Immerse yourself in the culture of Tamil Nadu in a 14 days/13 nights tour

from 932 USD / 839 EUR per person (incl. hotel)

Tour highlights: Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, Pondicherry, Auroville, Tranquebar, Thanjavur, Chettinad, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli

Day 1: From Chennai airport to Mahabalipuram (1.5 h driving)
Your driver will greet you upon arrival at Chennai Airport and accompany you to your private car. Then we will take you directly to your hotel in Mahabalipuram (also called Mamallapuram). After your check-in, your Indian driver will give you additional information about your itinerary and answer any questions you may have. According to your arrival time, you can start exploring Mahabalipuram. You may visit some of many cave temples, known for their rock-cut carvings and architecture which belongs to the 7th century of Pallava Period. Although all of them are beautifully carved, Mahishasuramardhini Mandapa, Krishna Cave Temple, Panchapandave Cave Temple and Varaha are the most enticing. If you prefer, you can enjoy the walk along the Mahabalipuram beach. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.


Day 2: Mahabalipuram sightseeing
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel, and then, your driver will lead you to the discovery of Mahabalipuram, an extraordinary city, known for its bas-reliefs dating back to the VII-VIII centuries. This city is inscribed on the list of the heritage of the UNESCO and here, you will discover the most famous bas-reliefs: '' The descent of the Ganges or The penance of Arjuna ''portrayed in stone at the Pallava heritage site. A giant bas-relief filled with detailed carvings, including a family of elephants and monkeys. Visit the Shore Temple, the oldest structure in the area, build at 700 AD, located along the coast of the Bay of Bengal, and see the monolithic monuments of Five Ratha or known as Pancha Pandava Rathas. For lunch, you will enjoy the locals fresh fish and seafoods that will delight your taste buds. For the rest of the day your driver will be happy to suggest places and restaurants for you to discover. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.


Day 3: From Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry (2 h driving)
In the morning, before heading to Pondicherry, you will stop to make a short visit to Kanchipuram (the golden city), one of the most important spiritual centres of Hinduism, and a major pilgrim destination. You will discover various temples dating back to the days of the Pallava kings. Back in the 4th-10th century, Pallava Kingdom was a centre of learning for all the major religions of South India. The city is also known as a major silk weaving center. After the sidetrip, your driver will continue your journey to Pondicherry, a French colony until 1954. Though small in geographical size, it was the largest French colony in India. You can walk in the historic district of Pondicherry (or rent a pedal cycle) where you will discover the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception and also see the Botanical garden or Bharati park. Your driver will gladly make proposals for visits according to your wishes. Overnight in Pondicherry.


Day 4: Visit Pondicherry and Auroville 
Today, your driver will be at your disposal to continue the discoveries of Pondicherry according to your preferences. Then you will leave for an excursion to Auroville, located about ten kilometers from Pondicherry. Auroville (city of the dawn, better known as '' the Mother '') is considered a universal city where everyone gathers to learn to live in peace independent of their beliefs or nationality. The city was inaugurated in 1968. In the center of the city are the famous Matrimandir (the gigantic symbol that represents a meditation room) and its gardens. In the evening, your driver will drive you back to Pondicherry. Overnight in Pondicherry.


Day 5: From Pondicherry to Tranquebar
In the morning, after your breakfast at the hotel, your driver will take you to Tranquebar (also known as Tharangambadi). The city was a Danish colony (established in 1620) for more than two centuries, and thus offers many vestiges of this colonial past. You can visit Dansborg Fort, which was built by the Danes in 1620 and is the 2nd largest Danish fort ever built. You will also visit the city museum, which is full of information on the glorious past of the city. Overnight in Tranquebar.

Day 6: From Tranquebar to Thanjavur
Today your Indian driver will drive you to Thanjavur (also called Tanjore), known in particular for its Brihadesvara temple. It is a Dravidian temple dedicated to Shiva and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. On the way to Thanjavur, you will also discover the temple of Nataraja in Chidambaram, dating from the X century. Once in Thanjavur, you can explore the Saraswathi Mahal Library, home to more than 30,000 ancient manuscripts. Overnight in Thanjavur.


Day 7: Thanjavur sightseeing
In the morning, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and we will organize an excursion to the city of Trichy (Tiruchirapally) where you can discover the famous Rockfort Temple. This complex with its fortress and temples is considered one of the oldest formations in the world. Later, you will visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Here, non-Hindus can only go up to the sixth wall but not inside the gold topped sanctum sanctorum. It is considered the largest Hindu temple in the world still in operation. After returning to Thanjavur, your driver will be at your disposal and may make suggested visits according to your interests. Free at your own leisure in the evening. Overnight in Thanjavur.


