Travel to India: Mahabalipuram Extension (Southern India)

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Mahabalipuram Extension (Southern India)

			DAYS: 6 GRADE: I define PRICE: From $750 per person HIGHLIGHTS: Mahabalipuram's beaches Coromandel Coast Anjuna's Pennance Shore Temple Kanchipuram Temple Complex Compulsory relaxation ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels/Lodges MEALS: As noted  [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,   D-Dinner] Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services Send to a Friend Print this Itinerary

PLEASE NOTE: the Mahabalipuram Extension is a PRE-TOUR extension to the Of Temples & Spice itinerary, i.e. it can only be added before the main itinerary.

The calm and tranquility of Mahabaripuram seems a thousand miles from the bustling battlements of Fort William at Chennai (Madras). But in reality it is only two hours drive. Mahabalipuram is truly unique, with miles of unspoiled beaches, sumptuous luxury resorts laid out in low key proximity to the ocean, serving wonderful sea food amidst the slow pace of village life - no traveler will ever want to leave! Close by, the beautiful Shore Temple towers over the beach, its shadow almost reaching the world's oldest bas-reliefs and one of the most important of all UNESCO Heritage sites in India. A couple of hours drive inland, Kanchipuram, which we visit on this itinerary, stands alone in all its renaissance glory. The entire evolution of South Indian Dravidian temple architecture can be traced amongst the remnants of the one thousand temples built here, at the imperial capital of the Pallavas (circa 6th to 8th century ACE). This five day extension to the Of Temples & Spice Itinerary is South India at its most relaxing.

DAY 1 :  CHENNAI (MADRAS)
On arrival at Chennai (Madras) airport we are met and transferred to our hotel. Overnight Hotel Ambassador Pallava or similar. [B]

DAY 2 :  CHENNAI
Today we tour the historic city of Chennai (Madras), site of the British East India Company's first trading settlement founded in 1644 ACE. We visit Fort St. George and the Fort Museum then continue to the flower and fruit markets. In the afternoon there is free time to relax by the swimming pool. Overnight Hotel Ambassador Pallava or similar. [B]

DAY 3 :  MAHABALIPURAM
This morning we depart Madras for Mahabalipuram, via the great temple complex at Kanchipuram. Located 71km south of Madras, the drive takes about two hours. Kanchipuram, once home to a thousand temples, was the imperial capital of the Pallava rulers from the sixth to eighth century ACE, during the great Dravidian renaissance. The Pallava dynasty were enthusiastic patrons of the arts and built the first South Indian stone temple at Mahabalipuram, which is our final destination today. Subsequent kingdoms, the Cholas, Chalukyas and Vijaynagars, continued the temple building tradition and Kanchipuram became one of the seven holiest cities in all India. Of the original thousand temples built, only 200 or so now remain. We visit the oldest temple in Kanchi - Kailashnatha Temple, built in the late 7th century ACE and dedicated to Lord Shiva. We also visit the huge temple of Devarajaswami, with its 10-meter high statue of Lord Vishnu immersed in a water tank and drained every 40 years so the statue may be publicly viewed. After our visit, we continue on to Mahabalipuram, arriving late afternoon at our beach hotel. Evening meal and overnight Hotel Ideal Beach Resort or similar. [BD]

DAY 4 :  MAHABALIPURAM
Located on the coast 58km directly south of Madras, the village of Mahabalipuram with its miles of unspoiled beaches is a UNESCO Heritage site best known for the beautiful Shore Temple towering over the beach and the sea, and a bas-relief technique unique to Mahabalipuram called Mandapas. Mahalbaripuram's Mandapas' are the oldest bas-reliefs on earth. All meals are included during your stay, and there are taxis and perhaps even a free shuttle bus to take you to town and along the beach road. Lunch, evening meal and overnight Hotel Ideal Beach Resort or similar. [BLD]

DAY 5 :  MAHABALIPURAM
Relax at your beach resort or explore Mahalbaripuram's fish and vegetable markets.  Lunch, evening meal and overnight Hotel Ideal Beach Resort or similar. [BLD]

PLEASE NOTE: Today is Day 1 of the Of Temples and Spice itinerary. Travelers joining the tour will arrive in Chennai / Madras today and begin their Madras sightseeing tomorrow morning.

DAY 6 :  CHENNAI. JOIN MAIN GROUP
Today we check out of our beach hotel and drive north to Chennai (Madras). En route, we stop at the Crocodile Breeding Farm, where a variety of crocodiles may be viewed. Arriving at Chennai railway station in the early evening, we meet the other travelers on our Of Temples and Spice Itinerary, join the main group and board our overnight sleeper train (First Class AC Berths) to Trichy. Overnight train in first class AC sleeper berth (Note: Indian dinner available for purchase on board the train). [B]

PLEASE NOTE: For those travelers not joing the Of Temples & Spice tour, services end on arrival in Madras. Your English speaking driver will drop you at the hotel of your choice or take you to the airport to catch any on going flights you may have booked for day 6.

EXTRA NIGHT HOTEL IN CHENNAI (MADRAS): An extra night in Madras may be booked as the same or an alternative hotel. Please request details.

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

. C o n t a c t Adrian Chalker 1(800)345-4453