Delights of South East India

Day 1

Arrive Chennai

Upon your arrival at Chennai airport, you will be met by our representative and escorted to your hotel for 2 nights stay.

Day 2

Day in Chennai

Today, enjoy a city tour of Chennai, driving along the Marina Beach (which stretches for over 12 km); visiting St Mary’s Church (India’s oldest surviving British church built in 1680) and Fort St George (built by the British around 1653). Also visit the National Art Gallery and Santhome Cathedral.

Day 3

Chennai to Pondicherry

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry. Ruled by the French for 300 years, today Pondicherry stands as a living epitome of French culture in India.

Enjoy the evening at leisure walking around the small town and exploring the mix of French and Tamil architecture and culture in the region.

Day 4

Pondicherry to Mahabalipuram

This morning, visit the community of Auroville, a unique experiment in human unity and international living.

Later, embark on a short drive to Mahabalipuram, a town famous for its rocks carvings and monolithic sculptures. Visit the Shore temple (one of the oldest temples in south India, belonging to the early 8th century AD), Arjuna's penance (the world's largest bas-relief measuring 27m x 9m - this huge rock consists figures of Gods, men, beasts, birds and represents the entire creation), Five Rathas (five monolithic temples, each having its own style - also known as the "Panch Pandav Rathas").

Day 5

Mahabalipuram to Chennai via Kancheepuram

This morning, embark on a short drive to Chennai, en-route visiting Kancheepuram.

Kancheepuram is known as the city of thousand temples, and is one of the seven most sacred pilgrim centers for Hindus. Besides its temples, Kanchipuram is also known for its fascinating silk. This beautiful city has many silk weavers residing here from more than 4 centuries ago, giving it the reputation of the ‘Silk city’ of India. The Kanchipuram silk sarees are exotic pieces of art, woven from pure mulberry silk and decorated with fine gold thread (zari). A short stop over at Kancheepuram also includes a visit to see the silk weaving process. 

Later, continue your return drive to Chennai.