Tamil Nadu Architecture Tour
6days/5nights
Destinations covered
Chennai-Mahabaliburam-Pondicherry-Chidambaram-Tanjore-Karaikudi
Architecture in Tamilnadu
Thousands of temples with lofty towers dot the skyline of the southernmost state of Tamilnadu in India. These temples are torchbearers of the glorious heritage of the Tamil speaking region, and are repositories of the magnificent art forms that evolved over several centuries. Several of these temples have been glorified by the ancient Tamil hymns of the 1st millennium CE.
Day 1 -Arrival at Chennai
In the city, one can notice the British influence in the form of old Cathedrals and the mix of Hindu, Islamic and Gothic revival styles that resulted in the Indo-Saracenic architecture. Upon arrival at Chennai Airport our local representative will assist and transfer you to hotel. Later, you will be taken for a sightseeing tour of Chennai covering Valluvar Kottam, National Art and Government Museum etc. Stay overnight at hotel
Day 2 - Mahabalipuram
After morning breakfast proceed for a tour to Mahabalipuram. The main attractions at Mahabalipuram are the Shore temples, Arjuna's Penance, Krishna Mandapa, Mahishasurmardini Cave, Varaha Mandapa etc. Stay overnight at Mahabalipuram
Day 3 - Pondicherry
Pondicherry is one of the most beautiful and magnificent places in India. For most parts of Colonial history of India, Pondicherry remained under the French suzerainty. After breakfast at Mahabalipuram you will be driven to Pondicherry and visiting the Local sites of Pondicherry like the French quarter, Muslim quarter, heritage streets, Ashram, Beach, Auroville etc. Stay overnight at Pondicherry.
Day 4 – Chidambaram
After breakfast you will be driven to Chidambaram. Experience the grandeur of the temple and the tradition of festivals at Chidambaram, enshrining Shiva, as Natesa, the Lord of Dance. And the journey continues to Tanjore. Stay Overnight at Tanjore.
Day 5 – Tanjore
Tanjore is famous for Periya Koyil: The most imposing temple Vimanam in India, is that of the Brihadeeswarar temple at Thanjavur, built by the Chola ruler, Raja Raja Chola I the great. This architectural marvel is one of the popular tourist destinations in the state.The Palace, on the east main street is a series of large and rambling buildings of fine masonry, built partly by the Nayaks around 1550 AD, and partly by the Marathas. And visiting UNESCO approved temple at Dharasuram. Stay overnight at Tanjore.
Day 6 – Karaikudi
Karaikudi and 74 other villages comprise Chettinad, the homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiars. The Chettiars were a prosperous banking community who ventured overseas to do business in South and Southeast Asia in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Chettinad is rich in cultural heritage, art and architecture, and is well known for its houses, embellished with marble and Burma teak, wide courtyards, spacious rooms, and for its 18th century mansions. Local legend has it that their walls used to be polished with a paste made out of eggwhites to give a smooth texture. Visiting Chettinad houses after breakfast at Tanjore. Return to Pondicherry