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CHENNAI, KANCHIPURAM, VELLORE, PONDICHERRY & MAHABALIPURAM

CHENNAI, KANCHIPURAM, VELLORE, PONDICHERRY & MAHABALIPURAM

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tourhub | Agora Voyages | CHENNAI, KANCHIPURAM, VELLORE, PONDICHERRY & MAHABALIPURAM | AGORA400 | Map

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3 Days

From

~~$465~~

$452

CHENNAI, KANCHIPURAM, VELLORE, PONDICHERRY & MAHABALIPURAM

3 Days Starting and ending in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Visiting: Chennai (Madras), Kanchipuram, Vellore, Pondicherry, Villupuram, Mahabalipuram

Tour operator:

Agora Voyages

Tour code:

AGORA400

Recommended For:

Couples, LGBT plus

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 10

Physical rating:

Low, EASY

Age range:

0-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Kosher, Jain, Halal

Tour operated in:

English

Private Available:

From:

$465

$452 (USD) WINTER SALE @ Tourhub Discount: $13

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating private tour of Chennai, Kanchipuram, Vellore, Pondicherry, and Mahabalipuram. Explore the vibrant city of Chennai, witness the architectural wonders of Kanchipuram, and visit the famous golden temple in Vellore. Experience the unique blend of French and Indian cultures in charming Pondicherry, and marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Mahabalipuram's rock-cut temples. Immerse yourself in the rich history, spirituality, and natural beauty of these diverse destinations in South India.

Highlights

Enhanced cleaning/ traveler safety
This is a private tour/activity only for your group.
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Most travelers can participate
Flexible sightseeing & stopover
In depth cultural experience

Places You'll See

Chennai, Kanchipuram, Vellore, Pondicherry & Mahabalipuram, Tour From Chennai

Itinerary

tourhub | Agora Voyages | CHENNAI, KANCHIPURAM, VELLORE, PONDICHERRY & MAHABALIPURAM | AGORA400 | Route Map

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Day 1 : Chennai (Madras)

Location:

Chennai (Madras)

Accommodation:

Hotel

Arrive Chennai
On arrival at Chennai airport assistance and transfer to hotel.
Later city tour of Chennai. Visit Fort St. George & Museum built by the British East India Company in 1640 AD. The fort is believed to be the first establishment of the British in India. Kapaleeshwarar Temple a Hindu temple dedicated to lord Shiva, Semmozhi Poonga a beautifuly landscaped botanical garden. Dakshina Chitra a living history museum & Arulmigu Sri Parthasarathy Temple an 8th-century Hindu Vaishnavite temple dedicated to the Lord Vishnu. Evening walk on the on Marina beach.
Overnight at Hotel

Day 2 : Kanchipuram

Location:

Kanchipuram, Vellore, Pondicherry

Accommodation:

Hotel

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Chennai - Kanchipuram - Vellore - Pondicherry (295kms/ 6hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel drive to Pondicherry via visiting Kanchipuram & Vellore.
In Kanchipuram visit Kailasanathar 8th century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, noted for its architecture and sculptures. There are 58 small shrines situated around the main shrine compound wall. Ekambareswarar temple another ancient temple dedicated to Siva. The 2500-year-old mango tree inside the temple has 4 branches each yields different varieties of mangoes. Varadharaja temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, noted for its wonderful sculptures. Vaikundhaperumal temple dedicated to lord Vishnu, it is also one of the 108 Divyadesams. Kamakshiamman temple dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi the presiding deity, one of the holy Sakthi worship places in India.
In Vellore visit 16th-century Vellore Fort, with its imposing granite walls and surrounding moat. Inside the fort, the Jalakandeswarar Temple features many ornate sculptures. Nearby, the Government Museum has prehistoric relics and natural history displays. Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple inside the Sripuram spiritual park is situated at the foot of a small range of green hills. This temple is gilded with 1,500 kg of pure gold, double the 750 kg gilding of the dome of the Golden Temple at Amritsar.
After sightseeing drive to Pondicherry check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax. Overnight at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 3 : Villupuram

Location:

Villupuram, Pondicherry, Mahabalipuram, Chennai (Madras)

