Gateway to the South
| Number of days | Prices from | The itinerary includes |
|---|---|---|
17 |
Prices available on request |
|
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Days 1-3
Chennai
Your journey begins in Chennai, India’s fourth largest city, where you will be welcomed and transferred to The Leela Palace Chennai for a 3-night stay. The first afternoon introduces you to Chennai’s colonial past with a visit to Fort St. George and the colourful Kapaleshwar Temple. The following day is devoted to exploring Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient rock-cut architecture, including the Shore Temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal. On Day 3, you will venture to Kanchipuram, often called the “city of a thousand temples,” offering an insight into South India’s sacred architecture and cultural heritage.
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Days 4-5
Pondicherry
From Chennai, you will be transferred to Pondicherry, once a French colonial settlement, staying at Palais de Mahé for 2 nights. With your guide explore the city’s blend of Indian and European influences, including the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Governor’s House, and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the atmospheric French Quarter. With its pastel-coloured houses and café culture, Pondicherry offers a slower pace. The rest of your time is free to enjoy activities such as a guided food trail or cycling the boulevards on a vintage bike.
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Days 6-7
Kumbakonam
Traveling south, you will stop at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, one of India’s most striking temple complexes, before arriving in Kumbakonam to stay at Mantra Koodam for 2 nights. On Day 7, you will explore nearby Tanjore, home to the magnificent Brahadeeswarar Temple, a masterpiece of Chola architecture, and Darasuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its intricately carved stonework.
