Tamil Nadu Tour

Early morning visit flower market, later after breakfast at hotel visit Meenakshi Temple (The Meenakshi Amman temple) is the city's most important landmark. It is one of the five Sabhas [divine dance stages]. Apart from the face of Pilgrim and Education center, Madurai is a modern Commercial and industrial city. It is also famous for its trade mark Chungudi cotton sarees, color dyeing, motifs, Handicrafts, Brassware. Wooden Toys of Madurai is the favorite of the Young and Old as well. Visit the Gandhi Memorial museum & Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal. It was built by King Thirumalai Nayakar and it is 1 ½ km from the temple. This Palace is a classic fusion of Dravidian and Islamic architecture. Stucco work on the domes and arches are very attractive. It faced huge damages during the days of its existence. Lord Napier, the then Governor of Madras, had partially restored the palace in 1866-72. After independence, Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal was declared as a national monument and is now under the protection of the Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department. Evening enjoy walking tour of old Madurai. Overnight stay at hotel.

Morning after breakfast travel to Chettinad. Chettinad is a region almost centrally located in the southern Indian state of Tamil nadu. Its a culturally and historically important region famous for its unique cuisine, agriculture and architecture. On arrival check-in at hotel. Later in the afternoon explore Chettinad Architecture; the home to the Chettiars, a prosperous mercantile community. Apart from many other things this place is well known for its fiery cuisine and architecture. Most of the palatial 18th century mansions that one will get to see here were built using materials imported from east Asian countries and Europe about 100 years ago. Also visit the Athangudy Tile Makers, a village situated about 10 Kms from Visalam is a place famous for its hand made tiles. There are over one hundred small scale tile factories in this village where the entire tile making process is carried out by human hands. Next visit to Handloom Cotton Weavers, The famed Chettinad's Cotton sarees and textiles are woven on in small handloom home units across Chettinad. A couple minutes walk away from Visalam is one such handloom unit making the most vibrant Indian textile. Evening enjoy The Bullock Cart Ride, you can explore Chettinad's old streets, temples, markets and antique stores from the comfort of a bullock cart ride; taking you back in time to a forgotten era. Stay overnight at hotel in Chettinad. Overnight stay at hotel.

Morning after breakfast travel to Kumbakonam is one of the Oldest towns in Tamilnadu and its famous for its Mahamaham Festival. In the 7th century, It was the capital of chola kings. kumbakonam is located among the two rivers Cavery & Arasalar. The town is famous for brass, vessels, bettel leaves. It is primarily a market town for the predominantly agriculture based villages surroundings it. On arrival check-in at hotel. Later visit Kalamkari, visit Ramamohan's house in Kumbakonam. There, he is keeping the ancient artform of Kalamkari alive and thriving. A heritage passed on from generation to generation in his family, he is now carrying the artform into its new age. Kalamkari originated during the Marathas' rule over Thanjavur and was frequently commissioned by the royal family. It involves intricate art work on fabric, where the colours are extracted from natural sources such as flowers, barks, roots and seeds to make plant-based dyes on cotton. After that visit The Weaving of Pattu Silk, Wiggling through narrow lanes of Kumbakonam, you reach a place where mere strands of threads are transformed into something magical. The timeless technique of 'Pattu' silk weaving is alive and thriving in the hands of these master craftsmen. Watch them weave intricate designs into silk saris with fine gold thread. The entire process of hand-assembled wooden machines meticulously weaving silk is a mesmerizing experience. In the last visit the Lost Wax Casting, The ancient town of Swami Malai is home to a group of artisans called the "Sthapathis", who are believed to have settled in the area during the construction of the 'Periya Kovil', brought in by RajaRaja Chola. They are known for the timeless sculptures they created for this temple, leading to the popularization of their trade across the world. A visit to their workshop is a memorable experience. Watch master craftsmen use the 'Lost Wax' technique, using a combination of wax and soft clay from the river bed to make moulds for ornate bronze sculptures. Overnight stay at hotel.

Morning after breakfast day excursion to Tanjore. Visit the Airavateshwara Temple and Tanjore Royal Palace. The palace near the temple is a vast building of masonry built partly by the Nayaks around 1550 AD and partly by the Marathas. Two of the Palace towers, the armoury and observation towers, are visible from all parts of the city. Visit Brihadeeswara Temple or the Big Temple of God, built by the great Chola King Raja Raja (985 -1012) is an example of the magnificent achievements of the Cholas in the field of temple architecture. The tower over the inner sanctum sanctorum rises perpendicularly to a height of 15mts from a square of 28.8 mts and then tapers to make a total height of 64.8mts. An 81.3 tone monolithic stone slab adorned with winged niches on four sides caps the tower. After visit return back to hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Morning after breakfast travel to Pondicherry, the town is adorned with natural beauties of the Deccan Plateau; on the red soil the dense green trees create marvellous scenery, with trees majority of cashews, palm and neem. This city was ruled by French for about 281 years before independence, and a profound influence of Southern France is still very prominent. The medieval town of the French province, Pondicherry has managed to preserve its French aura, from its delectable restaurants offering French cuisine to streets bearing French names. The grand boulevards make Pondicherry a richly cosmopolitan city. The numerous palm-fringed beaches, splendid backwaters, fabulous tiny fishing villages and hamlets make it a beautiful town. The day is free to take stroll in the street of this beautiful town. Overnight stay at hotel.

Morning after breakfast excursion to visit the world city of Auroville & it's famous Matri Mandir. Auroville, 'the City of Dawn', is a place that anyone with idealistic leanings will love: an international community dedicated to peace, sustainability and 'divine consciousness', where people from across the globe, ignoring creed, colour and nationality, work together to build a universal, cash-free, nonreligious township. Matri Mandir "Temple of the Mother" in Sanskrit, this is the geographical and spiritual heart of Auroville. The outside is plated with gold, while the inside houses a space bathed in warm colored light, with white marble and geometric patterns. Following the paths in this space, you're led into the inner chamber, a stark white cylindrical hall centered around a gigantic crystal sphere. Later after visit return back to Pondicherry. Afternoon visit of Shri Aurobindo Ashram was founded by great Indian philosopher Shri Aurbindo Ghosh. It also houses a library, study room and sales emporium, Botanical Garden, French town Also known as The French Riviera of the East, it mirrors the French influence through its architecture as the city's plan was based on the French grid pattern. Some of the streets still retain their French names. Overnight stay at hotel.

Morning after breakfast travel to Mahabalipuram. On arrival check-in at hotel. Later visit of Mahabalipuram. Situated on rocky outcrop amidst the beach and a lagoon, it is famous for its scenic location and the series of majestic Pancha Rathas. The splendor of the place is majorly contributed by the huge casuarinas trees, the silver sandy seaside and the traditional handicrafts. Visitors get surprised and intoxicated with the sumptuousness. Evening walk around the promenade beach. Overnight stay at hotel.

Morning after breakfast, Departure transfer to Chennai airport to board fight for Home & taking back memories back Home.