Glimpses of South India

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Itinerary

Day 1
CHENNAI, KANCHIPURAM, DAKSHINCHITRA, MAHABALIPURAM

Morning after breakfast you will proceed to Mahabalipuram. En route visit the city of Kanchipuram covering Kailasanatha Temple (Dedicated to Siva, Kailasanatha is one of the earliest temples. It was built by the Pallava king, Rayasimha, in the late 7th century, though its front was added later by his son, King Varman III. It is the only temple at Kanchi which isn't cluttered with the more recent additions of the Cholas and Vijayanagar rulers, and so reflects the freshness and simplicity of early Dravidian architecture) and The Sri Ekambarnathar Temple (It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the largest temples in Kanchipuram, covering nine hectares. Its 59 m high gopuram and massive outer stone wall were constructed in 1509 by Krishna Devaraja of the Vijayananagar Empire, though construction was originally started by the Pallavas and the temple was later extended by the Cholas. Inside are five separates enclosures and a 1000- pillared hall. The temple's name is said to be a modified form of Eka Amra Nathar -- the Lord of the Mango tree. and in one of the enclosure is a very old mango tree with four branches representing the four Vedas. The fruit of each of the four branches is said to have a different taste, and a plaque nearby claims that the tree is 3500 years old). Post lunch drive down to Dakshinchitra (Roughly translated in this context, means 'Picture of South India'. It is a depiction of the way of life prevalent in South India. A trip down Dakshinachitra takes you back to traditional home architecture from Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. Started with the objective to revive, preserve and promote the arts and crafts of South India, it also serves as heritage education for visitors from outside South India and also for children who have never had the opportunity to experience their culture). Arrive Mahabalipuram in the evening and check-in at your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 2
MAHABALIPURAM, PONDICHERRY

Morning after breakfast you will proceed for a sightseeing of Mahabalipuram. Pay a visit to Arjuna's Penance (Carved in relief on the face of a huge rock, Arjuna's Penance is the mythical story of the River Ganges issuing from its source high in the Himalaya . The panel depicts animals, deities and other semi-divine creatures, fable from the Panchatantra, and Arjuna doing a penance to obtain a boon from Siva), The Shore Temple (This beautiful and romantic temple, ravaged by wind and sea, represents the final phase of Pallavas art and was built in the late 7th century during the reign of Rajasimha. It is believed that at one point in time there were seven such temples, six of them were victims to the natural elements of erosion. This temple has three shrines; one dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the other two to Lord Shiva. The frothy waves form a striking backdrop to the temple, protected by rows of rock-carved bulls. The most unique feature of the temple is that it houses shrines to both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu), Krishna Mandapam (There are eight mandapams ( shallow, rock-cut halls ) scattered over the main hill, two of which have been left unfinished. they are mainly of interest for their internal figure sculptures. One of the earliest rock-cut temples is the Krishna Mandapam. It features carvings of a pastoral scene showing Krishna lifting up the Govardhana mountain to protect his kinsfolk from the wrath of Indra. On the hill rests a dangerously balanced boulder named Krishna's Butterball after his legendary affinity for fresh butter) and Five Rathas (These are the architectural prototypes of all Dravidian temples, demonstrating the imposing gopurams and vimanas, multi pillared halls and sculptured walls which dominate the landscape of Tamil Nadu). Post sightseeing drive down to Pondicherry (Pondicherry was a French colony at one time but in 1954 it was restored to India by the French. Neat & charming, Pondicherry has a beautiful beach & a refreshing sea). Arrive and check-in at your hotel. Afternoon to explore Pondicherry. On the eastern side of Indian peninsula, Pondicherry is a seaside resort. But at the same time it differs very much from a typical beach resort. Tourist attractions in Pondicherry lie in its ambience.Old French style buildings, churches and museums, tree-lined boulevards along the seashore would remind you of a bygone era. The laidback township, pristine beach and the palm trees swaying in breeze bring a slice of serenity. The only sound you can hear is the waves crashing against the rocks and the chirping of the birds. But to cap it all, the Auroville Ashram is the biggest of all tourist attractions in Pondicherry. Just because of it, the destination of Pondicherry exudes a spiritual aura. For the weary soul, this is an ideal retreat. Any evening head for the Ashram, meditate, soothe the battered psyche.

Destinations

 
 
 
 
 
Chennai

Pondicherry is the Union territory that is situated in Tamil Nadu, India. Before getting its official name Pondicherry in the year 2006, it was known as Pondy. The climate here is similar to other costal reasons, of the country. The summer temperature reaches up to a maximum of 41 degree Celsius. This place experiences humid climate. They have scheduled fight services and there are luxurious bus services, and railways that operate here. Some of the famous tourist spots here are Children’s park, Gandhi statue, French War Memorial, 19th century light house, Governors Palace, Pondicherry museum, and the Legislative Assembly.

 
 
 
 
 
KanchiPuram

Pondicherry is the Union territory that is situated in Tamil Nadu, India. Before getting its official name Pondicherry in the year 2006, it was known as Pondy. The climate here is similar to other costal reasons, of the country. The summer temperature reaches up to a maximum of 41 degree Celsius. This place experiences humid climate. They have scheduled fight services and there are luxurious bus services, and railways that operate here. Some of the famous tourist spots here are Children’s park, Gandhi statue, French War Memorial, 19th century light house, Governors Palace, Pondicherry museum, and the Legislative Assembly.

 
 
 
 
 
Pondicherry

Pondicherry is the Union territory that is situated in Tamil Nadu, India. Before getting its official name Pondicherry in the year 2006, it was known as Pondy. The climate here is similar to other costal reasons, of the country. The summer temperature reaches up to a maximum of 41 degree Celsius. This place experiences humid climate. They have scheduled fight services and there are luxurious bus services, and railways that operate here. Some of the famous tourist spots here are Children’s park, Gandhi statue, French War Memorial, 19th century light house, Governors Palace, Pondicherry museum, and the Legislative Assembly.

 
 
 
 
 
Pondicherry

Pondicherry is the Union territory that is situated in Tamil Nadu, India. Before getting its official name Pondicherry in the year 2006, it was known as Pondy. The climate here is similar to other costal reasons, of the country. The summer temperature reaches up to a maximum of 41 degree Celsius. This place experiences humid climate. They have scheduled fight services and there are luxurious bus services, and railways that operate here. Some of the famous tourist spots here are Children’s park, Gandhi statue, French War Memorial, 19th century light house, Governors Palace, Pondicherry museum, and the Legislative Assembly.

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