Mahabalipuram tour | Madurai Kanyakumari Tours [7 Nights / 8 Days]
Day 1: Chennai to Mahabalipuram Tour [55 kms, 1 hr approx]
On arrival you will be met at the airport by a Tour Packages India Representative and driven 50 km south to the World Heritage beach town of Mahabalipuram.
Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 2: Mahabalipuram Tour
After breakfast spend the day sightseeing. By far and away, the most popular tourist attraction is Arjuna's Penance - one of the largest bas relief works of art in existence - carved out of the hillside rock it never fails to impress. Mahabalipuram is famous as a pilgrimage town as well as being the seat of stone carving in South India and you'll see evidence of this especially on the way to the Five Rathas. Don't miss the Shore Temple, a rare item as it's the only monument in Mahabalipuram "constructed" as opposed to being carved out of the rocky terrain of the town. Go to the beach and treat yourself to fresh fish in beachside restaurants while listening to the sounds of the surf.
Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 3: Mahabalipuram to Tanjore (280 km / 7 hrs approx)
After breakfast drive to Tanjore via Darasuram - famous for its Shiva Shrine ruins of Airavateshwara Temple which is one of the finest examples of Dravidian architecture.
Named after the mythical white elephant, Airavata, known for his devotion to Lord Shiva, the temple is 85 feet tall and a must-see for its exquisite architecture, sculptures and paintings.
Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 4: Tanjore to Karaikudi (278 km / 7 hrs approx)
After breakfast along the drive to Karaikudi visit the Brihadeshvara Temple (The Big Temple). This UNESCO monument was built in 1010 AD and is the crowning glory of Chola architecture. The shining black Nandi statue is one of the biggest in India and weighs an astonishing 25 tons! The best time to visit the temple is late afternoon and early morning when the temple basks in the glow of the rising and fading sunlight. Also, stop off at a bronze casting studio to see how the beautifully intricate and ornate castings are made. Arrive in Karaikudi, often referred to as The Land of Heritage & Devotion, and considered a tourists paradise. The palatial mansions of Chettindad make it a place of rare charm - rich in cultural heritage, art and architecture, it is well known for its architecture and cuisine. Check-in to your hotel.
Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 5: Karaikudi to Madurai Tour (80 km / 1 1/2 hrs approx)
After breakfast, travel to Madurai, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in all of India. City life revolves around the very colourful Shree Meenakshi Temple which is one of the holiest temples of India. The temple is dedicated to Shiva, which means it attracts a different, more humble kind of devotee compared to the more affluent followers of Vishnu. Pilgrims from all over India come here to worship, which means this temple fills with people representative of the entire subcontinent. Madurai is also a haven of skilled tailors, especially in the Pudhu Mandapam, a bustling market in an old part of the temple. If you're interested in having clothing tailore-made then this is the place to get it done.
Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 6: Madurai Tour
After breakfast, the day is free for leisure & shopping.
Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 7: Madurai to Kanyakumari Tour (230 km / 5 hrs approx)
Drive down to the southernmost tip of India where the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean converge. Spend the night.
Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 8: Departure
After morning check-out, you'll be driven to Trivandrum for your onward flight or train.
