Chettinad Group Tour – Discover South India’s Hidden Heritage

Today enter the world of Sun Touriism Internationall Pvt Ltd as you begin your wonderful tour of Chettinad Pickup from your Residence and transfer to Pune Airport for your flight to Madurai.

Arrive at Madurai Airport & proceed to Karaikudi / Kandukathan. The city of Madurai is 12 km from the airport the drive to Karaikudi / Kandukathan will take 90 minutes. On arrival we will check-in to the hotel. 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 Chettiar community and their splurges on mansions in the bye-gone era. Dinner & Overnight stay in Karaikudi / Kandukathan.

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 Athangudi 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 Aiyanar 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 meter 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 the breakfast at the Bangala is different from the staples of dosa and idly being present daily, and your friendly waiter is more than happy to talk to you about what you are being served. After breakfast, we will drive to Koviloor to visit a home museum of Chettinad. Where you would 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 yr. 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 to 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. The paintings though majorly of gods are worth a look and takes time to make. After sightseeing we shall return to Bangala & today’s lunch will be authentic Chettinad style served on Banana Leaf. Evening: The town of Karaikudi has a village-like feel. Though not as calm as some of the other villages in the region, the activity is what we need after a quiet afternoon. We will walk to the local market where we will invite you first for coffee and some local snacks. Later walking on the Antique Street would be followed by visiting a handloom workshop where the Chettinad Cotton Sarees can be bought from the weaver itself. Return to the hotel for dinner & Overnight stay.

This morning after a wholesome breakfast will drive through the mountains to the Dindigul district and stay in Rajakkad Estate nestled in the forests of the Palani Hills. Post lunch we will enjoy a guided tour of the farm as Rajakkad is a working estate and farm, growing spices, fruits, vegetables, and coffee. Spend a leisurely evening at Rajakkad Estate.

After breakfast, we will drive to Madurai. On arrival, we will walk through the flower market. (Subject to availability) 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. On arrival at Pune airport, transfer to your Residence. Return home with wonderful memories of your holiday with Sun Touriism Internationall Pvt. Ltd.