Cities | No. Of Nights | Sightseeing & Attractions |
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Delhi | 2 | Qutab Minar | Jama Masjid | Red Fort | Rajghat | India gate | Gandhi Memorial | Rashtrapati Bhawan | Humayun’s Tomb | Rikshaw ride in Old Delhi |
Varanasi | 2 | Attend Aarti at holy Gangese | Both Sunrise and Sunset boat cruises on the Ganga |Manikarnika Ghat | Sarnath | Banaras Hindu University| Vishwanath Temple |
Khajuraho | 1 | Monuments of Khajuraho | Sound and Light show – history depicted beautifully on Khajuraho temples |
Agra | 2 | Taj Mahal | Fatehpur Sikri |
Ranthambore | 2 | Ranthambore National Park |
Jaipur | 2 | City Palace | Hawa Mahal | Amber Fort |
Mumbai | 2 | Gate way of India | Elephanta Island | Mumbai city tour |
Goa | 2 | Goa city tour | Goa Beach |
Cochin | 2 | Mattencherry Synagogue | Cheri Beach | India Portuguese Museum | Dutch Palace |
Thekkady | 1 | Tour of Thekkady | Boat ride for wildlife viewing on Lake Periyar in Kerala |
Madurai | 1 | Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple | The Venkateswara Temple |
Kanyakumari | 1 | Full day Kanyakumari |
Pondicherry | 1 | Pondicherry city Tour |
Chennai | 2 | Chennai city tour | Mahabalipuram | Kanchipuram| Parthasarathy Temple | Kapaleeshwar Temple | St. Mary’s Church |Santhome Cathedral Church |
Inclusions: | Exclusions: |
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Traditional welcome on arrival at Delhi (India) airport by Visit India Trip executive and transferred by air-conditioned Vehicle to hotel for overnight stay. Delhi is the capital of the modern India, though it is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning over a period from 11th to 20th centuries. India is a land of wonders, love and ancient temple cities, where love letters are written on stone. Once you are touched by the magic of India, it’s hard to stop. India is a country steeped in history, diverse in landscape and abundant in just about every form of culture. India is beautiful, grand, fascinating and so full of life, energy and color that you can never visit it just once.” (Meals: Dinner at the hotel)
Today we will go for a full day a guided tour of the historic city of Delhi. The city where one can experience the influence of the many rulers who ruled this region, a city built and destroyed and re-built over seven times. We visit following places.
Jama Masjid – one of the Asia’s largest mosque, cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Old Delhi passing through Chandni Chowk, Chawri Bazaar etc, Humanyun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar – the 73m tall minaret, India Gate war memorial, President’s House and drive through Connaught Place.
India Gate: The India Gate is situated in the heart of New Delhi. The India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Built in 1931, it commemorates the 90,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who lost their lives while fighting for the Indian Empire, or more correctly the British Raj, in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War.
Gandi Memorial: The former residence of Indira Gandhi is now a museum, displaying photos and newspaper clippings, as well as personal belongings. One can also see the collection of the personal moments of the Nehru-Gandhi family.
Rajghat: Raj Ghat is a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, which was originally the name of a historic ghat of Old Delhi on the banks of river Yamuna. The memorial was designed by Vanu G. Bhuta, reflecting the simplicity of Mahatma Gandhi’s life. The design had the black marble slab surrounded by red earth.
Qutub Minar: Qutub Minar, today, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Delhi was constructed with red sandstone and marble. It is the tallest minaret in India with a height of 72.5 meters (237.8 ft). The Construction was commenced by Qutub-ud-din Aibak in 1192, but completed by Iltutmish.
The Highlight of the Tour: The Highlight of the tour is the Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi. We will pass through the Chandni Chowk by the Rickshaw. The rickshaw pullers here take you on a ride through various routes. The Rickshaw ride gives you a chance to glance at the colorful street of the place. Chandni Chowk is very colorful & you will find the hustle and bustle market. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
Relax and enjoy an airport transfer in a private vehicle, with driver, and English-speaking assistant. Enjoy your flight from Delhi to Varanasi.
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the hotel.
The antiquity of Varanasi is veiled in immortal times and has been the center of religion, learning and civilization since ages. It has an endearing universal mystique, which has to be experienced to be understood. The city gets its inherent charm from the location as it’s situated on the west side of the Holy Ganges.
