Chennai Kanchipuram Mahabalipuram Tour | South India Golden Triangle Packages

GOLDEN TRIANGLE TOUR OF CHENNAI, KANCHIPURAM, AND MAHABALIPURAM- Mahabalipuram along with Chennai and Kanchipuram forms the famous 'Golden Tourism Triangle' ashore Coromandel Coast.

During this tour take a leisurely walk for exploring the beautiful city of Chennai, visit Kanchipuram which is famed as the city of thousand temples. These ancient temples dotted around the landscapes of Kanchipuram greatly reflect the glorious traditions of South India with its noted temples. Moving further our guest will descend to Mahabalipuram to visit its famous Shore Temple.

CHENNAI- Chennai the fifth most populous city in India and the capital of Tamil Nadu. Chennai is situated on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal and was initially known as Madras. Chennai is also known as the automobile capital of India and it has the maximum number of automobile industry in India. It is city with a blend of old and new in the right proportion. Chennai is housed with a number of historic landmarks and beaches.

KANCHIPURAM- It is popularly call the Golden City and is one of the seven most sacred cities of India. Kanchi is also called as the Varanasi of the South and is held in great reverence. Kanchi is also famous for its finest hand woven silk fabrics and saris with delicate zari work. Kanchipuram is considered to be as India's seven sacred cities and the second holiest after Varanasi.

MAHABALIPURAM- Mahabalipuram also called as Mamallapuram is a famous coastal town and was earlier a sea port founded by a Pallavan King in the 17th century. Today it is a fascinating archeological site and a pleasant sea resort. Mahabalipuram washed by the shores of the Bay of Bengal is noted for its coastline. This golden sandy beach has striking interesting features in an unusual way bounded by the gleam of the sea and rolling hills.

Tour Destination:- Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Chennai

Travel Duration:- 03 Nights/04 Days

DAY 1: CHENNAI

Arrive in Chennai and later transfer to the hotel. After breakfast, full day city tour of The Capital City of Tamil Nadu- Chennai.

FORT ST.GEORGE- It was built in 1640 AD, by the British East India Company under the direct supervision of Francis Day and Andrew Cogon. The flag staff at Fort St. George is still the tallest in India. South of the Fort is the War Memorial, built in 1939 in memory of the warriors who sacrificed their lives during the First World War.

KAPELESHWAR TEMPLE- Located in Mylapore, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the oldest temples in the city. It is not clear as to who built the temple. Going by the songs by Nayanmars, it is believed that Kapaleshwar Temple was built during the 7th century by Pallava Kings.

DAKSHINACHITRA- Located in the heart of Chennai city, Dakshina Chitra , or "a picture of the south", as it is meant in English, is a hub of living art traditions , conventional performing arts, crafts and architectural works of the country with due emphasis on South Indian customs and practices.

PARTHASARTHY TEMPLE- It is located at Triplicane, near the famous Marina beach in Chennai. Spread over an area of 1.5 acres, it was built by the Pallavas in the 8th century. The temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna (Parthasarathy), houses images of the five incarnations of Vishnu.

RAJIV GHANDHI MEMORIAL- Rajiv Gandhi Memorial is another must visit spot on your tour to Madras. It is located at a distance of about 40 km from the main city. The memorial is precisely situated at Sriperumbudur and is dedicated to the former Prime Minster of India, Rajiv Gandhi.

MARINA BEACH- This is naturally the instant choice for everyone that visits Chennai. This is the second longest beach in the world. The large expanse of silver sand allows for a great walk along the seashore. Sunrise and sun set views are picturesque in this perfect setting. Some of the sports activities possible in Marina Beach include fishing, wind surfing and beach volley ball.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 2: CHENNAI - KANCHIPURAM - MAHABALIPURAM

In the morning after breakfast, start driving towards the City of Thousand Temples- Kanchipuram.

KAMAKSHI AMMAN TEMPLE- This is an ancient temple in the city of Kanchipuram. Dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, this shrine is believed to have been built by the Pallavas. Kamakshi resides here in a seated position as opposed to a standing one, which is unique to this temple.

VARADARAJA TEMPLE- The marvelous Varadaraja Temple was built during the 10th century by the Vijayanagar kings. There is a big outer wall that covers or as the locals say, protects this fine temple.

KAILASANATHA TEMPLE- It was constructed in the 8th century and has a beautiful panel depicting 'Lord Shiva and Parvati' during a dance. The Ardhanareeswarar is one of the best sculptural wonder.

EKAMBARANATHA TEMPLE- It is the largest temple in Kanchipuram. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and was built by the Pallavas. This temple has 1000 lingas which are all carved out of one solitary stone. Also, there are one thousand pillared halls found within the temple.

KACHAPESHWARAR TEMPLE- In this temple Lord Shiva can be seen being worshipped by Lord Vishnu in the form of a tortoise.

In the afternoon also visit the market to buy some silk sarees that are world famous. Later, continue your drive towards Mahabalipuram. Straight transfer to hotel. Evening free for leisure.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 3: MAHABALIPURAM

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Mahabalipuram viewing

SHORE TEMPLE- The oldest structure in the area, build c. 700 AD, this temple has been here for more than 1400 years. A Shiva lingam is enshrined in the central building and the site can get very crowded on weekends.

FIVE RATHAS- This site contains five Rathas, literally chariots, dating from the 7th century. The sculptures are complemented by some enormous stone animals, including a large elephant.

THIRUKADALMALLAI- This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It was also built by Pallava King in order to safeguard the sculptures from the ocean.

SCULPTURE MUSEUM-Â East Raja Street has hundreds of sculptures in stone, wood etc. The following structures like Arjuna's Penance, Krishna's Butterball, Mahishamardini Cave. Varaha Cave having four impressive carvings of Vishnu, Gajalakshmi, Trivikrama and Durga are all carved straight out of rock in the central hillside area, so you can travel between them on foot.

In the evening you can sit back and relax on the sandy beach or can enjoy Boat rides in the Bay of Bengal with life guards, fishing trips to the sea & Turtle walk at the sea shore.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 4: MAHABALIPURAM - CHENNAI

Morning at leisure. Later travel back to Chennai to catch your flight/train towards onward destination.

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