Cultural Tamilnadu
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Day 1
On the way to Mahabalipuram, visit Dakshinachitra - an amazing place to visit, as various kinds of traditional houses have been transported to Chennai from interior parts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala and rebuilt here piece by piece.
Mahabalipuram, a coastal town 64 kms from Chennai is a sculptor's delight. Mahabalipuram, is now known as Mamallapuram. It is believed to have been called Mahabalipuram after the great king Mahabali, who was blessed by Lord Vishnu in his Vamana Avatar. It is known as Mamallapuram after the Pallava king Narasimha varman I, who bore the title of Mamallan (great wrestler). The major contributions were by the Pallava rulers Narasimha Varman & Rajasimhan. The five rathas are mini shrines which are carved out of one rock constructed in the form of chariots. The Dharmaraja, Bhima, Arjuna & Draupadi rathams have been carved out of one single boulder. The shore temple is located at the sea shore and has withstood the ravages of the sea. Unlike the rock cut structures in Mamallapuam, this is a structural temple, built by Rajasimha out of hard blackish leptinite. This shrine is dedicated to both Siva and Vishnu. Overnight stay at Mahabalipuram.
Day 2
After check-out from Mahabalipuram, drive via Pondicherry to kumbakonam.
Often referred to as "A little piece of Medieval France in India" and "... a sleepy provincial French town", Pondicherry has managed to retain its French aura. From its delightful restaurants offering French cuisine and streets bearing French names, Pondicherry's French connection is very much alive - yet, very subtle. Visit Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville and the beach if time permits. After lunch, drive to Kumbakonam - the temple town which has innumerable temples, some are ancient ones too belonging to 7th and 8th Century. The nine planets temples called Navagrahas are also close to Kumbakonam and it is difficult to locate an Hindu who had not seen Kumbakonam in his life. The Mahamaham Festival which is celebrated once in twelve years attracts several million people. The temple tank will attract most of such visitors who will have a holy dip there.
Overnight stay at Kumbakonam.
Thanjai Periya Kovil Is largest temple in tamil nadu with 200 feet height . This temple is located in thanjavur district, tamil nadu about 4kms from high way and its major god is Lord Shiva.
Raja Raja chola ( 985 - 1014 AD ) was one of the greatest emperors of the Chola dynasty. By birth he was known as Arulmozhi Verman, the third son of Parantaka Sundar Chola. He was trained to be a warrior to lead the cholan army in conquest against the Pandya and Sinhalese kingdoms. Aditya Chola II, the eldest son was murdered under suspicious circumstances. The theory is that he was murdered by the concubines with snake venom while engaging in an orgy session. This was a conspiracy hatched by the vanquished Pandyan King supporters ( Vira Pandya ) whose beheaded skull he paraded on the streets. He was succeeded out of turn by Uttama Chola ahead of Arulmozhi.
Day 3
After breakfast drive to karikudi via tanjore, visit UNESCO Heritage sites - Darasuram which was built in the 12th Century and Gangaikonda cholapuram. The Gangaikondaan temple is an architectural and engineering marvel because the shadow of the main tower never falls on the ground throughout the year.
If time permits, visit more temples in Kumbakonam. Alternatively you can also go for a village walk around your resort or take a bullock cart ride to villages around.
Overnight stay at Karaikudi (Chettinadu).
Karaikudi is a city and municipality in Sivaganga district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is part of the area commonly referred to as "Chettinad". Karaikudi is declared a heritage town by the Government of Tamil Nadu, on account of the palatial houses built with limestone called karai veedu.
Day 4
After Breakfast from karaikudi drive to Madurai.
Madurai is One of South India's great temple towns, Madurai is synonymous with the celebrated Meenakshi Temple. Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, Madurai has a rich cultural heritage passed on from the great Tamil era more than 2500 years old. Madurai was an important cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 AD. It was the capital city for the great Pandya kings. The Pandyan King Kulasekarar built a great temple and created a lotus shaped city around the temple. On the day the city was to be named, as Lord shiva blessed the land and its people, divine nectar (Madhu) was showered on the city from his matted locks. This city was henceforth known as Madhurapuri. Madurai is famous for Jasmine Flowers.
Overnight stay at Madurai.
Day 5
After Breakfast checkout and departure to chennai
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Day 1
Chennai - Mahabalipuram
Traditional welcome on arrival at Chennai and then transferred by air-conditioned Vehicle to Mahabalipuram at the reserved Hotel.
Shore Temple
Shore Temple is a standing testimonial to the regal heritage of India. Located at Mahabalipuram, Shore Temples can easily be reached by taking regular buses or by hiring taxis from anywhere in Tamil Nadu. The nearest airport is located at Chennai that lies at a distance of 60 kms from Mahabalipuram. One of the most photographed monuments in India, Shore Temple is a structural monument on the shores of Bay of Bengal.
