• Kanchipuram, the Golden Town of a Thousand Temples
• Thanjavur, considered the epicenter of Indian classical arts and music
• Rock Fort Temple and Srirangam Temple in Trichy
• Meenakshi Temple in Madurai

Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital of Tamil Nadu, the exotic state famous for its temple architecture. It is also one of the four major metropolitan cities in India and the base of South India’s classical music and dance performances. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 1: Chennai—Mahabalipuram
The morning is free for resting after your journey. In the afternoon, visit some of Chennai’s oldest British monuments including Fort St. George, presently used as the offices of the Tamil Nadu Secretariat and the Legislative Assembly, and the Garrison Church of St. Mary's, the oldest Anglican church in India. Thereafter, proceed to Mahabalipuram (1 hr). Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Day 2: Mahabalipuram—Chennai
Full day excursion to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram. Kanchipuram is a spectacular temple city which reflects the glorious traditions of South India. It is popularly called the Golden Town of a Thousand Temples and is renowned for the Kamakshi, Varadarajaswami, and Kailasanathan temples. Later proceed to Mahabalipuram, once the capital of the Pallava Kings. The magnificent Shore Temple, built by king Rajasimha in the seventh century, is a unique temple that houses the shrines of both Shiva and Vishnu. Return to Chennai in the evening. Overnight in Chennai.

Day 3: Chennai—Thanjavur
This morning, drive to Thanjavur (9 hours). Thanjavur was once the royal city of the Cholas and the Nayaks and is considered the center of all Indian classical arts and music. It is also well known for its unique Tanjore painting style. Overnight in Thanjavur.

Day 4: Thanjavur
After breakfast, proceed on a city tour of Thanjavur. Home to 93 temples, Thanjavur stands out as a towering monument proclaiming the glory of the Chola regime and its commitment to the arts and culture. Visit the Gangaikondacholapuram Temple, located next to Kumbakonam Rajendra Chola, the son of Chola King Raja Raja, built the temple on the lines of the Big Temple of Thanjavur. To date, even the ruins of the temple are visited for the splendid Chola sculpture. Overnight in Thanjavur.

Day 5: Thanjavur—Madurai
Drive to Madurai via Trichy - visit the Rock Fort Temple and Srirangam Temple, a 17th century temple dedicated to Vishnu. Srirangam, surrounded by the waters of river Kaveri on one side and its tributary Kollidan on the other, is a 600 acre island-town enclosed within the seven walls of the gigantic Sri Ranganathaswami Temple. There are 21 gopurams, among which the Rajagopuram is the largest in South India. Arrive at Madurai and check into your hotel. Overnight in Madurai.

Day 6: Madurai
Madurai was the capital city for the great Pandya kings, and today is Tamil Nadu's cultural arena. In the morning, visit the Meenakshi Temple, the Teppakkulam Tank and the ancient Tirumala Nayak Palace. The structures of the Meenakshi Temple that are standing today date mostly from the twelfth to the eighteenth century. Its enormous gopurams, covered with gaily-colored statues, dominate the landscape and are visible from all over Madurai. At every turn there is magnificent architecture. The Tirumala Nayak Palace is a gracious building in the Indo Saracenic style, famous for the stucco work on its domes and arches. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Madurai.

Day 7: Madurai—Chennai
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chennai. Overnight in Chennai.

Day 8: Departure
Day at leisure to explore Chennai or rest before your journey home. We recommend taking time to visit the vibrant marketplaces and bazaars for fantastic shopping! In the evening, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the U.S. Bon Voyage!