Spiritual Tamil Nadu

Begin your sightseeing with a tour of Chennai’s (Madras) rich colonial heritage, including Fort St George – the first major settlement of the East India Company in the Subcontinent, then continue to Chennai Museum to see the celebrated Chola bronzes. The afternoon is at leisure to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities. Alternatively, drive to the sacred town of Kanchipuram to discover the majestic Pallava period temples dating back to the 7th century and visit a silk weaver’s studio (supplement applies).

Drive along the palm-strewn Coromandel Coast to Mahabalipuram – the ancient port city of the Pallavas – to see the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage rock-cut temples. Next, visit the experimental international township of Auroville, then drive onto the charming former French colony of Pondicherry.

Start the day with a walking tour through Pondicherry’s ‘White Town’ with its 18th and 19th-century colonial buildings and unambiguously French character, then attend the ‘lively’ morning ‘Pooja’ (prayer ceremony) at a local temple and visit the Aurobindo Ashram to learn about the spiritual teachings of the revolutionary poet. This afternoon, drive inland to Tanjore, the former capital of the imperial Cholas. En route, visit the striking temple at Gangai Konda Cholapuram, ornamented with a rich array of fine stone sculptures.

Note: Sapphire Hotel accommodation is based on three nights at Mantra Koodam, a delightful character hotel located in the temple town of Kumbakonam (about an hour from Tanjore).

Spend the morning exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tanjore. Start your tour at the magnificent Brihadeeshwarar temple complex with its murals and musical pillars, then continue to the nearby 16th-century palaces of the Marathas and Nayaks with their superb collection of Chola bronzes. Next, learn about bronze casting at a local workshop. The afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore the local markets independently. Alternatively, visit the family home of renowned mathematician Ramanujan, affectionately known as the ‘man who knew infinity’ (supplement applies).

Drive through the fertile plains of the Cauvery Delta to the exquisite temple complex of Darasuram – regarded as a ‘sculptor’s dream in stone’. Continue to nearby Kumbeswaran Temple, where there will be an opportunity to feed the temple elephant, then proceed to Kumbakonam and visit a traditional coffee house to taste the exceptionally strong, bitter and aromatic local coffee before returning to Tanjore

A short journey this morning will bring you to Tiruchirapalli, a former Chola capital and location of the striking Srirangam temple – a massive complex with 21 soaring gopurams (gateway towers). Next, visit the ancient hilltop rock fortress that dominates the city and the 19th century St John’s Church before driving on to the Chettinad, where you will discover the palatial 19th century ‘Chettiar’ mansions on a bullock cart tour before checking in at your converted historic hotel.

Explore the Chettinad’s colourful local markets with a Chef and shop for exotic spices, seasonal vegetables, and other ingredients required to prepare the region’s distinct and famed cuisine; then return to your hotel for an introductory Chettinad cooking lesson. After a sumptuous Chettinad lunch, a scenic drive brings you to the Rajakkad Estate, a beautiful converted 18th-century palace painstakingly reassembled in the foothills of the Western Ghats.

At leisure to enjoy the facilities and grounds of the Rajakkad Estate. Should you prefer something more active, options include hiking or visiting a nearby working coffee estate.

Set off this morning for Madurai on the banks of the River Vaigai. The temple town is one of the oldest Tamil cities and is considered the fount of Tamil culture. Later this afternoon, visit the opulent Nayaka Palace with its richly decorated interiors and unique design combining Dravidian and Islamic styles, then stroll through the colourful markets, and conclude your tour at the Meenakshi Amman Temple, where you will be able to witness the lively late evening ‘Pooja’ ceremony.

Leave Madurai this morning and fly to Chennai (Madras). On arrival, you will be collected and taken to Covelong, a fishing village on golden sands offering fine views over the Bay of Bengal. After check-in, the remainder of the day will be at leisure.

At leisure to relax by the Bay of Bengal.

Transfer to the Chennai International Airport and check in for your onward flight.