• Pancha Rathas - Begin the day with a visit to the Pancharathas, or five chariots, a collection of monolithic temples crafted by the Pallavas. These rock-cut monolith temple structures were constructed in the 7th century. Each of the five rathas, or chariots, is dedicated to the main characters of the Mahabharata epic: Draupadi, Arjuna, Nakul-Sahadeva, Bhima, and Yudhister. Additionally, there is a sculpture of an elephant beside the ratha of Nakul-Sahadeva. Standing at the rear of the elephant reveals a striking resemblance between the back of the chariot and the elephant.
• Arjuna’s Penance - The next destination is Arjuna’s Penance, a bas-relief monument regarded as one of India’s most remarkable pieces of ancient art, illustrating vivid scenes from the Mahabharata. The relief measures 100 feet in length and 45 feet in height! The central narrative depicts how Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, undertook severe austerities to acquire Lord Shiva’s weapon.
• India Seashell Museum - The museum boasts a collection of over 40,000 sea shells, a unique endeavor by Raja Mohamad, who dedicated 33 years to gathering these items from across the globe.
• Krishna’s Butter Ball - The subsequent stop is Krishna’s Butterball, a granite boulder perched on a rocky slope. This intriguing boulder appears to defy Newton’s laws of gravity, remaining stationary despite its precarious position for over a thousand years.
• Shore Temple - Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, this magnificent temple was a significant center during the Pallava reign when Mahabalipuram served as the main port of their Kingdom. Constructed by King Raja Simha in the early 8th century, the Shore Temple is a landmark in India’s architectural heritage. Marco Polo referred to it as the seven pagodas. The existing temple is the last of the seven that once served as a beacon for seafarers.
• Vivekananda House - Explore the memorial dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, a renowned philosopher. His speeches at the World’s Parliament of Religions in September 1893 earned him fame as an orator by divine right and as a messenger of Indian wisdom to the Western world.
• Kapaleeshwarar Temple (Lord Shiva) - Head to Mylapore, an ancient residential area of Chennai with a history dating back to Roman times when it traded pepper and fine cloth with Rome for gold! Visit the magnificent Kapaleeshwar temple, built in the 7th century and dedicated to Lord Shiva. Featuring Dravidian-style architecture, it boasts a towering “Gopuram.” Guests can anticipate a captivating experience of rituals and tranquility within the temple. Our cultural evangelist will elucidate the temple’s activities!
• Santhome Cathedral Basilica - Visit the renowned San Thome Basilica, the main church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Madras and Mylapore. Relics of St Thomas can be seen here. It is one of only three churches worldwide constructed on the tomb of an apostle. The other two are St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican and Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Spain.
• Fort St. George - Fort St George is the first English fortress built in 1644 by the East India Company. Visit St Mary’s Church, the oldest Anglican Church in India. Our cultural evangelist will guide you through a charming museum rich with colonial relics and recount the story of how the East India Company transformed from a trading company into the ruler of India!
• Marina Beach - Stroll along Marina Beach, covering the 3km-long main stretch, where you’ll encounter cricket matches, kite flying, fortune-tellers, fish markets, corn-roasters, and families enjoying the sea breeze.

• Private transportation
• Headsets to hear the guide clearly
• Local tour guide
• Lunch
• Entry/Admission - Monuments

• Personal expenses
• Gratuities
• Beverages

In the morning, you’ll be collected from your hotel in Chennai. Spend your day at Marina Beach, experiencing the cultural heart of Mylapore’s Kapaleeshwar Temple, St. George Fort, and the San Thome Basilica. This is followed by an authentic South Indian lunch at a local eatery.
Then, take a trip to Mahaballipuram, situated about an hour’s drive from Chennai on the East Coast Road. This was the secondary capital and harbor of the Pallava Kings who reigned in the 5th century. Here, you’ll see the renowned Shore Temple, the last remaining temple of the original seven (the others are now beneath the sea). The Shore Temple is among the most ancient temples in South India, showcasing the peak of Pallava artistry. Finally, see Arjuna’s Penance, one of the world’s largest bas-reliefs illustrating the tale of the River Ganges’ descent from Heaven to Earth.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.