French capital of India- Pondicherry is a bustling destination in south-East India that has everything – colonial architecture, a modern seaside promenade, historic sites, and golden beaches. Located on the Eastern coast of India, it has been under the Dutch, the British and the French rule before being a Union Territory of independent India. The French left an indelible mark on the city but its culture is essentially Dravidian. At a distance of 3 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a famous spiritual community (ashram). Founded by Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa (The Mother) in 1926,
This trip is going to be immersive, educational & culturally rich. We are greatly enamoured with the small region known as Chettinad or Chettinadu. As the locals like to say, Tamil Nadu is the land of the Tamil people, Chettinadu is the land of the Chettiars. You will be staying at Chidambara Vilas a 117 year old heritage property.
DAY 1: Chennai - Pondicherry ( 145km / 3 hours drive )
Today get ready & head to the airport as we begin our journey to Pondicherry from Delhi Airport, you will be met by your Tour Manager/Travel buddy at the Delhi airport.
Arrive at Chennai Airport and drive towards Pondicherry. Transfer and check-in to the hotel.
Evening is free at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Pondicherry.
DAY 2 : Pondicherry
After breakfast we will Visit Auroville – a universal city is a vision of Sir Aurobindo. The purpose of Auroville is to realise human unity where men and women of all countries are able to lice in peace and progressive harmony.
We shall proceed for lunch after Auroville and do a walking tour of French quarters then visit Shri Aurobindo Ashram- located in the White Town of Pondicherry founded by a spiritual community .
Evening is free to explore the surroundings around your hotel.
DAY 3 : Pondichery to Chidambara Villas - ( Total distance 300 km - 7 hours )
Today after breakfast check out from Pondicherry and drive towards Chidambaram Villas. On our way, we will make a stop at Chidambaram city and visit “Thillai Nataraja Temple” which is dedicated to Lord Nataraja is one of the forms of Lord Shiva as the Lord of dance. After a guided tour of the temple, we will have lunch and proceed to Chidambara Villas. Chidambara Vilas – A Luxury Heritage Resort, proudly sings glories of its 110 year old existence. The construction was started in the year 1900 and took 7 years to complete. The wood was imported from Burma, lights and mirrors from Belgium, chandeliers from Daman and Diu and tiles from Italy.
Arrive at Chidambara Villas by late evening- take some rest & Enjoy the exquisite dinner.
Enjoy your Dinner at Chidambara Vilas Fine Dining experience.
DAY 4 : At Chidambaram Villas
Today we will have Chettinad Breakfast at the Interactive Kitchen. Chidambara Vilas provides a rare glimpse into the traditional Chettiar Kitchen through the interactive kitchen concept where local chefs cook Chettinad food with locally sourced ingredients and traditional techniques. Visitors can interact with the chefs to learn about the origins of this world famous cuisine. We will start our day visiting the Clan Temples – Pilayarpatti, Vairavanpatti, Iranikovil, Soorakudi and visit Saree Weaving Centre – The Chettinad saree is a thick, coarse cotton capable of withstanding the roughest washes. Later Join the evening Puja and visit around the mansion where you will be given a guided tour of the 116 year old mansion and the history of the family that created it.
DAY 5 : Day trip to Rameshwaram
After breakfast we will drive towards Rameshwaram. Rameshwaram is believed to be the place from where Lord Rama started his journey to get his wife Sita back from Ravana and the Lord was helped by ‘Vaanar-Sena’ army of legendary monkey-humans and served by Hanuman, Lord Ram’s paramount devotee. We will visit The Rameshwaram Temple which is the main reason, the town is known to every other person following Hinduism, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu is said to be built by Sethupathis of Sethukavalan.
Return back to Chidambara Vilas.
DAY 6 : Chidambaram Villas
After morning tea head out for a guided walk around the Heritage Village where the guide will explain the history of the Pudkottai area. Return back for breakfast. Today we will visit- Athangudi Tiles Making Factory, Athangudi Palace and Thirumayam Fort. Athangudi tiles are named after the village where they originated from – Athangudi, located in the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu. Athangudi has become one of the most enterprising villages in Karaikudi where tile making has become the most distinctive local art. With over a hundred rooms, it is also known as the Athangudi glass palace in lieu of the rows of Belgian mirrors lining its central hall. Tirumayam Fort is often called as Oomayan Kottai. It is representative of history which dates back at least 300 years. Experiential lunch at a 150 year old Chettiar home.
Overnight stay at Chidambara Vilas
DAY 7 : Departure : Madurai Airport
After Breakfast Checkout and drive towards Madurai to catch your flight. Enroute visit The Madurai Meenakshi Temple. Proceed to the airport. We guarantee that you will cherish these culturally rich memories of this trip for lifetime.
INCLUSIONS
- Airfares – Ex Delhi (Incase you are from other city and want to join this trip let us know we will try and arrange a direct flight from your respective location)
- 6 Breakfasts ( 1 Interactive breakfast ) 6 Lunches ( Out of which 1 lunch will be experiential Lunches ) 6 Dinners
- Transfers by AC coach
- All sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary
- Bottled water
- Services of experienced Tour Manager
- All applicable Taxes ( 5% GST )
EXCLUSIONS
- Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
About Karevoyage
Karevoyage- for 50 plus wanderers- is an exclusive travel and tour company dedicated for travel enthusiasts, who prefer to travel the globe and explore but in a group environment.
The KareVoyage team understands the gap and works very hard on how to deliver on what we promise. Keeping all current gaps that people over 50 experience while
