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India
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Tamil Nadu
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Chennai
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Tours & Activities
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City Break Chennai - Cultural Experience
4 days
About this activity
Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL CHENNAI
Pass By: Chennai International Airport, GST Rd, Meenambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600027, India
Once you arrive at Chennai Airport a representative will meet and greet you, followed by a transfer to your hotel. After checking in, spend the rest of the day at your own leisure, exploring this wonderful city , or relax at the hotel and make the most of the available services.
Overnight in Chennai.
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Standard=The Residency or similar 3*
Superior=Courtyard by Marriott or similar 4*
Deluxe=Hyatt Regency or similar 5*
Day 2: CHENNAI CITY TOUR
Pass By: Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Kapaleesvarar Sannadhi Street Vinayaka Nagar Colony, Chennai (Madras) 600004 India
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day Chennai City Tour. Visit the Government Museum and the National Art Gallery form part of a cultural-historical complex that is the pride of Chennai. The museum is the second oldest in India and is housed in an Italianate red sandstone rotunda. It has sections dedicated to archaeology, zoology, natural history and sculptures as well as a priceless rare coins collection. The gallery is housed in an imposing Indo-Saracenic building and boasts collections of Indian miniature paintings and tanjore panel paintings, which often feature gold foil.
Visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple and admire stunning stucco of the 57 metre-high gopuram (gateway steeple). A temple has stood on this site since the seventh century though the multicoloured gopuram dates from 1906. Look around and take in the intricate detail of this magnificent paean to the Lord Shiva. Access beyond outer courtyard is reserved for Hindus.
On your sightseeing drive through Chennai pass Fort St George, which was built by the British to protect their position, and Marina Beach, the second-longest beach in the world as well as glistening white Gothic revival Santhome Catholic Cathedral.
Overnight in Chennai
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard=The Residency or similar 3*
Superior=Courtyard by Marriott or similar 4*
Deluxe=Hyatt Regency or similar 5*
Day 3: CHENNAI
Pass By: Chennai Citi Center, No 10 & 11 Dr Radhakrishnan Salai Mylapore, Chennai (Madras) 600004 India
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel followed by a full day for you to spend at leisure, be that further exploring Chennai at your own pace or making the most of the services available at the hotel. You can also join an optional tour ( extra pay).
1. HALF DAY CHENNAI CITY TOUR (MORNING/AFTERNOON - EXCEPT FRIDAY)
Half day city sightseeing tour includes a visit to the Government Museum and Art Gallery, to see the art and bronze gallery (closed on Fridays and public holidays) and also a visit to the famous 16th century Kapaleeshwarar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, sacred to Tamil Shivaties. Non-Hindus are only allowed up to the outer courtyard. Later drive past Fort St. George, Marina Beach and San Thome Cathedral.
2. EXCURSION TO MAHABALIPURAM
Mahabalipuram was the 7th century port city of the Pallava dynasty, and was formerly known as 'Mammallapuram' after the great wrestler king Narshimvarman I who took on the title of 'Maha-malla' or 'great wrestler'. You would left mesmerized and awestruck by at the grandeur of the stone carvings. The structures here are mostly carved straight out of granite and are among the oldest existing examples of Dravidian (South Indian) architecture.
Mamallapuram occupies a stunning position on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon. Built by the Pallava rulers in the seventh century, the complex comprises of 14 cave temples, nine monolithic "Rathas", three stone temples and two relief sculptured rock panels. These two rock-panels give a graphic description of Arjuna's penance when he prayed for the powers of Shiva and form the largest Bass Relief in the world. Particularly of interest is the shore temple built on the water's edge with an east-facing altar designed to catch the rising Sub, this has now been declared a World Heritage Site.
3. EXCURSION TO KANCHIPURAM (NON-HINDUS ARE NOT ALLOWED INSIDE THE TEMPLE COMPLEX)
Today, drive 72 kms to Kanchipuram, also known as Kanchi as well as City of Thousand temples. The temples here dates back to the early Cholas in the second century. Only around 70 temples of the original temple complex are still intact and the most famous is the Kailasanatha Temple built of sandstone in the early seventh century. Kanchipuram is famous for silk weaving and a visit to the nearby villages to see the craftsmen at work on their looms is rewarding experience.
