Silk & Spice | Visit to Tamil Nadu | Holiday in Tamil Nadu | Travel to Tamil Nadu

Upon arrival at Chennai international airport, you will be meet & greeted by our representative. Then transfer to the little Seaside town of Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), an hour’s drive from Chennai situated on the east coast of Tamil Nadu. Here time stands still; and presents meets the past. A serene town nestled amidst the historical stone sculptures and medieval architecture, that stands witness to the rich heritage – Mahabalipuram. Overnight stay.

Today visit the Shore Temple: The most renowned landmark of Mamallapuram is the Shore Temple. Standing alone on the shore, this temple is protected by a wall constructed to minimise erosion.

Arjuna's Penance: This quaint little town of Mamallapuram in enriched with ancient and splendid sculptures. Each of the beautiful works of art has a story to tell. Arjuna here is shown standing on one leg to please Lord Shiva into helping him winback the Pandava empire. A fascinating combination of humans, animals and celestial beings seem to be rushing to the revered scene. Most prominent among them is a 4.8 m majestic elephant leading a procession. Also known as the Descent of the Ganga, this impressive canvas portrays the life giving river ganges flowing out from its high source in the Himalayas. Overnight stay.

After breakfast country side drive to Pondicherry, it presents an unusual combination of european culture & indian traditions. An added attraction fair is the township of Auroville, an oasis of peace & enlightenment.

Auroville – it is recognised as the first and only internationally endorsed ongoing experiment in human unity and transformation of consciousness. The idea is to build a futuristic city where people of goodwill can live together in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. Auroville came into existence in 1968. Its Charter says, “To live in Auroville one must be a willing servitor of the divine consciousness”, and describes it as “belonging to nobody in particular, but to humanity as a whole”; as a place “of constant progress”; and as “a bridge between the past and the future.” Overnight stay.

After breakfast, proceed to taste the charms of this city and its contrasts: the "black city" and its temples very lively dedicated to Ganesh, Shiva or even Durga the goddess of war, its colourful markets. In the white city the churches of the sacred heart of Jesus, our lady of the angels or our dame of the immaculate conception. A walk in the city in cyclo-pousse, in the discovery of the old french districts. You pass by the ocher walls of the Alliance française and the French school created in 1826.

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram whose buildings sprawl throughout the town: they also make paper and books, often beautifully bound in silk. The old seafront - Beach Road - makes a lovely morning stroll, there is a museum, several elaborate catholic churches and 19th century botanical gardens planted with around 900 species of plants. In the late afternoon you will not miss making the inevitable stroll along beach road. Overnight stay.

Third day to enjoy this charming town, you can here take the Tuk Tuk to enjoy the colourful market or to stroll at leisure or to enjoy the seaside. Overnight stay.

After breakfast drive Kanchipuram, the “City of seven Pagodas” where we see outcroppings of rock that have been delicately carved into temples and life-sized replicas of elephants, lions and bulls.

Kanchipuram was one of the main centers of diffusion of Buddhism. You begin the visit of the site to the 7th century temple, Kailasanathar, perfect example of the dravidian style. dedicated to Shiva, it is the first monumental temple built in south India. Its surrounding wall is one of the most richly decorated of South India. Then the temple of Ekambareswarar, one of the holiest temples of the city, dominated by its huge gopuram 58 meters high.

Kanchipuram will also tell you the colours of his saris and the art of weaving silk. This craft activity already flourishing at the time of the kings pallavas, is renowned throughout India. Overnight stay.

After breakfast drive to Chennai and visit the city. Not far from the Elliot Beach are the headquarters of the theosophical society whose park is a home to a dozen temples, all religions combined, and a rich library. Continuation by visiting the Sumukha gallery, which exhibits contemporary Indian artists. End your day with a walk in the famous temple district of Mylapore. You can also see the small church- Luz church and the Santhome church. You then cross an ancient district, filled with colourful hindu temples, an ideal stroll at sunset. You end your stay in the neighbourhood of Besant Nagar, on the beach of Elliot Beach, a small corné of paradise, clean and calm, in this immense metropolis. Transfer to the airport to board the flight for onward destination.