Discover Tamil Nadu

After breakfast, check out and begin the city tour with the Panch Rathas, five 7th-century chariot-shaped structures carved from granite. Next, visit Arjuna’s Penance, a mid-17th-century masterpiece, followed by the Mahasura Mandapam cave temple and the Shore Temple, dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. Nearby, explore Krishna’s Butter Ball, a massive 250-ton granite boulder balanced on a small incline.

Post sightseeing, drive to Pondicherry, the white city, full of grace, colours, and peace. With its colonial past, the old French counter reminds you a little of France. A city contrasts with its rather quiet, white French Quarter and, on the other hand, its Indian quarter brimming with spicy flavours, noises, and life. Arrive and check in.

After breakfast, head out to explore Pondicherry. Visit Raj Nivas, the former residence of French governors, along with the French Institute and the museum library. Explore the peaceful and spiritual Sri Aurobindo Ashram, founded in 1926. Don’t miss the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, a striking red and white Catholic church. Wander through the vibrant market in the Indian quarter. In the evening, take a stroll along the seaside and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere.

After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur, once-upon-a-time capital of the Chola Dynasty. Thanjavur enjoys a rich historical heritage and holds a very important position in the moulding of ancient as well as modern South Indian civilization. On reaching, check-in at the hotel. Your Thanjavur sightseeing tour begins with a visit to the Brihadeshwara temple built by Raja Chola I. This temple dating back to 11th century is dedicated to Lord Shiva (God of destruction) and is a perfect example of the Dravidian style of architecture during the reign of Chola dynasty.

Also, visit the Thanjavur Palace, locally called Aranmanai, is the residence of the Bhosle Family that ruled over Thanjavur from 1674 to 1855. Established in 1550, this palace is a maze-like complex partly constructed by the Nayaks who took over Thanjavur in 1535 and by a local Maratha dynasty. Originally named as Sivaganga Fort, the do-not-miss sections of this fort are the Saraswati Mahal Library Museum and an Art Gallery

Today after breakfast, head out for excursion to Trichy. Explore the largest temple in India, and one of the largest religious complexes in the world: the Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple. You will be amazed by its size, its many decorations, sculptures and could spend hours there. Then climb to Rock Fort, the Sacred Rock.Discover a cave cut in the rock, and admire the view of the city. After sightseeing, return back to Thanjavur.

After breakfast drive to Chettinad. Under the British empire, the Chettiars, belonging to the caste of the merchants, had sumptuous palaces built to show their wealth. The city has about 10,000 palaces in 70 villages. A real heritage unfolds. You enjoy a day of discovery, walking through Chettinad. You will appreciate the calm of its tiny rural villages, small wooden houses. 

After breakfast, drive to Madurai, located on the banks of the Vaigai River. It is one of the oldest cities in India, a high place of pilgrimage, but also a cultural and religious centre for Hindus. You begin the discovery of the city by its famous sacred temple Sri Meenakshi, one of the most alive of South India. An impressive sanctuary dedicated to the gods Shiva, Ganesh and Kali, it includes 12 gopurams (towers) 60 meters high, located at these 4 cardinal points. With these 30,000 statues and colourful decorations, you will be very impressed by this mini-town within the temple itself. The place is home to many pilgrims, Indians pray, eat, sleep and find refuge. Then, admire the beauty of the elegant Nayak palaces, Islamic architectural style with these imposing pillars. The animated alleys charm you and finish your day by attending the ceremony of the puja, rite of offerings and adoration. 

Today, enjoy your last moments in South India. Stroll through the flower markets of Madurai, where you will find lotus flowers, roses and jasmine flowers. Visit the Gandhi Memorial. Then your driver will drive you to Madurai Airport, for your flight to Chennai. If time permits, treat yourself to an Ayurvedic massage.