OFFER ID
1664202$7,595
If it’s Rajasthan for majestic palaces and desert forts and Goa for beaches and DJ-fueled nightlife, it’s Tamil Nadu, India’s southernmost state, for brilliantly decorated temples and some of the best food on earth. Shaped first by the ancient Chera, Chola, and Pandya dynasties, and later by the British and French, the so-called Land of Temples offers a religious, artistic, and culinary journey spanning more than three millennia. Tap into the energy of Chennai, the state’s thriving capital overlooking the Bay of Bengal, before visiting ancient temples in the cities of Kanchipuram and Madurai. Continue on to the Chettinad region of the state, famed for its sprawling, historic mansions and rich craft traditions, and beloved around the world for its complex, aromatic cuisine. Next, visit the slow-paced coastal town of Pondicherry, with its pastel-hued houses and charming cafes, and take in the distinct mix of French and Tamil influences. End this 10-day passage through history with a stop at one of the region’s most modern curiosities: Auroville, an eco-utopian community founded in the 1960s that has dedicated itself to sustainability and human progress.
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* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
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Pondicherry (Puducherry)
Kumbakonam
Chettinad
Madurai
Chennai
French colonial architecture has a strong presence in Pondicherry (Puducherry), in South India, creating a unique mix of French and Indian influence on the city's sites and even language, though the exotic and unpredictable flair of India is very much present. Known for its cuisine, fine hotels and nearby yoga/meditation ashrams, Pondicherry draws visitors of many backgrounds. Stroll along the coast at the city's popular four beaches, one of which features a promenade, or indulge in ayurvedic massage treatments at the Prana Ayurvedic Massage center. Visit the Thirukaameeswarar Temple is in nearby Villianur, dedicated to the Hindu deities Shiva and Kokilambigai; it is rumored the temple may be over 1,000 years old.