerse yourself in the rich art, architecture, and temple culture of Tamil Nadu with this 10-day journey. Explore sacred cities, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and exquisite Dravidian temples, while experiencing the unique traditions, local crafts, and vibrant culture of South India. From the colonial charm of Chennai and the spiritual aura of Kanchipuram to the architectural marvels of Mahabalipuram, Tanjore, and the temple town of Madurai, this tour combines spirituality, heritage, and cultural discovery in a seamless experience.

Tour Highlights

  • Explore Chennai’s iconic landmarks – Fort St. George, St. Mary’s Church, and San Thome Cathedral.
  • Discover Kanchipuram, one of Hinduism’s seven sacred cities – visit Kamakshi Amman & Ekambareswarar Temples and silk weavers’ workshops.
  • Witness the UNESCO World Heritage marvels of Mahabalipuram – Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, and Five Rathas.
  • Experience French colonial charm in Pondicherry – explore Auroville, French Quarter, and Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
  • Visit Chidambaram’s Nataraja Temple and Gangaikonda Cholapuram, architectural masterpieces of the Chola dynasty.
  • Explore Kumbakonam, the temple town of South India – visit Airavatesvara Temple and enjoy a traditional Tamil lunch.
  • Admire Tanjore’s Brihadishwara Temple and Thanjavur Palace, showcasing classical South Indian art and architecture.
  • Discover Chettinad’s grand mansions, traditional tile-making, and cotton weaving heritage.
  • Immerse in Madurai’s cultural vibrance – visit Meenakshi Amman Temple, Nayak Palace, Gandhi Museum, and colorful local markets.
  • Enjoy scenic drives, authentic Tamil cuisine, and rich cultural experiences throughout your journey.

Tour Plan

01

Day 01: Arrive in Chennai

Meet and greet upon arrival for a transfer to your hotel. After fresh up proceed to visit Fort St. George, St. Mary’s Church and San Thome Cathedral. overnight stay at hotel.

02

Day 02: Chennai to Mahabalipuram via Kanchipuram

After breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram. via Kanchipuram, one of the 7 sacred cities of Hinduism. Visit the city’s popular temples such as Kamakshi Amman temple & Ekambareswarar temple and visit the silk weavers of the city, Thereafter, continue towards Mahabalipuram. Overnight at the hotel.

03

Day 03: Mahabalipuram Sightseeing - Pondicherry

Mahabalipuram is famous for its unique 7th-century Shore Temples, lovely beach and some of the most beautiful rock-cut temples in the world. Situated on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. Visit Sea shore temple, Arjuna’s Penance, Five Rathas Later continue drive to Pondicherry, it will take about 3 hrs to reach Pondicherry. On arrival check in hotel.

04

Day 04: Pondicherry

After breakfast, proceed to visit Auroville is an experimental township. It was made with the purpose of human harmony. Roger Anger built this place so that men and women from any part of the world could come here and live peacefully. After lunch visit the French & Indian Quarter, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Night stay at Pondichery

05

Day 05: Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Kumbakonam

After breakfast Drive to Kumbakonam en-route visit Chidambaram (Nataraja Temple) & Gangaikonda cholapuram a UNESCO heritage site . Chidambaram town of Tamil Nadu is known as the seat of Lord Nataraja, the Cosmic Dancer also known as the Thillai Nataraja temple. After Chidambaram drive to visit Gangaikonda cholapuram a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Chola architecture. The temple is famous for its intricate carvings, massive stone sculptures, and its grand scale. Later continue drive to Kumbakonam. On arrival check in resort. Overnight stay at Kumbakonam.

06

Day 06: Kumbakonam

Kumbakonam is also know as the temple town of South India, Visit: Airavatesvara Temple a UNESCO World Heritage site, Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Sarangapani Temple, enjoy the traditional Tamil lunch at Banana leaf and explore the Village and surrounding Area on Cycle or enjoy the Bullock Cart ride. Overnight stay at Mantra Koodam.

07

Day 07: Kumbakonam - Tanjore - Chettinad

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Chettinad en-route visit Tanjore, It will take about 1 hrs to reach Tanjore, which is famous today for its beautiful architecture temples and the amazing bronze works it creates. It is a centre for the classical arts like dance and music. Tanjore sightseeing covering Brihadishwara Temple, Thanjavur Palace & Museum. Later drive to Chettinad, known for its palatial mansions and unique cuisine. On arrival check in hotel. Evening explore the mansion and havelis of Chettinad.

08

Day 08: Chettinad Sightseeing - Madurai

Morning, explore the town with Cycle, ride through the heart of Chettinad, visit Old Railway Station, Temple, Later back to hotel and have breakfast, After breakfast visit tile-making unit where tiles are still handmade, Cotton Saree Weaving centre. Later drive to Madurai - the third-largest city in Tamil Nadu. On arrival check-in at the hotel. After fresh up visit Meenakshi Anam Temple. (non-Hindu faith are not allowed inside the innermost sanctum of the temple). Overnight stay in hotel.

09

Day 09: Madurai sightseeing

After breakfast, proceed to visit Flower Market, Spices Market Street, Banana / Vegetable Market Nayak Palace and Gandhi Museum & explore local bazar. Evening is at leisure. Overnight stay in hotel

10

Day 10: Madurai –depart

After breakfast check out from the hotel and transfer to Madurai Airport.

TOUR END

Inclusion

  • Pick-up and drop-off assistance at airports/railway stations
  • Accommodation in well-appointed hotels with daily breakfast
  • All transfers and sightseeing by private air-conditioned vehicle
  • English-speaking driver for the entire journey
  • Entrance tickets to monuments and temples as per itinerary
  • Guided city tours in major destinations
  • Bottled mineral water during travel
  • All applicable taxes and service charges

Exclusion

  • Airfare or train fare to/from Chennai or Madurai.
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, tips, beverages, etc
  • Camera/video charges at monuments or temples
  • Travel insurance and medical expenses
  • Optional tours or activities not mentioned
  • Anything not specified under “Inclusions”