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Treasures of South India

Treasures of South India

South India Tour – Incredible Cholas!!!

Step back into the golden age of maritime empires and architectural brilliance. This specialized Treasures of South India expedition centers on the legendary Chola Dynasty, one of the longest-ruling empires in world history. Journey into the heartland of Tamil Nadu to marvel at engineering feats that have stood solid for over a millennium.

 

Day 01: Arrive in New Delhi or Mumbai

  • Arrival: Land at Mumbai or New Delhi International Airport.
  • Transfer: A tour representative greets you and transfers you to your hotel.
  • Evening: Spend the rest of the day at leisure to relax from your jetlag.
  • Overnight: Delhi or Mumbai hotel.

Day 02: New Delhi or Mumbai Sightseeing

  • Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before commencing a comprehensive city tour.
  • Mumbai Sightseeing: Visit CST Terminus, Gateway of India, Crawford Market, Marine Drive, and Juhu Beach.
  • Delhi Sightseeing: Visit Red Fort, Rajghat, Chandni Chowk, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Lotus Temple, and India Gate.
  • Overnight: Delhi or Mumbai hotel.

Day 03: New Delhi / Mumbai ✈️ Chennai

  • Morning: Eat breakfast at the hotel, followed by a timely transfer to the airport.
  • Afternoon: Board your domestic flight to Chennai. Meet your local representative on arrival and check into your hotel.
  • Evening: Embark on a half-day guided sightseeing tour of Chennai’s top cultural landmarks.
  • Overnight: Chennai hotel.

Day 04: Chennai 🚗 Chidambaram

  • Morning: Drive down to Chidambaram after breakfast. Check into Lakshmi Villas, a beautiful 150-year-old heritage bungalow.
  • Afternoon: Savor a Traditional South Indian Vegan Lunch. Attend an exclusive introductory session on Chola history hosted by expert historians.
  • Evening: Explore the 12th-century Chidambaram Nataraja Temple to witness vibrant rituals and intricate sculptures. Enjoy a Live Cultural Show by local villagers before dinner.
  • Overnight: Chidambaram heritage bungalow.

Day 05: Chidambaram 🚗 Swamimalai (Kumbakonam)

  • Morning: Join a morning yoga and meditation session. Eat a traditional breakfast, then visit the massive Veeranarayanan Lake (built in 935 CE) and the hidden temple at Kadambur village.
  • Afternoon: Drive to Swamimalai near Kumbakonam. Check into the heritage-style Indeco Resort.
  • Evening: Visit a nearby settlement of silk weavers to observe natural dyeing and traditional weaving processes. Watch a Live Villager Folk Performance before dinner.
  • Overnight: Indeco Resort, Swamimalai.

Day 06: Kumbakonam & Darasuram Exploration

  • Morning: Take a nature walk and indulge in a massive 21-delicacy live village festival breakfast (Farm-to-Table). Tour the resort’s extensive private museum.
  • Afternoon: Participate in a lost-wax bronze idol-making workshop. Walk along the banks of the River Cauvery and enjoy a traditional lunch at the Banyan Groove.
  • Evening: Try local Kumbakonam Degree Coffee. Tour the stunning Darasuram Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site) alongside an expert UNESCO scholar. Enjoy live music and a special dinner.
  • Overnight: Indeco Resort, Swamimalai.

Day 07: Chola History & Ancient Settlements

  • Morning: Take a second opportunity to feast on the live 21-delicacy village breakfast. Drive to Gangai Konda Cholapuram to explore the grand legacy of King Rajendra Chola.
  • Afternoon: Return to the resort for a scrumptious lunch and filter coffee.
  • Evening: Visit the historic Tirupurambayam Chola Battlefield. Walk through a 1000-year-old Chola settlement to discover its mysterious hidden temple. Wrap up with snacks and a grand dinner.
  • Overnight: Indeco Resort, Swamimalai.

Day 08: Kumbakonam 🚗 Thanjavur

  • Morning: Take a relaxed morning walk and enjoy breakfast. Tour Kumbakonam’s core temples, including Mahamaham Tank and Adi Kumbeswarar Temple. Shop for authentic silk sarees and brass utensils.
  • Afternoon: Check out and drive to Thanjavur. Savor a traditional Thanjavur Thazha Vaazhai Virundhu lunch at Sangam.
  • Evening: Explore the architectural masterpiece of the Chola empire: the Thanjavur Big Temple (Rajaraajeecharam), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a peaceful riverbed stroll before a quick dinner.
  • Overnight: Thanjavur resort.

Day 09: Thanjavur Crafts 🚗 Chennai / Madurai & Departure

  • Morning: Walk along the historic Thanjavur fort walls to discover Maratha water management systems.
  • Afternoon: Visit local artisans to watch the creation of Veena making, Thanjavur Dolls, and Thanjavur Paintings (GI Products). Visit the Maratha Palace after lunch.

Evening: Check out and drive directly to either Chennai or Madurai airport to catch your final international flight home.

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