MGST TN PKG 02

Arrival at Chennai international airport OR Chennai central railway station. Our driver will meet you and proceed to your hotel in Chennai. On arrival at check-in at your hotel. If time permits, then proceed for Chennai sightseeing or else day at your leisure. Overnight stay at Chennai hotel.

About Chennai: Chennai formerly known as Madras is the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal, it is one of the biggest cultural, economic and educational centres in South India. Chennai was added to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) list for its rich musical tradition.

Chennai places of visit: Sri Parthasarathy Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna is one of the oldest temples in Chennai (6.30 AM to 12 PM & 4 PM to 7 PM), Govt. Museum (9:30 AM to 5 PM / Friday closed), The National Art Gallery (10 AM to 5 PM / Sunday closed), St. Mary's Church is the oldest Anglican church & oldest British building in India, Fort St. George The first British fortress built-in 1644 in India (9 AM to 5 PM / Friday closed), Marina Lighthouse (10 AM to 1 PM & 3 PM to 6 PM / Monday closed), Kapaleeshwar Temple (5 AM to 11 AM & 4 PM to 9.30 PM), Birla Planetarium (10 AM to 5:45 PM), Arignar Anna Zoological Park (9 AM to 6 PM / Tuesday closed). 

After breakfast, checkout from the hotel and proceed to Mahabalipuram. On arrival, check-in at your hotel. If time permits then proceed for Mahabalipuram sightseeing or else day at your leisure. Overnight stay at Mahabalipuram hotel. 

About Mahabalipuram: Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram is known for its collection of temples and monuments built by the Pallava dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries CE. The site has 40 ancient monuments and Hindu temples, including one of the largest open-air rock reliefs in the world.

Mahabalipuram places of visit:

• Krishna's butterball rock is a giant balancing rock (6 AM to 6 PM)
• Thirumoorthi cave: There is a small cave-like structure known as thiru-murthy, dedicated to Shiva, Brahma & Vishnu the 3 Hindu gods. (6 AM to 6 PM)
• Ganesh ratha is a fully completed rock-cut structure, while nearby rathas are incomplete. (6 AM to 6 PM)
• Varaha cave is the most prominent sculpture in the cave is that of Lord Vishnu in the incarnated form of a Varaha or boar lifting Bhudevi, the mother earth goddess from the sea. Also carved are many mythical figures. (6 AM to 6 PM)
• Arjuna's penance build in mid 7th century is a story from the Mahabharata of how Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, performed severe austerities to obtain Shiva's weapon. (6 AM to 6 PM)
• Mahabalipuram lighthouse was closed in 2001 following a perceived threat from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). It is re-opened to tourists from 2011. (10 AM to 1 PM & 3 PM to 5 PM)
• Pancha rathas: The structures are named after the Pancha Pandavas and their common wife Draupadi. In order of their size, they include the Dharmaraja Ratha, Bhima Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Nakula Sahadeva Ratha, and Draupadi Ratha. (6 AM to 6 PM)
• Mahisamardini rock-cut: According to legend, Durga killed the demon Mahishasura, who was considered unconquerable. Hence, following his slaying, she was given the title Mahishasuramardhini (conqueror of Mahisha). (6 AM to 6 PM).
• Group of monuments is listed stone temple complex. Mythological scenes are depicted on these architectures. These caves have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (6 AM to 6 PM)
• Mahishasura rock Temple is not finished and does not contain any inscriptions. It is located at the base of the diorite hillock, with another ancient structure - Olakneswara Temple on top of this hill. (6 AM to 6 PM)
• Shore temple: Shore temple is a complex of temples and shrines. This structural temple complex was the culmination of the architectural creations that were initiated by the King Narasimhavarman II (popularly called as Mamallan after whom the Mamallapuram town is named) (6 AM to 6 PM)
• Mahabalipuram beach

After breakfast, checkout from the hotel and proceed to Pondicherry. On arrival, check-in at your hotel. If time permits then proceed for Pondicherry sightseeing or else day at your leisure. Overnight stay at Pondicherry hotel. 

About Puducherry: Pondicherry or Puducherry is affectionately known as “Pondy or Pondicherry”, and has been officially known by the alternative name Puducherry. A French colonial settlement in India until 1954. The combination of Tamil and French cultures, the backdrop of colonial streetscapes, the spiritual aura and the many people settled here from different parts of India and nationality make Pondicherry an interesting and exotic place to discover. There’s something for everyone.

Pondicherry places of visit: Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha (6 AM to 12.30 PM & 4 PM to 7 PM), Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple (6 AM to 12 PM & 4 PM to 7 PM), Pondicherry Museum (10 AM to 5 PM / Monday & National holidays closed), Jawahar Toy Museum (10 AM to 5 PM / Monday & National holidays closed), Old Light House (10 AM to 5 PM), Bharathi Park (7 AM to 8 PM), French War Memorial (10 AM to 5 PM), Mahatma Gandhi Statue (There is a tunnel below the Gandhi statue which is believed to be leading to Gingee Fort in Villupuram District), Botanical Garden ( AM to 6 PM), Promenade Beach.

After breakfast, checkout from the hotel and proceed to Chennai international airport OR Chennai central railway station for your departure with a contented feeling about a wonderful holiday you spend in the “Land of Temples” with the taste of Tamil Nadu to cherish.  (TOUR ENDS)