If you wish to visit some of the grandest and awe-inspiring temples of ancient India, there cannot be a better state than Tamil Nadu. The history of the southern part of India covers a span of over four thousand years during which the region saw the rise and fall of a number of dynasties and empires. The period of known history of the region begins with the Iron age (1200 BCE to 24 BCE) period.
While the Pandyas ruled from Madurai, the Cholas from Thanjavur ( Tanjore ) , the Pallavas chose Kanchipuram as their citadel.
Our road trip through this amazing state gives you an intimate experience of the architectural marvels of these three grand ancient empires that ruled this part of India for centuries covering Madurai, Tanjore, Velankanni, Pondicherry, Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram over 6 days.
PLACES YOU SHALL VISIT
Madurai
Referred to as the ‘Athens of the East’ due to the lofty towers of Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple just like the Greek Pantheon, the city finds reference in many literary works of Arabs, Romans and Greek travellers like Megasthenes. Madurai also finds a place in ‘Silapathigaram’, a Sangam literature work.
Temples, churches and palaces adorn the streets of Madurai. There is plenty to see and know about. The ancient structures are simply marvellous and speak volumes about the Dravidian architectural brilliance.
What’s in store for you here?
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Madurai has a history dating back over 2,500 years, making it one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world.
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You can just take a walk on any of the roads of this city the road, it will lead you to any one of the gates of Meenakshi Temple!
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The only place where you can still find the authentic drink “Jigarthanda” is Madurai.
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Madurai is also famous for Jasmine flowers which are even transported to other cities of India from here!
Tanjore
Now known as Thanjavur, Thanjavur was the capital of the great Chola empire during its heyday. Situated in the Cauvery delta, Thanjavur is surrounded by lush fertile land that was also fertile for art, architecture and culture.
Classical dance enthusiasts the world over know the Tanjore (Thanjavur) brothers who formalized Bharatanatyam into a meticulous art form in the 19th century. It’s not surprising that Tanjore is also called ‘The Art Capital of South India’.
The Cholas were one of the few kingdoms to expand Hinduism beyond India, a bedrock for aesthetic styles that spread from Madurai to the Mekong. There were several beautiful temples built by the Cholas known for their amazing architectural acumen which include the grand Brihadeshwarar temple.
What’s in store for you here?
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Located in the Kaveri Delta, Tanjore is known as the Rice bowl of Tamil Nadu.
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The Brihadeeshwarar Temple of Tanjore is one of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
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Brihadeeshwarar Temple has several underground secret passages which connect it to other important temples of the region.
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No cement, soil or any other binding agent is used in the structure of Brihadeeshwarar Temple !!
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The city has been a nurturing ground for various art forms, including Bharatanatyam, Carnatic music, and Thanjavur painting.
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The Airavatesvara Temple of Tanjore is another UNESCO World Heritage Site
Velankanni
Velankanni is one of the most visited pilgrim centers in India. The renowned shrine Basilica of our Lady of health at Velakanni is considered a very powerful holy place in India where one is cured of ailments when one offers prayers with a true heart. People of all religions come to visit this church and offer prayers.
The now pilgrim town was once a busy port that traded with Rome and Greece. The town has one of the most scenic beaches along the Bay of Bengal.
What’s in store for you here?
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Mother Mary is believed to have appeared in this small village, with infant Jesus in her hands
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It is believed that 3 miracles happened at the same time when Mother Mary appeared
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The Gothic style of architecture is a unique feature of the church.
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Velankanni church is considered a very powerful holy place in India where one is cured of ailments when one offers prayers with a true heart.
Pondicherry
This former French colony is a perfect amalgamation of the traditional Indian sensibilities and French architecture, making it a dreamy escape that offers the best of both worlds. With its colonial structures, seafront promenades, spiritual havens, tree-lined boulevards, unexplored and pristine beaches, Pondicherry not only fascinates you, it makes you fall in love. This is also a place where the famous Auroville - an ideal township devoted to an experiment in human unity- is located.
What’s in store for you here?
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Pondicherry has a rich history dating back to the 2nd century CE
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An interesting fact about Puducherry is that the city is divided into two quarters. While one is the French Quarter the other is the Tamil Quarter.
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The French Quarter of Pondicherry, also known as White Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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The Vedic name of the Pondicherry was Vedpuri. According to Hindu mythology this place was the ashram of Sage Agastya
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Pondicherry is well known for its production of incense sticks which are exported worldwide
Mahabalipuram
Located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, Mahabalipuram is known for its temples and monuments built by the Pallava dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries. It is known especially for its rathas (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-air reliefs such as the famous 'Descent of the Ganges', and the Shore Temple bearing thousands of sculptures in the glory of Lord Shiva. These temples built during the Pallava period loudly proclaim the glory of the Dravidian architectural genre.
Mahabalipuram is a town you won’t feel like leaving once you are here. Drenched in an enigmatic old-age charm, the city will amaze you with its rich history, thriving present and prospects of a glorious future.
What’s in store for you here?
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The group of monuments at Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO World Heritage site
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These temples and monuments were built by three generations of the Pallava Kings and it took 200 years to plan and create the site.
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Most of the monuments and temples at Mahabalipuram are monolithic, i.e. carved out of one single rock
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The Shore Temple of Mahabalipuram survived the Tsunami of 2004
Kanchipuram
Known as the City of Thousand Temples, Kanchipuram is known for its temple architectures, 1000-pillared halls, huge temple towers and silk saris. The city was the capital of the Early Cholas as far back as the 2nd century BC and a Pallava capital between the 6th and 8th centuries.
Kanchipuram is regarded as one of the seven holiest cities in India and is a pilgrim site for both Saivites and Vaishnavites. With a history going back to 2000 years, this city once served as a center of learning and trade.
One of the most visited tourism destinations in India, Kanchipuram is a destination where history comes to life in all its glory.
What’s in store for you here?
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Kanchipuram is also known as ‘The Silk Capital of India’ due to its famous Kanchipuram saris and fabric
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In the time of Pallava rule, Kanchipuram became a centre for Hindu and Buddhist religious learning.
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Kanchipuram is considered one of the oldest living cities in South India, with a history dating back over 2,000 years!
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In 2019, Kanchipuram was designated as a UNESCO Creative City for its expertise in silk weaving.
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Kanchipuram is believed to be the birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya, the celebrated philosopher and theologian who revived Advaita Vedanta.
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Kanchipuram is revered as one of the seven Moksha Sthalams in Hinduism, where liberation from the cycle of birth and death can be attained.
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Kanchipuram has gained recognition as the “Yoga Capital of South India” due to its association with yoga and spirituality.
