On arrival at Chennai International Airport receive a warm welcome from our representative who will help you with transfer to the hotel. Complete the check-in formalities and spend rest of the day leisurely. (Standard check in time is 2:00PM. Early check in is subject to availability). A magnificent past and an early metropolitan dream. Formerly known as Madras, Chennai is the capital city of the state of Tamil Nadu, in the southern part of India. Located on the Coromandel Coast of Bay of Bengal, Chennai is as dynamic as it is immersed in tradition. This 'capital of the south', is one among the four metropolitan siblings of India, having a rich cultural history which it perfectly balances with its metropolis lifestyle. On arrival, check in to hotel, leisure and overnight at hotel.

Accommodation:

• High-end Accommodation: ITC Grand Chola

After early breakfast, go for sightseeing tour of the city with your guide. Spend some morning time at Marina Beach: Marina beach in Chennai along the Bay of Bengal is India’s longest and world’s second longest beach. It is predominantly sandy for nearly 12 kilometers. Visit Fort St. George Museum & Church: Fort St. George is located on the banks of Bay of Bengal. It was built by the British East India Company in 1640 AD. The building which houses the museum used to be the location for the Madras Bank since 1795. However, after independence, it is serving as a large collection house of more than 3600 artefacts dating back to the entire period of the British rule - weapons, letters, coins, silverware, ceremonial dresses, medals, some personal items of the residents of the fort and many more. Visit Fort St. George Church – The church within the fort premises is called St. Mary's Church which is the oldest Anglican church in India. It was built a couple of decades after the fort itself, around 1678 and 1680 as per the orders of the then Agent of Madras, Streynsham Master. National Art Gallery: The gallery is claimed to be one of the most famous ones in the country. It is the house of paintings that are dated back in the 18th & 17th century. See the Valluvar Kottam – Valluvar Kottam is a temple chariot like-monument in Chennai, built to honour the renowned classical Tamil poet and saint, Thiruvalluvar. Visit Vivekananda House – a shrine and pilgrimage center for the admirers and followers of Swami Vivekananda. It is in this house that Swami Vivekananda stayed for six weeks in 1900. Visit Santhome Cathedral: Built on top of its eponymous apostle’s final resting place, Santhome Basilica (or St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica) is a stunning piece of architecture steeped in religious history. Visit Kapaleeswarar Temple – a holy shrine of Lord Shiva.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• High-end Accommodation: ITC Grand Chola

After breakfast, check out from hotel and visit Mahabalipuram’s Shore Temple. Built during the 7th century, Shore Temple is one of the oldest South Indian temples constructed in the Dravidian style and depicts the royal taste of the Pallava dynasty. The work of the temple has been listed amongst the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Five Rathas (Chariots): The Five Rathas, also known as Panch Rathas, is an exemplary set of rock temples. They are excellent examples of the evolution of Dravidian style architecture. The Rathas are associated with the great epic Mahabharata. Arjuna’s Penance: The Arjuna's Penance is an enormous rock-cut relief, one of the largest in the whole world. It is also known by the name 'Descent of the Ganges' because the structure depicts either or both of these two significant and symbolic events of Hindu mythology After sightseeing, travel to Pondicherry. Pondicherry, officially known as Puducherry, and commonly referred to as just Pondy, is one of the seven Union Territories of India. This former French colony is a perfect amalgamation of the traditional Indian sensibilities and French architecture, making it a dreamy escape that offers the best of both worlds. On arrival complete the check-in formalities and spend rest of the day leisurely.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• High-end Accommodation: Le Dupleix, Pondicherry

After breakfast, go for sightseeing tour of the city with your guide. Visit Arikamedu: an ancient Roman trade center. Arikamedu are the ruins which carried the remnants of the Roman trade in India. Located at the mouth of the river Ariyankuppam and its name has been taken from the Tamil word- 'Arikanmedu' which means 'eroding mount'. Visit Bharathi Park: Bharathi Park is a well-planned and well maintained park flanked by some of the most important government buildings on all the sides. The well-maintained lush green lawns house the very famous Aayi Mandapam- the monument made in honor of the lady courtesan Aayi at the time of the French ruler- Napoleon III. Visit Botanical Garden: A popular tourist attraction of Pondicherry, Botanical Garden was established by C.S. Perrotet in the year 1862. The garden is home to several exotic varieties of rare plants as well as an aquarium. Visit Auroville – Conceived as the 'Universal Town': Auroville is one of those towns which appear to come to life right out of fiction. In the union territory of Pondicherry, this township runs on the principles of peace, harmony, sustainable living and 'divine consciousness' which were the philosophy of the Mother of Sri Aurobindo Society, Mira Alfassa. Visit Aurobindo Ashram: This ashram was set up with the aim of helping people attain moksha and inner peace. Thousands of tourists from all over the country visit the ashram to experience and achieve spiritual knowledge. Located in the White Town of Pondicherry, Aurobindo Ashram has been named after its creator- Sri Aurobindo Ghosh. Spend some relaxing time on the beach in the evening. Pondicherry beach is a different kind of beach with less sand and more rocks. It offers a very peaceful place to its tourists and visitors to sit and enjoy the waves. In the evening take walk at the Promenade

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• High-end Accommodation: Le Dupleix, Pondicherry

After breakfast, proceed for Thanjavur sightseeing with your guide. Visit Brahadeshwara Temple The biggest attraction of Thanjavur - The Brahadeshwara Temple, also known as the Big Temple. Built during the reign of the Great Chola emperor, Raja Chola, this temple is an architectural marvel. Protected by deep trenches on either sides and the Grand Anaicut River running through another, this temple is a favourite among the pilgrims. The shrine itself is a 216 foot structure. The sanctum is dotted with paintings from the Chola and Nayak periods. The statue of Nandi the Bull welcomes at the entrance Vijayanagar Fort This famous tourist spot is located nearly 2 km from the Brahadeshwara temple. This majestic fort was built by Nayaks and partly by Maratha rulers during the early 1550 AD. The fort houses a Tanjore Palace, Sangeetha Mahal, Library and an exquisite art gallery that includes many sculptures and paintings. The Shiva Ganga Gardens are also a part of the complex.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• High-end Accommodation: GReaT Trails Riverview Thanjavur By GRT Hotels

After breakfast proceed for local sightseeing tour of Madurai- Visit the Mennakshi Amman Temple- This is a historic Hindu temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River, Madurai, Tamil Nadu. It is primarily dedicated to Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her spouse, Shiva. That makes this temple different than the others is the fact that both God and Goddess are worshipped together. According to the mythology, Lord shiva visited Madurai to marry Parvati and it has been the sacred abode of Goddess Parvarti since her birth. The wonderful architecture of the place is amongst the seven wonders of the world and the construction is highly minute with great art pieces incorporated in the walls and pillars of the temple. Mariamman Teppakulam- Constructed in the honor of Lord Vigneshwara, this divine temple is situated about 5 km from the meenakshi temple. It has a huge tank in the compound of the temple and holds the record of being the biggest tank in the region of Tamil Nadu. Visit Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal- Thirumalai Nayak Mahal was constructed way back in the 17th century. Several buildings and temples had been constructed by him in the region and they have all been splendid both in terms of construction location and spirituality. Also visit the Gandhi Museum. Evening enjoy the Aarti ceremony at the Mennakshi Temple.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• High-end Accommodation: Heritage Madurai