Dakshina Chitra
DakshinaChitra is an exciting cross cultural living museum of art, architecture, lifestyles, crafts and performing arts of South India. The main mission is to exhibit, promote and preserve aspects of the broader, more inclusive cultures of the states and to bring these arts to the public in a participative, enjoyable and engaging way. DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum , a project of Madras Craft Foundation an NGO was opened to the public on December 14th 1996. The Museum is located overlooking the Bay of Bengal, at Muttukadu, twenty five kilometers south of Central Chennai, on the East Coast Road to Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu, India.
Pancha Rathas
Pancha Rathas (also known as Pandava Rathas) is a monument complex at Mahabalipuram, on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, in the Kancheepuram district of the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Pancha Rathas is an example of monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture. Dating from the late 7th century, it is attributed to the reign of King Mahendravarman I and his son Narasimhavarman I (630-680 AD; also called Mamalla, or "great warrior") of the Pallava Kingdom. An innovation of Narasimhavarman, the structures are without any precedent in Indian architecture.
Descent of the Ganges
It is a monument at Mahabalipuram, on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, in the Kancheepuram district of the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is a giant open- air rock relief carved on two monolithic rock boulders. The legend depicted in the bas-relief is the story of the descent of the sacred river Ganges to earth from the heavens led by Bhagiratha. The waters of the Ganges are believed to possess supernatural powers. The descent of the Ganges and Arjuna's Penance are portrayed in stone at the Pallava heritage site.
Day 2
Mahabalipuram - Kumbakonam
Breakfast at hotel. On the way Drive to Kumbakonam visit the following. Chidambaran Thillai Natarajar Temple, Chidambaram or Chidambaram temple It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the town of Chidambaram, Cuddalore District, East-Central Tamil Nadu, South India. The temple is known as the foremost of all temples (Kovil) to Saivites and has influenced worship, architecture, sculpture and performance art for over two millennium. The Sangam classics list chief architect Viduvelvidugu Perumthachchan as directing an early renovation of the shrine.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Brihadeshwara Temple (also called Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple and Gangaikondacholeeswaram) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Ariyalur district, in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the largest temples in India and is an example of Dravidian architecture built by the Chola dynasty. It was built by Rajendra Chola I and completed in 1035 AD. In modern times, the temple stands amidst dilapidated walls. The vimanam (temple tower) is 55 m (180 ft) high and modelled similar to the Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur.
Darasuram Airavatesvara Temple
It is a Hindu temple of Dravidian architecture located in the town of Darasuram, near Kumbakonam in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This temple, built by Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century CE is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur, the Gangaikondacholisvaram Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram that are referred to as the Great Living Chola Temples.
Drive to Kumbakonam, Check - In at the reserved Hotel. Have a leisure Evening. Overnight stay at the Hotel
Day 3
Kumbakonam
Breakfast at hotel. Start leisurely in the morning to the visit the following. Drive to Tanjore Big Temple 'Brihadeeswarar Temple (locally known as "Big temple") is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Thanjavur in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is also known as RajaRajeswara Temple Rajarajeswaram and Peruvudayar Temple. It is one of the largest temples in India and is an example of Dravidian architecture during the Chola period. Built by Raja Raja Chola I and completed in 1010 CE, the temple turned 1000 years old . The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Great Living Chola Temples", with the other two being the Brihadeeswarar Temple Gangaikonda
Cholapuram and Airavatesvara temple
Thanjavur Maratha Palace Complex
It is known locally as Aranmanai, is the official residence of the Bhonsle family who ruled over the Tanjore region from 1674 to 1855. The Thanjavur Maratha palace was originally constructed by the rulers of Thanjavur Nayak kingdom. After the fall of the Thanjavur Nayak kingdom, it served as the official residence of the Thanjavur Maratha. When most of the Thanjavur Maratha kingdom was annexed to the British Empire in 1799, the Thanjavur Marathas continued to hold sway over the palace and the surrounding fort. The Bhonsle family continued to hold on to the palace even after the last king Shivaji II was deposed as per the Doctrine of Lapse.
Adi Kumbeswarar Temple
is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in the town of Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshiped as Adi Kumbeswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Mangalambigai Amman. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The temple complex covers an area of 30,181 sq ft (2,803.9 m2) and houses four gateway towers known as gopurams. The tallest is the eastern tower, with 11 stories and a height of 128 feet (39 m) The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Kumbeswarar and Mangalambigai Amman being the most prominent. The most notable is the sixteen-pillared hall built during the Vijayanagar period that has all the 27 stars and 12 zodiacs sculpted in a single stone.
Overnight stay in Kumbakonam.
Day 4
Kumbakonam - Karaikudi
Breakfast at hotel. Start leisurely in the morning to the visit the following.