4.. EXCURSION TO KANCHIPURAM & MAHABALIPURAM
Today you would be visiting the Kanchipuram , also known as Kanchi as well as City of Thousand temples, located 72 km from Chennai and Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, around 60 km south from the city of Chennai. First visit Kanchipuram and later travel to Mahabalipuram and visit Five Rathas, Arjuna Dhabas, Krishna Mandap, Krishna Butterball and Shore Temple.
In Kanchipuram, one of Hinduism's seven most sacred cities is "Golden City of a Thousand Temples" and dates back to the early Cholas in the second century. Only around 70 temples of the original temple complex are still intact and the most famous is the Kailasanatha Temple built of sandstone in the early seventh century. Kanchipuram is famous for silk weaving and a visit to the nearby villages to see the craftsmen at work on their looms is rewarding experience. (Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple complex)
Mamallapuram occupies a stunning position on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon. Built by the Pallava rulers in the seventh century, the complex comprises of 14 cave temples, nine monolithic "" Rathas"", three stone temples and two relief sculptured rock panels. These two rock-panels give a graphic description of Arjuna's penance when he prayed for the powers of Shiva and form the largest Bass Relief in the world. Particularly of interest is the shore temple built on the water's edge with an east-facing altar designed to catch the rising Sub, this has now been declared a World Heritage Site."
Overnight in Chennai
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard=The Residency or similar 3*
Superior=Courtyard by Marriott or similar 4*
Deluxe=Hyatt Regency or similar 5*
Day 4: DEPART CHENNAI
Pass By: Chennai International Airport, GST Rd, Meenambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600027, India
After breakfast, check-out and in-time transfer to Airport to board flight for onward journey.
(Standard Check-out Time: 1100 Hrs)
Breakfast included
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
Read more
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Day 1: ARRIVAL CHENNAI
Pass By: Chennai International Airport, GST Rd, Meenambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600027, India
Once you arrive at Chennai Airport a representative will meet and greet you, followed by a transfer to your hotel. After checking in, spend the rest of the day at your own leisure, exploring this wonderful city , or relax at the hotel and make the most of the available services.
Overnight in Chennai.
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Standard=The Residency or similar 3*
Superior=Courtyard by Marriott or similar 4*
Deluxe=Hyatt Regency or similar 5*
Day 2: CHENNAI CITY TOUR
Pass By: Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Kapaleesvarar Sannadhi Street Vinayaka Nagar Colony, Chennai (Madras) 600004 India
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day Chennai City Tour. Visit the Government Museum and the National Art Gallery form part of a cultural-historical complex that is the pride of Chennai. The museum is the second oldest in India and is housed in an Italianate red sandstone rotunda. It has sections dedicated to archaeology, zoology, natural history and sculptures as well as a priceless rare coins collection. The gallery is housed in an imposing Indo-Saracenic building and boasts collections of Indian miniature paintings and tanjore panel paintings, which often feature gold foil.
Visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple and admire stunning stucco of the 57 metre-high gopuram (gateway steeple). A temple has stood on this site since the seventh century though the multicoloured gopuram dates from 1906. Look around and take in the intricate detail of this magnificent paean to the Lord Shiva. Access beyond outer courtyard is reserved for Hindus.
On your sightseeing drive through Chennai pass Fort St George, which was built by the British to protect their position, and Marina Beach, the second-longest beach in the world as well as glistening white Gothic revival Santhome Catholic Cathedral.
Overnight in Chennai
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard=The Residency or similar 3*
Superior=Courtyard by Marriott or similar 4*
Deluxe=Hyatt Regency or similar 5*
Day 3: CHENNAI
Pass By: Chennai Citi Center, No 10 & 11 Dr Radhakrishnan Salai Mylapore, Chennai (Madras) 600004 India
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel followed by a full day for you to spend at leisure, be that further exploring Chennai at your own pace or making the most of the services available at the hotel. You can also join an optional tour ( extra pay).
1. HALF DAY CHENNAI CITY TOUR (MORNING/AFTERNOON - EXCEPT FRIDAY)
Half day city sightseeing tour includes a visit to the Government Museum and Art Gallery, to see the art and bronze gallery (closed on Fridays and public holidays) and also a visit to the famous 16th century Kapaleeshwarar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, sacred to Tamil Shivaties. Non-Hindus are only allowed up to the outer courtyard. Later drive past Fort St. George, Marina Beach and San Thome Cathedral.
