Description
Begin your journey in Chennai (Madras), a town where The East India Company established a trading post in 1639 and erected Fort St George that slowly exerted control over the south of India through wars with the French and their Indian allies.
Today it is a city of almost 8 million, and is awash with signs of India’s rise in the world economy.
Fly down to the incredible temple town of Maduari, home of the Meenakshi Temple. There is nothing quite like this living temple. With four towering and richly ornate goporams, depicting thousands of larger than life figurines, the scale is huge. There are many shrines within, and beautiful and terrifying carvings and statues decorate the halls and corridors. The outer temple is a throng of worshippers buying flowers, garlands, incense and offerings from the many traders stationed here.
From Madurai, you can experience rural Tamil Nadu around Chettinad, homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiers, a prosperous banking and business community and famous for the mansions they have built over the years. You will witness an unspoilt and tranquil part of India.
Continue the drive to Tanjore via Trichy where the imposing Rock Fort Temple & St Johns Church are located. Tanjore is the heart of the Chola dynasty and the Brihadishwara Temple is a glorious example of this.
Pondicherry was to the French what Madras was to the British, and the French colonial legacy is still evident to this day.
The final stop is the delightful beachside Dune hotel. If you feel the need to sightsee then the world heritage site of Mamallapuram is nearby and the holy town of Kanchipuram is just an hour away.
Please see our itinerary below. It is a suggested itinerary and can be tailored to suit your individual needs.
Guide price
£2,802 per person
£2,802 Per person for 14 nights, based on 2 people sharing including international flights, private car and driver. Based on departures 01 October 2011 until 31 March 2012.
Itinerary
Location and directions
India
How to get there
10hr direct flight then 30min private transfer by road
