Tamil Nadu Tour By Train 9 Days

Morning visit the well-renowned Napier Museum. This museum is an amalgamation of Mughal, Indian, and Chinese cultures. That being said, another highlight of this place is the natural air-conditioning system.

Secondly, visit the Sri Chitra Art Gallery. It exhibits rare paintings belonging to the Tanjore, Rajput, and Mughal school of art. The oriental collection of paintings hailing from Tibet, Bali, Japan, and China will give a refreshing perspective.

In the evening board your overnight train for Madurai.

Arrive Madurai and get transferred to your hotel.

After breakfast visit the ancient Meenakshi Amman Temple, Shop at the bargain-filled bazaars bursting with treasures and jewelry shops galore before returning to the hotel for lunch.

In the afternoon, head to the gigantic Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace with its imposing courtyard, grand throne chambers and entry flanked by stone carved horses.

Note that check in time at hotel is around 1200 Hours. Room is subject to availably at the time of check in.

Morning board a scenic 2 hours train journey for Trichy. On arrival, feel the magnificence of several historical and pilgrimage places. You can experience a mild climate in Trichy, ranging from 24 Degrees Celsius to 37 Degrees Celsius.

Visit Rock Fort Temple built by Pallavas back in 508 AD. Also, stopover at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. Dharma Varma Chola first constructed it. The temple Vimanam got demolished by the Kaveri river flood which was later constructed by early Cholas King Killivalavan with 21 tower gateways, one of the best places for spiritual experience.

Move to Tanjore for overnight stay.

Today visit the famous Lord Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This impressive building was built by King Raja Raja Cholan a thousand years back. This monument is considered among the splendid architectural accomplishments of South India.

Next visit the spectacular Maratha Palace, within a maze-like complex; walk through the open courtyard Art Gallery displaying priceless collections of superb Chola bronzes and stone carvings and visit the Saraswathi Mahal Library.

Morning you will by travelling by train to Pondicherry.

Your journey along the coast takes you to enchanting Pondicherry, a former French colonial settlement that still retains its carefree French atmosphere and architectural legacy. In the charming Old Quarter, with its tree-lined cobbled streets, colonial villas are draped with fragrant bougainvillea, and sidewalk cafes abound. Even the policemen are dressed in traditional French red hats and belts!

Enjoy your French life in Pondicherry.

Today visit serene Auroville, City of Dawn famous for the meditation center inspired by the teachings of the Indian yogi Sri Aurobindo. Next, view the golden-domed Mother Temple. Later, tour a factory where delicate individually handcrafted papers are produced followed by a visit to Aurobindo Ashram. Take a rickshaw ride around the French, Hindu and Muslim quarters of Pondicherry.

In time you will be driven away to Mahabalipuram for overnight stay.

Today embark on a Mahabalipuram tour. Think about the Shore Temple standing by the sea for over 12 centuries, with an impressive bas-relief and imposing twin towers. At southern end, see Five Rathas carved from large boulders and Arjuna's Penance, a massive bas-relief that magnificently depicts the flow of the Ganges down from the Himalayas coupled with scenes from Indian daily life presenting the finest early example of ancient Southern Indian architecture.

Spend your rest of the day at the lovely beaches. Overnight stay.