“Explore Tamil Nadu’s charm on a 9-day train adventure.”
Introduction
Your journey will start at the tip of Southern India – Trivandrum. You will then embark towards the capital city of the state of Tamil Nadu – the state which is known as the cultural center of South India. In this tour the exquisite temples of Tiruchirapalli will blow your mind while the beauty of Madurai temple architecture will mesmerize you. Later you will continue to Pondicherry which is a former French colony which still exudes a European aura and later explore a UNESCO World Heirtage site – Mamallapuram, ending the tour in Chennai. So come and indulge yourself in unadulterated opulence and beauty.
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Country Region:- Southern India, Tamil Nadu
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Operated in:-English
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Departure/Return Location
Trivandrum -
Departure Time
Please arrive by 9:15 AM for a departure at 9:30 AM -
Return Time
Approximately 8:30 PM -
Included
AccommodationGuideMealsTransport -
Not Included
FlightsInsurance
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Tour Plan
Day 1 Arrive – Trivandrum
Day 1 Arrive – Trivandrum
Arrive at Trivandrum Airport and get transferred to your hotel.
Day 2 Trivandrum Sightseeing & then board overnight train for Madurai
Start your day by visiting the well-renowned Napier Museum. Napier Museum is of great significance, hence you should ensure you visit this place. This museum is an amalgamation of Mughal, Indian, and Chinese cultures. Hence, visiting this place can be quite an enriching experience. That being said, another highlight of this place is the natural air-conditioning system.
Secondly, visit the Sri Chitra Art Gallery. If you are a fan of paintings, then this place is a must-visit. It exhibits rare paintings belonging to the Tanjore, Rajput, and Mughal school of art. The oriental collection of paintings hailing from Tibet, Bali, Japan, and China will give a refreshing perspective.
Subsequently, later in the day, visit the Padmanabha Swamy Temple. This is arguably one of the most prominent attractions in Kerala. Therefore, this should be a part of every Trivandrum sightseeing itinerary. This is a stunning architectural marvel you can’t afford to miss. It blends the Kerala and Dravidian culture. The intricate carvings on the walls and roofs of the temple are simply mind-blowing.
In the evening board your overnight train for Madurai. Spend your night on board.
Spend your night on board [The train is basic with overnight beds]
Day 3 Arrive Madurai & Sightseeing
Arrive Madurai and get transferred to your hotel. On the way see the quiet streets as the city awakens. Observe first-hand how everyday life begins in this Indian city from prayer rituals at the temple to market shopping -- truly a total immersion into the culture.
Return for breakfast, followed by a visit with the group to the ancient Meenakshi Amman Temple, Shop at the bargain-filled bazaars bursting with treasures and jewelry shops galore before returning to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, head to the gigantic Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace with its imposing courtyard, grand throne chambers and entry flanked by stone carved horses. Later visit a local dance school practicing Bharatnatyam. Meet with students to learn more about the dance and attend a performance
Note that check in time at hotel is around 1200 Hours. Room is subject to availably at the time of check in. In any case if room is not available then you can enjoy breakfast at hotel restaurant till the room is ready for check in.
Day 4 Madurai / Trichy ( Sightseeing ) & Drive to Tanjore
Morning board train for Trichy. It is a scenic 2 hours train journey. On arrival at Trichy Feel the magnificence of this gateway to several historical and pilgrimage places of Tamil Nadu. Tiruchirapalli, also known as Trichy, is situated on the banks of the Kaveri River. It is also Tamil Nadu’s 4th largest city that attracts millions of travelers every year. You can experience a mild climate in Trichy, ranging from 24 Degrees Celsius to 37 Degrees Celsius.
The locals of Trichy have a prosperous ancient cultural legacy. You, as a tourist, can get to explore many spectacular locations, beautiful churches, numerous temples, and historical sites during your Trichy trip. Opt to visit Rock Fort Temple built by Pallavas back in 508 AD. Also visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is one of the Tiruchirappalli beautiful places. Dharma Varma Chola first constructed it, and later the temple vimanam got demolished by the Kaveri river flood. It was later on reconstructed by the Early Cholas King Killivalavan. The temple consists of 21 tower gateways. If you want to experience something spiritual, this is one of the best places to visit.
Later drive to Tanjore for your overnight stay
Day 5 In Tanjore
Thanjavur (Tanjore) once a thriving capital of the celebrated Chola Empire, known as the "rice bowl" of the Tamil Nadu region
Visit the spectacular Maratha Palace, within a maze-like complex; walk through the open courtyard Art Gallery displaying priceless collections of superb Chola bronzes and stone carvings and visit the Saraswathi Mahal Library.
Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple
Begin the day with a visit to the grand Lord Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where thousands of people worship daily. Built by King Raja Raja Cholan over a thousand years ago, this impressive temple is one of South India's most magnificent architectural accomplishments.
The remainder of the day is at leisure in Thanjavur
Overnight: Thanjavur
Day 6 Thanjavur – Pondicherry
Morning you will by travelling by train to Pondicherry. On arrival at a railway station near Pondicherry you will be transferred to Puducherry.
Your journey along the coast takes you to enchanting Pondicherry, a former French colonial settlement that still retains its carefree French atmosphere and architectural legacy. In the charming Old Quarter, with its tree-lined cobbled streets, colonial villas are draped with fragrant bougainvillea, and sidewalk cafes abound. Even the policemen are dressed in traditional French red hats and belts!
Enjoy your French life in Pondicherry. Night stay is in Pondicherry.
Day 7 Puducherry - Mamallapuram
Today visit serene Auroville, City of Dawn famous for the meditation center inspired by the teachings of the Indian yogi Sri Aurobindo. Many spiritually minded visitors come here and stay to nurture his vision of human unity. Next, view the golden-domed Mother Temple. Later, tour a factory where delicate individually handcrafted papers are produced followed by a visit to Aurobindo Ashram. Take a rickshaw ride around the French, Hindu and Muslim quarters of Pondicherry.
In time you will be driven away to Mahabalipuram. Night stay is in Mahabalipuram
Day 8 : In Mahabalipuram
After breakfast, embark for Mahabalipuram tour. Think about the Shore Temple standing by the sea for over 12 centuries, with an impressive bas-relief and imposing twin towers. At the southern end of the site, see the Five Rathas carved from large boulders and Arjuna's Penance, a massive bas-relief that magnificently depicts the flow of the Ganges down from the Himalayas coupled with scenes from Indian daily life. This temple complex is considered the finest early example of ancient southern Indian architecture.
Spend your rest of the day at the lovely beaches this coastal city has to offer before going for dinner at the hotel. Night stay is in Mahbalipuram
Day 9 Mahabalipuram – Chennai Depart
In time you will be transferred to Chennai airport to board your flight for onwards journey. Tour Ends
Tour Location
- Â Nights accommodation in economy / standard hotels and guest houses
- All airport / railway arrival and departure transfers
- Private car services in the entire tour plan
- Train fares for all sectors as per tour plan
- Â Breakfasts in the tour plan
- Rickshaw Ride in lively marktes of Madurai
- Sightseeing tours as per tour itinerary
- All applicable taxes and service charges and
- All road taxes, government taxes and driver allowances.
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