Chennai Trip Overview
In this day tour from Chennai, we will visit the twin wonders of Pallava architecture, Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. We will cover the magnificent temples of Ekambareswar & Kailashnath in Kanchipuram. After that we visit the ancient sea port of Mahabalipuram and visit the legendary rock cut structures lie Arjuna’s penance, Five Rathas and the iconic Shore temple which served literally as the beacon for sea farers from the 8th century onwards. This is a fully guided tour with pick up and drop, private car, full time guide, lunch and all entrance charges as well.
Additional Info
Duration: 13 hours
Starts: Chennai, India
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
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What to Expect When Visiting Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
In this day tour from Chennai, we will visit the twin wonders of Pallava architecture, Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. We will cover the magnificent temples of Ekambareswar & Kailashnath in Kanchipuram. After that we visit the ancient sea port of Mahabalipuram and visit the legendary rock cut structures lie Arjuna’s penance, Five Rathas and the iconic Shore temple which served literally as the beacon for sea farers from the 8th century onwards. This is a fully guided tour with pick up and drop, private car, full time guide, lunch and all entrance charges as well.
Stop At: Ekambareswarar Temple, Ekambaranathar Sannidhi Street, Kanchipuram 631502 India
We visit Ekambareswarar of Pallava dynasty to appreciate these ancient architectural wonders. These were built in 600 AD and are magnificent specimens of the Pallava style of architecture.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Kanchipuram India
Kanchipuram is renowned for its magnificent Silk Sarees. Silk Sarees are a cultural icon in South India. Ranging in length from 6-9 yards, these Sarees are worn by women during auspicious occasions like a wedding or a birthday. There are more than 5000 families who are into the business of silk weaving. The Sarees are weaved from pure mulberry silk thread. We will visit a weaver in action and see how silk sarees are made on the loom. You will be able to interact with the master weaver and ask questions.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Kailasanathar Temple, Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631501, India
We will visit the magnificent temple of Kailasanathar Temple from Pallava times. Kanchipuram was the capital of the medieval South Indian Kingdom of Pallavas. The Pallavas were instrumental in the transition from rock-cut architecture to stone temples. We will appreciate these architectural wonders built in 600 AD.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Pancha Rathas, Kancheepuram District, Mahabalipuram 603104 India
Mahabalipuram is an ancient town and was known to be a trading post during Roman Times. It rose to prominence as a bustling sea port during the rule of the Pallava Dynasty headquartered in Kanchipuram during the 7th century AD. Ships sailing from South India to South East Asia used to depart from the Mahabalipuram port.
Panch Rathas, or the 5 chariots is our first destination. These are rock cut monolith temples structures dedicated to Draupadi and the 5 Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Arjuna’s Penance, West Raja Street Near Ganesha Ratha, Mahabalipuram 603104 India
We also visit Arjuna’s Penance, a 100 feet x 45 feet bas relief where an entire masterpiece from the Mahabharata epic has been carved.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Krishna’s Butter Ball, E Raja St, Mahabalipuram 603104 India
The next halt is at Krishna’s Butterball, a curious sight of a 5 meters diameter ball shaped boulder which is perched precariously on a slope and defies Newton’s laws of gravity!
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Shore Temple Rd, Mahabalipuram 603104 India
The legendary Marco Polo referred to Mahabalipuram as the city of 7 pagodas. The Shore temple is the only 1 of those magnificent 7 temples, which have survived the ravages of time. The Magnificent Shore temple beckons us. This 8th century structural temple is made of granite and served as a beacon for sea farers of the time.
Duration: 45 minutes
