Tour Activities Indian Panorama - Culture Of Tamilnadu

“City of Dreams” - Chennai

Formerly known as Madras, is the capital of Tamil Nadu and India’s 4th largest city. A real melding of cultures takes place here as a former stronghold of the British meets modern India in a charming, cosmopolitan city. Sightseeing highlights include Fort St George and a rich variety of museums, galleries, temples and churches.

The Kalakshetra Dance School is open to visitors during the mornings to observe the classes in progress. Located just south of Chennai is Dakshinachitra Cultural Centre, an extensive collection of restored homes from around the Southern States with live demonstrations by local artisans.

“Majestic Mahabalipuram

Only 90 minutes’ drive south of Chennai, this small seaside town is a very easy way to be introduced to India. A rich history has resulted in many notable sights including the 7th century rock cut Shore Temple and Arjuna’s Penance - the world’s largest bas relief carving, some 30 metres long.

You can see stone carvers at work, enjoy a beach front restaurant serve freshly caught local seafood, have clothing personally tailored at very reasonable prices or just relax and enjoy the beach.

Ecstatic Kanchipuram

The erstwhile capital of the Pallava dynasty is also known as the City of 1000 Temples. The recent meeting of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mamallapuram was not a random one. As the Chinese have a lot of ancient connection with this present saree town, this heritage site was chosen for the informal summit. Meanwhile, Kanchipuram Silk Sarees are world-famous for its unique weaving technique. Kanchi is just 80 km away from Tamil Nadu’s capital city Chennai and has been attracting the world of silk lovers for long. Gandhi Road is flooded with beautiful Kanchipuram Sarees for travellers roaming in its heritage streets.

The Royal Tanjore

In the heart of the Cauvery River Delta lies the ancient Chola kingdom capital of Tanjore, still dominated 1000 years on by the truly majestic Brihadishwara Temple. The temple now carries UNESCO World Heritage status and is perhaps the crowning glory of ancient temple architecture in India. Also of note in Tanjore are the Palace and Museum; the latter houses an amazing collection of bronze statues and other art of the region.

Tanjore has the World Heritage Temples at Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram, peaceful havens with few visitors, where one can marvel at the intricate stone carvings depicting Hindu legends and epics.

“The Holy City” Trichy

The Trichy city is dominated by the ginormous gopuram of the SriranganathaSwamy Temple at Srirangam. It is the second largest temple tower in Asia. The temple sees millions of visitors throughout the year and is one of the 108 Divya Desams [holy cities] of Lord Vishnu.Other than the Srirangam Temple, the major sightseeing places are the Jumbukeeswarar Temple [one among the five PanchaBhoota Shiva temples] and the Rock Fort Temple.

Lively Chettinad

This small region in Tamil Nadu was home to a small but very active caste of merchants and traders. From the 18th century onwards they interacted with other trading groups from around the eastern hemisphere. The result is a unique amalgam of styles and cultures, and the houses of this area are staggeringly beautiful.

The region also has a cuisine all its own which is a must - try for food lovers. Unique Heritage accommodation is available in a private palace of Chettinad Mansion and The Bangala where your hosts are happy to explain the interesting history of this region.

“The Ancient City” Madurai

This is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu and home to Sri Meenakshi Temple - one of the most ornate shrines of South India and a living temple attended by thousands of devotees daily.

Other highlights of Madurai include the ornate Nayak Palace, bustling markets and numerous small temples. A walk along the streets of Madurai city would expose you to the some “never seen before” sights of Tamilnadu.

Picturesque Town of Kanyakumari

The southern - most tip of the Indian sub - continent is a point of pilgrimage for devotees wanting to bathe in the confluence of the 3 major oceans.

Vivekananda and Gandhi also visited here and memorials are built to remember their great contributions to the nation. While the accommodation is limited, there is a great sense of being involved with the crowds of locals who come to witness the sunset and sunrise, acknowledging the cycle of endings and new beginnings.

The French Capital of India - Pondicherry

This small Union Territory on the coast, surrounded by Tamil Nadu, was in olden days ruled by the French. Their influence can be clearly seen in the architecture, the running of the city and ‘feel’ of the place.

One of the main focuses within the French Quarter is the Aurobindo Ashram. The Ashram community is not separated from the rest of the town and many locals are also employed, contributing to a sense of gainful activity in the streets.There are a number of heritage buildings and temples, churches and mosques to visit. With its strong European influences, there are fine cafes and eateries including some high quality restaurants with unique menus offering a creative mix of French and Indian dishes.