Compare Cultural Tamil Nadu with Kerala’s Beaches by GeTS Holidays vs Grand Tour of North India by Turban Adventures

Day 1: Arrival in Chennai

Our representative will welcome you on arrival and assist you in transfer to your hotel. Check-in to the hotel and relax. Spend time at leisure. Overnight in Chennai.

Day 2: Chennai Sightseeing

This morning after breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Chennai. Formerly known as Madras, the city of Chennai is known for its rich tradition, classical music, architecture, art and dance form, indigenous parts of the city's identity.

Visit Fort St George, built in the 17th century, this fort houses St. Mary's Church and a museum. St. Mary's Church is the oldest Anglican Church in India. Visit the Kapeeleshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Gopuram, or entrance tower, has a profusion of sculptured images depicting stories from Puranic legends. Next, visit the San Thome Cathedral, named after St. Thomas, the doubting discipline of Christ. Located at the southern tip of Marina Beach, it features a beautiful stained glass window at the basilica, depicting the story of St. Thomas.

Later, drive past Marina Beach, the second longest beach in the world.

In the evening, return to the hotel and relax. Overnight in Chennai.

Day 3: Chennai - Mahabalipuram (56 Km/Approx. 1.5 Hrs. drive)

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and proceed to Pondicherry, en route visiting Mahabalipuram.

Here, visit the Pancha Rathas or Five Ratha temples. Of the nine monolithic rock-cut temples found in Mahabalipuram, the most important are these, dedicated to the five Pandava brothers from the epic Mahabharata. The Dharmaraja Ratha is named after the eldest Pandava and is the largest one in the lineup. Visit Arjuna’s Penance, the massive rock-cut bas-relief sculpture. It measures 27 meters in length and 9 meters in height and depicts the story of Arjuna. Later, visit the Shore Temple, a five-storied structure made out of finely cut granite, and one of the earliest and most important structural temples. The Mahabalipuram group of monuments is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Day 4: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (96 Km/ Approx. 2 Hrs. Drive)

After breakfast at hotel, check-out and leave for Pondicherry.

On arrival in Pondicherry, you will proceed for a half-day city tour. Pondicherry is referred to as 'India's Little France' and 'The French Riviera of the East'. As the French ruled this place for around 280 years, the French flavor is now reflected in the colonial mansions, promenades, and street names on signboards. Visit Shri Aurobindo Ashram. This world-renowned ashram was founded in the year 1926, by Shri Aurobindo, a revolutionary turned Yogi from Bengal along with The Mother (Mira Alfassa), a French painter and sculptor. Later, visit the Government Museum, which houses sculptures from Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagara temples. Thereafter, drive past the beach promenade.

Later in the evening, check-in to the hotel and relax. Overnight in Pondicherry.

Day 5: Pondicherry – Thanjavur (168 Km/ Approx. 04 Hrs. drive)

After breakfast, you will check-out then and proceed to Thanjavur. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel and relax. Spend time at leisure. Overnight in Thanjavur.

Day 6: Thanjavur – Trichy (58 Km/approx. 1.5 Hrs. drive)

After breakfast, proceed for a visit of temples in Thanjavur – the focal point of Tamil learning and culture. Thanjavur was the royal city of the Cholas, Nayaks and the Marathas, and the original home of Dravidian art and architecture. Visit the Brihadeeshwara temple of Chola dynasty. The temple has a gigantic lingam (a phallic object as a symbol of Hindu God Shiva) cut from a monolithic rock, about 8.7 m high. There is a huge Nandi Bull structure within the inner shrine of the temple, the second largest monolithic Nandi in the country. Continue your tour with a visit to Tanjore Palace & Museum, which houses an art gallery, a library, the hall of music, and the audience hall. On display here are relics of royalty - clothes, hunting weapons, headgear and much more. The other two great Chola Temples in Thanjavur are the Temple of Gangaikondacholapuram and the Airavatesvara Temple.

