Trip Overview: The Poetry in Stone Trail
Step back in time to the golden era of the Pallava dynasty with this 3-day exploration of Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram. This trail is a tribute to the master craftsmen who carved massive granite blocks into living history. From the towering spires of the “City of a Thousand Temples” to the wave-swept Shore Temple and the monolithic chariots of Mahabalipuram, experience the vishalta of South Indian art and architecture. It is the perfect short-stay heritage trip for those who appreciate history, stone-carving mastery, and the serene beauty of the Bay of Bengal. https://www.incredibleindia.gov.in/en
Why This Experience is Unmatched?
- 🏛️ UNESCO Grandeur: Comprehensive exploration of the Mahabalipuram Shore Temple and the legendary Five Rathas.
- 🎨 Silk & Spirituality: A dedicated visit to Kanchipuram’s ancient temples and its world-famous silk-weaving centers.
- 🗿 Artisan Encounters: Witness local sculptors at work in Mahabalipuram, continuing a 1,300-year-old stone tradition.
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
✅ What’s Included (Inclusions) | ❌ What’s Not Included (Exclusions) |
🏨 Selected Accommodation: 2 Nights stay in handpicked hotels as per your chosen package category. | 🎫 Entry Fees: Tickets for all sightseeing places. Special Darshan: VIP/Fast-track entry tickets. |
🍳 Morning Breakfast: Complimentary daily breakfast at all hotels to kickstart your day. | ✈️ Travel Tickets: Airfare or Train tickets to and from Chennai are not part of this package. |
🚗 Private AC Vehicle: Dedicated AC Sedan/SUV for all transfers, inter-city travel, and sightseeing as per the itinerary. | 🍛 Additional Meals: Any lunch or dinner not specifically mentioned |
⛽ Covered Travel Costs: All fuel charges, road tolls, parking fees, and driver allowances are fully included. | 🛍️ Personal Expenses: Tips, laundry, beverages, telephone calls, and any personal shopping. |
🤝 Meet & Greet: Hassle-free arrival with a professional meet and greet by our experienced driver at Chennai Airport/Railway Station. | 📉 GST 5%: Government Service Tax will be extra on the final package cost. |
ACCOMMODATION
LOCATION | HOTEL NAME | ROOM CATEGORY | MEALS |
MAHABALIPURAM (2 NIGHTS) | NIRVANA BOUTIQUE HOTEL OR SIMILAR | BOUTIQUE | BREAKFAST |
DETAILED DAY-WISE ITINERARY
Your heritage trail begins with a morning pickup in Chennai and an immediate drive toward Kanchipuram, the spiritual and silk capital of the South. Explore the massive Ekambareswarar Temple, representing the Earth element, and the ancient Kailasanathar Temple, famous for its historic sandstone carvings. Visit a local silk-weaving unit to see how the iconic Kanchipuram sarees are meticulously crafted by hand before proceeding to the coastal town of Mahabalipuram. Check into your seaside hotel and enjoy a quiet evening by the ocean, feeling the sea breeze that has inspired poets and kings for centuries.
Dedicate your day to the monolithic wonders of the Pallava dynasty, starting with the iconic Shore Temple that has stood firm against the sea for over 1,300 years. Explore the Five Rathas, five massive chariots carved from single blocks of granite, and marvel at Arjuna’s Penance, the world’s largest open-air rock relief. Visit the gravity-defying Krishna’s Butter Ball and the Mahabalipuram Lighthouse for a panoramic view of the ancient town and the vast blue sea. Spend your evening relaxing at the beach or browsing through the local stone carving museums, soaking in the artistic legacy of this historic UNESCO site.
On your final morning, enjoy a sunrise walk on the Mahabalipuram beach or revisit your favorite stone carvings for a quiet moment of reflection. Take a stroll through the local artisan market to shop for hand-carved stone souvenirs and traditional textiles that capture the essence of the Pallava era. We then begin our drive back toward the city of Chennai, witnessing the landscape change from ancient stone monoliths to the modern urban skyline. Our team will assist you with a smooth transfer to the Chennai Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey, marking the successful end of your 3-day stone heritage trail.
Please Checkout our other tour packages of Tamil Nadu : https://inbound.india.sarvaenroute.com/destinations/tamil-nadu/
TRANSFER
DAYS | DESCRIPTION |
DAY 01 | Airport Pickup : Private Basis Chennai to Mahabalipuram via Kanchipuram |
DAY 02 | Mahabalipuram Sightseeing : Private Basis |
DAY 03 | Mahabalipuram Sightseeing : Private Basis Airport Drop : Private |
MEALS
DAYS | DESCRIPTION |
DAY 02 | BREAKFAST |
DAY 03 | BREAKFAST |
TERM & CONDITION
📋 GENERAL BOOKING & SIGHTSEEING POLICY
- Hotel Selection: As per preference. If sold out, a similar category is provided. We are not responsible for standard hotel category amenities (WiFi speed, etc.).
- Sightseeing Constraints: Factors like weather, traffic, political events, or distance may lead to schedule changes. We cannot guarantee all spots if time constraints arise.
- Timing: Vehicle is available from 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM. Late-night usage may incur extra charges.
- Payments: Failure to clear payments as per schedule will lead to service termination. No refunds for Blackout dates/Long weekends.
- Physical Needs: Please communicate specific physical concerns in advance.
- Check-in/out: Standard 14:00 hrs (In) / 11:00 hrs (Out). No shows considered after 22:00 hrs.
- Documentation: Govt ID / Passport / Visa required on arrival.
- Amendments: Customizations during or 7 days prior to the trip may incur extra charges.
- No Show: Rooms not occupied by 20:00 hrs are considered “No Shows” unless prior notice is given.
- Sightseeing Constraints: Schedule changes may occur due to weather, traffic, or distance constraints.
💳 CANCELLATION & FLIGHT POLICY
- Non-Refundable: No refunds on blackout dates/long weekends.
- Cancellation Fee : Regardless of reason, cancellations are costly. To offset these costs, the following fees will apply. If you cancel, non-recoverable expenses of Rs. 1500 per person will be charged and over and above that the following will be charged on cancellation of a tour.
- Refundable Amount :
- Cancelled 30 days or more prior to trip start date: 35 % of total package cost.
- Cancelled between 15 – 30 days prior to trip start date: 50 % of total package cost.
- Cancelled between 14 days to 7 days prior to trip start date: 80 % of total package cost.
- Cancellation less than 7 Days prior to trip start date: 100 % of package cost will be charged.
- Postponement: Postponing may incur a rebooking fee. Post-postponement cancellations forfeit all amounts.
- Flight Policy: We act as facilitators. Carrier terms apply. We are not responsible for airline delays.
- Credit Note: A 6-month Credit Note will be provided for the possible refundable amount depending on the Selected Hotels and time period of cancellation .
