By browsing this site you accept cookies used to improve and personalize our services and marketing. Read our Privacy Policy for more information about Cookies we use and what we do with your data.
 
Living Cultures of Tamil Nadu
Living Cultures of Tamil Nadu
EK

Highlights: Chennai - Mylapore - Marina Beach - Santhome Cathedral - Pondicherry - Auroville - Kumbakonam - Chettinad - Madurai


Alternate travel dates: 9 Nov 19 - 31 Mar 20


Hotels:
Chennai - Grand by GRT Hotels 4.5*
Pondicherry- Le Pondy Beach & Lake Resort 5*
Cheittnad - Mansion 3*
Madurai - Heritage Madurai 4.5*


Itinerary:


Day 1: London Heathrow to Dubai by flight EK-2: 13:40-00:40 Hrs


Day 2: Dubai to Chennai by flight EK-544:02:50 - 08:15 Hrs
Upon arrival at Chennai airport welcome, meet and assist by our representative and transfer to Hotel – 14:00 Hrs: Standard check in time. Rest of the day at leisure and Overnight stay at Hotel


Day 3: Chennai
After breakfast you will enjoy sightseeing tour of Chennai 
Fort St. George – The construction of this fort started as early as 1650. It was often attacked by Indian and French forces yet it continued to expand. Today, the old buildings in Fort St. George house the Tamil Nadu Secretariat, the legislative assembly and St. Mary’s church. 
Mylapore – One of the most important localities of Madras is Mylapore, where the famous Kapaleswara temple, the tank, market area and old Brahmin residential houses are situated. Mylapore is a unified complex and is best viewed as such.
Marina Beach – The marina, almost 13 kms long, is a wide sandy stretch, with a drive along it, fringed with palms and casuarinas.
San Thome Cathedral – Is associated with the apostle, St Thomas. It is believed that he was martyred on what is called St. Thomas’. It is believed that he was martyred on what is called St. Thomas’ Mount and his remains were enshrined in this church.
Overnight stay at Hotel


Day 4: Chennai to Pondicherry by surface (Approx. 210 Kms, 5 hrs)
Today after breakfast drive to Pondicherry is a quiet little town on the southern coast. The quaint colonial heritage buildings, the spiritual scene, the endless stretches of unspoilt virgin beaches, The Union Territory of Puducherry comprises of four coastal regions – Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam. Upon arrival at Pondicherry, check in at Hotel. Overnight stay at Hotel


Day 5: Pondicherry
After breakfast visit Auroville - a unique experiment in international living and in creating a new environment where men and women of all nationalities live together in harmony Aurobindo Ashram, the city of dawn, which is 10 kms north of Pondicherry. This ashram promotes Aurbindo's ideas in bringing about a synthesis of Yoga and modern science, so as to unite the spirit and matter. Overnight stay at hotel


Day 6: Pondicherry to Chettinad by surface (Approx. 160 Kms, 4 Hrs)
Today after breakfast drive to Chettinad visiting Kumbakonam – is known as the 'temple town” due to the prevalence of a number of temples Thanjavur's Brihadisvara temple, a World Heritage Site. The temple was built in 10th century with an unusual feature of massive cupola carved out of single granite block weighing 80 tons on the top of this 66.5 m tall structure. Proceed visit temple town of Srirangam and The Rock Fort temple stands, on a mammoth 84 m high rock. The smooth rock was first cut by the Pallavas but it was the Nayaks of Madurai who completed both the temple under the Vijayanagara empire. The temple is situated at the top of the rock. The temple is mystic in its nature with an awe- inspiring rock architecture. The Ganesh temple is much smaller with an access through steep steps carved on the rock and provides a stunning view of Trichy. Upon arrival at Chettinad, check in at Hotel.
Overnight stay at Hotel.


Day 7: Chettinad
Guided tour of the Mansion, with interaction with the family, Enjoy cooking demonstration. You can also enjoy any one activity of your choice Sari & Dothi draping session, Rangoli drawing session, or Flower Knotting session. Overnight stay at Hotel.


Day 8: Chettinad
You will also enjoy Audio visual on Chettinad Architecture, Culture and Cuisine is show. Overnight stay at Hotel.


Day 9: Chettinad to Madurai by surface (Approx. 80 Kms, 2-3 Hrs)
After breakfast drive to Madurai - The city of Madurai was planned and laid out on the pattern of a lotus flower, with the famous Meenakshi Temple in the centre. Legend has it, that a drop of nectar (Mathuram) from Lord Shiva’s looks feel here. So, the city came to be known as Madurai- the city of nectar. Upon arrival at Madurai, check in at Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure and Overnight say at Hotel.


Day 10: Madurai
Today after breakfast enjoy city tour of Madurai visiting Meenakshi Temple – Meenakshi Temple 17thcentury Meenakshi Temple, in the heart of old town, is dedicated to Shiva and his consort Meenakshi. It is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture. The high point of the temple is the hall of a "Thousand Pillars" and just outside this hall are the famous musical pillars. Here the iconography makes much use of the lotus, which in Indian symbolism is a representation of the female sex and an emblem of bliss and abode of gods. The Teppakkulam Tank – This tank, 5 km cast of the old city, covers an area almost equal to that of the Meenakshi Temple and is the site of the popular Teppam Festival. for most of the year, however, it is empty save for local kids playing cricket in it. The tank was built by Tirumalai Nayak in 1646 and is connected to the Vaigai River by underground channels. The Tirumala Nayak Palace –The palace building constructed in the Indo-Saracenic style is considered to be an architectural feat. Built in the 17th Century, the palace has a number of pillars and 15 domes. The beautiful arches are unique in their ornamental workmanship. The sound and light show conducted here depicts the story of Silappathikaram and the life of Tirumala Nayak.
Overnight stay at Hotel.


Day 11: Madurai to Chennai by train Vaigai Express: 07:00-14:35 Hrs
Transfer from Hotel to Madurai railway station in time to board train for Chennai. 14:35 Hrs: Arrive Chennai railway station
Upon arrival at Chennai railway station transfer to Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure and Overnight stay at Hotel.


Day 12: Chennai to Dubai by flight EK-545: 09:45-12:40 Hrs
Dubai to London Heathrow by flight EK-003:1430-18:20 Hrs
Breakfast at Hotel.
12:00 Noon standard check out time
Transfer from Hotel to Chennai airport in time to board flight for London Heathrow via Dubai



Offer Includes

  • Flights from London Heathrow with Emirates
  • Airport taxes
  • 10 Nights Accommodation on bed and breakfast Basis in Delhi
  • All transfers & sightseeing as per itinerary by air-conditioned car
  • Entrance fees to the monuments
  • Services of local English speaking guide as per the itinerary during city tour
  • Cooking demonstration at Chettinad

Meal Plans

  • As per Itinerary