Thereafter, drive to Trichy also known as Tiruchirappalli. On arrival, check-in to the hotel and relax. Overnight in Trichy.

Day 7: Trichy – Madurai (138 Km/Approx. 2.5 Hrs. drive)

After breakfast, visit Trichy, situated on the banks of the river Cauvery. The town and its fort were built by the Nayaks of Madurai. Visit the Rock Fort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky outcrop which rises abruptly from the plain to tower over the old city. At the very top is the ancient temple dedicated to Ganapati. Continue your tour with a visit to Srirangam, the foremost of the eight self-manifested shrines of Lord Vishnu. It is also considered the most important of the 108 main Vishnu temples (Divyadesams). The temple complex covers 156 acres of land and comprises seven concentric walls and twenty-one gopurams or towers. (Non-Hindus are not allowed the innermost sanctum of the temple).

Afterward, proceed to Madurai. On arrival, check-in to the hotel and relax. Overnight in Madurai.

Day 8: Madurai

After breakfast, go on a sightseeing tour of Madurai. Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, Madurai was the capital of the Pandya kings, and an important cultural and commercial center as early as 550 AD. Visit the Meenakshi Temple. The complex houses 14 magnificent Gopurams or towers, including two golden Gopurams for the main deities. It is one of the most important shrines of South India and the most visited attractions in the city. Next, visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum at the Tamukkam Palace. The museum houses the history and relics of the freedom movement. Continue to the Koodal Azhagar Temple, one of the 108 temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Three separate altars feature three figures of Vishnu, in standing, sitting and reclining postures.

Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 9: Madurai – Kanyakumari (245 Km/Approx. 04 Hrs. drive)

Enjoy breakfast then check-out from your hotel in Madurai and drive to Kanyakumari. Kanyakumari is the southernmost point of India and is home to beautiful beaches, exquisite temples, and important memorials. Watching the sunrise and sunset in Kanyakumari is a big attraction, especially on the full moon day in April, when it's possible to see both the setting sun and rising moon on the same horizon.

Check-in to the hotel. Spend the day at leisure.

Overnight in Kanyakumari.

Day 10: Kanyakumari – Kovalam (88 Km/2.5 Hrs. Drive)

After breakfast, step out for a sightseeing tour of Kanyakumari. Visit attractions including Kumari Amman Temple situated on the seashore and one of the most sacred temples in the world, Gandhi Mandapam, and Vivekananda Memorial which marks the popular site where spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda had meditated on a rock off the coast. Overnight in Kanyakumari.

Later, proceed to Kovalam. On arrival, check-in to the hotel and relax. Spend the day at leisure in Kovalam. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Kovalam

After enjoying your breakfast, you are free to spend the day at leisure.

The quiet and picturesque beach town of Kovalam is a place to spend time in harmony, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Located close to the Arabian Sea, Kovalam’calm blue waters, rocky headlands, decades-old lighthouses and coconut palms lining up on the seashore, create an ideal place to relax. The Lighthouse beach (the most popular); Hawa Beach and Samudra Beach are the highlights of Kovalam. Kovalam has been a favorite tourist spot since the late 1970’s when it shot to fame with the hippie epoch in India.

Enjoy the verdant surroundings, and sand and surf at the beach of Kovalam.

Overnight in Kovalam.

Day 12: Kovalam – Trivandrum – Departure

The morning after breakfast, transfer to the Trivandrum Airport to board the departure flight to your onward journey.

Day 1 - Arrive in Delhi

A warm welcome on arrival at Delhi Airport by our team member & get transferred privately to your hotel located in New Delhi & staying here takes you back to the time of British Era.This afternoon is at leisure to get settled from international journey. Depending on your time of arrival, if you wish to start exploring this afternoon, our car & driver is available at your service. We are just a call away from you (mobile phone given to you on arrival).Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 2 - Exploring Delhi

According to itinerary we have incorporated the famous sights to visit in Old & New Delhi. The tour starts from Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Spice market tour & takes you to New Delhi. Explore Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb (A UNESCO World Heritage Site) & the renowned India Gate. Drive past through President’s House & Parliament House.The above itinerary is just completely flexibility & runs at your own package. So at any point you may wish to customize it, just let your guide know & he will tailor the day to suit your tastes.Return to The Imperial by evening for overnight stay.

