Idea 1
Add on a visit to Tranquebar (now called Tarangambadi) for a stay at Bungalow on the Beach, once the home of the Danish East India Company.
The Story
Best time to go: October - March
Best for: Repeat Visitors, Historical, Cultural & Immersive
Best for: Repeat Visitors, Historical, Cultural & Immersive
One of the most important things to do when travelling through Tamil Nadu is to get the balance right between seeing the amazing Hindu architecture, and blend this with a chance to see the colourful, cultural side to this corner of India by getting off-the-beaten track into the rural villages and towns. When you have a balanced tour, this itinerary becomes simply magical.
This journey through Tamil Nadu begins in Chennai, formerly Madras, and once the initial base for the English East India Company in the 17th Century. Explore the city before flying to Madurai and heading into the hills to spend two nights at Rajakkad, a delightful teak bungalow that allows you to take leisurely walks in the breathtaking surrounding countryside. Head back to Madurai to see the superb Meenakshi Amman Temple during the afternoon pooja. Again, sip into the countryside and explore the Chettinad region, famous for its glorious mansions that were built by rich merchants in the 19th century, and also known for its superb local cuisine. Dip back into the cities, and see Trichy and Tanjore, famous for their Chola-era temples. Work your way up the coast to see Pondicherry, once home to the French East India Company, and still a remarkable Franco-Indian fusion that even can be seen in the superb food served up in the restaurants. Finally, end on the beach just south of Chennai where you can see the superb shore temples of Mahabalipuram before you return home.
Guide Pricing
Starting At
LOCATION:
| £2005 |
|---|
Price per person including all accommodation, private transfers, unique experiences and excluding international flights. We can arrange international flights should you wish.
Highlights
- Explore the wonderful Chola-era Hindu Temples that can be found throughout Tamil Nadu
- See the Shore Temples at Mahabalipuram, the superb architecture in Tanjore and Trichy
- See the stunning Meenakshi Temple in Madurai during the afternoon pooja ceremony
- Blend this with more cultural, immersive experiences such as the rural delights of Chettinad and Rajakkad
- See the French influences in Pondicherry
- Have a private driver and guides throughout your tour, and stay in characterful boutique hotels
Day 1-2
Vivanta by Taj – Connemara
Day 3-4
Rajakkad Estate
Day 5
Heritage Madurai
Day 6-7
Visalam
Day 8-9
Svatma Tanjore
Day 10-11
Palais De Mahe
Day 12-14
Vivanta by Taj – Fisherman’s Cove
Day 15
| Days | Location | Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1-2 | Chennai | Vivanta by Taj – Connemara Vivanta by Taj – Connemara |
| Day 3-4 | Rajakkad | Rajakkad Estate Rajakkad Estate |
| Day 5 | Madurai | Heritage Madurai Heritage Madurai |
| Day 6-7 | Chettinad | Visalam Visalam |
| Day 8-9 | Tanjore | Svatma Tanjore Svatma Tanjore |
| Day 10-11 | Pondicherry | Palais De Mahe Palais De Mahe |
| Day 12-14 | Covelong | Vivanta by Taj – Fisherman’s Cove Vivanta by Taj – Fisherman’s Cove |
| Day 15 | Chennai Airport | Fly Home |
Day 1-2
Chennai
Vivanta by Taj – Connemara
Vivanta by Taj – Connemara
Arrive in Chennai (Madras) and spend two night in the city. Take an immersive tour through the Tamil district of Mylapore, an immersive experience packed with local life such as jewellers, silk merchants, fruit and vegetable sellers and the flower vendors.
Day 2
Chennai
Vivanta by Taj – Connemara
Vivanta by Taj – Connemara
Explore colonial Madras, visiting St Mary’s Church in Fort St George, where Clive was married in 1753 and also Elihu Yale in 1680 (who went on to found Yale University). Visit the Fort Museum, an interesting place containing objects from the East India Company. See some of the colonial architecture such as the High Court and Ripon Building. For those with an interest in Chola history, then a visit to Chennai Museum is a must. In the afternoon, either relax at leisure or drive to the town of Kanchipuram to see the 7th century Pallava temples.
