Tamil Nadu: The Soul of Southern India

A private transfer provides your first glimpse of one of India's most enthralling cities. This metropolis formerly known as Madras sprung up during British rule, and the colonial influence is still evident in its fortifications, churches, and mansions.

The city has a wealth of Tamil cultural institutions, religious landmarks, and pilgrimage sites, as well as a lovely and lively urban beach. Check into the stunning Leela Palace Chennai, which offers views over the Bay of Bengal. Located in the upscale Adyar neighborhood, this luxury hotel will serve as an opulent base to explore the city.

Immerse yourself in history on a day trip to Kanchipuram, one of India's seven sacred cities. It emerged as a prominent Buddhist center and seat of learning after the third century AD and became the capital of several successive kingdoms, earning the moniker Golden City of a Thousand Temples. Explore the towering gopurams (or “gateways”) as well as the stepped pyramidal temple towers known as vimanas, which are emblematic of Dravidian architecture.

Later, learn about the city's famous handwoven silk tradition from a local family of weavers. On your way back to Chennai, stop at the Kalakshetra Foundation Center, a pioneering arts foundation and showcase for Indian fine art. Back at the Leela, an expert speaker will detail Tamil Nadu's history and culture over dinner at one of the hotel's three exceptional restaurants.

Dig deeper into Chennai's rich heritage on a guided walking tour. You'll explore vibrant George Town—where the city first established itself as a trading hub—and the iconic Kapaleeshwarar Temple. Your local guide's colorful anecdotes will bring the city's colonial architecture, historic landmarks, and forgotten lanes to life.

Next, travel to Tamil Nadu's cultural capital of Madurai—one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Arrive as the sun begins to set and jump right into the city's vibrant street food scene. An expert guide will help you discover centuries-old eateries and local delicacies cooked on sizzling grills with aromatic spices.

Afterward, go by rickshaw to the Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and the goddess Parvati. This striking landmark stands out for its tall towers adorned with brightly hued sculptures. After an evening pooja ceremony (a Hindu devotional ritual), unwind at the Gateway Hotel Pasumalai, a hilltop hotel with impressive views across Madurai and a lush garden, where you're likely to see a peacock or two.

Start the day with a traditional South Indian breakfast and an early morning walk through Madurai, led by a local guide who'll share myths of fickle kings, mystical beings, and victorious mortals. Return to your hotel for time to rest and lunch before heading to the pottery village of Vilachery, where artisans produce handmade clay dolls, figurines, and terra-cotta pots in dazzling colors.

Continue to the Chettinad region, the ancestral homeland of the Chettiars, known for its opulent homes and distinctive cuisine. Your home base is Visalam, a 19th-century mansion in the town of Kanadukathan that's been meticulously restored and converted to a boutique hotel.

Discover the region's expansive Chettiar dwellings, with their intricate woodwork, Italian marble, and handmade tiles. Continue to a local market where you can shop for antiques and textiles. After lunch, visit the opulent Athangudi Palace. Its ornate geometric and floral tiles are unique to this region––which you'll learn more about during a stop at a local tile-making studio. At a cotton-weaving center, you'll see the skill that goes into making the region's prized sarees and textiles.

Stop in for a snack at a female-run business that gives local women a source of income. A cooking class at The Bangala Karaikudi will reveal the magic of Chettinad cuisine. The hands-on experience will culminate in a high-energy dinner party featuring a Bharatanatyam dance performance.

The city of Thanjavur, a storied center of South Indian cultural and religious heritage, is your next stop. You'll start at the Sri Brihadeshwara Temple, which was built by the great Chola King Rajaraja I in the 10th century. Continue to the magnificent 14th-century Thanjavur Palace, now home to the Maratha royal family. The prince of Thanjavur may just stop by for a visit. After lunch, you'll head to a studio that specializes in Tanjore painting, an art form that dates back to the Chola kings, which involves meticulous detailing and the use of gold leaf, vibrant colors, and semiprecious stones.

Later, you'll observe artisans crafting veena—a classical South Indian string instrument.

Continue on to the city of Kumbakonam and check into boutique retreat Mantra Koodam, where the intricately crafted cottages and villas recall a traditional Brahmin street and the on-site restaurant celebrates the flavors of regional Cholanadu cuisine.

The day starts with a visit to the home of Rajmohan, an artist who has played a major role in preserving Kalamkari, an ancient textile art using natural dyes to create intricate patterns. Continue to the town of Swamimalai to experience the region's bronze-making heritage before arriving at Indeco Hotel Swamimalai for lunch and a look at the property's impressive art collection. Go next to Vaitheeswaran Temple for a traditional palm-leaf reading.

Learn the origins, methods, and spiritual significance of Nadi astrology before sitting for a private consultation about your past, present, and future. Your next stop is the French colonial town of Pondicherry, identifiable by its pastel façades, quaint cafes, and bougainvillea-lined boulevards. With its whitewashed guest rooms, a lovely courtyard pool, and an Ayurvedic spa, the hotel Palais de Mahe will serve as your tranquil base.

Just a short drive from Pondicherry lies one of the world's most intriguing experimental communities. Founded in 1968 according to ideals of human unity, sustainable living, and spiritual growth, Auroville offers a pioneering vision for collective living that will come to life on a tour with a local resident. Return to Pondicherry for a leisurely rickshaw ride through its historic center.

One of Tamil Nadu's most striking sights is in the town of Mahabalipuram. On the coastline overlooking the Bay of Bengal, you'll find the granite-carved seventh-century Shore Temple, one of the oldest of its kind in South India. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is made up of an intricate collection of rock temples and shrines, including its spectacular twin spires dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. After lunch, continue to Chennai and check back into The Leela Palace Chennai; the rest of the afternoon will be spent at your leisure.

Take a private transfer to Chennai International Airport for your departure flight.