Day 3 - Delhi - Jaipur

This morning start your drive to Jaipur after a late breakfast.Make a halt at Neemrana to visit the 14th century fort in the Aravali Mountains.On arrival in Jaipur, check in at your hotel. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 4 - Jaipur

After breakfast in the morning you will be met by our guide for sightseeing of Jaipur. Starting with an excursion to Amber Fort, A perfect example of Mughal & Rajput architecture. Get on the electronic vehicle to reach at the top of fort. Visit 16th century step well famous as Panna Meena ka kund located in the foothills of mountains.While return to city stop at Jal Mahal for photo tour. Later visit City Palace - residence of former royal family of Jaipur, Jantar Mantar ( A UNESCO World Heritage Site ) is a astronomical observatory designed by Maharaja Jai Singh II & The Palace of Winds famous as Hawa Mahal, the landmark of Jaipur.Take a heritage walk with our guide in old city, passing through the narrow streets, exploring flower & vegetable markets. See the local artisans & experience the lifestyle of people in Pink City.Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 5 - Jaipur - Agra via Tordi Village

Have a sumptuous breakfast in hotel & drive to Agra en-route we will visit Tordi Village & explore the local houses in an open jeep followed by lunch at the palace.Drive straight towards Agra & check in at hotel overlooking to Taj Mahal. Capture the sunset views of Taj from your room & spend overnight at hotel.

Day 6 - In Agra

Early morning get ready to indulge in the beauty of Taj Mahal to experience this most visited monument at sunrise.Come back to hotel.Relax for a while & after lunch join our tour guide for sightseeing of Agra Fort, the red sandstone building which was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar. Continue visit Imad-ud-daullah tomb famous as Baby Taj.See Taj Mahal in evening light from opposite side & visit Kachpura village. Overnight in Agra.

Day 7 - Agra - Jhansi (Train), Jhansi - Khajuraho via Orchha (185 kms / 4.5 hrs)

Early morning board train to Jhansi. Meet our driver at Jhansi Railway Station & start your journey towards Khajuraho.En-route you will stop at Orchha to visit The Fort complex to cover the three palace located in open quadrangle. Have lunch at Orchha Mahal & drive straight to the place which is listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Site named ‘Khajuraho’.On arrival check in at your pre-booked hotel in Khajuraho which is very closely located to Western Group of temples. Overnight stay in Khajuraho.

Day 8 - Khajuraho

Day reserved for sightseeing of Khajuraho covering the famous Western Group of Temples comprises Kandariya Mahadev Temple - dedicated to Lord Shiva, Chausath Yogini Temple - the oldest & the only temple surviving temple of Goddess Kali etc.Also visit Eastern Group of Temples & Southern Group of Temples at sunset. Overnight in Khajuraho.

Day 9 - Fly to Varanasi

Board flight to Varanasi. Meet our staff at Varanasi Airport & get transferred to your hotel which is exactly overlooking to Ganges & dates back to 18th century.Set out this afternoon for excursion to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Visit the various monasteries & come back to Varanasi.

In the evening visit the Dashaswamedh Ghat to see the holy Aarti on the banks of Ganges, opt for boat ride to see the rituals performed by devotees on the ghats.

Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 10 - Varanasi

A special highlight of this trip is to have sunrise boat ride on River Ganges. So get up early morning & enjoy boat cruise on the great Ganges River to see the temples bathed in soft light.

Take a guided walking tour of old city with our guide to explore Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple & Sankat Mochan Temple.

Complete your day by visiting Sarai Mohana village famous for silk weaving. Return to hotel.

Day 11 - Fly to Delhi & depart

Its time to day goodbye after a unforgettable trip to exotic & most visited destinations. Fly to Delhi & board your onward flight back to home.