Varanasi has been the religious capital of Hinduism since time immemorial. Written records of the Skanda Purana and the Mahabharata mention its existence as long as 3000 years ago. It is probably the oldest living city in India, and one of the worlds most ancient. As a place of devotion and worship, Varanasi attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. Many Hindus in the latter part of their lives wish to spend their retirement here.
The mythological name of the city was Kashi meaning light or luminescence, i.e. the city that illuminates with its spiritual light. Two rivers, the Varuna and the Assi, meet the hilly Ganga at the northern and southern tips of the city respectively. In medieval times and till as recently as the mid-20th century, the city was known as Benares, which seems to have been the result of putting together the names of the rivers Varuna and Assi. Since 1956, the name had been changed to Varanasi.
Later in the afternoon you will go for guided excursion to Sarnath where “Lord Buddha” delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, 2,500 years ago. Buddha came here after achieving enlightenment at Bodhgaya (in eastern India). A visit to the famous Benares Hindu University, It is the largest residential university in Asia, with over 12,000 students living on its campus. BHU founded in 1916. The campus spread over 1350 acres (5.5 km) was built on land donated by the Kashi Naresh, the hereditary ruler of Banaras.
After the visit of Sarnath, you can witness evening proceed for the evening Aarti ceremony at the Ghat. This is one of a lifetime opportunity for any traveler to this holy city.
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at the hotel)
Early morning, we take a Boat Ride on the River Ganga with our guide to observe the riverside activities at the time, including the famous Manikarnika Ghat where Hindus cremate their dead bodies round the clock. We observe Hindu pilgrims perform the rituals and following the centuries old tradition and belief that by dying in Varanasi or by immersing the mortal remains in the holy Ganges it clears one from the birth circle and you are incarnated to human life in the next birth. You would be taking a boat cruise on the river Ganges around all the Ghats. On the way back, walk with our guide to your vehicle through the narrow lanes of Kashi – the oldest part of Varanasi or also the other name of this ancient Hindu city and also see Vishwanath Temple from outside. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at the hotel)
From your hotel, with driver, and English speaking guide, you will be will transferred to the airport for your flight.
After reaching Khajuraho we proceed for full day tour to Monuments in Khajuraho, which is a once in life time experience. Situated in a town in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, about 620 kilometers southeast of New Delhi, this unique location is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of India. Khajuraho contains the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples, which are famous due to the erogenous nature of the sculptures. You’ll visit the western temples of Khajuraho accompanied by a local guide, principally known for their erotic scenes as depicted in the Kama Sutra. The Khajuraho temples are about 1000 years old and they are still in incredibly good condition, even though there are only 22 of the original 85 temples still left. The many intricate carvings that cover the Khajuraho temples depict all kinds of scenes from daily life and your guide will explain the history that surrounds them. Late evening, enjoy the Sound and Light show – history depicted beautifully on Khajuraho temples. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at the hotel)
You are assisted with your checkout from your hotel in the morning and then you are driven to Orchha.
There is a break for lunch (included) on arrival, after which you will enjoy an exploration of the magnificent ruins. The archaeological treasures of Orcha were built between four and five centuries ago by the Hindu kings that ruled this area.
After your visit of Orchha you will drive to Jhansi railway station which is approx half an hour drive. Upon arrival at Jhansi railway station you will be assisted to connect your train for Agra.
Upon your arrival at Agra Cantonment railways you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Evening, we will visit the Moonlight Garden also known as Mehtab Bagh. The places are situated on the opposite side of the Yamuna River. The Garden was built by the Emperor Babur. This is the best place to visit the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at the hotel)
Transfer to Jaipur with private vehicle and driver. Rest of the day at leisure. Jaipur is the largest city in Rajasthan and was built in the eighteenth century by Sawai Jai Singh as India’s first planned city. Jaipur is a major tourist attraction amongst international travelers. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at the hotel)
Today your guide will pick you up from your hotel for a private tour of Jaipur. The Pink City of Jaipur is a charming place, which dazzles the eye of a tourist with several architectural landmarks, stylish monuments, palaces, museums, wide avenues and colorful bazaars. Though less than 300 years old, the city is already full of mysteries and legends. Jaipur is surrounded by hilltop forts such as Amber Fort, Jaigarh and Nahargarh. Enjoy your wonderful discovery of the unparalleled beauty of Jaipur.
