TRIP | GODS, EMPERORS & TRADERS

Madurai (1) - Karaikudi (2) - Thanjavur (2) - Tiruchirapalli - Athoor (2) - MaduraI
Immerse yourself in the ancient history and culture of the Tamils, as you trace the great and ancient civilisations of the Pandyas and Cholas, who ruled over much of South East Asia from the 7th - 11th centuries. Begin your tour in the millenium-old city of Madurai, where you retrace the same path that travellers from as far as China, Arabia and Rome walked, with the help of a local expert. Explore the streets and bazaars that once traded in gems, pearls, silks, and spices, under the gaze of one of India's ancient edifices, the Meenakshi Temple. Witness evening rituals at the temple, as the air is redolent of camphor, incense, candles, and chanting pilgrims. 

From here, go to the Chettinad District, home to a wealthy merchant community, who built 100-room mansions at the turn of the century, and were generous patrons of craft. Visit the homes and workshops of sari weavers, potters, and beautiful tile-makers. And repast in their wonderfully rich and tasty cuisine reflective of all the spices and produce of the river and rain-fed mountains and plains of Tamil Nadu.  

Finally travel westwards to the foot of the scenic Western Ghats (mountains) in a small rural hamlet to rest and reflect on how the Tamil Kingdom's ancient soul still burns bright in the culture and values of its villages and people at Athoor.
See a million gods come alive in the sacred temples of Madurai and Trichy, explore Tanjore's splendid edifices built by emperors in the names of their Gods, and live the regal life of Tamil Nadu's Chettiar trading community who built their fortunes on ancient maritime routes.
BEST TIME TO VISIT 
August - March
IDEAL FOR 
Couples & families
BASICS 
7-nights; road-based
PRICES START FROM 
On request

GALLERY

ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARRIVE MADURAI | GUIDED WALK OF OLD MADURAI

Arrive in the morning into Madurai, one of the oldest cities in South Asia. In the afternoon, go on a walk with an expert tour guide and learn about the story of Madurai - from fickle kings and towering monuments; of whimsical gods and extraordinary mortals. 

DAY 2: MADURAI TO KARAIKUDI | MORNING VISIT OF MEENAKSHI TEMPLE | AFTERNOON MANSIONS TOUR

Early morning, go on a guided visit of the Meenakshi-Sundareshwarar Temple, built to its current form in the 15th century AD. The massive gopuras (pagodas) of this vast temple complex, writhing with multi-coloured mythological figures and crowned by golden domes, remain the greatest man-made spectacle in South India. Follow-up with a short visit to the Thirumalai Nayak Palace. Drive from Madurai to Karaikudi – the home to the Chettiars, a community of Tamil traders. In the afternoon, take a guided visit to Karaikudi and Kanadukathan, visiting some of the palatial homes and mansions with a local Chettiar expert that gives you insights into legacy of this vibrant and prosperous community. ​Stop at a tile manufacturing unit at Athangudi.

DAY 3: IN KARAIKUDI | MARKETS, ARTISANS AND FOOD OF KARAIKUDI

Today, with your local expert, explore one of the local weekly markets called a santhai. Shop for hand spun cotton fabrics, palmyra leaf baskets, and locally-grown food produce that comes from village farms. In the afternoon, visit a wood carving workshop, a saree weaver, the home and studio of a renowned Tanjore artist, and the kitchens of a woman entrepreneur who turns out amazing savoury snacks. ​

DAY 4: DRIVE TO TANJORE | SUNSET VISIT TO BRIHADEESWARA TEMPLE

Early morning this day, drive further south to reach Tanjore. Thanjavur is home to the mighty Brihadeeswara Temple, built over 1000-years ago by the Chola King, Rajaraja I and is considered one of the world’s major architectural feats. Visit this temple at sunset for an unforgettable guided experience.

DAY 5: IN TANJORE | VISIT DARASURAM AND GANGAIKONDA CHOLAPURAM

Your morning drive brings you with your tour expert to the smaller but magnificent UNESCO-cited Chola era temple in the tiny village of Gangaikonda Cholapuram, 1.5 hours north of Thanjavur. The tongue-twisting name means, “The town of the Chola who conquered the Ganges”. Stop for lunch at Kumbakonam and then visit the UNESCO-cited Airavateshwara Temple, in the village of Darasuram forming the triad of Chola's building achievements. Your final stop along the north bank of the Cauvery River is at Swamimalai, a small hamlet that is home to Tamil Nadu's famous bronze sculpting tradition, where you experience the process of creating magnificent bronze idols of Hindu gods.

DAY 6: DRIVE TO ATHOOR VIA TIRUCHIRAPALLI

Start early morning and drive to Tiruchirapalli for a guided visit of the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in India. Drive down 2.5 hours south west of Tiruchirapalli and reach Athoor. Located just over an hour’s drive from Madurai, Athoor is a small village in the foothills of the Palani Range. Spend 2-nights here experiencing the way of life that is largely Tamil Nadu - an agrarian village community.

DAY 7: IN ATHOOR

Enjoy the delicious food at your farm stay, great village and countryside walks.

DAY 8: DRIVE TO MADURAI AND TRAVEL ONWARDS

You are transferred to Madurai for your onward journey or home.