Chettinad

• Arrive in Madurai – Karaikudi (The Bangla)

  Arrive at Madurai airport till 14.00 HRS and meet our tour manager. The city of Madurai is 12 km from the airport the drive to Karaikudi will take 90 mins. On arrival at the Bangla, we will check-in. In the evening there will be a short briefing about the next two days. Karaikudi is the biggest of the 74 villages in the Chettinad region, which is known for the Chettiars community and their splurges on mansions in the bygone era.

• Karaikudi – Thirumayam - Kanadukathan – Athanagudi – Karaikudi

  Morning
  Today will be a mix of Experiences and Sights. We will drive to the hill fort in Thirumayam to get an idea of the surrounding countryside. As we drive back, we will pass the roadside cashew roasters and will make a stop to buy freshly roasted cashews. On our arrival in Kanadukathan, we will immediately be greeted by the famous Chettinad mansions, some of them so big that their entry and exit are on two different parallel streets. We will visit one of the traditional mansions before lunch.
  
  Afternoon
  We will have lunch in a heritage art deco property different than the Chettiar style, but our lunch will be classic Chettinad. We will drive through the village passing the tiny streets with mansions on both sides. The handmade tiles of Athanagudi are used in all mansions and you can try a hand at making them too.
  The murukku is a famous snack in Chettinad and we will visit the women's co-op where it is made. Staying on local products our final stop for the day would be the basket making workshop.
  
  Evening
  Before heading back to the hotel, we will visit the most interesting temple in the region. The Aayanar temple of Kanadukathan. The only temple without a roof, this Aiyanar temple is known for its terracotta horses lined up on either side of a 500 mtr pathway to the idols. We will return to The Bangala by 7 pm for some leisure time before dinner. Tonight's dinner would be in the Bangala which is where a lot of best chefs of the Chettinad cuisine have got their training from Mrs. Meyyappan.
  Optional: Those who want to know more about the Chettinad cuisine would have to list themselves for a half-day cooking experience on the evening of day 3 today. (Extra charges applicable).

• Karaikudi – Koviloor – Tanjore Paints –Karaikudi

  Morning
  Every morning, breakfast at the Bangala will be different from the staple food of dosa and idly, and your friendly waiter will be more than happy to talk to you about what you are being served.
  After breakfast, we will drive to Koviloor to visit the home museum of Chettinadu. Where you will learn more about the culture of the people who live here. Later we will visit a local training institute where young boys are taught to create stone and wood structures.
  The 1000-year-old temple of Koviloor is well known for its location and the stone carvings inside the temple are so intricate that the stories our guide will tell us seem to come from every structure present.
  
  Afternoon
  We will visit the house of Raja Rajan who is the most famous artist of Tanjore paintings. Return to the Bangala for lunch, where we will be served in a banana leaf. It gets hot in the afternoon, so will spend some time indoors.
  
  Evening
  The town of Karaikudi has a village-like feel. Though not as calm as some of the other villages in the region, the hustle-bustle is what we need after a quiet afternoon. We will walk to the local market where we will stop first for coffee and some local snacks. Later we will walk on Antique Street, followed by visiting a handloom workshop where the Chettinnadu cotton sarees can be bought from the weavers themselves. Return to the Bangala for dinner and an overnight stay.

• Karaikudi – Madurai – Flight back home

  Morning
  We will bid adieu to the Bangla and Karaikudi after a relaxed morning. On arrival in Madurai, we will walk through the flower market. The peak hour activity of early morning is over but still, the market would be active with the senses of sight sound and scent! You could buy some loose flowers to carry back which will bloom by the time you reach home.
  
  Afternoon
  Packed lunch will be served at the airport.
  

HOTEL:

The Bangala - Chettinad

Tour Cost  

(5% GST will be added to the total tour cost)

TOUR DATES

Solo Travelers:
We invite Solo travellers to join this experience and we will find a same-sex roommate for you.  However, if you want your own space at the end of the day, then a single supplement cost will be applicable.