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Luxury Tamil Nadu Tour

A Tapestry of Tradition and Tech

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The state of Tamil Nadu is the heritage hub of the Indian South.

The word Tamil Nadu literally means “Tamil Country,” as the Tamil people make up the majority of the state’s population. They are considered to be Dravidian people—one of the earliest settlers in the Indian subcontinent who pre-date the arrival of the so-called Aryans from the Central Asian Steppes.

As the land of an ancient people, Tamil Nadu is a state that oozes rich historical heritage and teems with landmarks— 4 of which are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With a projected population of over 76 million, Tamil Nadu is the sixth-largest state in India in terms of population.

Its capital Chennai is one of India’s most modern and bustling metropolis. It is the nerve center for the region’s commerce, trade, IT and educational prowess.

We offer you the best luxury private tours to Tamil Nadu. Our team of expert travel advisors, consultants and on-ground guides provide you with unmatched guidance and support that extends 24/7.

MUST-HAVE EXPERIENCES IN TAMIL NADU

Chola Temples

Temple Tales: Great Living Chola Temples Expedition

The Chola Empire which thrived in the 11th and 12th century AD was one of Southern India’s greatest empires that has left behind a significant mark on the historical landscape of Tamil Nadu. The so-called Chola Temples (UNESCO World Heritage Site) are its greatest legacy.

While a large number of majestic ornate temples dating back to the Chola Dynasty dot all of the Indian Southern region, three temples really stand out due to their magnificence and are known as the GREAT CHOLA TEMPLES.

These include the Brihadeeswara Temple (in the town of Thanjavur), the Brihadeesvara Temple in (Gangaikonda Cholapuram) and Airavatesvara Tempel (at Darasuram).

Exhibits of spellbinding rock art, bronze-casting artistry and fine sculpting, these temples are one of India’s greatest archeological treasures.

Visiting the 3 Living Chola Temples should be at the top of your Tamil Nadu itinerary.

French Quarters

Colonial Charms: Private Tour of Puducherry's French Quarters

The small Union Territory of Puducherry (also known as Pondicherry locally) which is located on the South-Eastern coast of India (on the fringes of the state of Tamil Nadu) was a trading enclave for the French Empire until the independence of India in 1947.

Now merged into the Indian Union, the former “French Capital of India” is famous for its lovely beaches, Ashrams (spiritual communes), the Ousteri Lake (a birdwatching haven), a unique old-world-French-meets-Hindustan fusion cuisine.

But one of the greatest attractions of Puducherry is its old French Quarter which is dotted with French-styled churches, colonial buildings and tree-lined streets.

Nicknamed “the French Riviera in the East,” the Old French Quarters is a delightful heritage experience unlike any other in India.

We recommend that you visit the Raj Niwas (residence of the French Lieutenant Governor), the French War Memorial (World War 1), the State of Dupleix, the iconic Promenade (Rock) Beach and the quaint French cafes and restaurants.

Ramanathaswamy

Sacred Sojourn: Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameshwaram

Rameshwaran (Rameswaran/Pamban) is a peninsular island located between mainland Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. It is connected to the mainland by a bridge.

Traced back to the Pandya Dynasty in the 12th century, the Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram is one of Tamil Nadu’s greatest attractions

The Ramanathaswamy Temple is one of the 12 most sacred Jyotirlingas (symbols of Shiva) in India and every orthodox Hindu is expected to make a pilgrimage to it once in his/her life. Your sins are understood to have been washed away after a holy bath in the 22 Theerthams (bath embankments) of the temple.

As per Hindu myth as narrated in Ramayana, Lord Rama after rescuing Sita and slaying the demon Ravana prayed to Lord Shiva here. Visiting the sacred Ramanathaswamy Temple is a must-do tourist attraction in the state.

Mahabalipuram

Shoreline Serenity: Explore Mahabalipuram's Shore Temple

Mahabalipuram is an ancient town that is located 40 Miles from the city of Chennai.