Day 3-4
Rajakkad
Rajakkad Estate
Rajakkad Estate
Fly to Madurai and drive into the hills for a two-night stay in the delightful Rajakkad Estate. It is perfect as a base to take leisurely walks in the countryside, or simply sit back and relax for a few days.
Day 5
Madurai
Heritage Madurai
Heritage Madurai
Drive back down to Madurai for the night. You can explore the city before seeing the impressive Meenakshi Temple during the afternoon pooja ceremony.
Day 6-7
Chettinad
Visalam
Drive into the interesting region of Chettinad, famous for its impressive mansions, constructed by wealthy merchants in the 19th century. Explore the local area, probably best done just exploring on foot. Maybe try your hand at learning a few cooking techniques.
Day 8
Tanjore
Svatma Tanjore
Svatma Tanjore
Drive north to the interesting city of Trichy (now known as Tiruchirapalli), once a Chola capital and home to the stunning Srirangam temple, with 21 gateway towers. Continue the the 19th century St John’s Church before driving onto Tanjore.
Day 9
Tanjore
Svatma Tanjore
Svatma Tanjore
Spend the morning exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tanjore, seeing the Brihadeeshwarar temple complex and the Chola bronzes in the nearby 16th century palaces of the Nayaks and Marathas. You’ll be able to learn a little about the bronze casting before continuing to see Tanjore’s local markets.
Day 10
Pondicherry
Palais De Mahe
Palais De Mahe
Drive through the Cauvery Delta, stopping in Kumbakonam to taste the exceptionally strong local coffee. See the superb temple complex at Darasuram and Kumbeswaran Temple where you can feed the temple elephant. Drive north to Pondicherry, stopping at the beautiful Gangai Konda Cholapuram Temple.
Day 11
Pondicherry
Palais De Mahe
Palais De Mahe
Take a walking tour through the old town of Pondicherry. You’ll begin by walking through the French quarter, seeing the amazing architecture, many painted in vivid colours. Stop at the Cafe des Arts for crepes. Walk past the Raj Niwas and Legislative Assembly towards Bharathi Park. Continue to Eglise de Notre Dame des Agnes before walking along the Promenade. End you day at one of Pondicherry’s amazing restaurants.
Day 12-14
Covelong
Vivanta by Taj – Fisherman’s Cove
Vivanta by Taj – Fisherman’s Cove
Drive north, passing the superb rock-temples at Mahabalipuram for a beach stay at Covelong, just south of Chennai.
Day 15
Chennai Airport
Drive to Chennai Airport and fly home
Suggested Hotels
Itinerary Experiences
Customise Your Itinerary
We can tweak and change any element of this itinerary and you can depart on any day you want, add nights here and there, and we can fully customise your day-to-day experiences depending on your interests. Here are just a few ideas of many that we can look at and discuss when we come to plan your tailor-made itinerary.
Idea 2
Extent your stay and head to the Andaman Islands with a flight to and from Chennai
Idea 3
Continue into Kerala to visit the tea fields, backwaters and Cochin
Further Itinerary Suggestions
Southern Trader: a tour of Kerala and Tamil Nadu
Chennai - Pondicherry - Tanjore - Madurai - Rajakkad - Munnar - Backwaters - CochinThis classic route takes you from Chennai (Madras) in Tamil Nadu, through the hills and into the Kerala to see the tea estates, backwaters and ending on the beach.
Classic Kerala
Cochin - Munnar - Periyar - Lake Vembenad - Backwaters - Marari BeachKerala is exceptionally laid-back, and a leisurely private tour allows you to see the markets and history of Cochin, tea estates, wildlife, spice plantations, backwaters and end on the Indian Ocean.