A Sojourn

DAY 1 | CHENNAI | 2 NIGHTS

Arrive in Chennai and transfer to your hotel where you have the remainder of the evening at leisure to relax.

DAY 2 | CHENNAI

Chennai is one of India’s oldest colonial cities and boasts a history of nearly 400 years. While the city has changed tremendously post-independence, part of it, especially the region near Fort St. George still retains its colonial charm with several British-era landmarks and architectural marvels. Enjoy a walking tour around the most popular heritage structures before strolling along Marina Beach -famous around the world as the second-longest urban beach in the world. Later this afternoon venture to Mylapore district to view the Kapaleeswarar Temple, oldest place of worship in the city and the Santhome Cathedral Basilica – said to be one of the only three basilicas in the entire world to be constructed over the tomb of a direct Apostle of Jesus Christ.

DAY 3 | PONDICHERRY | 2 NIGHTS

Departing Chennai you will drive south along the shores of the Indian Ocean to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Mahaballipuram. Home to over 40 monuments, but most noteably the magnificent Shore Temple, one of the oldest stone buildings in India. Continue to Kanchipuram, the ‘Golden City of Temples’ and visit the Dakshina Chitra South Indian Cultural Centre dedicated to the preservation, presentation and conservation of South Indian cultural heritage, before arriving in Pondicherry.

DAY 4 | PONDICHERRY

Pondicherry is a sophisticated city with strong French influences. This morning, accompanied by a storyteller, you will be guided on a ‘French Connections’ walking tour before driving to Auroville, known as the ‘city of dawn’, located 12km from Pondicherry. Auroville was envisioned as an international community free of government, money, religion & strife and you will have the opportunity to engage with local artisans as they work, and you have the option visit a pre-school in Mohanam run by an Auroville NGO.

DAY 5 | CHETTINAD | 2 NIGHTS

Depart Pondicherry by road for Chettinad (5 hours). Enroute you will visit Tanjore, an important centre of Southern Indian art, religion and architecture and home to the impressive Brihadeshwara Temple & Fort & Tanjore Palace.

DAY 6 | CHETTINAD

The Chettiars (propserous merchants & bankers who settled here in the 19th Century) built truly opulent mansions that you will visit this morning before meeting ladies from a local initiative that produces delicious snacks for weddings and restaurants. After lunch engage with a small group from the local community who have been instrumental in putting the Chettinad’s art and cultural heritage on the map.

DAY 7 | MADURAI | 1 NIGHT

Road transfer to Madurai (2.5 hours), the city known as the Temple City or ‘Athens of Southern India’. The city is built around the magnificent 16th Century Sri Meenakshi Temple, a spectacular complex of shrines, temples, towers & courtyards that is considered one of India’s greatest cultural landmarks. Also pay a visit to the Tirumalai Nayak Palace with its artistic blend of Dravidian and Islamic styles, designed as a residence for the king by an Italian architect it is a ‘must see’ for history lovers and those who appreciate an enviable blend of architectural styles from bygone eras.

DAY 8 | THEKKADY | 2 NIGHTS

This morning head out for a walking tour of Madurai to experience the city as it awakes before driving through the picturesque hills and plantations to Thekkady, home to the Periyar Wildlife SanctuaryAfter breakfast you will travel to Thekkady, home of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – a community based ecotourism project which aims to provide a living for the local residents whilst protecting the region’s rare flora and fauna. Settle into your hotel before enjoying a cultural experience and an impressive martial arts show this evening.