Discover Tamil Nadu

At dawn, visit the city of a thousand temples that reveals these structures of rocks and granite, Dravidian architecture typical of Southeast India dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. At the seaside, you browse the remains of the Hindu dynasty of Pallavas, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue your exploration with the visit of the Penitence of Arjuna (The Descent of the Ganges), the largest bas-relief, classified at UNESCO, measuring 27 meters in height.

Then head for the Five Rathas, admire these 5 temples in the shape of a processional float, arranged on a sandy block. In the afternoon, we head to Pondicherry, the white city, full of grace, colours, and peace. With its colonial past, the old French counter remembers you a little of France. A city of contrasts with its rather quiet, white French Quarter and, on the other hand, its Indian quarter brimming with spicy flavours, noises, and life. 

Today you are walking in our beloved Pondicherry. You will visit the Raj Nivas, the residence of the French governors, the French Institute and the library of the museum. As well as the Sri Aurobindo Ashram founded in 1926. Let yourself be carried away by the very peaceful and mystical atmosphere of the place. Do not miss the catholic church, sacred heart of Jesus, beautifully erected, with bright red and white colours, marked and straight. Go on an expedition to the Indian quarter with its colourful market. In the evening, cross the seaside, enjoy this sweet evening.

This morning, you leave Pondicherry, to go to the city of Kumbakonam in Thanjavur. It concentrates more than 180 Hindu temples. Every 12 years, pilgrims from all over the world come to the sacred lake of Mahamaham and purge themselves with a bath. Visit the temple of Brihadishwara, one of the largest in India and visit the Palace, which has an art gallery and a library. His throne room abounds with beautiful walls decorated with paint. In the evening, stroll through the city of Thanjavur.

Today an excursion to Trichy awaits you. You explore the largest temple in India, and one of the largest religious complexes in the world: the Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple. You are amazed by its size, its many decorations, sculptures. You could spend hours there. Then climb to Rock Fort, the Sacred Rock. You discover a cave cut in the rock, and you 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. GeTS Holidays hopes that this trip will have marked you and that it will remain engraved in you.