Amber Fort – Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort. Elephant ride ascent to the fort. Perched on a hill some 11km from Jaipur, and nestling among the Aravalli Hills, is the historic fort-palace of Amber. Set in a picturesque background, the splendid Amber Fort (Jaigarh) was built in 1600 by Raja Man Singh, commander-in-chief of the Mughal army during Akbar’s reign and certainly one the greatest general of medieval India. The fort also made the headlines after Independence when it was supposed to be the most likely hiding place of the Kuchwahas’ famous lost treasure.
City Palace-Conceived and designed by Jai Singh, the City palace is a fine blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. One of the most important architectural landmarks in Jaipur, this he palace complex has numerous buildings, courtyards, impressive gateways and temples. The palace houses Sawai Jai Singh’s seven-storey facade Chandra Mahal (“moon palace”), solid marble Mubarak Mahal, the Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khas (the Hall of Private Audience). Chandra Mahal is still the residence of the present royal family.
Hawa Mahal– Arguably Jaipur’s most acclaimed landmark, the tapering Hawa Mahal, or “Palace of Winds” was built in 1799 to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch street processions while remaining in a strict state of purdah. Its five-storey facade, decked with no less than 593 finely screened windows and balconies, makes the building seem far larger than it really is; in fact it is little more than one room thick in most parts.
Jantar Mantar: Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar (Astronomical Observatory), a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built by Maharaja Jai Singh II at his then new capital of Jaipur between 1727 and 1733. The observatory instruments are in most cases huge structures, built on such scale so that accuracy of readings can be obtained.
Jal Mahal (Water Palace), a five-story sandstone palace partially submerged in the middle of a lake. Stroll the rooftop gardens as the sun sets over the lake. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at the hotel)
Meet your driver for an airport transfer with English-speaking assistant.
Enjoy your flight from Udaipur to Mumbai today.
You will be welcomed at the Mumbai Airport by an English speaking representative and transferred to your accommodation by private vehicle and driver.
On this half day city tour of Mumbai visit the Gateway of India, the heritage buildings of Kala Ghoda, Victoria Terminus, Crawford Market, Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach. If you feel like walking, you can ask your private guide to take you to the traditional marketplace of Bhuleshwar, or the crowded lanes of Mohammed Ali Road. The streets are brightly lit, and crammed with businessmen whose day is far from over. Street food vendors are busy selling local delicacies to a hungry crowd. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at the hotel)
Today visit Elephanta Island. A cruise through Mumbai Harbor brings you to the rock-cut cave temples on Elephanta Island. This 4-hour tour takes you from Mumbai to the rock art of the Elephanta Caves of Elephanta Island. You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the Gateway of India at Mumbai. From here, cruise by boat to reach the Elephanta Caves.
On your arrival at the island you will proceed to the Elephanta Caves, which contain a collection of rock art linked to the sect of Shiva. At Elephanta, Indian art found one of its most perfect expressions, particularly in the huge and high reliefs of the main cave.
There are 7 cave excavations in the Elephanta group, all craved from solid basalt rock and dating from approximately the 6th through 7th-Centuries A.D. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at the hotel)
You will be welcomed at the Mumbai Airport by an English speaking representative and transferred to your accommodation by private vehicle and driver. . The flight duration is approximately one hour. We proceed for Goa city tour visiting Mapusa Town, Lord Bodgeshwar Temple and Beaches of Vagator, Anjuna, Calangute Fort Aguada, Miramar beach, Dona Paula bay, Old Goa Churches, Colva beach, Vasco. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner )
Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel. Goa, a state on India’s West coast, is a former Portuguese colony with a rich history. Spread over 3,700 square kilometers. It has a unique mix of Indian and Portuguese cultures and architecture that attracts an estimated 2.5 million visitors each year (including about 400,000 foreign tourists). (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner )
You are assisted with your checkout from your hotel and then you be driven to Aurangabad airport in time to board your flight to Cochin.
Upon arrival check into hotel.