This coastal town prides itself on its pristine beaches, but the main reason it draws tens of thousands of visitors every month are its UNESCO World Heritage ancient temples that date back to the Pallava Dynasty in the 8th century AD.

There are also ancient caves and lagoons on the Mahabalipuram beach that are a godsend for Spelunkers (Cave exploring enthusiasts).

Wildlife Odyssey: Safari Adventures in Mudumalai

The Mudumalai National Park is located in the Nilgiri Mountains (a sub-branch of the Western Ghats) of Tamil Nadu. Also a Tiger Reserve, this park is part of the larger Niligiri Biosphere and is nourished by the Moyar River and its smaller tributaries.

Comprising a topical and subtropical moist broadleaf forest, the Mudumalai boasts 18 carnivores, 10 herbivores, 266 birds and 498 plant species. Some notable animals at the park are tigers, Indian leopards, Jungle cats, Rusty-spotted cats, Golden Jackals, sloth bears and Indian Grey Mongoose.

A wildlife adventure in the Mudumalai is one of the most thrilling experiences in the region.

Karaikudi

Mansion Marvels: Exquisite Chettinad Heritage in Karaikudi

The Chettinad region is located in the Sivaganga District of Tamil Nadu and has historically been a part of the Ramnad Kingdom of Pandya Nadu. The region is famed for its exquisite houses, temples, mansions and palaces.

The Kingdom was considerably rich due to trade ties with the larger Southeast Asian region (Burma, Ceylon, Vietnam and Malaysia). Karaikudi is one of the major towns in the Chettinad region. The thriving banking and trading community of the region (which is spread over some 75 villages and hamlets) brought global architectural traditions and fused them with the local Tamil Nadu tradition.

Karaikudi is home to the Nattukottai Chettiar – a very prosperous banking and business community that has over the centuries built many palaces and Havelis (mansions) in the region.

Karaikudi is famous for the Nagara Sival Kovil temple, the Kallukatii Temple, the Thousand Window House, the Kanadutathan Palace and the Athangudi Palace.

The exquisite architectural and cultural heritage of the Chettinad people in Karaikudi is worth exploring and taking time out for.

OUR BESPOKE EXPERIENCES

Curated Culinary

Epicurean Expedition: Curated Culinary Journey through Tamil Nadu's Flavors

Food in southern India is a legatee of the so-called spice trade that dominated the geopolitics of the region for centuries.

With inventions like the steam engine, maritime transport became the driving spirit of colonial expansion and globalization of goods, ideas and people. That worked out pretty well for the food scene of Tamil Nadu as the region absorbed culinary influences from not just mainland India up north but also from South East Asia, the Middle East and the colonial empires of the West.

The Tamil Nadu cuisine is an Epicurean wonder. Rich in texture and flavor, its cuisine features a wide range of spices, herbs and fresh greens.

We take you on a private Curated Culinary Journey under the tutelage of a high-class Tamil Nadu chef who will unlock for you a world of delicacies that you have never seen before.

Thanjavur Unveiled: Historical Treasure Hunt

Also known as Tanjore or Thanjai, Thanjavur is a city in Tamil Nadu that is the sight of most of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Chola Living Temples—including one of its most vital temples, the Brihadeeswarar Temple.

The Thanjavur region is also where the famous painting art form Tanjore Painting emerged.

As the home of the iconic Brihadweeswarar Temple, this city is one of the most visited spiritual and pilgrimage centers in India. Another important site the Thanjavur Maratha Palace which dates back to the 1670s.

We take you on an all-exclusive historical treasure hunt in the Thanjavur region to explore the heritage of the region in style.

Fine Silks

Silken Splendor: Customized Shopping Experience for Fine Silks

Tamil Nadu is famous for its Kanchipuram Silk Sari woven out of mulberry silk thread. Worn in bridal or other special occasions, this pure mulberry silk art dates back centuries.

Comprising checks, stripes and floral designs, these silk Sari are used to mark special occasions and often depict images from Ramayana and Mahabharat.

