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Chennai,
formerly known as Madras, is a city on the east coast of
southern India. It is India's fourth largest metropolitan city
and sits on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. Known for its
cultural heritage, Chennai is a city where the traditional and
the modern blend in life everywhere. Take a stroll over the
sandy stretch of beach known as the Marina, or visit Fort St.
George, built by the British East India Company. Many of the
street names reflect the city’s long association with other
cultures such as China Bazaar Road, Armenian Street and
Portuguese Church Street. Experience the culture in temples,
art galleries or museums. Port Blair in the Andaman Islands,
which is located east across the Bay of Bengal is a paradise
archipelago, lush and forested, home of some of the most
exotic plant-life in the world. The crystal clear waters
shimmer with tropical fish, and the islands are famous for
their corals and water-sports facilities. North of Chennai,
the state of Andhra Pradesh, is rich with archaeological and
architectural treasures.
MAHABALIPURAM & CULTURAL DAKSHINCHITRA
Located at a distance of 58 km from Chennai, Mahabalipuram has
everything that makes it a memorable place. Here, you will
find old traditions, history and piety. Arjuna's Penance, one
of the many open air bas relief is a surface that consists of
two large boulders with a fissure in between. In the cleavage,
there are a serpent god and a serpent goddess in the act of
worship.
There are nearly one hundred figures of Gods, sages’
semi-divine beings, huge elephants and a few other animals.
Next, visit the Five Ratha’s – an interesting group of ancient
rock temples carved on it. After a hearty meal, head on to
Dakshinchitra and view the traditional houses of Tamilnadu and
Kerala and enjoy some folk performances, craft and
exhibitions.
SILK WEAVING AT KANCHIPURAM
& MAHABALIPURAM HIGHLIGHTS
Experience Kanchipuram – one of the most sacred sites of India
and the capital of Pallavas, Cholas and Rajas of Vijaynagar.
Kanchipuram is one of India’s most spectacular cities and its
many ‘gopurams’ (pyramid-shaped towers that form the gates
into Dravidian temples) can be seen from miles away.
The most important is the Kailasanath Temple, dedicated to
Lord Shiva, which is one of the earliest temples built in the
late 7th century. Thereafter, visit a silk hand-weaving centre
before proceeding for lunch. Head on next to Mahabalipuram.
Located at a distance of 58 km from Chennai, Mahabalipuram has
everything that makes this place memorable. Here, you will
find old traditions, history, and piety.
Arjuna's Penance, one of the many open air bas relief is a
surface that consists of two large boulders with a fissure in
between. In the cleavage, there are a serpent god and a
serpent goddess in the act of worship. There are nearly one
hundred figures of Gods, sages’ semi-divine beings, huge
elephants and a few other animals carved on it. Next, visit
the Five Ratha’s – an interesting group of ancient rock
temples.
PONDICHERRY
Arrive at Pondicherry and proceed with sightseeing of this
quaint town. Pondicherry – a former French colony presents an
unusual combination of European culture and Indian traditions.
Its history can be traced back to Agastya, the revered sage of
the south who built his hermitage here in 1500 BC. It became
part of Indian in 1954 but traces of its history as a French
colony still remains – evident in its churches, cuisine,
grid-patterned streets and colonial buildings. This restored
colony exudes a Mediterranean aura, with its chic streets,
whitewashed residences, ornamental gardens and Hotel de Ville.
Next, visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and its offshoot,
Auroville, 10km outside town. The ashram, whose spiritual
tenets combine yoga and modern science, is one of the most
popular and affluent society in India.
CITY TOUR
Stop by at the local museum and gallery before proceeding to
the first English church in India and the oldest British
building to survive – St. Mary’s church. Thereafter, stopover
at Santhome Cathedral. Apostle Thomas lived and preached there
until 78 AD where he was martyr. Next, head to Kalapeshwara
Temple and spend some time shopping for some local handicraft.
MAHABALIPURAM HIGHLIGHTS
Located at a distance of 58 km from Chennai, Mahabalipuram has
everything that makes this place memorable. Here, you will
find old traditions, history and piety. Arjuna's Penance, one
of the many open air bas relief is a surface that consists of
two large boulders with a fissure in between. In the cleavage,
there are a serpent god and a serpent goddess in the act of
worship. There are nearly one hundred figures of Gods, sages'
semi-divine beings, huge elephants and a few other animals
carved on it. Next, visit the Five Ratha’s – an interesting
group of ancient rock temples.
KANCHIPURAM & SILK HAND-WEAVING
Experience Kanchipuram – one of the most sacred sites of India
and the capital of Pallavas, Cholas and Rajas of Vijaynagar.
Kanchipuram is one of India’s most spectacular cities and its
many ‘gopurams’ (pyramid-shaped towers that form the gates
into Dravidian temples) can be seen from miles away. The most
important is the Kailasanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva,
which is one of the earliest temples built in the late 7th
century. Thereafter, visit a silk hand-weaving centre.
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SuperStar Libra - Destinations
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