Attangudi or Athangudi
Athangudi is a village situated in Chettinad, which is popular for handmade terracotta tiles. These tiles are sun-dried and patterned beautifully for giving the desired texture. The colourful tiles here are mainly designed using sand, cement, belly jelly and synthetic oxides. These tiles are generally available in flora and fauna designs and are famous
for their dark, white and earthy hues. All these tiles are designed in the Athangudi tile factory and are used mainly in the Chettiars ancestral houses. Athangudi village is located in the Kallal Taluk in the Sivaganga District and is just 24.8 km from this main district.
Chettinadu Museum
Unesco has offered to set up a 'Chettinad Heritage Museum' in Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu, recognizing the unique style of architecture in the region. Chettinad region rose to fame in the 19th century as home to successful traders and financiers who spread their wings throughout southeast Asia. They built palatial houses, often over raised mounds, with elegant halls and huge courtyards. Economic decline and migration led to the abandonment of many of the houses. Around one-third of them have been destroyed while only less than 10% of the remaining houses have been occupied.
Chettinad Mansion
Chettinad is full of palatial homes so big their entrances are on one street and exits on a parallel street. In a typical Chettinad mansion, a sweeping path leads to the front porch, called thinnai. Then comes a large veranda leading into an open space that was used for weddings and other celebrations. A narrow passage from there leads to the next veranda and then another. Along the verandas are the mansion's residential and store rooms (over 100 in many homes). Some of the mansions have long rooms that run parallel to the courtyard; these can seat a thousand people.
Chettinad Palace
Chettinad Palace is a beautiful edifice situated in the Chettinad region, which comes under the Sivaganga district of southern Tamil Nadu. Dr Annamali Chettiyar, founder of the Indian Bank and the Annamalai University in Chidambaram, got the palace constructed. Even the design of the palace was provided by Dr Chettiyar only. An outstanding example of the Chettinad architecture, the Chettinad Palace of India dates back to the year 1912. It reflects the traditional style of architecture, which is characteristic of the region.
Overnight stay in Kumbakonam.
Day 5
Karaikudi - Madurai
Breakfast at hotel. Start leisurely in the morning to the visit the following.
Thirumalai Nayak
It is well known as - Thirumalai Nayakkar) ruled Madurai between A.D 1623 and 1659. He was the most notable of the thirteen Madurai Nayak rulers in the 17th century. His contributions are found in the many splendid buildings and temples of Madurai. His kingdom was under constant threat from the armies of Bijapur Sultanate and the other neighbouring Muslim kingdoms, which he managed to repulse successfully. His territories comprised much of the old Pandya territories which included Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Madurai districts, Aragalur in southern Tamil Nadu and some territories of the Travancore kingdom.
Koodal Azhagar Temple
In Madurai, a city in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th-9th centuries AD. It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Koodal Azhagar and his consort Lakshmi as Maragathavalli.
A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines. The temple has a five-tiered rajagopuram, the gatweay tower.
Drive to Reserved Hotel & Relax leisurely. In the evening start for Prayer ceremony
Meenakshi Amman Temple
It is a historic Hindu temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in the temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva, here named Sundareswarar. The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2,500- year-old city of Madurai and is a significant symbol for the Tamil people, mentioned since antiquity in Tamil literature. Though most of the present structure was built between 1623 and 1655 CE. It is said that the temple was originally built in the 6th century BC by survivors of the Kumari Kandam.
Overnight stay in Madurai.
Day 6
Breakfast at hotel. Drive Via Trichy & visit the following on the way to Chennai.
Tiruchirappalli Rockfort
It is a historic fortification and temple complex built on an ancient rock. It is located in the city of Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India. It is constructed on a 83 metres (272 ft) high rock that may date to over one billion years ago. There are two Hindu temples inside, the Ucchi Pillayar Temple, Rockfort and the Thayumanaswami Temple, Rockfort. Other local tourist attractions include the famous Pallava - era Ganesha temple and the Madurai Nayak-era fort. The fort complex has witnessed fierce battles between the Madurai Nayakas and Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur, Carnatic region and Maratha Imperial forces. The fort played an important part during the Carnatic Wars, helping lay the foundations of the British Empire in India. The Rockfort is the most prominent landmark of the city.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church
It is located in the city of Tiruchirapalli in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The Roman Catholic Basilica is devoted to Our Lady of Lourdes. The CAUVERY with its ceaseless and bounteous flow and the ROCKFORT with its timeless history seem to converge imperceptibly in the divine precincts of the hallowed CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES at the heart of ST.JOSEPH'S COLLEGE. St.Joseph's College church completed in A.D. 1895 JESUIT FATHERS presents a fascinating study of contrasting styles for a connoisseur of architecture as it is a replica of our Lady of Lourdes church - France.
Reach Chennai in the Evening & Departure.