Overview

Vibrant with culture, our journey to the colourful state of Tamil Nadu passing through arts, temples, culture and beaches, mainly focuses on the aesthetic value of this state. Being an art and culture lover, you are just at the right place to witness the craft of the Southern state of India that keeps your knowledge rooted to traditions and of course the fun of exploring beyond. We will be visiting the typical Chennai settlement, the beautiful textile town of Kanchipuram and the temple & beaches of Mahabalipuram, not to the forget the ethnic French colonial settlement- Pondicherry. A journey that gives you all experiences in one!

Highlights

History & Art, Beaches & Temples, Experiential stays, French gift- Pondicherry

Suitable For

Art & History Enthusiasts, Friends, Family, Student, Couples

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1- Arrive in Chennai and transfer to your hotel

Today you will arrive at Chennai Station/ Airport. Over there, you will be met by our official representative. He will assist you and transfer you to your hotel in Chennai. Upon arriving, you will check- in and spend the evening in leisure. You can explore nearby food joints if you please.

Day 2- Chennai Local Sightseeing

Today, you will start your morning with local sightseeing amidst the hustle and bustle of this Southern capital. We will begin by the worship circuit which will consist of Ramakrishna Mutt, Kapaleshwar Temple and the St. Thome Basilica. We will then head to Vivekananda House and St. George Fort.  Return to your hotel for the night

Day 3-Kalakshetra Foundation & Transfer to Kanchipuram

Today, we will begin an early day with an early breakfast. We will head to Kalakshetra and visit the Craft Education & Research Centre (CERC). We will witness the various traditional values of art & craft that form an integral part of textile heritage. After a sumptuous lunch, we will head to Kanchipuram.  Check in to the hotel upon arrival and spend the evening relaxing.

Day 4- Kanchipuram Local Sightseeing

Today, we will visit this beautiful temple town and witness the typical architecture of each structure and its awe-striking beauty. These structures are a matter of study by several scholars or architecture and we shall be exploring the beauty of these. Later in the afternoon, we will head to the point where the famous Kanjeevaram silk is woven. We will witness the weavers in action and definitely give our hands a try too. Don’t miss out to shop at this stop! We will then retire for the evening.

Day 5- Transfer to Pondicherry & Visit Atelier Shanti

This morning, after a delightful breakfast, we will head to Pondicherry. Upon arrival and check in, we shall take sometime to relax before we head to Atelier Shanti- a rehabilitation centre that gives local women the chances to build their lives through handloom creating colourful art and textile. We shall then return to the hotel and relax for the evening.

Day 6- Day tour of Auroville

Pondicherry is a living union of French and Indian settlement and Auroville is a true image of the same. We will visit this township and their lifestyles. We will also visit their textile workshop and spend sometime with the people here. We will return to our hotel for the night. You can also stroll up the rocky beaches if you please.

Day 7- Pondicherry to Mahabalipuram

Today, after a relaxed breakfast,  we will depart for Mahabalipuran- another rich cultural town of Tamil Nadu known for its exotic temples and traditional beach sides. We will relax for the evening at the beach and wash away the tiresome remains of the last few days.

Day 8- Mahabalipuram Sightseeing

After an early breakfast, we will head towards the famous religious and cultural monuments of Mahabalipuram- not to miss the popular Krishna’s Butter ball, the Madapan caves and temples. Post lunch, we will visit the living craft museum- Dakshin Chitra, whose prime focus is to promote the craft of South India through workshops and programmes. After trying a little and indulging in the activities here, we will head back to our hotel for the night.

Day 9- Departure Day

After days of shopping, exploring and trailing through culture and traditions, we will finally be heading back home today. You can head to Chennai airport or on your onward journey.

Inclusion

Accommodation, Breakfast, Private Transfers, Sightseeing, Local driver cum guide

Stays

• Chennai : Niketana / similar
• Kanchipuram : Grt Hotel / similar
• Pondicherry : Boutique stay
• Mahabalipuram : Chariot Beach Resort/ Similar

All stays with base category of rooms unless mentioned otherwise specifically.

Transfers & sights in

• Innova or similar SUV type of vehicle for upto 6 people
• Tempo traveller for more than 6 people OR multiple SUVs upon request*

Exclusion

Flights & Trains, Meals not mentioned, Entrance tickets, any costs due to emergency or sudden changes, Additional taxes