Chennai, on the Bay of Bengal in eastern India, is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. The city is home to Fort St. George, built in 1644 and now a museum showcasing the city’s roots as a British military garrison and East India Company trading outpost, when it was called Madras. Religious sites include Kapaleeshwarar Temple, adorned with carved and painted gods, and St. Mary’s, a 17th-century Anglican Church. Mamallapuram, also known as Mahabalipuram, is a town in Kancheepuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is around 60 km south from the city of Chennai
TEMPERATURE AVERAGE: 35°C TO 21°C SHOPPING: Stone and wooden artifacts, Handicrafts CURRENCY: Indian Rupees
Upon arrival at the Chennai airport, our tour representative will assist you in a smooth transfer to the hotel. Take rest and freshen up; set out for a full-day sightseeing tour of Chennai. Later, visit the famous Marina Beach (the second largest in the world), Kapeleeswar Temple, and Fort St. George (the oldest fort in Chennai).
Thereafter, head straight to Santhome Cathedral, the National Art Gallery, St. Mary’s Church, Anna Zoological Park, Birla Planetarium, and People’s Park. Make a brief halt at Kalakshetra and Theosophical Society before returning back to the hotel for an overnight stay.
In the morning, leave by road for Mahabalipuram, acclaimed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its spectacular rock-cut temples. On the way, make a brief halt in Kancheepuram, the city of 1000 temples and one of the seven sacred cities in India.
Thereafter, proceed to the famous Shankaracharya Seer in Kancheepuram. In the meantime, shop for some exquisite Kanchivaram silk sarees. Later, continue your journey towards Mahabalipuram. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Post breakfast in the morning; embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram, which includes visits to Mahishasurmardini Caves, Shore Temple, Krishna Mandapam, and Arjun’s Penance.
Later, proceed towards Panch Rathas, a cluster of monolithic temples; Crocodile Farm, home to over 100 crocodiles; School of Art & Sculpture; and Snake Venom Extracting Center. Later, leave by road for Chennai and proceed towards the airport to board a flight for the onward journey.