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram - Chennai (160kms/ 3hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel. City tour of Pondicherry visit Aurovil founded in 1968 by the spiritual leader Mirra Alfassa as a town where people from all over the world could live in harmony. Its focal point is the Matrimandir, a futuristic, spherical temple covered in gold discs. Pondicherry Museum an art and history museum especially noted for its collection of fine lost wax bronzes form the period of the Chola Empire. The Museum's collection includes 81 Chola bronze sculptures, ranking as one of the largest collections of Chola bronzes.
Later walk in French Colony. Pondicherry has some of the finest examples of old French culture with a hint of Tamil influence in its visual aesthetics. Observe and get inspired by the architectural beauty of the French part of the town while enjoying a cup of coffee and some deserts along the way. Customise your walk with your guide to cover French consulate, French Institute, Raj Nivas, Bharati Park (Aayi Monument), Government Square, Beaches, Monuments, Churches, French schools. Evening to relax on the beach.
Later drive to Chennai via visiting Mahabalipuram. In Mahabalipuram visit Monolithic Temples locally known as Rathas. They were executed by chiseling out the exterior face of the boulder. Shore Temple built with blocks of granitein in 7th century the temple complex consisting of two Siva temples and a carving of Anantasayana Vishnu. It is one of the oldest structural stone temples of South India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. Cave Temples cut and decorated with panels in the Mamalla style of the Pallava period in the 7th century. Remnants seen in the caves also indicate that they were plastered and painted when built. Krishna's Butterball a gigantic granite boulder resting on a short incline.
Continue drive to Chennai and drop off to airport for evening or late night flight for onward destination.

What's Included

Deluxe Air-conditioned private vehicle from arrival till departure as per tour program
English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide).
Breakfast
Bottled water in car
Government taxes.
Accommodation

2 Nights accommodation in 4-Star hotels
Monument entrance fees & activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
2 Nights accommodation in selected price category hotels.

What's Not Included

Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
Anything not mentioned in inclusions.
Camera charges at monuments

Check out our Q&As

Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

No. We provide a local English-speaking tour guide in each city. Accompanying tour escort can be booked at a supplement cost
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

Easy
Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

Domestic flights generally provide 15 kg checked-in baggage and 7 kg hand baggage. We provide vehicle which could accommodate 1 big and 1 handbag easily per person. There is no baggage limit set by us. Traveling with less baggage is always comfortable and recommended.
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

Yes
What is the maximum group size?

10

Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

Yes, we will provide all details well in advance before the tour
What is the tipping policy?

Recommended tipping is 5 to 10% of total tour values. It's always optional and depends on the traveler's wish.
Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

Yes, after the sightseeing you will be having time to explore the city and places of your interest. Our driver and transport will remain on disposal at your service. We expect you will release the driver before 8 pm so that he is having ample time to sleep and report on time to your next day duty.
What currencies are required for this tour?

USD, EURO, GBP, JPY, CNY, RMB, SGD, CAD, AUD are accepted at most of the tourist shops. These currencies can easily be changed into local currency INR from money changer at the airport, in cities, and at hotels.
Are all entrance fees included in the price?

Yes, entrances to all monuments and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary are well included in the price
Are flights included in this tour?

No. Neither international nor domestic flight tickets are included in the package price. We can book the flight at supplement best available cost.
Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

Yes, we can assist and arrange pre or post-tour accommodation.
Are vaccinations required for this tour?

Yes. Please check same on your international ticket
What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

We have provided the price using 3* / 4* & 5* hotels
Company Instant Book

Instant confirmation subject to 3 day advance booking.
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

Yes. On request and at supplement cost, we can provide another language (German, French, Russian, Spanish, Italian guide) subject to availability in that cities.
Will passengers be provided assistance at airport?

Our office representative will receive the guest with the lead passenger name paging board. And
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

No. You have to apply for Indian Visa yourself. TOURIST VISA is mandatory for Foreign Nationals to travel India.
Are airport transfers included in this tour?

Yes, Private airport transfer is included.
Do you require a visa for this holiday?

Yes, Visa is require for any foreigner entering India.
Can you provide other than English language guide?

Yes, we can provide other than English language guide. Request for same should be sent to sent to us at the time of booking. Other than English language guide are subject to availability and may attract additional charges.
Is the tour coach air conditioned?

