Pondicherry, Thanjavur & Trichy

Day 1: Chennai – Pondicherry (160 km / 4 hrs drive)

After breakfast at your hotel, begin your journey from Chennai to Puducherry, covering approximately 160 kilometers in around 4 hours. En route, visit Mahabalipuram, renowned for its UNESCO-listed monuments including the Shore Temple and rock-cut sculptures. Continue your scenic coastal drive to Pondicherry. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along Promenade Beach and explore the charming French Quarter with its colonial architecture, cafés, and boutiques. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Pondicherry Sightseeing

After breakfast at the hotel, begin the city tour of Pondicherry. Visit Auroville, an international township dedicated to peace and harmony, and view the iconic Matrimandir. Continue exploring the French Quarter, known for its colorful colonial villas and tree-lined streets. Visit landmarks such as Raj Nivas, churches, and local markets. Experience the unique blend of French and Tamil culture reflected in architecture and lifestyle. Spend the evening at leisure by the beach or exploring local cafés. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Gangaikonda Cholapuram – Darasuram – Thanjavur (185 km / 5 hrs drive)

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Thanjavur, covering approximately 185 kilometers in around 5 hours. En route, visit Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, a significant shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its spiritual importance and architectural beauty. Continue to Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram, both part of the UNESCO-listed Great Living Chola Temples, showcasing exquisite Dravidian architecture and intricate carvings. Upon arrival in Thanjavur, check into your hotel and relax. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Thanjavur – Trichy (60 km / 1.5 hrs drive)

After breakfast at the hotel, begin the city tour of Thanjavur with a visit to Brihadeeswarar Temple, an architectural masterpiece built during the Chola dynasty. Explore Thanjavur Palace, Art Gallery, and local heritage sites. Later, drive to Tiruchirappalli, covering approximately 60 kilometers in around 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, visit the famous Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in India. Continue to Rock Fort Temple for panoramic city views and visit Jambukeswarar Temple. Return to your hotel in the evening. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5: Trichy – Chennai via Kanchipuram (380 km / 7–8 hrs drive)

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and begin your drive back to Chennai, covering approximately 380 kilometers in around 7 to 8 hours. En route, visit Kanchipuram, known as the “City of Thousand Temples.” Explore its famous temples including Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple and learn about its rich heritage. Continue your drive to Chennai. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel or airport for your onward journey. The tour concludes with memorable experiences of South India’s heritage and spirituality.

• Assistance on arrival and departure
• 4 nights accommodation in selected category hotels
• Daily breakfast at hotels
• Private air-conditioned vehicle for transfers and sightseeing
• English-speaking local guides as per itinerary
• Monument entrance fees as per program
• Bottled drinking water during travel
• All applicable government taxes

Hotels used or similar for 4 nights accommodation

Pondicherry x 2 night
3* - Shenbaga Hotel/ Annamalai International
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Palais De Mahe/ La Villa

Thanjore x 1 night
3* - Grand Gardenia/ Oriental Towers 
4* - Sangam Hotels/ Ideal River View Resort
5* - Svatma

Trichy x 1 night
3* - Red Fox Hotel/ Grand Gardenia
4* & 5* - Sangam Hotels/ Ideal River View Resort

• Any domestic or international flight tickets
• Camera fees at monuments
• Meals not mentioned in inclusions
• Personal expenses such as laundry, tips, beverages
• Optional activities
• Anything not mentioned under inclusions