2. EXCURSION TO MAHABALIPURAM
Mahabalipuram was the 7th century port city of the Pallava dynasty, and was formerly known as 'Mammallapuram' after the great wrestler king Narshimvarman I who took on the title of 'Maha-malla' or 'great wrestler'. You would left mesmerized and awestruck by at the grandeur of the stone carvings. The structures here are mostly carved straight out of granite and are among the oldest existing examples of Dravidian (South Indian) architecture.
Mamallapuram occupies a stunning position on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon. Built by the Pallava rulers in the seventh century, the complex comprises of 14 cave temples, nine monolithic "Rathas", three stone temples and two relief sculptured rock panels. These two rock-panels give a graphic description of Arjuna's penance when he prayed for the powers of Shiva and form the largest Bass Relief in the world. Particularly of interest is the shore temple built on the water's edge with an east-facing altar designed to catch the rising Sub, this has now been declared a World Heritage Site.
3. EXCURSION TO KANCHIPURAM (NON-HINDUS ARE NOT ALLOWED INSIDE THE TEMPLE COMPLEX)
Today, drive 72 kms to Kanchipuram, also known as Kanchi as well as City of Thousand temples. The temples here dates back to the early Cholas in the second century. Only around 70 temples of the original temple complex are still intact and the most famous is the Kailasanatha Temple built of sandstone in the early seventh century. Kanchipuram is famous for silk weaving and a visit to the nearby villages to see the craftsmen at work on their looms is rewarding experience.
4.. EXCURSION TO KANCHIPURAM & MAHABALIPURAM
Today you would be visiting the Kanchipuram , also known as Kanchi as well as City of Thousand temples, located 72 km from Chennai and Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, around 60 km south from the city of Chennai. First visit Kanchipuram and later travel to Mahabalipuram and visit Five Rathas, Arjuna Dhabas, Krishna Mandap, Krishna Butterball and Shore Temple.
In Kanchipuram, one of Hinduism's seven most sacred cities is "Golden City of a Thousand Temples" and dates back to the early Cholas in the second century. Only around 70 temples of the original temple complex are still intact and the most famous is the Kailasanatha Temple built of sandstone in the early seventh century. Kanchipuram is famous for silk weaving and a visit to the nearby villages to see the craftsmen at work on their looms is rewarding experience. (Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple complex)
Mamallapuram occupies a stunning position on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon. Built by the Pallava rulers in the seventh century, the complex comprises of 14 cave temples, nine monolithic "" Rathas"", three stone temples and two relief sculptured rock panels. These two rock-panels give a graphic description of Arjuna's penance when he prayed for the powers of Shiva and form the largest Bass Relief in the world. Particularly of interest is the shore temple built on the water's edge with an east-facing altar designed to catch the rising Sub, this has now been declared a World Heritage Site."
Overnight in Chennai
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard=The Residency or similar 3*
Superior=Courtyard by Marriott or similar 4*
Deluxe=Hyatt Regency or similar 5*
Day 4: DEPART CHENNAI
Pass By: Chennai International Airport, GST Rd, Meenambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600027, India
After breakfast, check-out and in-time transfer to Airport to board flight for onward journey.
(Standard Check-out Time: 1100 Hrs)
Breakfast included
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
Included
- 3x Breakfast
- Accommodation included: 3 nights
- Inbound/Outbound airport transfer from Chennai Airport
- All monuments and activities as indicated in the itinerary: Full - day sightseeing tour of Chennai
- TOUR GUIDE: Operated with English speaking local guide during the excursion to Chennai
Not included
- All optional excursions suggested in the itinerary.
- Any service not listed on the included section.
- Any airfare, airport taxes, supplement for which are quoted separately if applicable
- Tips to drivers, local guides, and hotel staff
- Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme
Additional
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 9 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
- Infants must sit on laps
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Please note we are able to accept clients request for Vegan meals.
- Please note that hotel classification is as per Indian standards.
- The standard hotel check-in and check-out time is from 14:00. In some cases it may vary.
- The distances and travel times described in the itinerary may vary.
- Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice
- Most travelers can participate
- Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in India. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Features
Tourism
80%
Cultural
50%
Original
30%
Food
20%
