Destinations: Madurai, Chennai, Pondicherry, Mahabalipuram, Auroville, Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli
Destinations: Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur, Kochi, Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Aurov...
Immerse yourself in one of the most colourful and diverse countries in the world on a 10-day luxury small-group tour (max. 16 travellers). Uncover the splendour of Southern India, from the striking architecture of Chennai to the temples of Madurai and beyond. Visit whimsical temples dating back to the 7th century, roam the vibrant quarters of Chennai and the cobblestone streets of Pondicherry, witness a traditional Aarti ceremony and be pampered with an Ayurvedic treatment in Thanjavur (Tanjore) – all while indulging in nine nights of luxury accommodation.
Includes three nights at the historic Palais de Mahe – CGH Earth, a beautiful hotel housed in a colonial building in the heart of the French Quarter of Pondicherry, and two nights at Svatma in Thanjavur, a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection.
Your journey takes you to: Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Auroville – Pondicherry – Thanjavur (Tanjore) – Tiruchirappalli – Madurai.
Destinations: Madurai, Chennai, Pondicherry, Mahabalipuram, Auroville, Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli
Destinations: Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur, Kochi, Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Aurov...
After breakfast, proceed for a tour of the city to witness its rich architectural and cultural wealth. Visit the Government Museum and Art Gallery to see the art and bronze gallery. A highlight today is a visit the famous 16th-century Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, sacred to Tamil Shivaties. Please note: non-Hindus are only allowed up to the outer courtyard.
Stop to enjoy lunch at one of Chennai’s popular local eateries before continuing to Fort St. George and the Basilica of San Thome Cathedral. This impressive Roman Catholic cathedral was originally built in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers, then rebuilt by the British in 1896, and is said to mark the final resting place of St Thomas the Apostle.
Enjoy time to freshen up at the hotel before you join your fellow travellers at a welcome dinner this evening.
Today, leave the bustling city of Chennai behind and head for Mahabalipuram – a legacy in stone. Admire the Shore Temple, standing by the sea for over 12 centuries, with an impressive bas-relief and imposing twin towers, considered the finest early example of medieval southern Indian architecture.
Stop for lunch before driving to Pondicherry, where the rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore this charming city on your own.
Palais de Mahe – CGH Earth will be your home for the next three nights: a French colonial building set amid the most beautiful quarter of the city. Resembling a French mansion, this boutique hotel boasts airy high ceilings, traditional roof beams and colonnades and is set amid the stunning French Quarter, brimming with historic buildings, charming cafés and trendy boutiques.
This morning, take to the streets on a Pondy cultural trail – a walking tour of Tamil Quarter. Discover the hidden secrets of this fascinating district as you walk through the Goubert Market, pass by restored Franco-Tamil houses on Vysial Street and visit the Mahakavi Bharathiar Museum & Research Centre.
Take a short stroll through the UNESCO-listed, award-winning streetscape of Vysial Street, which boasts restored buildings with distinctive Franco-Tamil architecture. Visit the recently restored Mahakavi Bharathiar Museum and research centre, where Tamil poet Bharathiar penned his masterpiece. Visit the 500-year-old Vedapureeswarer Temple and relish in locally prepared traditional delicacies. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore the city on your own, or you may choose to retreat to the luxurious surrounds of your historic hotel.
Each city has its own unique flavours and take on Indian cuisine, and Pondicherry is a perfect example, with a mix of French, Asian and local influences. Tonight, enjoy dinner with a European twist at one of the restaurants in the old quarter.
After breakfast, proceed for a half-day visit to Auroville. A utopian ideal, the concept of Auroville is for all people to live in unison, regardless of race. In the mid-1960s the concept was developed and put before the Govt. of India, who gave their backing and took it to the General Assembly of UNESCO, which passed a unanimous resolution in 1966 commending it as a project of importance for the future of humanity. The population of the township is made up of some 49 nations and features all age groups, social classes, backgrounds and cultures. Your guide will give you an insight on the history and the future relevance of this society, and how it continues to grow in today’s world.
Return to the hotel in time for an included lunch. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
After breakfast, drive approximately four hours to Thanjavur (Tanjore) and check in at the hotel on arrival. Home to the striking UNESCO-listed Brihadeswarar Temple – an 11th-century temple built by King Raja Raja Cholan and considered one of South India’s most magnificent architectural accomplishments – Thanjavur is an incredible city waiting to be explored, where rich history, contemporary art and heritage luxury go hand in hand.
Here you will spend two nights at the luxurious Svatma, a classic Tamil Residence turned into a luxury hotel. Part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection, Svatma is more than just a hotel – it’s an experience allowing you to truly immerse yourself in Tamil art, architecture and culture.
This afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the opulent surrounds of your luxury hotel. Take the opportunity to indulge in an included 45-minute traditional Indian foot or head massage at the hotel spa*. Awaken your senses with traditional Ayurvedic technics using a mixture of local herbs, oils and pressure points.
Tonight will be an exploration of Tamil vegetarian cuisine, using organic ingredients and highlighting the flavours of the region, prepared by specialist chefs at the hotel.
*Please note: Your included head or foot massage can be taken on Day 6 or Day 7 and is limited to availability on day chosen.
This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Thanjavur, including the beautiful Chola Temple of Brihadeswarar, a remarkable example of Dravidian artisanship. It features exquisitely detailed Gopurams (towers) carved with images of Hindu deities on the outside, while on the inside, the carvings are all Buddhist.
After lunch, return to the lavish surroundings of the hotel. If you did not get the chance to experience Ayurvedic wellness yesterday, this is the perfect opportunity to pre-book your included Indian foot or head massage.
After breakfast, proceed to Madurai. En route, visit the city of Tiruchirappalli: commonly known as Trichy, this ancient city has rich cultural heritage, manifested in its awe-inspiring temples, especially the Rock Fort Temple and Srirangam, one of the largest temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Trichy, then continue to Madurai, where the rest of the day is at leisure.
After breakfast, experience the rich cultural heritage at Meenakshi Temple, whose soaring towers are covered with stucco figures of deities, mythical animals and monsters painted in vivid colours. The temple is dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva, with its towers rising high above the surrounding township.
You’ll also visit Thirumalai Nayak Palace, built in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak, with the help of an Italian architect.
This evening, witness the Aarti ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple. During this traditional ceremony, the image of Shiva is carried from his shrine to another part of the temple in a mystical experience accompanied by music, incense and devotees carrying oil lamps – giving the temple a magical feeling. Following this, bid farewell to your fellow travellers with a special dinner in one of the city’s traditional restaurants.
After breakfast at the hotel, your tour comes to an end. Transfer to Madurai Airport (IXM) for your onward journey. Depending on your flight time, the day is at your leisure.
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Update 19 December 2024: Amendments & Cancellations section updated, please see below.
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Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation, if you choose to change; change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes.’
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