Yes
Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

This is a private tour/activity only for your group. Any country citizen, individual or group can book a private tour for any number of members. We treat every booking as a private tour and we do not mix travelers.
Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?

Most of the hotels offer free Wi-Fi.
What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?

We operate private tours only and guarantee 100% departure. If group members reduced, we will recalculate the price and apply the lowest supplement only if it's increasing our operation cost.
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

You have to apply for Indian Visa yourself. https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/
Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

We have provided price for 1 person traveling alone and 2 person sharing double room. Single room supplement apply if 2 person are opting for 2 single rooms.
Are vaccinations required for this tour?

Yes
What currencies are required for this tour?

INR, USD, EURO, GBP, SGD, JPY, CNY, RMB, CAD,
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

We conduct our business fairly, with honesty, integrity and transparency. We deliver what we promise, and only promise what we can deliver.
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

Less than 10 person group only driver will be your companion. We use local government licenced tour guide in each cities for sightseeing tour.
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

We do not operate tour on sharing
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

We are completely flexible in changing the travel dates, until we dont have to bourne any penalty levied by hotels/airline.
How long has the tour company been trading?

5 Yeas
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

Yes, you will support NGO and schooling for kids in villages.
Can I join the tour once it has departed?

We operate private tour/activity only for your group. Hence if you missed to join and tour departed, we can coordinate and you can join the tour from the nearest point.
What documents will I receive before I travel?

Iitnerary and confirmation vouchers
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

Face masks provided for travelers. Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff. Gear/equipment sanitized between use. Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized. Regular temperature checks for staff. Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons.
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

Yes

Reviews of this Operator

Shobha D

Our Hampi Holiday

10-Feb-2023

Our five-day, six-night holiday arranged by Agora Voyages Private Ltd., began on 26th January when we, four friends, landed at Hubballi. The agency had arranged a minibus to pick us up from the airport to our first halt at Badami. Our driver, Raghu, turned out to be not only skilful at driving but also very informative and bent on giving us a great time. On the way, we came across sunflower fields. Seeing us revelling at the wondrous sight of hundreds of sunflowers swaying in the cool breeze, Raghu stopped the bus so we could click pictures. Badami Court, where we spent two comfortable nights, turned out to be a decent hotel with tasty food and a courteous staff. The next morning, we left for Aihole, the capital of the Chalukyan kings and the cradle of Hindu rock architecture. Thanks to Agora, we were provided with helpful and enthusiastic guides, who doubled up as excellent photographers and gave us interesting and informative titbits. Kotresh, our guide in Aihole, Pattadakal and Badami, told us how Aihole got its name. The legend goes that after avenging the death of his father, Parasuram came down to the Malaprabha River to wash his blood-stained hands and battle axe. The river turned a bloody red. A woman seeing this, screamed, ‘Ayyo Hole!’ (meaning ‘Oh, no, blood!’ in Kannada). Since then the place came to be known as Ayyhole (Aihole). Kotresh also told us how the various temples got their names. For example, the Durga temple did not get its name from the goddess but because of its proximity to durg, meaning ‘fort’--- temples were part of fortification those days. Another 5th century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was called the Lad Khan temple as Shree Lad Khan, a general of Adil Shahi had camped there during his military campaigns in the region. Until the Archeological department took possession of the area, local people lived in the temples. Kotresh showed us the holes, women used to pound masalas and grind rice, etc. We even saw children’s board games etched on to the stony floor. After feasting our eyes on the marvellous rock-cut shrines at Aihole, we drove to Pattadakal, meaning ‘coronation stone’. The exquisite temples here were built for commemoration and coronation. Later, Kotresh took us to a restaurant to relish the delicious local cuisine. Our stomachs full, we headed for Badami, to the spectacular rock cut cave temples located in a ravine, at the foot of two sandstone hills surrounding Lake Agastya. The place abounds in langurs and though Kotresh warned us to take care of our belongings, one little monkey succeeded in snatching a water bottle. The following day at Gadag, we were joined by Mr. Nagaraj, who was our guide for the remainder of our trip. Witty and articulate, he surprised us with his knowledge of Russian and French. He took us around the medieval Hindu and Jain temples and told us how the Veeranarayana temple, Trikuteshwara temple and the Jumma Masjid have a common Trust for administration and organization purposes. Jain temples and step wells were the highlights of Lakkundi. The annual Hampi Festival was on when we reached Hampi, so to avoid the large crowds, Nagaraj suggested that we leave around six in the morning for sightseeing. A wise decision, as we got to see the glorious sunrise from Matanga Hill, the place where Rama met Hanuman and Sugriva, the monkey king of Kishkinda. A UNESCO World heritage site like Pattadakal and Badami, Hampi is virtually an open air museum, with over 500 monuments of the Vijayanagara era. The Virupaksha temple with its musical pillars, now out of bounds for visitors, competed with temples like the Vittala temple in magnificence. The following morning we took a ride in a coracle. Our boat-man took us through rock caves and treated us to the sight of a swift which had brought food for its mate as she sat patiently guarding their nest on a rock. In the afternoon we visited the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary. Spread over an area of over 82 kilometres, it is the first sloth bear sanctuary in Asia. Seated inside a cage we watched two adult bears come down a rocky cliff, stopping to lick the large boulders on which the forest officials had smeared honey. En route, as we passed by the Tungabhadra canal, Jiggar, the naturalist from our resort pointed out at otters scampering playfully on the rocky bank and at an Indian eagle owl, which on seeing us, spread out its feathers and flew away, but not before letting us see how huge it was. Before we realized it, our holiday had come to an end, and we were at Hubballi airport, to catch the flight back to Mumbai. Thanks to Agora, we had one of the most memorable glimpses of a bygone era.

