The Tamil people have one of the strongest cultural identities in India.

With that identity comes a fierce independence, yet also a surprising...

With that identity comes a fierce independence, yet also a surprising humility and warmth. This itinerary will give you a sense of the epic dynasties that have dominated the social and cultural landscape of the area for the last 1500 years.

Day 1 Chennai

Arrive Chennai where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 Chennai

Morning tour of Chennai including Fort St George, St Mary’s Church, Chennai Museum, Kapaleeshwara Temple and the Kalakshetra Dance School.

Day 3 Mahabalipuram

Proceed 2 hours down the coast to Mahabalipuram, visiting Dakshinachitra Cultural Centre en route, which will give you an overview of South Indian culture and lifestyle. Watch working artisans weaving and potting. Afternoon arrive at your beach resort. Rest of the day free.

Day 4 Mahabalipuram

Morning guided tour of the 7th century World Heritage monuments, including the Shore Temple, Five Rathas and Arjuna’s Penance. Afternoon free for your own activities or relaxing on the beach.

Day 5 Pondicherry

Morning drive 2 hours to Pondicherry; previously a French territory, Pondicherry retains its original charm in the heritage quarter where you will stay. A good place to walk, shop or visit the Aurobindo Ashram and see cottage industries at work.

Day 6 Pondicherry

Day free in Pondicherry for your own activities - there are art galleries, cafés, bookshops and small museums and monuments reflecting the past and present of this unique town.

Day 7 Tranquebar

Drive 5 hours to Tranquebar, visiting the Shiva temples at Chidambaram en route. Your hotel here is in the former Danish governor’s beach bungalow, built in the 17th century and recently restored to the beautiful hotel it is today. Very few travellers make it to this part of Tamil Nadu.

Day 8 Tranquebar

Day free to explore the local town, visit the fort, or enjoy the beach on the Bay of Bengal.

Day 9 Tanjore

After breakfast, begin 4 hour drive to Tanjore, en route visiting the UNESCOlisted temples at Darasuram. Tanjore is blessed with possibly the finest Dravidian (South Indian) style temple, the Brihadeeswara temple.

Day 10 Madurai

In the morning there is the option to visit Tanjore art gallery and palace. Later in the morning begin the drive to Madurai, stopping at a Chettinad mansion en route for lunch. After lunch continue on 2 hours to Madurai; check in and evening free.

Day 11 Madurai

Today you will visit the sprawling Meenakshi temple with a local guide. The temple is an amazing amalgam of sights and experiences, with many important facets of Hindu life taking place within the temple grounds. Madurai has many other activities to offer: a tailor’s market, a Gandhi museum, and a silk weaving colony to name just a few. Your guide will help you to choose the activities that most interest you.

Day 12 Chennai

Fly to Chennai in time for onward flight to another Indian city or return internationalflights home.