Evening Kathkali Dance: Evening we will visit the Kathkali Dance. Kathkali dance is the one of most famous dance performance. Kathakali draws its theme from the wealth of Indian mythology and folklore. Expressions of face and eyes hold the key to perfection. Unique among the Indian dance forms, Kathakali ranks high among the Indian dance forms. Noted for its archaic costumes, weird make up, the elaborately painted faces often mistaken for masks and grand headgears, Kathakali is perhaps the only dance form in India in which the masculine aspect of the dance is preserved in its elemental vigor. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at the hotel)
Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation for your private tour of Kochi. Kochi – which is also known as the Queen of Arabian Sea is a perfect blend of natural beauty and history! It’s a place where history stands tall amongst the sea and greenery. Out of all the places you will see here; the most admirable is the Jewish Synagogue. Also known as Mattancherry Synagogue, it was built by Jews. What is attractive here is the Glass work, Chinese titles, Belgian Chandeliers and the wall paintings.
The second place you will visit is the Dutch Palace built by Portuguese in 1557, as a gift to the then King. A 2 story building, it has a central courtyard and a number of temples inside it. Nearby are the Santa Cruz Basilia and St. Francis Church. After visiting these, we shall take you to a beautiful restaurant to have a sumptuous South Indian Lunch.
After lunch we will move on to see the Indian Portugese Museum, established by Dr. Kurtheera. It has got 5 sections including Altar, Treasure, Procession, Civil Life and Cathedral.
In the evening we shall take you to Cherai Beach. (Enroute we will pass by the Cochin harbor. Here you can see hundreds of ships fastened in all colors and sizes). It is one of the most alluring beaches of Cochin. It also happens to be the longest beach of Cochin.
For dinner we shall take you to a beachside restaurant where you can again enjoy the delicacies of Cochin amidst the low lights which fall on the waters of the sea. You can also sit by the sea shore and enjoy the stars and the moon as they show their play in the sky. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at the hotel)
Meet your driver for a private transfer to Kumarakom. The transfer takes approximately 2 hours.
Kumarakom, the queen of Vembanad, is a ‘resort’ destination. This tiny village on the edge of Vembanad Lake was practically unknown till one Henry Baker purchased land from the erstwhile King of Travancore to build himself a grand home. Kumarakom, today is a maze of modern resorts and heritage-homes-cum-hotels spilling over the island’s bank. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit with its numerous beautiful rivulets and waterways. The scenic Vembanad Lake surrounded by mangrove forests and paddy fields is one of the best places for bird viewing inside the sanctuary. A large population of feathered species along with a pleasant climate makes it a great picnic spot. As Kumarakom is a popular backwater destination in Kerala, a houseboat cruise is a must-do activity for visitors. A boat cruise on the beautiful Vembanad lake is one of the best ways to enjoy bird watching in the park. One can also enjoy wildlife photography at Pathiramanal – a small island on the lake. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at the hotel)
Alleppey is spread through canals, lakes and lagoons. Your private guide will lead you by boat through a maze of canals where you can observe different scenes from the villages, paddy fields, coconut palms, fishermen and local life.
Meet your driver for a private transfer to Thekkady. The drive will take approximately 2 hours. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at the hotel)
Morning breakfast at hotel and drive to Kanyakumari – is the land’s end of India where the water of the Arabian Sea , the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean meet. An important pilgrim centre of India.
Kanyakumari – There are no words that can completely describe the beauty of Kanyakumari and it remains one of the most popular tourist destinations of south India. Located in the southernmost point of the Indian mainland, it is a magnificent place of natural beauty where you can see the deep blue waters of the ocean meeting the horizon. This southernmost town of Tamil Nadu is an important attraction for the tourists. Before you set out on a tour, you should have enough information about Kanyakumari that would help you explore the town conveniently.
Upon arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon visit famous Amman Temples – a symbol of unity and sanctity – deidicated to the virgin Goddess , Kanya Kumari. and to its South – East lies the famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a blend of all the architectural styles of India.
Overnight stay at hotel. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
When day breaks, we leave for Sun Rise Point. In addition to this, guests will also get the chance to see Triveni Sangam, which is a point where the three holy rivers meet. People take a bath here to wash away their sins and to experience spiritual healing. Guests can choose to take part in this tradition.