USA

Nesta Luxton

Eastern Himalaya Tour (Darjeeling, Pelling, Gangtok & Kalimpong)

25-Dec-2021

This tour was absolutely outstanding: amazing views of Himalayan snow capped mountains, fascinating insights into culture and monasteries of Sikkim and great food. But especially good was our wonderful local guide Bipendra whose cheerfulness , many talents and knowledge made our tour fun. To make your trip even more special, I recommend staying in the luxurious 4 star Elgin hotels for a taste of Raj heritage. Also be aware that Sikkim requires extra passport photos and photocopy of passport.

Auburn, Australia

Ana Diaz Macias (Google Reviewer)

10-Feb-2022

We were not able to make it due to COVID travel restrictions but Shashi did everything in his power to work around our schedule. Modified dates, hotels, flights to make our dream holiday possible. This is a 5 star tour agency, the flexibility, price, transparency, communication and professionalism was one of the best I’ve experienced. We look forward to visiting soon and will be using agora voyages.

Rasik Master (Google Reviewer)

04-Dec-2022

Service was excellent & awesome. Very reliable, efficient & professional. Exceptional service from Meenakshi & Shashi. Ensured our trip was trouble-free. Most highly recommended. Will use again

Lynette Cameron

Bhopal to Aurangabad with Satpura National Park

15-May-2023

We were a group of four Australians who did a 9 day tailored tour from Bhopal to Aurangabad. The whole tour was wonderful in every aspect. Shashi did a great job with every detail. Our driver Imran was excellent and a very careful and safe driver. Hotels, guides, food all excellent. Mind you, the four of us, need to go on a diet after all the delicious buffet meals. Satpura National Park was outstanding for wildlife, guide, food. The Ellora and Ajanta caves spectacular, as was Sanchi, Bhimbetka Rock Shelter. We enjoyed every aspect of our tour and would highly recommend Agora Voyages OPC Pvt Ltd.

Australia

Caroline Motloung (Google Reviewer)

20-Nov-2022

I had the best experience of the Authentic markets of New Dehli and Old Delhi, thanks to Giridhar, whose passion for his work and India warmed my heart. I was very anxious as I heard how dangerous Delhi is, walking with Giridhar left me comfortable. No question was left unanswered, I wish he could be cloned, he felt like an old friend.

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Dates & Availability

Dec
2023 Jan
2024 Feb
2024 Mar
2024 Apr
2024 May
2024 Jun
2024 Jul
2024 Aug
2024 Sep
2024

Wednesday - Friday

Dec 13, 2023 - Dec 15, 2023

~~$465~~ $452 (USD)