Our private customized shopping experience for fine silks introduces you to the world of Kanchipuram Silk.

Toy Train

Toy Train Adventures: Nilgiris Mountain Railways, Coonoor (Tamil Nadu)

The Nilgiri Mountain Railways (NMR) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the British in 1908 is a 1,000 mm meter gauge railway and is “the only rack railway in India” (also known as “cogwheels railway” – a steep grade typically used in steep mountains).

It is located in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu and operates between the hill station of Coonoor and Udhagamandalam.

Also nicknamed the “Toy Train,” it is one of two such trains in India (the other one in Darjeeling, West Bengal). A Toy Train ride in Coonoor hill station —with its scenic waterfalls, lush green mountain, cascading tea hills and excellent weather— is an absolute must in Tamil Nadu.

Rameswaram

Rameswaram's Catamaran Extravaganza

Rameswaram is not just about the temples and spirituality. The island is where spirituality meets the beach and adventures.

What could be a more adventurous activity than sailing out to the azure waters of the Bay of Bengal aboard a Catamaran? Picture a deep blue clear sky, the gentle sea breeze and the beautiful landscape of the mainland shimmering in the distance.

At Resplendent Travel, we offer you private Cataraman tours that depart from Rameswaram. Our Catamaran are state-of-the-art and equipped with modern navigation systems and amenities.

Dakshinachitra

Artful Soiree: Cultural Evening at Dakshinachitra

The Dakshinachitra is a living history museum in Chennai. The word literally means “a Picture of the South.” It showcases the fine arts, crafts, architecture, lifestyles and performing arts of the region in a special-purpose heritage village cum museum.

Operational since 1996, it also houses a DakshinaChritra Heritage Museum is operated by the renowned organization Madras Craft Foundation and offers a collection of 18 authentic historical houses that exhibit the splendor of Tamil Nadu architecture.

Resplendent Travel takes you on an artful soiree at the DakshinaChitra museum with a soulful evening featuring performances of local music and performance arts.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Meenakshi Amman Temple (also known as Arulmigu) located in the holy city of Madurai is arguably the most visited site in the state of Tamil Nadu.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva and the goddess Meenakshi, this temple is one of the most important spiritual sights in the Hindu tradition. A pilgrimage to the Meenakshi Amman Temple (at least once in your life) is considered an article of faith.

Other important tourist sites in Tamil Nadu are the Great Living Chola Temples, the UNESCO World Heritage Site town of Mahabalipuram and the Mudumalai National Park.

Tamil Nadu is a coastal state with a tropical climate. The best time to visit, therefore, is in the winter (November to early March).

Summer and Monsoon (Mid-March to September/early October) are intense, hot and humid.

The Tamil cuisine typically features lentils, legumes, lots of rice and meat (unlike the north of India, fewer people in the Indian South are vegetarian).

The staple dish is Tamil Nadu is Idli—a grind mixture of soaked rice and white lentils. Another staple is Sambar which is the South India answer to the North India Daal (pulse). It is made out of a mix of various vegetables, spices and pulses. Dosa, a thin savory pancake made from fermented lentils (taken with chutney and Sambar) is also very popular.

The Classic Golden Triangle

Agra fort
06 Nights / 07 Days
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Golden Triangle with Udaipur

Amber Palace
07 Nights / 08 Days
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Exploring the Best of Rajasthan

Jaipur
16 Nights / 17 Days
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Taj Connemara

Taj Connemara, Chennai

THE TAJ CONNEMARA is located near Binny Road in the heart of Chennai (near the Spencer Plaza Mall). It is housed in a colonial-era heritage building that has been restored to its original glory and shape.

Amenities at the Taj Connemara include deluxe rooms and presidential suites, 24-hour in-room dining, a round-the-clock front desk, a large outdoor swimming pool, an in-house Indian Boutique called Taj Khazana and a J Wellness Circle (offering Indian Ayurveda and global therapies).

