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Spiritual Tamil Nadu

13 Days / 12 Nights from £1975/ $2568 per person

Our Spiritual Tamil Nadu tour will reveal one of India’s most historic states. Renowned for its magnificent living temples, exquisite Chola bronzes, and unique cuisine; tropical Tamil Nadu has a distinct Dravidian culture and has been blessed by nature, yet despite its unique place in India’s cultural identity and temples to rival Angkor Wat, this relatively untrodden gem has long been overshadowed by its northern neighbours. The Spiritual Tamil Nadu tour is a well-paced private journey designed to reveal the state’s highlights in their full splendour. Beginning in Chennai (Madras), discover the city’s grand colonial heritage and learn about the Tamil way of life while exploring the narrow alleyways of Mylapore. Then, admire the magnificent rock-cut temples at Mahabalipuram, creations of 7th century Pallava rulers, and drive along the Coromandel coast to the former French colony of “Pondy” (Pondicherry) where the Gallic charm is still tangible. The ancient Chola imperial capital of Tanjore with its elaborate UNESCO World Heritage temples and palaces will be your next destination before exploring Darasuram - which is regarded as a ‘sculptors dream in stone’ – and Tiruchirapalli. Next, a short drive will bring you to the Chettinad - a region renowned for its fabulous cuisine and exquisitely decorated 19th century mansions. Your Tamil Nadu tour then climbs into the scenic highlands of the Western Ghats where you’ll stay at a beautifully restored 18th century palace. Nearby, in the vibrant temple city of Madurai, on the penultimate stop on your Tamil Nadu tour; witness the ancient living soul of the Tamil people while attending the evening pooja (prayers) at Meenakshi Amman Temple – a truly magical experience. The Spiritual Tamil Nadu tour concludes with two nights by the golden sands of the Bay of Bengal in the small fishing village of Covelong.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day Location/Route Overnight Sapphire Hotels Diamond Hotels
Day 1 Arrive Chennai (Madras) Airport. Late afternoon guided heritage walk. 2 nights Chennai Taj Connemara Taj Coromandel
Day 2 Discover Chennai’s colonial heritage. The afternoon is at leisure. 
Day 3 Visit Mahabalipuram and then drive along the Coromandel Coast to Pondicherry, via Auroville. 1 night Pondicherry Gratitude Heritage Palais De Mahe
Day 4 Morning tour of Pondicherry. Then, drive to Tanjore, which was once the imperial capital of the Cholas. Enroute visit the striking temple complex at Gangai Konda Cholapuram 3 nights Tanjore Mantra Koodam Svatma
Day 5 Visit the magnificent Brihadeeswara Temple at Tanjore and a traditional bronze-casting studio nearby.
Day 6 Discover the exquisite temple complex at Darasuram and then explore the temple town of Kumbakonam,
Day 7 Set off this morning to the Chettinad, which is renowned for its unique culture and architecture and offers a superb contrast to the temple towns. Enroute visit Tiruchirapalli. 1 night Chettinad Chettinadu Mansion Visalam
Day 8 Visit local markets and master your culinary skills during an interactive Chettinad cooking lesson, before arriving at Rajakkad Estate. 2 nights Rajakkad Rajakkad Estate Rajakkad Estate
Day 9 Today is at leisure.
Day 10 Drive to Madurai. Later this evening witness the lively 'Pooja' ceremony at the Meenakshi Amman Temple. 1 night Madurai Heritage Madurai Heritage Madurai
Day 11 Transfer to Madurai Airport for your flight to Chennai. On arrival, you will be transferred to your beach retreat at Covelong. 2 nights Covelong Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa
Day 12 Today is at leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities at your beach resort.
Day 13 Transfer to Chennai International Airport. Farewell to India.
Tour Highlights
  • Explore colonial Chennai (Madras).
  • Discover the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage temples at Mahabalipuram.
  • Stroll through Pondicherry’s distinctly Gallic ‘White Town’.
  • Discover the impressive 11th century Chola temples.
  • Discover fading yet palatial 19th century Chettinad mansions.
  • Learn about the Chettinad cuisine and what makes it distinctive.
  • Attend an atmospheric ‘Pooja’ (prayer ritual) at the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple.
  • Relax in a tranquil beach-front resort.
Extend Your Stay
  • 3 nights: Discover princely Mysore.
  • 4 nights: Relax in the Andaman Islands.
  • 5 nights: Explore scenic Kerala.
Route Map - Spiritual Tamil Nadu
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