Tamil Nadu Highlights & Coast

Overview

The wonderful experience begins at Chennai, one of the most classically and culturally gifted cities of India. Tamil Nadu, the state in focus is dotted with countless temples. The temple styles have evolved from the pre Christian era till today. 

It began with the emergence of ornate halls to walled enclosures, from circumambulator paths to a thousand pillared halls like in Madurai temples. The temples at Karaikudi are scooped out of the rocks. The ones at Tanjore have large sculpted towers and gateways. On the other hand the Coast of Tamil Nadu has several virgin beaches that drench you in placidity and refresh the souls like never before. The Marina Beach being the second longest in the world. 

The exciting list of activities include wind surfing, angling and a short dip to the coral reef at Muttukudu. Apart from such a happening string of movement, there are museums, speciality cuisine, forts, music and dance centres and so much more. On this unique tour you will visit Velankanni, the renowned Basilica shrine of "Our Lady of Health' known as Lourdes of the East.

This is the best way to touch the real cultural ethos of India. 

Outlined Itinerary

Day 01 - Chennai

Arrive Chennai, meet and transfer to your hotel. Later proceed for city tour of Chennai. Visit the Museum to see the bronze gallery with its superb collection of Chola art. Drive past the flower and fruit market, High Court building, Marina beach. Visit the Saint Thome Cathedral, Kapeeleshwar Temple and Snake Park.

Day 02 - Pondicherry

After breakfast you will drive to Pondicherry (3.5 hrs). Arrive Pondicherry and rest of the day will at leisure.

Day 03 - Pondicherry

After breakfast you will take a private guided tour of Pondicherry. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram founded by the philosopher-saint Sri Aurobindo in 1926. Also visit the Pondicherry Museum and the Sacred Heart Church with its Gothic architecture and stained glass windows.

Day 04 - Tranquebar

After breakfast, you will drive to Tranquebar (2.5 hrs). Arrive Tranquebar and rest of the day will be at leisure. Tranquebar was a Fort established for the Danish for Pepper Exports. Wander through King Street past Lutherian Churches and Grand Bungalows of the Danish Governors and British Collectors.

Day 05 - Tanjore

After breakfast you will drive to Tanjore (1.5 hrs). En route visit Velankanni, the renowned Basilica shrine of "Our Lady of Health' known as Lourdes of the East. Later this afternoon continue to Tanjore, on arrival the rest of the day will then be at leisure.

Day 06 - Tanjore

After breakfast you will take a private guided tour of Tanjore, visiting the 11th century Sri Brahadeeswara Temple. Later you will continue with your guided tour of Trichy. Visit the famous Rock Fort perched on a 84 m high rock. Also see the temple complex of Srirangam, dedicated to Vishnu. It is surrounded by 7 concentric walled courtyards with 21 magnificent gateways.

Day 07 - Karaikudi

After breakfast, you will drive to Karaikudi (2.5 hrs). Arrive Karaikudi and rest of the day will at leisure. Karaikudi is known as an ancestral home of Chettiyars. It is 80 kms away from Madurai. It is famous for its Chettinad Mansion, temples, old buildings, Gopura karai saris and Chettinad delicious tasty dishes.

Day 08 - Karaikudi

After breakfast you will take a private guided tour of Village Chettinad to see the village life and markets. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 09 - Madurai

After breakfast you will drive to Madurai (1.5 hrs). Arrive Madurai and rest of the day will at leisure. Legend has it that Madurai was once a forest till King Kulasekara Pandya built a temple around the Lingam that was accidentally discovered there. Overnight, a lotus-shaped city came up around the temple and soon it was time to name the holy city. Later in the evening visit the Meenakshi Temple for the evening prayers.

Day 10 - Madurai

After breakfast you will take a private guided tour of Madurai, visiting the great Meenakshi Temple dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva. Also visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace, a gracious 17th century building in the Indo-Saracenic style famous for stuccowork on its domes and arches.

Day 11 - Covelong

This morning take the train to Chennai 0645-1435, on arrival drive to Covelong (01 Hr. Arrive then after check in the rest of the day will at leisure.

Day 12 - Covelong

After breakfast, you will take a private guided tour of Mahabalipuram. There are 14 cave temples, nine monolithic rathas, three stone temples and four relief sculptured rock panels. Built in the Dravidian style in the 7th and 8th century, most of them are dedicated to Vishnu or Shiva. Sights include the Shore temple (a World Heritage site), Arjuna’s Penance, the Five Rathas, various mandapams etc. Later return to your hotel then at leisure.

Day 13 - Covelong

After breakfast, day is at leisure to relax at the hotel.

Day 14 - Covelong

After breakfast, day is at leisure to relax at the hotel.

Day 15 - Chennai

Breakfast is at the Hotel. Today at an appropriate time, you will be met and transferred to Chennai International airport to connect with your homebound or onwards flight... or travel to you next destination if you would like to add to this tour.

All our tours and holidays are tailor made so can be amended to suite your budget. Click on our from prices below to see what hotels you can expect based on the cheapest time to travel in High Season per person based on two people sharing a room. We can design this tour for you at a lower or higher price, basically to suite your budget, style and comfort. Contact a specialist to discuss your requirements. International flights are not included.