Leela Palace, Chennai

The Leela Palace, Chennai

THE LEELA PALACE in Chennai attempts to recreate the splendor of a Chettinad Palace. It sprawls over 4.8 acres of lush green space and over the Bay of Bengal.

This Chettinad-inspired Palace with its high ceilings, enviable collection of art pieces, vintage furniture, manicured lawns and a stunning private beach is a delight of a luxury hotel.

It is located on MRC Nagar in Chennai, 25 minutes from the Chennai Central Railway Station (and 35 minutes from Chennai International Airport).

Svatma

Svatma, Thanjavur

THE SVATMA IN THANJAVUR is a luxury hotel operated by the award-winning chain Relais & chateaux. The Svatma combines traditional Tamil Nadu hospitality with the contemporary experience of a luxury modern hotel.

Amenities at the Svatma include airport transfers, a banquet room, a fitness center, air-conditioning rooms and suites, housekeeping, an in-house salon, a gift shop, a spa, a concierge, a rooftop terrace, an outdoor swimming pool and several restaurants.

Palais de Mahe

Palais De Mahe - CGH Earth Pondicherry

The charming PALAIS DE MAHE is located in the quaint French Quarters of Pondicherry (Puducherry) in a heritage building that emanates French colonial charm.

Operated by the CGH Group, a well-respected name in the luxury hospitality industry, the Palais De Mahe boasts huge courtyards, geometric lawns, vast verandahs, tall ceilings and tastefully done interior décor featuring vintage French-era furniture.

It boasts the entire range of modern high-end amenities required for a cozy tropical holiday in the “French Capital of India.”

Chidambara Vilas

Chidambara Vilas, Chettinad

THE CHIDAMBARA VILAS showcases the glorious architectural tradition of the Chettinad region. It is considered one of the best heritage hotels in the region.

Housed in a heritage building dating back to the Chettiar Dynasty of Karaikudi. Boasting the famous Athangudi tilework, wooden paneling, and “Burmese beamed roofing, Belgium mirrors, Chandeliers from Daman and Dui, clocks from France,” the Chidambara Vilas is an opulent cosmopolitan affair in a traditional Southern Indian surrounding. 

This splendid property offers 25 guest rooms, an experiential dining restaurant, an interactive demo kitchen, a bar, a fine-dining lounge and an outdoor swimming pool.

It is located in Ramachandrapuram— 4km from the historic fort of Thirumayam (Pudukkottai District).

ITC Grand Chola

ITC Grand Chola, Chennai

If the name didn’t already give it away, THE ITC GRAND CHOLA CHENNAI is a grand homage to the great Chola Dynasty of Tamil Nadu.

This massive contemporary 5-star hotel boasts a whopping inventory of 522 deluxe rooms and suites. There are 10 in-house food and beverage options (fine-dining restaurants offering global cuisines, specialty restaurants [offering Indian, Chinese, Italian and Continental dishes] and bars).

Other facilities include outdoor swimming pools, a Kaya Kal Royal Spa and a fitness center.

The Tamara Kodai

The Tamara Kodai, Kodaikanal

The idyllic hill station of Kodaikanal is perched at a height of 6,500 feet above sea level in the Upper Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the most popular hill stations in all of India, famed for its perfect weather, scenic beauty and spice/tea plantation tours.

THE TAMARA KODAI is housed in a heritage building dating back to the 1840s in what used to be the residence of a British Judge who settled down here.

Still known by the locals as the Mr. Baynes’ House, the Tamara Kodai features luxurious rooms and suites, an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, a library, a game room, a fitness center and a fine dining restaurant.

If you are looking for a relaxing hill station holiday, there is perhaps no better option than the Tamara Kodai in Kodaikanal.

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    Discover the magic of the land where a unique adventure awaits you at every turn. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of diverse landscapes, immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures, and savor the delectable flavors of the enchanting land. We endeavor to curate exclusive personalized itineraries to unveil the secrets of India. Count on us for immaculate planning and ensure a flawless soul-enriching experience; get ready to embark on a remarkable adventure that will mesmerize you.

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