Discovering the Sacred Temple Pathways of Mamallapuram & Kanchipuram

Discovering the Sacred Temple Pathways of Mamallapuram & Kanchipuram

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For the detailed itinerary, please contact us at info@bluecanvasexp.com
or call (+91)-90083 06688

Duration

2 day tour

Group size

15 people

Age

10+yrs

Tour

Dates

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
14
13
12
The Temple of Kanchipuram
10
9
8
15
16
17
18
19
20

Join us for this Priceless tour as we take you to some of the oldest and most famous temples of the South. Here you will discover how faith and art came together to create the foundation of the South Indian temple style . Learn about myths, legends and chants and get an immersive experience of the living history and vibrant culture in this ancient land. Led by author, historian and a much loved storyteller Pradeep Chakravarthy, this tour is specially designed for parents who would like to introduce their children to India’s rich cultural core.

Experience Highlights

  • Explore the Shore temples and understand the legend of the ‘Seven Pagodas’
  • Explore the Rock Cut Cave temples and understand the deep connection between spirituality and art
  • Discover the stories behind the world renowned fresco 'The Descent of the Ganges’ and the earliest representation of some of the great deities of the Hindu pantheon
  • Learn about the myths and legends sculpted into the walls of the temples Trikikrama, Varaha’s lifting of the earth and many such stories
  • Explore the workshops of the famous sculptors of Mamalapuram who are carrying on a centuries old traditions
  • Visit the famous Kalisanatha temple and explore the magnificence of Pallava temples
  • Explore Vaikuthanatha and Ekambareshwara temples and marvel at temple architecture and art
  • Interact with the famous Kanchipuram silk weavers and understand the story of these weaves and try your hand at weaving

Exclusive for Mastercard holders

  • Special 'Abhisekam' or offering at the famous Sri Arulmigu Sri Ulagalanda Perumal Temple at Kanchipuram
  • A unique performance of temple hymns by a ‘Oduvar’ a traditional temple singer singing 2000 year old Sangam era hymns
  • Experience a unique curated lunch inspired by the Pallava era cuisine
  • Exclusive storytelling and discussions with the guide and expert of this tour
  • A personalised leather embossed diary from Peepul Tree

Other inclusions

  • Meals as defined in the itinerary
  • All entrance fees
  • A renowned local storyteller who will be your personal guide during this trip
  • Travel from Chennai to Mamallapuram to Kanchipuram (Optional). Please let us know in advance.
  • Tea and Coffee/ Snacks during the tour
  • Lunch on both days. Do let us know if you have any dietary preferences

Exclusions

  • Return fare to Chennai
  • Hotel accommodation. However, we can support you with accommodation reservations on special request
  • Any meals or services not mentioned in the itinerary i.e. breakfast on both days and dinner on day 1
  • Alcohol purchase
  • Refreshments at local cafés or street food joints are left to the preference of our guests, and are not included in the tour
  • Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry etc
  • Expenses arising out of unexpected fuel hikes & any cost arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, road conditions and any other circumstances which are beyond our control
  • Medical or travel insurance
  • Cost towards evacuation of guest in medical emergency or any other reason
  • Additional GST and Service tax

Itinerary

Day 1
  • Arrive at Mamallapuram by 8 am. Guests travelling in their own vehicles can meet us directly.
  • After breakfast at Mamallapuram, meet and greet your expert and guide Dr. Pradeep Chakravarthy
  • Start the tour of Mamallapuram with the Arjuna’a penance, Krishna’s butter ball and discovery of the other cave temples
  • We break for lunch OR learn to cook some Pallava era recipes with our chef
  • Post lunch, continue to explore the stone carving tradition of Mamallapuram and interact with the local carvers and artists.
  • Visit the Shore Temple and the Pancharathas, and end your day enjoying the sunset by the sea.
  • Depart for Kanchipuram. Checkin at your respective overnight hotel accomodation

 

Day 2
  • Start off after an early breakfast at your hotel to explore the Kailasanatha temple wth Dr. Pradeep Chakravarthy
  • Follwed by exploration of the Thiruparankundram Jain temple
  • Break for lunch at GRT in Kanchipuram for an authentic south indian meal
  • Embark on a journey to the old house museum at Kanchi Kudil, and interact with the Silk weavers at Kanchi
  • End the evening with a pooja (worship) at Ulagalanda Perumal Temple
  • Return to Chennai with a packet of Kanchipuram iddli!

About the Expert

Dr. Pradeep Chakravarthy

Dr. Pradeep Chakravarthy, a noted author and an expert on the culture of Tamil Nadu, is your ideal guide for a heritage walk of the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Mamallapuram and Kanchipuram. A graduate of the London School of Economics and JNU, Dr. Chakravarthy holds a PhD in history, specializing in the role of temples in the socio-economic and political life of medieval Tamil Nadu. With over ten authored books, his profound knowledge offers unique perspectives that make history come alive.

This tour has been curated by Peepul Tree Stories with on-ground support by Blue Canvas experiences.

About the Partner

Peepul tree is a platform that showcases the finest Indian artistry and the stories behind them. We travel through India, and help you rediscover great stories and handmade treasures. We bring out the best of Infinite India.

Experience T&Cs

  • This offer is valid on the basis of minimal participants of 10pax and maximum of 20pax (inclusive of upto 5 children below the age of 15yrs per tour)
  • This offer is exclusive of air fare and travel outside of the package
  • Pick up and drop from the nearest airport can be arranged at additional charges
  • This offer includes meals as mentioned in the itinerary, travel within the tour, guide fees, entry fees, temple donations and other expenses related to the tour specifically
  • Purchases made outside of the package will be billed to the guest directly
  • This package does not include alcoholic beverage
  • In case of Foreign Nationals, monument entry and fees may vary as per Government charges and permissions

What to expect

  • Mamallapuram ad Kanchipuram are located in the South of India. You can expect salty vibes, humidity and significant heat even in cooler months
  • Mamallapuram is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, we request you to follow the instructions of preservation
  • Kanchipuram has lots of steps and uneven ground and is thus not suitable for guests with walking disabilitites or pregnant women
  • As we will be visiting temples, we expect reverence and respect from our guests

Others

  • The tour is experienced best on foot. Hence, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes
  • Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities
  • This tour is not wheelchair accessible and unsuited for pregnant women
  • Cotton clothing and a hat is preferred to prevent the heat of the day
  • Please wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders as we will be visiting areas of worship
  • Evenings will be pleasant and cool
  • We aim to provide breaks for rest with refreshments during the tour, however as these are immersive walks, the closest breakpoint/ restroom may be a distance away

Booking terms

  • Booking Policy -
  • - Expression of interest 15 days in advance
  • - Details of the itinerary, to be mailed separately to guest.
  • Cancellation and Refund Policy -
  • - 100% payment is refundable upto 10 days in advance of the tour
  • - 50% payment is refundable upto 5 days in advance of the tour
  • - Nonrefundable after 5 days leading up to the tour

Payment Policy:

  • 100% advance payment at the time of booking

Pricing

  • INR 15,750 per pax+ GST as applicable
  • Children above the age of 15yrs will be considered at adult rates
  • Children between the 10yrs to 15yrs can avail a student discount. Please let us know separately
  • This tour is not recommended for children below 10yrs
  • This price excludes personal purchases, special diet requests, alcoholic beverages and extras which are not included in the package

For the detailed itinerary, please contact us at info@bluecanvasexp.com
or call (+91)-90083 06688

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