A short visit to the Devi Kanya Kumari Amman Temple, which is a magnificent structure overlooking the ocean, will give guests the chance to enjoy a breathtaking view. Sage Parashurama is also said to have performed the consecration of this temple.
The tour will continue to Gandhi Mandapam, a memorial complex named after the father of our nation. The urn containing the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi is kept here. The journey continues to the Kamaraj Manimandapam Vivekananda Rock Memorial, which was built in honor of the visit of Swami Vivekananda. It is claimed that the swami meditated here.
After that, the group moves on to see the Tiruvalluvar Statue, a 133-foot-tall stone statue made to honor the poet and saint Triuvalluvar. To end the day, guests will pass by the Suseendram Temple, which is famous for its 13th century sculptures. To rest, guests will be brought back to their hotel in Kanyakumari. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
After the breakfast from the hotel/resort go for full day sightseeing in Thekkady. The main attraction in Thekkady is boating in the lake Periyar near the Mullaperiyar Dam. Boating takes around two hours and if you are lucky and one is often lucky, you will spot wild animals herding in to drink the lake water particularly in the early hours of the day. This place is a photographer joy so if you love photography just click on… Many award winning photographs has come out of this heaven. Thekkady is also known for adventure tourism. The Forest Department offers many programs including Periyar Tiger Trail, Nature walk, Bamboo Rafting, etc. Take a private tour of a Kerala spice plantation, where you can see how natural pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, and nutmeg are grown. The spice plantations in Kerala are captivating farms to wander in and the various spices are cultivated in different sections of each plantation. On the spice plantation you can go for nature walks, bird watching treks, taste the various spices and breathe in the fragrant air. Proceed to Madurai. The drive will take approximately 2 and half hours. Discover Madurai with your private guide. Madurai is known as Athens of the East, Madurai is a place of great historical and cultural importance. It is the oldest city in Tamil Nadu and Madurai lies on the banks of the River Vaigai. Madurai is one of the liveliest cities in South India it was originally known as Kadambavanam or the “forest of Kadamba” or the Nauclea kadamba. Madurai is one of the great temple towns of South India. The Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Parvati (in the form of Meenakshi or Fish-eyed Goddess). The temple has a stunning architecture and it was a frontrunner in the election for the modern Seven Wonders of the World for its architectural importance. The Venkateswara Temple at Tirumala is dedicated to Lord Vishnu as ‘Venkateswara’ (or Srinivasa) and attracts Hindus from across the world. It is the most visited religious place in the world. The temple is the world’s richest in terms of the wealth of offerings and gifts given by visiting pilgrims. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner )
Morning breakfast at hotel and excursion to Rameshwaram.
Rameshwaram – Rameshwaram an island- of Lord Rama’s temple at Tamil Nadu is a terrific destination. Along with being a major pilgrimage for the Hindus, Rameshwaram is a happening holiday spot too.The religious island is spread in an area of 61.8 square kilometers and happens to be in the shape of a conch. The Ramanatha Swamy Temple occupies major area of Rameshwaram. The masterpiece of Dravidian architecture boasts of the largest temple corridor in India. Different rulers built the Ramanatha Swamy Temple over a period of time starting from the 12th century. The temple comprises of twenty-two wells where the taste of the water of each well is different from the other. The waters of the wells are believed to possess medicinal properties. Rameshwaram is where Lord Rama rested and prayed after his triumph over the demon king Ravan. A sacred site for both Vaishnavites and Shaivities, no Hindu pilgrimage is complete without a visit to this holy city. The island of Rameshwaram is one of the most venerable temple towns in India without a visit to which, the pilgrimage of a devout Hindu is not complete. Therafter return back to Madurai. Overnight stay at hotel. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner )
Morning breakfast at hotel and at 0800 hrs drive to Pondicherry carries a strong whiff of the French presence in India. Legend says that Pondicherry is the place where St. Agasthaya settled down.
