South Indian Temple Circuit with Pondicherry

On arrival at Chennai airport, receive assistance and transfer to the hotel (check-in/out time 12pm). Later, embark on a city tour of Chennai: Explore Fort St. George, built in 1640 AD by the British East India Company, and visit St. Mary's Church within the fort premises. Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple, an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, originally constructed by the Pallavas and later rebuilt by the Vijayanagar kings. Discover Rippon Buildings, a symbol of colonial architecture, and the Madras High Court Buildings, renowned for their Indo-Saracenic style. Visit Santhome Cathedral, a historic pilgrim center built during the 14th to 15th century AD by the Portuguese. Drive past Marina Beach, a scenic 13-km long natural urban beach along the Bay of Bengal. Overnight at hotel in Chennai.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Vellore. En route, visit Kanchipuram, known as the "City of Thousand Temples," including Kailasanathar Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple, and Kamakshi Amman Temple. Continue the drive to Vellore and check-in at the hotel. Later, explore Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, adorned with 1500 kg of pure gold, making it a significant religious and architectural marvel. Visit the 16th-century Vellore Fort, known for its intricate sculptures, and Jalakandeswarar Temple located inside the fort premises. Overnight at hotel in Vellore.

After breakfast, depart for Trichy, with a stop at Tiruvannamalai, a renowned Hindu pilgrimage town. Visit Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring intricately carved gopurams and surrounded by the sacred Arunachala Hill. Continue the journey to Trichy and check-in at the hotel. In the evening, visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, a vast 10th-century temple complex with imposing towers and concentric enclosures, to witness the evening Arti ceremony. Overnight at hotel in Trichy.

After breakfast, visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, known for its expansive architecture and spiritual significance. Explore Rock Fort Temple, an 83-meter high ancient fortification offering panoramic views of Trichy and housing several temples. Visit Jambukeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its unique architecture and sacred ponds. Drive to Thanjavur and check-in at the hotel. Later, visit Brihadeshwara Temple, an iconic Chola dynasty architectural masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the Vijayanagar Fort, built by the Nayaks and Marathas, and visit the Thanjavur Art Gallery and Saraswathi Mahal Library. Overnight at hotel in Thanjavur.

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry. En route, visit Darasuram Temple, famous for its intricate carvings and architectural grandeur. Explore Airavateshwarar Temple, known for its historical significance and artistic beauty. Visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a temple complex showcasing the architectural brilliance of the Chola dynasty. Continue the drive and visit Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, dedicated to Lord Shiva and renowned for its spiritual aura. Arrive in Pondicherry, check-in at the hotel, and explore the French Quarters, featuring colonial villas, French consulate, Raj Nivas, and Government Square. Overnight at hotel in Pondicherry.

After breakfast, visit Auroville, an experimental township known for its spiritual significance and cultural diversity. Explore Pondicherry Museum, showcasing artifacts and exhibits depicting the history and heritage of Pondicherry. Drive through or walk around the charming French Quarters, admiring the colonial architecture and cultural landmarks. Later, drive back to Chennai with a stop at Mahabalipuram. Visit the Monolithic Temples of Five Rathas, Krishnas Butterball, 7th-century Cave Temples, and Shore Temple, all UNESCO World Heritage sites. Continue drive to Chennai and drop-off at Chennai airport.