South India Museum Architecture Tour

Duration : 11 Days / 10 Nights
Destination Covered : Mumbai - Madurai - Chettinad - Trichy - Tanjore - Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Chennai

Day 01: Arrival in Mumbai
On reaching Mumbai airport, meet an India tour planner representative who helps you with an assisted transfer to your pre-booked hotel. The rest of the day is free for leisure activities- interact with the locals, gorge on street-food, indulge in fun activities at the beach, visit the city’s popular markets etc. Overnight in Mumbai.

Day 02: Mumbai
After an early morning breakfast, all of day 2 is for a city tour of Mumbai. The first visit of the day is to the Elephanta caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These rock-cut caves were carved between 5th and 8th century. Later, back to the city to visit the other attractions including the Prince of Wales Museum, Hanging Gardens- also known as Ferozeshah Mehta Garden, Victoria Terminus- a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, High Court and Mahalaxmi Temple. Overnight stay in hotel.

Day 03: Mumbai - Madurai
On day 3, after breakfast, the morning is free to relax. Later, get on-time transfer to the airport to board a flight to Madurai. On arrival, complete the check-in formalities at your hotel. The rest of the day is free for leisure activities such as interacting with the locals, relishing the local renditions, exploring the nearby surroundings on- foot, visiting the market. Stay overnight.

Day 04: Madurai
Have an early morning breakfast on the 4th day of the tour and proceed for sightseeing trips. Visit the well-known temples and other attractions including the Meenakshi Amman Temple-located on the southern bank of river Vaigai, it is dedicated to Goddess Parvati known as Meenakshi and her consort, Lord Shiva, known as Sundareswarar, Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam (Great Tank), and the Palace of Thirumalai Nayak- a classic fusion of Dravidian, Islamic styles, it was erected during the 17th century. Overnight stay in Madurai.

Day 05: Madurai - Chettinad - Madurai
On the 5th day of the tour, enjoy an excursion to Chettinad - the land of Heritage and Devotion. Known for its artistic houses, Chettinad is located in the Sivaganga District of Tamil Nadu. On reaching, check-in your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the Chettinad Palace- an architectural heritage that is well-known for its beautiful mansions and other monuments around. Do not miss to taste the sumptuous delicacies of Chettinad cuisine. Return to Madurai hotel for night stay.

Day 06: Madurai - Trichy
In the morning, post breakfast, hit the road to Trichy also known as Tiruchirapalli. Check –in your hotel upon reaching. Later in the afternoon, indulge in a sightseeing tour of Trichy including the Rock Fort- a fort and temple complex erected on a rock, Sri Ranganathaswamy temple or Tiruvarangam - a temple dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of Lord Vishnu and Jambukeshwara Temple- a dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is one of the Pancha Bhootha Lingas and a Jala (water) Linga. Overnight in Trichy.

Day 07: Trichy – Tanjore- Pondichery
Today morning, have your breakfast and drive to Pondicherry via Tanjore (Thanjavur). The erstwhile capital of the Cholas, Tanjore is renowned for its historic temples and exquisite paintings. Visit the famous Brihadeeswarar Temple that houses a colossal Shiva lingam and a stone sculpture of the Nandi Bull. Check into hotel upon arrival at Pondicherry. If time and energy permit, you can explore the surroundings on-foot. Stay overnight at hotel.

Day 08: Pondichery - Mahabalipuram
After an early breakfast on day 8, enjoy sightseeing in Pondicherry. Pay a visit to Sri Aurobindo Ashram- a spiritual community established by Sri Aurbindo Ashram and Auroville - an experimental township dedicated to human unity. Later, drive to Mahabalipuram and check in at a hotel upon arrival. The serene environs evoke a divine feeling and are sure to soothe your mind completely. If you want then you can explore the surroundings on foot. Spend the night at the hotel.

Day 09: Mahabalipuram - Chennai
On the 9th day of the tour, in the morning, embark on a sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. At Mahabalipuram, visit the Dravidian-style Shore Temple, the Five Raths, Arjuna's Penance and Tiger Cave. Once in Kanchipuram, explore the famous Kailasanathar Temple, Ekambareshwarar Temple, Vardarajanperumal Temple and the Saneeswaran Temple. Proceed for Chennai in the evening. Check -in your hotel upon arrival to spend the night.

Day 10: Chennai
Enjoy an early breakfast and explore Chennai today. Chennai is a heady mix of historical splendor, natural beauty and modernity. The tourist attractions in Chennai are Fort St. George, St. Thomas Mount, Santhome Cathedral, Kapaleeswarar Temple and the National Art Gallery. In the evening, attend an exclusive classical dance performance. Retire to the hotel for night stay.

Day 11: Departure from Chennai
Your enchanting South India Museum and Architecture Tour ends today. Get on-time transfer to the airport to board a flight for your next destination.