COROMANDEL JOURNEYS - DISCOVER TAMIL NADU
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    • Classic Tamil Nadu
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    • Deep in the Cauvery Delta
    • Heart of Chettinad
    • Seasons of the Raj
  • Places to Visit
    • Highlights
    • Chennai & The North
    • The Cauvery Delta
    • Madurai & The South
    • Kongu Nadu
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- PLACES TO VISIT - 

MADURAI & THE SOUTH

PLACES TO VISIT

MADURAI & THE SOUTH


Southern Tamil Nadu is centered on one of the oldest cities in South Asia, Madurai that has been chronicled as early as 300 BC. The city lies on the banks of the Vaigai River and has been an important centre of worship and commerce for as long as civilization existed in South India. The city is built around the Meenakshi-Sundareshwarar Temple which was first consecrated in the 1st century AD, but was largely 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.

East of Madurai, sprouting out of the semi-arid Chettinad province, is a group of villages that look like Newport, Massachusetts ran out of space. This is the home to the Chettiars, a community of Tamil traders, who migrated to Burma and Malaysia, and made their fortunes there. With their wealth, they built massive palatial homes (some with over 100 rooms!) using teak, stone, ceramic and plenty of kitsch. Visiting the palatial homes and mansions around Karaikudi with a local guide gives you insights into legacy of this vibrant and prosperous community.

North of Madurai in the shadow of the stunning Palani Hills, Athoor is a rural hamlet blessed with mild weather through the year. The surroundings are lush green with forests, interspersed with sustenance agriculture. Staying and visiting here offers the opportunity to see a slice of real rural Tamilnadu – the way that most of South India lives.

West of Madurai, the skyline is filled with the unbroken peaks of the Palani Hills. The hills themselves are a spur of the mighty Western Ghats that run north-south in India, and were first opened up by American missionaries in the mid 19th century as a respite from malaria. The centre of the settlement was in the pleasant 7000feet high hill-retreat of Kodaikanal, built around a lake. As infrastructure improved, land in the Palani Hills was acquired to grow tea, coffee and fruit. Today, for even those with no historic links to Kodaikanal, you will still find the Palani Hills a delightful and scenic respite from the dust of Madurai and the river plains of the Coromandel. Scattered across the Palani Hills are coffee and cardamom plantations that provide unique accommodation experiences.

HIGHLIGHTS AND PLACES TO VISIT


ITINERARIES

ESSENTIAL ADVICE



Highlights
Chennai & The North
The Cauvery Delta
Madurai & The South
Kongu Nadu
Classic Tamil nadu
Mountains of Kongu Nadu
Gods, Emperors and Traders
Deep in the Cauvery Delta
Heart of Chettinad
Seasons of Raj
Trip Planning and Budgeting
Getting Flights Rights
Demystifying Trains
Choosing Accomodation
Renting a Car and Driver
Other Costs

ABOUT US


Profile
Why Milesworth
In the media
Our services

CONTACT US


Call​ +91 44 24320522 or 24338665
Email holidays@milesworth.com

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Visit us at Milesworth Travel | RM Towers | 108 Chamiers Road | Chennai 600018 | Tamil Nadu | India
  • Home
  • Itineraries
    • Classic Tamil Nadu
    • Mountains of Kongu Nadu
    • Gods, Emperors & Traders
    • Deep in the Cauvery Delta
    • Heart of Chettinad
    • Seasons of the Raj
  • Places to Visit
    • Highlights
    • Chennai & The North
    • The Cauvery Delta
    • Madurai & The South
    • Kongu Nadu
  • Essential Advice
    • Trip Planning & Budgeting
    • Getting Flights Right
    • Demystifying Trains
    • Choosing Accommodation
    • Renting A Car and Driver
    • Other Costs
  • About Us
    • Profile
    • Why Milesworth
    • Our Services
    • Testimonials
    • In the Media
    • Contact Us