ENCHANTING TAMIL NADU TOUR

7 Nights / 8 Days

From northern tip of Tamil Nadu to the southermost tip of India, travel south through some of the most striking towns in Tamil Nadu and understand why this tour is so enchanting. See the rock carvings and beaches of Mamallapuram, drive through the Kariakudi District which is home to a distinctive style of architecture and cuisine, end up at the bottom of India in Kanyakumari where three major bodies of water converge to form spectacular rip tides and simultaneous moonrises and sunsets.

Itinerary Route: Chennai - Mamallapuram - Tanjore - Karaikudi - Madurai - Kanyakumari - Trivandrum

Day 1: Chennai to Mamallapuram

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 Mamallapuram for your hotel check-in.

Day 2: Mamallapuram

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. Mamallapuram 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 Mamallapuram "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.

Day 3: Mamallapuram to Tanjore (280 km / 6 hour drive)

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. Upon arrival at Tanjore check in.

Day 4: Tanjore to Karaikudi (278 km / 6 hour drive)

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.

Day 5: Karaikudi to Madurai (80 km / 2 hour drive)

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.

Day 6: Madurai

Spend the day sightseeing. (Refer to "Local Attractions").

Day 7: Madurai to Kanyakumari (230 km / 5 hour drive)

Drive down to the southernmost tip of India where the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean converge. Spend the night.

Day 8: Kanyakumari to Trivandrum, Karnataka

After morning check-out, you'll be driven to Trivandrum for your onward flight or train.

Extend or Customize Your Tour: We would be happy to assist with additional travel and hotel arrangements. Changes to this tour can be added as an inclusive part of the package.

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