South Indian Trail

Arrive Chennai. Our representative will assist you for the transfer to the hotel. Chennai – the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal, it is one of the biggest cultural, economic and educational centres of India. Apart from being a major district, this metropolis also serves as the gateway of South India. General information about Chennai reveals that of late, the city of Chennai has developed as one of the cosmopolitan cities in India that plays an important part in the cultural, intellectual and historical growth of India. Later the day go on a stroll, Take a peek into colonial Madras though its majestic buildings such as the Government Museum, the San Thome Cathedral, the Fort St George and head onto a stroll along the 3km-long main stretch of Marina Beach where you’ll pass cricket matches, fortune-tellers and families enjoying the sea breeze.. Return back to your hotel for your overnight. Tonight don’t forget to try the vegetarian local cuisine such as dosa, (rice and lentils crepes) accompanied by spicy and flavoured sambar (vegetable stew), at any of the  many finest South Indian restaurant in town…(Payable locally) Overnight at the hotel. (Bed & Breakfast)

Start your day with an easy guided tour to the impressive Kapaleeshwarar temple, with its rainbow-coloured Gopuram and Pillared Mandapas. Your journey will lead to a character full market. Proceed to Dakshina Chitra, a Cultural Living Museum of Art, Architecture, Lifestyles, Crafts and Performing Arts of South India. After the visit enjoy the Lunch at the Restaurant inside. Later drive to your next stop, the seaside town of Mahabalipuram, Port of the Pallava kings in the 5th to 8th centuries. Along the shore lies a stunning series of temples and sculptures, carved from the living rock 1,200 years ago. Unlike many Hindu temples, the rocks show scenes of everyday life. Check-in your hotel and later go visit with your guide, the magnificent Shore temple, symbolising the heights of Pallava architecture and the maritime ambitions of their kings. Go explore the masterpiece of Mahabalipuram’s Rock cut caves representing the scenes of Hindu myths and finish by the site of the Five Rathas. Each of these temples was named after one of the Pandavas, the five hero-brothers of the epic Mahabharata. Drive back to your hotel, Overnight stay.

After breakfast drive to Pondicherry. On arrival check-in at your hotel. Away from the hustle and bustle of big cities, Puducherry is a quiet little town on the southern coast of India. The unmistakable French connection, the tree-lined boulevards, the quaint colonial heritage buildings, the spiritual sceneries, and a surprising choice of restaurants serving a melange of cuisines provide a heady mix of experience that draws travellers from near and far to the city Settled by the French in the 18th century, Pondicherry retains a quiet colonial atmosphere with wide shady streets lined with colorful stucco houses. Later the day take a stroll through the white town (as the French quarters is popularly known as) while our story teller relates the history with what you see around.  Stop by at the Aurobindo ashram and stroll to the lively Tamil quarters. Breathe in the unparalleled fusion of cultural diversity that live within the very air of Pondicherry. Experience Hindu faith at the Ganesh Temple  and the many colours and smells of Goubert Market..  Overnight at the hotel.

In morning after your breakfast take a visit to Auroville and understand the unique community living here based on universal harmony. You will be taken through the visitors center and a few of the auroville units which innovatively works on paper, textile, bamboo and stones among others. Experience Lunch at Solar kitchen – the community Kitchen  for the inmates. See the Matri mandir (the meditation centre) from outside.

If peace and a break is the most sought after, then Pondicherry is surely one of the choicest holiday destinations in South India. The town offers a unique experience with its mix of modern heritage and spiritual culture. With a predominantly historical background, Pondicherry takes one centuries back in time. It is the perfect place to come if you want to take the pace of life down a few notches. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Tanjore, former capital of the mighty Cholas Empire. Enroute  visit the Colony of Silk Weaver at Darasuram and discover the Art of the Saree Weaving, made out from their Traditional Wood Machinery, tracing few generations. Proceed to see its famous Airavatesvara Chola Temple, UNESCO world heritage site. (open from 06.00 A.M.-12.30 & 04 P.M. – 8.00 P.M).   Enjoy a warm lunch at the Paradise Resorts in Kumbakonam. Later drive to Tanjore Thanjavur, formerly Tanjore, is home to Most of the Great Living Chola Temples, which are UNESCO World Heritage Monuments. The foremost among these,is the Brihadeeswara Temple,located in the centre of the city. Continue your visits to the Thanjavur’s Royal Palace, which preserves memories of other powerful dynasties from later centuries. Here, if time permits, explore the Saraswati Mahal Library Museum housing over 30000 Indian and European manuscripts and the Art Gallery. Visit the world Heritage-listed Brigadeswara Temple, build in the 11th century by Raja Raja I (‘King of Kings’). Enter through the Nayak gate, followed by two original Gopurams with some elaborate stucco sculptures. Inside discover several shrines, including one of India’s largest statues of Nandi (Shiva’s sacred bull).Proceed to the hotel and check-in..

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. See the Art of  Tanjore Veena making and Bronze idols by Stapathis (sculptors) as per the traditional Shilpa Sastras ( Hindu Craft System) prevailed from the Chola period. There are also a collection of New and Old Tanjore paintings worth taking a look at. Later drive through the plains to the unique area of Tamil Nadu known as Chettinadu.  Arrive at the Bangala and experience a cooking demonstration followed by lunch. Every meal here is an elaborate affair running into several courses resembling a typical chettinad feast. Early evening drive to village outskirts to see the Ayyanar temple (Horse Temple), a place where rows of grinning and colorful terra cotta horses greet you once you enter the temple complex. Ayyanar is an ancient and regional expression of the Hindu God Shiva. These smiling horses are offerings from villagers – thanks giving for a prayer fulfilled. Go around the village to see some of the centers making local snack called murukku. Later visit a tile factory at Athangudi. Athangudi tiles are basically cement tiles like mosaic, but unlike the machine pressed and produced mosaics, they are handmade over glass surfaces. It is the play of base colours with typical conventional flora and line-drawing designs that sets them apart from the modern versions in the market

Breakfast at the hotel.  Later Drive South to another vibrant city of Tamil Nadu, Madurai. On arrival proceed on a Guided Tour of the city. Known for the imposing Meenakshi Temple, Madurai is one of India’s oldest cities dating from the 6th century BC. and today an important cultural, religious and commercial centre of South India. stop at the nearby Tirumalai Nayak Palace , built in 1636 by king Thirumalai Nayak, in Indo-Sarcenic style with the input of an Italian architect. End your tour with a  south Indian Filter cofffee from the corner tea stall and check in at your hotel. Later in the evening Transfer by auto-rickshaw to the Meenakshi temple. Later attend the Night Ceremony at the Temple when the temple bronze of Lord Shiva is carried to the bed chamber of Parvati. Return to your hotel by auto-rickshaw. Overnight stay.         (Breakfast & Dinner)