Day 8: From Thanjavur to Chettinad
Today, your Indian driver will drive you to Chettinad, which is an area of ​​the state of Tamil Nadu and includes more than 70 villages, founded by the Chettiars, a rich caste of the nineteenth century. The city is known for its beautiful palatial houses, temples, as well as for its cuisine. Your driver will make you discover the city according to your preferences and in the evening you can attend a local cooking class. Overnight in Chettinad.



Day 9: Chettinad sightseeing
Today, you will have a full day for the discoveries of Chettinad. Your driver will take you to different villages in the area, especially the village of Kanadukathan (with its majestic palace and many Hindu temples) and the village of Athangudi (very famous for decorative tiles). The rest of the day will be free according to your wishes. Overnight in Chettinad.


Day 10: From Chettinad to Madurai
Today, your Indian driver will drive you to Madurai, the oldest and holiest city in Tamil Nadu. Madurai which houses the famous temple of Minakshi dating from XVI-XVII centuries. The city was at the time also a major commercial hub. Once there, you will discover the Minakshi Temple, the masterpiece of Dravidian architecture and one of India's most visited holy places. Then you can visit the Tirumalai Nayak Palace. Night in Madurai.


Day 11: Madurai sightseeing
Today you will have all day to explore the city of Madurai. In the morning you will visit the Minakshi Temple, the masterpiece of Dravidian architecture and one of the most visited holy places in India, the Tirumalai Nayak Palace, the local grand bazaar or the Gandhi Memorial Museum, established in 1959. Your driver will be at your disposal to discover other sites according to your wishes. Overnight in Madurai.



Day 12: From Madurai to Tiruchirappalli
This morning, you will head for Thiruchirappalli (known as Trichy). The city is best known for its Srirangam Island and Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest religious complexes in the world. One of the main attractions of the temple is its thousand pillar hall. The 16th century Rock Fort will also be one of the highlights of your stay in Thiruchirappalli. The latter dominates the whole city and therefore offers a breathtaking view of the whole of Trichy. (Please note that the temple halfway to the Rock Fort is not accessible to foreign travelers). Overnight in Thiruchirappalli.


Day 13: From Tiruchirappalli to Chennai
Today, your Indian driver will drive you to Chennai (also known as Madras) which is the fourth largest city in India. Here you can visit the government museum, also known as Egmore Museum or the Madras Museum. It is the second oldest museums in India also counted among the largest museums of South Asia. Many of the buildings situated within the Museum are over 100 years old. You can visit the Guindy National Park (the natural habitat of a wide range of plants and animals typical of north-eastern Tamil Nadu). If you prefer, you can just enjoy the walk and relax by the sea. Another option is to visit the Kalakshetra Foundation complex and to watch a traditional Tamil show. Your driver will be at your disposal to make other proposals for visits according to your interests. Night in Chennai.


Day 14: From Chennai to Chennai Airport
Today, you can enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. According to your flight schedule, your driver will take you directly to Chennai airport for your departure. If time permits, your driver will of course be at your disposal for additional visits or pre-departure shopping. You may visit Ashtalakshmi temple (located on the coast of the gorgeous Bay of Bengal, built to worship eight avatars of Goddess Lakshmi), Kapaleeswarar Temple (one of the oldest places of worship in the city) or simply enjoy the walk along the Marina beach, famous around the world for being the second-longest urban beach in the world. Your driver will then take you to the airport for your departure flight.

Prices per person:

Pricing for 3 persons based on a triple room.
Pricing for more than 3 persons upon request based on your requirements (number of rooms/cars). 

Your tour includes:
- All arrival, departure, tours as per above itinerary in air conditioned car with English speaking Indian driver including his living expenses
- All applicable hotel & transport taxes (tolls, road taxes, state taxes, fuel)
- 13 nights accommodation in hotels in a double room
- Daily buffet breakfast
- Your driver's accommodation and meals
- Indian Government services tax
- Passenger and car insurance

Your tour does not include:
- Any meals or drinks (except breakfast). Your driver can recommend safe food restaurants on the way or in the cities
- Expenses of personal nature such as tips, telephone calls, laundry, liquor ...
- Entrance fees during sightseeing
- Any International airfare to India
- Any other item not specified