730 AM
Our tour guide will meet and pick you up. We head towards Kanchipuram, located 75 KM away. We will reach Kanchipuram by 930 AM.
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. The earliest examples of Pallava constructions are rock-cut temples dating 610–690 AD.
930AM
We visit Ekambareswarar and Kailasanathar temple 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.
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.
1130AM
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.
1230PM-130PM- Lunch
130PM- After lunch we leave for Mahabalipuram
3PM- Arrive in Mahabalipuram
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. 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.
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.
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.
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!
530PM- 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. This is the last remaining of the fabled 7 pagodas mentioned by Marco Polo during his travels!
630PM- We depart from Mahabalipuram.
830AM- Drop back to hotel in Chennai.