Pondicherry. Upon arrival check in at hotel. After a fresh n up leave for leave for city tour of Pondicherry visiting Aurbindo Ashram, the city of dawn, which is 10kms north of Pondicherry. This ashram promotes Aurbindo’s ideas in bringing about a synthesis of Yoga and modern science, so as to unite the spirit and matter. Afternoon, visit Auroville – a unique experiment in international living and in creating a new environment where men and women of all nationalities live together in harmony; Vardaraja Perumal Temple, Vedapureeswarar Temple & Manakula Vinayagar Templewar memorial, Town hall. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.
Pondicherry – Pondicherry is a union territory, which lies within the state of Tamil Nadu.The inherent ambience of Pondicherry, becomes most evident in the oldest part of the town, which flanks the seashore boulevard. The French ruled this territory for 300 years, Pondicherry is a living monument of French Culture in India. The Aurobindo Ashram and ‘Auroville’ the international township is famous all over the world. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at the hotel)
Drive A transfer with private vehicle, driver and English-speaking assistant between the airport and Madurai is provided.Enjoy your flight from Madurai to Chennai today. The flight duration is approximately one hour. On arrival at Chennai airport you will be driven to Mahabalipuram. En route Tiruvannamallai – Spiritual seekers from all over world comes to Tiruvannamalai, a Pilgrimage city filled with living enlightenment gurus. This sacred city is located 200 kilometer from Chennai. This ancient town has been built around Arunachala hill (annamalai hill), a mountain raising 4000 Meter heavenly from the ground.
Tiruvannamalai is famous for sprawling temple Arunachala temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Every full moon day people walk around the annamalai hill and offer special prayers to Arunachala temple called Girivalam. Spiritual gurus Yogi Ramsuratkumar, Ramana Maharshi, Arabindo, Shesathiri Swamigal , Muniyandi swamigal and many more saints and sadhus were living and still living here to bring the divine close to people.
Arrive and check in the hotel.
Proceed for a private guided tour of Mahabalipuram, a world heritage site famous for its Shore Temple and carved bas relief works on stone.
Arjuna’s Penance, This bas relief is an extensive panel (27 meters long & 9 metres high of relief sculptures, with life size images. There are two beliefs as to the theme of the sculptures. Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers is said to have done penance asking for a powerful weapon with which to destroy his enemies. The huge gathering of celestial and humans witness the great scene.
Shore Temple, The shore temple is located at the sea shore and has withstood the ravages of the sea. Unlike the rock cut structures in Mamallapuam, this is a structural temple, built by Rajasimha out of hard blackish leptinite.
Krishna Butter Ball, The huge boulder near the Ganesha Ratha is popularly known as Krishna’s butter ball. It rests precariously on a narrow rock base. Legend has it that several Pallava Kings attempted to move it, but all the kings and their elephants could not shift the boulder even by an inch. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at the hotel)
This morning you will be driven to Chennai. Enroute visit Ancient Kanchipuram, the city of thousand temples. It is one of the seven most sacred pilgrim centers for the Hindus. Today there are about 126 temples in Kanchi and a few more in its outskirts. The city was the capital of the Early Cholas during the second century BC.
Post the visit continues your drive Chennai. Arrive and check in the hotel. Late afternoon proceed for a short tour of Chennai visiting The Fort Museum, which has a fascinating collection of memorabilia from the days of the East India Company and the British Raj, St. Mary’s Church built in 1678-80, which was the first English church and the oldest surviving British construction in India, drive thru Marina Beach or walk for sometime here to enjoy the beach. Later visit Santhome Cathedral Church & Kapaleeshwar Temple The biggest temple in the city situated in Mylapore. It has a very impressive Gopuram with thousands of Stucco figures depicting scene from Hindu Mythology and very typical of the Dravidian Architecture. The traditional part of Madras is around this temple – tiny lanes, fascinating little houses, shops selling rich silks surround the temple and the tank Mylapore retains its village identity. Parthasarathy Temple has some striking features that make it superior over many of its counterparts. Situated at Tiruvallikkeni or British version, Triplicane in Chennai, the temple is an oldest and distinguished structure of the city. It was originally built by Pallavas in the 8th century and later renovated by Vijayanagar kings in 11th century. It was King Narsimhavarman I who led the foundation of this temple. The temple and the region derive their name from the holy tank in its vicinity which consists of five sacred wells, the water whose is considered to be more pious than that of holy river Ganges. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at the hotel)