Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram Tour from Chennai
Package price On Request
Product Code : AGORA256
Embark on a captivating journey from Chennai to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram. Discover the architectural treasures of Kanchipuram, with visits to ancient temples like Kailasanathar and Varadharaja Perumal. After a delectable local lunch, head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram, where you'll explore the Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Arjuna's Penance, and Krishna's Butter Ball. Enjoy a day filled with history, spirituality, and awe-inspiring rock-cut architecture on this fascinating day tour from Chennai.
7:00 AM - Depart from Chennai: Your knowledgeable tour guide will meet you at your hotel or a pre-arranged meeting point in Chennai at 7:00 AM. Your journey begins as you depart for Kanchipuram, a historical city known for its temples and silk sarees, located about 70 km from Chennai, and the drive takes approximately 2 hours.
8:30 AM - Arrival in Kanchipuram: You'll reach Kanchipuram and commence your exploration of this ancient city with visits to the following attractions:
Kailasanathar Temple: Your first destination in Kanchipuram is the Kailasanathar Temple, one of the city's oldest temples. Built by the Pallava dynasty in the 8th century, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its stunning architecture is adorned with intricate carvings on the walls, pillars, and roof.
Ekambareswarar Temple: Next, you'll visit the Ekambareswarar Temple, one of Kanchipuram's largest temples. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is renowned for its 3500-year-old mango tree, one of India's largest. It also boasts a 59-meter high gopuram (tower) that's visible from a distance.
Kamakshi Amman Temple: Your third stop is the Kamakshi Amman Temple, a significant pilgrimage site for devotees of the goddess Kamakshi. Believed to have been constructed by the Chola dynasty in the 14th century, the temple features striking architecture with vibrant ceiling paintings.
Varadharaja Perumal Temple: Your final destination in Kanchipuram is the Varadharaja Perumal Temple, one of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred shrines) dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is celebrated for its massive 100-pillar mandapam (hall) and the gold-plated vimana (tower) above the sanctum sanctorum.
12:00 PM - Lunch: After your temple visits, you'll enjoy a local lunch at a recommended restaurant in Kanchipuram.
1:00 PM - Depart for Mahabalipuram: Following lunch, you'll journey to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its rock-cut temples and ancient monuments. Mahabalipuram is about 70 km from Kanchipuram, and the drive takes approximately 1.5 hours.
2:30 PM - Arrival in Mahabalipuram: You'll arrive in Mahabalipuram and continue your exploration by visiting the following attractions:
Shore Temple: Your first stop in Mahabalipuram is the Shore Temple, a magnificent temple situated on the beach. Constructed by the Pallava dynasty in the 8th century, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and showcases exquisite architecture with intricate carvings.
Pancha Rathas: Your next destination is the Pancha Rathas, a group of five monolithic rock-cut temples, each shaped like a chariot and dedicated to different Hindu deities. These temples, believed to have been built by the Pallava dynasty in the 7th century, are a captivating example of ancient rock-cut architecture.
Arjuna's Penance: Your third visit is to Arjuna's Penance, a colossal bas-relief sculpture carved onto a massive granite boulder. This artwork is thought to depict a scene from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, where Arjuna performs penance to gain a boon from Lord Shiva. The sculpture, measuring 27 meters in length and 9 meters in height, is adorned with intricate carvings of gods, animals, and humans.
Krishna's Butter Ball: Your final stop is the Krishna's Butter Ball, a massive natural rock delicately balanced on a slope near the Ganesha Ratha temple. This natural wonder symbolizes Lord Krishna's playful act of stealing butter as a child and has remained balanced for over 1200 years. It stands approximately 6 meters high and 5 meters wide.
5:30 PM - Return to Chennai: After exploring the attractions in Mahabalipuram, you'll embark on the return journey to Chennai, which takes around 2 hours by car.
7:00 PM - Arrival in Chennai: You'll arrive back in Chennai, and your tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel.
Private AC car/van for pick up and drop off from/to your hotel.
English speaking local guide, if option selected.
Entrance fees to monuments, if option selected.
Lunch, if option selected.
Bottled water in the car.
Government Taxes.
Camera charges at monuments.
Gratuities and optional activities.
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.