Depart from Chennai for Kanchipuram (72 kms/2 hrs), widely known as “City of 1000 temples” that was once the capital of the Pallavas and the Cholas. These two ruling dynasties gave the city its numerous temples. The city considered one of the seven sacred cities under Hinduism, is also famous for its ‘Kancheepuram Silk’. Visit the Kailasanathar Temple, one of the oldest, built in the 7th century AD. Built of sandstone, it houses some of the most elegant sculptures of Natraja (Shiva in Cosmic dance). Finally visit Ekambareshwara Temple, the biggest in the city. Later drive to Mahabalipuram. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Mahabalipuram. 

Visit the magnificent rock temples and carvings in Mahabalipuram. Five Rathas – ceremonial chariots, rock-cut monoliths, named after the 5 Pandavas and Draupadi. The Shore Temple by the sea built in sandstone in the 7th century. Arjuna’s Penance, a bas-relief (27x9m) sculptured on the face of two enormous adjacent rocks. 

Later drive to Pondicherry, the last French settlement in India till 1954. Despite its invigorating seafront and relaxing atmosphere, the town is visited above all for the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Before checking into the hotel, visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual centre founded by Sri Aurobindo and his chief disciple Mirra Alfassa. Stroll through the streets whose names still bear the French influence and finally to Auroville the ‘city of dawn’, founded in 1968 and inhabited by people of different nationalities living as Global Citizens.  Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Pondicherry.

Proceed to Tanjore enroute visit Chidambaram, one of the most ancient and celebrated shrines in India. Chidambaram is dedicated to Nataraja, the form of Shiva as the divine cosmic dancer in Tandava pose. Overnight in Tanjore. 

This morning, proceed to Madurai. Afternoon, visit Tirrumalai Nayakkar Palace. In the evening, visit the Meenakshi temple to attend the night ceremony when the idols of Sundareshwar (Lord Shiva) and his consort Meenakshi (Parvati) are carried in a grand procession to the bedchamber, where they are kept for the night. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Madurai. 

After early breakfast transfer to Madurai railway station to board train for Chennai (0645/1440 hrs). Met upon arrival at Chennai, later free time for shopping. Evening after dinner transfer to the airport for the return flight.