Saffron & Sandalwood

This exceptional journey concentrates predominantly on the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, providing a varied insight into their Dravidian roots and their princely and colonial past. Explore the exotic temple towns of Madurai and Thanjavur before heading for the Coromandel coast and Puducherry (Pondicherry), with its relaxed atmosphere and proliferation of French colonial architecture. In contrast, Chennai had stronger links with the British, evidence of which can be seen clearly during the course of this tour. Leaving the cities behind, travel back inland by train for a couple of days of game viewing in the jungle at Nagarhole National Park, before traveling to the ancient dynastic capital and 'sandalwood city' of Mysore with its plethora of palaces, monuments and mausoleums.

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Saffron & Sandalwood

Day1:ARRIVE BENGALURU - MYSORE

Arrive Bengaluru and then transfer by road to Mysore and check-in at Radisson Hotel. Rest of day at Leisure.

Day2:MYSORE – SOMNATHPUR – MYSORE

Morning explore Mysore, Karnataka’s second largest city famous for royal palaces, gardens, silks and sandalwood. Visit the ornate city palace and drive to the top of Chamundi Hill, passing the huge monolith Nandi Bull, en route. Afternoon enjoy half a day excursion to Somnathpur, famous for 13th century Hoysala temple. Return to your hotel for evening at leisure.

Day3:MYSORE – KABINI

Morning transfer to Kabini and on arrival check-in at Orange County Resort for a 2 night stay Afternoon game viewings in Nagarhole National Park by shared jeep or boat

Day4:KABINI

Early morning and afternoon game drives either by shared jeep or boat. The area is home to a rich variety of wildlife.

Day5:KABINI – BENGALURU

Transfer to Bengaluru for a 1 night stay at Taj West End Hotel. Afternoon enjoy the city tour of this “Garden City”

Day6:BENGALURU – MADURAI

Transfer to Bengaluru airport for your flight to Madurai. On arrival check-in at The Gateway Hotel, Pasumalai for a 2 night stay. Afternoon at leisure.

Day7:MADURAI

Spend the morning exploring this bustling city, including the famous Meenakshi Temple (excluding the inner sanctum). A car and driver is at your disposal for the afternoon.

Day8:MADURAI – CHETTINAD

Today transfer to Chettinadu, known for the huge country homes of the Chettiars, a community of traders who flourished as financiers and entrepreneurs in the colonial-era. After WWII, the Chettiars' businesses crashed leading many families leaving Chettinadu, and disused mansions decayed and were demolished or sold. Today several mansions have been converted into gorgeous heritage hotels that are some of Tamil Nadu's best. Stay in one of such heritage mansion conversion Visalam for 2 nights Afternoon at leisure.

Day9:CHETTINADU

Morning explore the village of Karaikudi and later visit Atthangudi tile making unit. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day10:CHETTINADU – TIRUCHIRAPALLY – THANJAVUR

Half day drive to Thanjavur, via the ornate Srirangam Temple at Tiruchirapally. On arrival stay 2 nights at the Svatma Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day11:THANJAVUR

Half day tour of this ancient Chola capital which is dominated by the mighty Brihadeeshwara Temple with its huge go purams. Afternoon free with car and driver at disposal.

Day12:THANJAVUR – PUDUCHERRY

Full day's drive en route visiting the exquisite and rarely visited temple complexes at Darasuram, Gangaikondacholapuram, and Chidambaram. On arrival in Puducherry stay 2 nights at Palai De Mahe Hotel.

Day13:PUDUCHERRY

Morning exploration of this pretty, peaceful town. The French quarter boasts some exceptional old, colonial buildings and is easy to explore on foot.

Day14:PUDUCHERRY – MAHABALIPURAM – CHENNAI

Morning drive up the coast to Chennai. Enroute visit the fabulous shore temples at Mahabalipuram. On arrival, stay 2 nights at the Taj Coromandel Hotel.

Day15:CHENNAI

Spend the morning exploring the city which had strong colonial ties during the days of the East India Company. See the various sights before spending an afternoon at leisure.

Day16:DEPART CHENNAI

Early morning departure for onward destination.

Guide price $6,145 Per Person

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