SOUTH INDIA TEMPLE & CULTURAL TOUR ( 9 NIGHTS / 10 DAYS)

ITINERARY:

DAY 1 : ARRIVAL AT MUMBAI

Upon arrival at Mumbai International airport, you will be welcome by ESPRIT JOURNEYS India Representative. Transfer to hotel, Check in formalities. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 2 : MUMBAI – CHENNAI

Breakfast at hotel, your tour will include the British-built arch called the Gateway of India, one of Mumbai’s most famous landmarks. Next you will visit the Prince of Wales Museum. We drive past University of Bombay, High Court of Bombay.

Take a Visit to Crawford Market and stroll around the streets of Colaba and Mangaldas Market. You will also visit the Hanging Gardens, which are located on the crest of Malabar Hill.

Followed by visit the renowned Gandhi Memorial Museum ( Mani Bhawan ) and Jain Temple. Then proceed to Siddhivinayak Temple (Ganesh Temple) and have a view of the temple from outside.

We later take the Bandra Wolli Sea Link. Evening drop you at Mumbai airport to board on flight to Chennai. On arrive drop to Chennai hotel, Overnight at Chennai.

DAY 3 : CHENNAI SIGHTSEEING

Begin your journey to Chennai formerly known as Madras. There are temples, beaches and monuments which has cultural and historical significance. Pay your visit to Parthasarathy Temple, Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Adeeswar Temple.

Evening walk to Marina Beach, its spread from near Fort st. George to Foreshore Estate. It is one of the longest beaches of world.

DAY 4 : CHENNAI – KANCHIPURAM – MAHABALIPURAM

Post breakfast drive to two famous temple cities of South India, known for temples, Heritage and its Architecture. While going Mahabalipuram enroute visit to Kanchipuram located on the banks of Vegavathy River. This city houses of Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Ekambareshwrar temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple. Apart from its heritage sites and holy pilgrimage Kanchipuram has one more importance and that hand woven silk Sarees.

Drive continues to Mahabalipuram – ancient and historic place. Mahabalipuram has variety of group of monuments recognized at World Heritage sites. You will visit here Krishna Mandapam and Arjuna’s Penance, the Sakkiswarar Temple, Vaikuntha Perumal Temple, the Shore Temple and Mahishasura Mardini Cave etc.

DAY 5 : MAHABALIPURAM – PONDICHERRY

Having your breakfast leave for Pondicherry known for its French community. On arrive rickshaw ride at French colony. Admire French colony architecture while riding. Rest of the day relax at you pre booked hotel.

DAY 6 : PONDICHERRY SIGHTSEEING

Experience the treasure and rich history of colonial buildings, churches, temples and statues. Enjoy sightseeing of the must see sights with a local guide. Admire Auroville Ashram, famous promenade beach and Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam Temple, Mahatma Gandhi Statue and French war memorial.

DAY 7 : PONDICHERRY – CHIDAMBARAM – TANJORE

A comfortable drive brings you to Tanjore. A stop at Thillai Natraja Temple located in a town Chidambaram. Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Continue to Tanjore and night spend at Tanjore.

DAY 8 : TANJORE – TRICHY – MADURAI

Morning sightseeing with a local guide features a visit to the 100 year old Brihadishwara Temple, also home to Tanjore paintings. Leave for glorious city of Madurai. En route visit to Trichy Famous temple to explore here are Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, rock fort Temple, Thiruvanaikaval Temple continue drive to Madurai. Overnight spend at Madurai.

DAY 9 : MADURAI SIGHTSEEING

Full day at leisure to explore this wonderful city. Choose from pilgrimage site Meenakshi Amman Temple, historical monument Tirumalai Nayak Palace being the most prominent. Back to hotel relax for while. Post dinner take you to Meenakshi Temple once again to attend Madurai temple night ceremony. Overnight spend at Madurai.

DAY 10 : MADURAI DEPARTURE

Breakfast at hotel, your vacation come to end with transfer to Madurai Airport.