Seasoned travelers find exquisite value in this fascinating tour that takes you through the fertile lands of Tamil Nadu. En route, you will encounter some elegant temple towns where visitors get a chance to explore the magnificence of Dravidian art forms and the rich heritage of rural South India.
Chennai (Madras) (2 nights), Madurai (2 nights), Chettinad (2 nights), Tanjore (2 nights), Pondicherry (3 nights), Chennai (Madras) (0 night)
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Called the ‘Cultural Capital of India’ for its deep-rooted traditions and age-old heritage, Chennai also has a young heart. It has grown into a charming city within a span of just over 350 years. Gaining recognition when, in 1639, Francis Day and Andrew Cogan, agents of the English East India Company, acquired a strip of land, called Chennapatnam on lease from the Vijayanagar King. Fort St. George that serves as the Government Secretariat today, was built to set up a factory serving as a nucleus for British settlements. The city was known as Madras till 1996 and later renamed as Chennai. Today this buoyant metropolis is a blend of the old and the new, the traditional and the modern. Spread over 200 sq km with the Bay of Bengal on the east, the city is the gateway to the rest of South India.
Tour of Chennai city with a local guide. Visit the National Museum and Fort St George, a fine example of 17th Century British military architecture. Within the fort there is a museum and St. Mary's Church, the first Anglican Church built in India. Also visit the Basilica of San Thome and the Kapaleeswarar Temple dedicated to Shiva.
Madurai is crowning glory of southern India located in the state of Tamil Nadu. Travelers can look forward to a host of intriguing travel experiences in the 2500 year old city that offers everything from Shiva temples to theme parks. Dubbed as the ‘Thoonga Nagaram’ or the ‘City that Never Sleeps’ in popular culture; Madurai is known to have an electric nightlife. The entire city is said to be built around the revered Meenakshi Amman Temple that was completed in 1655 CE.
Visit the Meenakshi Temple - built at the same time as the Taj Mahal, it is an outstanding example of south Indian Hindu architecture with nine towering gopurams smothered in a riot of colourful stucco images. This is an amazing place to absorb the atmosphere of Hinduism, with the dark pillared halls filled with thousands of pilgrims, bare-chested priests and the scent of flowers, coconut and ghee.
Homeland of Nattukottai Chettairs, this town in Tamil Nadu is home to some extravagant palaces that were built to keep the wealth of these professional businessmen safe. While the clan seems to have moved out during the Second World War, today this town is a thriving tourist paradise that must not be missed.
A guided visit to this area provides an interesting contrast to the ancient history of the temple towns, with traditional craftsmen at work in the market and dusty lanes lined with crumbling carved facades hiding cavernous interiors supported by Burma teak and satinwood pillars.
Famously known as the rice bowl of India, Tanjore is situated close to the delta near the Cauvery River. It is famous all over the world for its special kind of paintings. It is known that Bharatnatyam, a classical dance form in India also evolved in Tanjore.
Visit the 1,000-year-old Brihadishwara Temple built by King Rajaraja I and now a World Heritage Site. The architectural achievement is impressive with an 80-tonne granite block capping the 60-metre high inner temple. Later visit the The Nayak Palace, although rather dishevelled, is also worth investigating for its superb Chola bronze collection and elaborately decorated Durbar Hall.
Pondicherry or Pondy is an attractive South Indian city that is a world renowned holiday locale. Also known as Puducherry; the city houses a number of majestic structures, cathedrals and avenues designed with French architecture that have maintained their colonial character. Exciting travel experiences await tourists in the charming Pondicherry with the exotic bazaars of Poduke and some serene city beaches.
Visit the Auroville Ashram which is located just outside the city is one of the most famous ashrams in India. Founded by the guru Sri Aurobindo at the beginning of the 20th century, his work was continued by his devoted follower and companion, a French woman known as The Mother.
Called the ‘Cultural Capital of India’ for its deep-rooted traditions and age-old heritage, Chennai also has a young heart. It has grown into a charming city within a span of just over 350 years. Gaining recognition when, in 1639, Francis Day and Andrew Cogan, agents of the English East India Company, acquired a strip of land, called Chennapatnam on lease from the Vijayanagar King. Fort St. George that serves as the Government Secretariat today, was built to set up a factory serving as a nucleus for British settlements. The city was known as Madras till 1996 and later renamed as Chennai. Today this buoyant metropolis is a blend of the old and the new, the traditional and the modern. Spread over 200 sq km with the Bay of Bengal on the east, the city is the gateway to the rest of South India.
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All our journeys are inclusive of accommodation and breakfast, a private chauffeur driven car throughout, local experienced guides, entrance tickets and excursions as per the program. We offer a seamless and a hassle-free experience where you soak up the sights and enjoy your fabulous hotels. These indicative costs are based on a couple travelling together between October and March, sharing a double or a twin room. The cost would reduce significantly during the low-season months of April to September, while it would be noticeably higher during the peak Christmas and New Year period.
We will review your requirements and contact you as soon as possible.
All of our holidays are truly tailor-made offering you complete choice and freedom.
All our specialists Live in India. Having been born or spent years in this magnificent nation, our specialists are able to help you plan wholesome trips. With the advise of our specialists, it becomes a lot easier for international travelers to save time researching various experiences and plan a holistic trip that adhere to the highest standards.
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