Impregnable Gingee and Vellore

Arrival at Chennai airport and proceed towards Gingee. On arrival in Gingee check-in to hotel and freshen-up. Later in the afternoon, visit Arunachaleshwar Temple - a hindu temple dedicated to lord Shiva, located at the base of Arunachala hill in the town of Tiruvannamalai. The temple is a fine example of South Indian (Dravidian) architecture and sculpture.As the temple associated with Fire or Agni - one of the five elements of Pancha Maha Bhuta, it is represented by the lingam with his idol as Agni lingam. Return back to hotel and overnight stay.

After b/f visit Gingee Fort. This entire day is dedicated to explore Gingee Fort. Gingee Fort, is a historic fort complex spread across three hills: Rajagiri, Krishnagiri, and Chandrayandurg. Built by the Cholas and later fortified by the Vijayanagara Empire, it earned the nickname "Troy of the East" due to its impregnable defenses. It played a strategic role in various battles, including those involving the Marathas, Mughals and British. In 1677, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured Gingee Fort during his southern campaign, expanding Maratha influence in the region. After his death, the fort remained a key Maratha stronghold. Later, it became the seat of Rajaram Maharaj when he fled from the Mughals, using Gingee as a base for guerrilla warfare. The fort features Massive Walls, Granaries, Temples, Elephant Tank, Watchtowers, Prison Cells and a seven-story Kalyana Mahal. Also there is also a site museum at the very entrance of the fort which has been set up by the Archaeological Survey of India. It contains sculptures about the different periods and many dynasties that have ruled Gingee. In the evening return back to hotel and overnight stay.

After b/f, check-out from hotel and proceed to visit Vellore Fort. After the fall of Bijapur, Shivaji Maharaj’s half-brother, Venkoji Raje (Ekoji), established the Maratha rule in the Thanjavur region. During this period, Vellore Fort, located in Tamil Nadu, became strategically important in the political and military power struggles of South India. Key attractions: The massive granite walls and a deep, wide moat surrounding the fort emphasize its strong defenses, Jalakanteswara Temple, St. John’s Church (Built in 1846, this church within the fort premises is one of the oldest in South India), Vellore Fort Mosque, Tipu Sultan's Family Prison and Fort Museum etc. In the evening check-in to hotel and overnight stay.

After b/f, check-out from hotel and proceed towards Chennai. On the way visit Kalikambal Kamadeswara Temple. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj visited this temple on 03 October 1677. It is believed that a fierce form of Goddess was held in worship earlier and that this form was replaced with the shanta swaroopa (calm posture) form of Goddess Kamakshi by Adi Shankaracharya. In the afternoon dropping to Chennai Airport for return journey. Tour conclude.