We are delighted to share the details of this tour that we have put together for photography enthusiasts as this lesser known region is a photographer’s delight.
The four day tour is all inclusive (only taxes and airfare/train fare to be paid by you) and promises to be unique.
About Chettinad
Chettinad is the home of the Nattukottai Chettiars (Nagarathar), a prosperous banking and business community situated in Tamil Nadu. It is also known for its local cuisine, architecture, and religious temples.
Simply put, Chettinad region is to Tamil Nadu what the Sekhawati region is to Rajasthan. The region is known for its opulent, grand and almost ostentatious mansions built in the 19th century, whose wide courtyards and spacious rooms are embellished with marble and teak. Construction materials, decorative items, and furnishings were mostly imported from East Asian countries and Europe. The marble was brought from Italy, chandeliers and teak from Burma, crockery from Indonesia, crystals from Europe and wall-to-wall mirrors from Belgium.
Many of these mansions were built using a type of limestone known as karai. According to locals the mansion walls were polished with a paste made out of egg whites and palm sugar to give them a smooth texture and for their cooling qualities.
The region is also famous for the Athangudi tiles made by a unique process by using local soil and glass plates.
What We Will Do On The Tour
We will explore the region – the mansions, the markets famous for antique goods, the tile factory and eat traditional Chettinad food at hotels that used to be mansions.
This will be a guided tour.
Where We Will Stay
We have chosen the best property in the region for our trip – Chidambara Vilas – a 120 year old mansion.
At Madurai, we will stay in Regency Madurai.
Food On The Tour
Food will be local cuisine. From the softest idlis known to man at Murugan to the spicy flavours of Chettinad – we will have them all.
How to Reach
The participants will have to reach Madurai latest by 2:00 PM on Day 01.
There are many flights to and from Madurai.
Our Itinerary
21 Oct – Day 01
– Arrive at Madurai. Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple. Overnight in Madurai
22 Oct – Day 02
– Leave for Chettinad. Mansion hopping is on the cards today (including the Ayiram Jannal Veedu)
23 Oct – Day 03
– Athangudi tiles making tour, visit to Karaikudi antique market, saree centre and a village visit
24 Oct – Day 04
– Leave for Madurai and drop off at airport/station
TRIP FEES:
(*5% GST Extra)
1. Room on twin sharing basis (properties mentioned above)
2. All meals and snacks (local)
3. English speaking Guide
4. Transfer by AC Innova (6 in one car)
5. Driver charges, fuel, tolls, parking etc.
6. Entry Fees, if any
7. Cultural programme
8. Trip Leader from Ease India Travel
1. Any airfare/train fare
2. GST
3. Beverages, laundry, shopping and expenses of a personal nature
4. Travel Insurance
5. Tips & Gratuities
6. Anything else not mentioned in ‘Inclusions’
1. Our services will begin from pick up at Madurai airport and evening snacks on Day 01
2. Guests are requested to avoid sleeveless shirts and shorts while visiting temples
3. Days will be warm in the region in the month of October
4. Our services will end with breakfast service and drop off at airport on the last day
We believe that travelling is for everyone, regardless of age, culture, gender and other social constructs. Therefore, at Ease India Travel, we have designed special packages for senior citizens, the LGBTQ community, the supersized and more!
Here are some related travel categories for you.
CHETTINAD
SENIOR CITZENS
SUPERSIZED TRAVELLER
