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Classic Tamil Nadu

Classic Tamil Nadu

For those looking to visit a traditional, cultural part of southern India that receives fewer tourists than neighbouring Kerala, this Tamil Nadu itinerary has been designed to showcase the region’s highlights. From 7th century Hindu temples to a cosmopolitan French enclave; an off-the-beaten-track area of abandoned mansion houses to south India’s most atmospheric ceremony, this trip will keep you intrigued from start to finish.

The journey begins in Chennai, one of India’s 4 biggest cities, with a stay at the heritage Taj Connemara hotel. Visit the colourful Kapaleeswarar temple, Fort St George and the St Thomas Cathedral. Move on then to the French enclave of Pondicherry via the incredible 7th century temples and reliefs at Mahabalipuram. In Pondicherry visit the Sri Aurobindo ashram, Auroville and explore the French area of the city with your guide. Next, Tanjore, home to the superb Brihadeeswara Temple complex. See it both in the day and at night.

Move on then to Chettinad, a region once home to wealthy merchants who built themselves big mansion houses. When they left the area for the bigger cities, the houses were simply left. Some have been renovated, others not. Explore with your guide and pop into a village famed for its Athangudi tiles. The next stop is Madurai, a city of huge importance to Hindus who flock here daily to visit the wonderful Sri Meenakshi temple. Discover it with your guide and enjoy the atmospheric ‘going to bed’ ceremony, where Lord Shiva joins Parvati for the night. An amazing experience. End your journey back in Chennai.

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Day by Day summary

  • Starts - Catch your overnight flight from JFK to Chennai International Airport
  • 2 nights - Taj Connemara, Chennai and Tamil Nadu, India
  • 2 nights - Palais De Mahe, Chennai and Tamil Nadu, India
  • 1 night - Svatma, Chennai and Tamil Nadu, India
  • 2 nights - The Bangala, Chennai and Tamil Nadu, India
  • 2 nights - Heritage Madurai, Chennai and Tamil Nadu, India
  • 1 night - Taj Connemara, Chennai and Tamil Nadu, India
  • Ends - Transfer to Chennai International Airport for your international flight home

At a glance

  • Country Icon India
  • Nights Icon 10 Nights

Tailormade itineraries

Every Mahlatini trip is custom created to your exact travel wishes – no readymade tours or set departures. Get in touch with our experts to start creating your bespoke itinerary.

Guide Price

Low Season from {: 3300|toCurrency :} per person
High Season from {: 3500|toCurrency :} per person

Includes flights from JFK

Day by Day summary

  • Starts - Catch your overnight flight from JFK to Chennai International Airport
  • 2 nights - Taj Connemara, Chennai and Tamil Nadu, India
  • 2 nights - Palais De Mahe, Chennai and Tamil Nadu, India
  • 1 night - Svatma, Chennai and Tamil Nadu, India
  • 2 nights - The Bangala, Chennai and Tamil Nadu, India
  • 2 nights - Heritage Madurai, Chennai and Tamil Nadu, India
  • 1 night - Taj Connemara, Chennai and Tamil Nadu, India
  • Ends - Transfer to Chennai International Airport for your international flight home

At a glance

  • Country Icon India
  • Nights Icon 10 Nights
  • City Icon City
  • Scenic Icon Scenic

Tailormade itineraries

Every Mahlatini trip is custom created to your exact travel wishes – no readymade tours or set departures. Get in touch with our experts to start creating your bespoke itinerary.

Guide Price

Low Season from {: 3300|toCurrency :} per person
High Season from {: 3500|toCurrency :} per person

Includes flights from JFK
Itinerary Details

Day-by-Day

Catch your overnight flight from JFK to Chennai International Airport

Taj Connemara Lady Connemara Lounge
Taj Connemara Pool
Taj Connemara Spa
Taj Connemara Lady Connemara Lounge Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 1 - 3

Arrive into Chennai international airport where you will be met and driven to your hotel in the city.

  • 2 nights

Taj Connemara
Bed & Breakfast | Heritage Room
India

Taj Connemara Colonial Room
Palais de Mahe Bar
Palais de Mahe Facade
Palais de Mahe Swimming Pool
Palais de Mahe Bar Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 3 - 5

The drive to Pondicherry will take around 3-4 hours. On the way stop to explore Mahabalipuram.

  • 2 nights

Palais de Mahe
Bed & Breakfast | Heritage Room
India

Palais de Mahe Bedroom
Svatma Rooftop Courtyard
Svatma Indoor Swimming Pool
Svatma Property Courtyard
Svatma Rooftop Courtyard Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 5

Today’s drive will take around 4 hours.

  • 1 night

Svatma
Bed & Breakfast | Heritage Deluxe
India

Svatma Luxury Room 2
The Bangala Guest Lounge
The Bangala Patio Seating Area
The Bangala Property Facade
The Bangala Guest Lounge Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 6 - 8

You will be driven for around 2 hours to Karaikudi in the Chettinad region.

  • 2 nights

The Bangala
Bed & Breakfast | Heritage Room
India

The Bangala Bedroom
Heritage Madurai Day Bed
Heritage Madurai Floating Breakfast
Heritage Madurai - Luxury Plunge Pool Villa
Heritage Madurai Day Bed Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 8 - 10

Today’s drive will be approximately 2 hours.

  • 2 nights

Heritage Madurai
Bed & Breakfast | Deluxe Club Room
India

Heritage Madurai Banyan Restaurant
Taj Connemara Lady Connemara Lounge
Taj Connemara Pool
Taj Connemara Spa
Taj Connemara Lady Connemara Lounge Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 10

It is a 7-8-hour drive back to Chennai.

  • 1 night

Taj Connemara
Bed & Breakfast | Heritage Room
India

Taj Connemara Colonial Room

Day 11

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your international flight home.

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Our trips are unashamedly high-end but always deliver excellent value for money. Our guide price covers the majority of trip costs upfront, on a per person basis, including international flights and all transfers.

Included icon

Includes

  • International flights as indicated
  • Meals and accommodation as specified
  • Drinks as specified
  • Road transfers as specified
  • Private guiding & chauffeuring
  • All entrance fees and excursions as specified
  • Carbon-offsetting with One Tree Planted
  • Conservation donation to Save the Rhino
  • Community projects contribution with Uthando
Not included icon

Excludes

  • Entry visas and fees
  • Gratuities
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Optional activities/ experiences
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ACTIVITIES

This sample trip offers countless adventures and activities to ensure lifetime memories are made. From unforgettable thrills to indulgent relaxation, choose those that appeal most and we will curate your perfect itinerary.

  • Cultural Experience Icon Cultural Experience
  • Food Experience Icon Food Experiences
  • City Sights Icon City Sights
  • Wellness Spa Icon Wellness/Spa
  • Photographic Safari Icon Photography
  • Museum 2 Museum
  • Art 1 Art
  • Markets Icon Markets
  • Temples Icon Temples
  • Forts and Palaces 2 Forts and Palaces
Sample itineraries

TRIPS TO INSPIRE

From majestic wildlife to out of this world natural wonders, cultural melting pots and enchanting beaches, every bespoke Mahlatini journey is thrilling. Unsure where to visit? Whether it’s a bucket-list adventure, a milestone celebration or simply a much-needed escape, experience the joy with this inspiring selection of favourites.

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  • Flights and transfers included
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