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Heroes and Heroines Explore Pondicherry
Experience the bohemian-chic of old town Pondicherry, a former French colony.
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Our Team Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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Our Tour Experts We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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Heroes and Heroines The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
South India’s Temples
This holiday idea offers you the most comprehensive, contrasting and experience-led journey through Southern India’s temple state of Tamil Nadu.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
1
2Marvel at Temples
Visit temple towns, all with their own distinct style and prominence.
3Discover Chettinad
An age-old trading region, full of opulent mansions.
4Visit Madurai
Watch villagers turn clay into dolls and deities ready for temples and festivals.
Why we like it
This holiday idea has been created for those wishing to journey through spectacular Tamil temple towns, for those intrigued by the surprisingly different food and culture of the region of Chettinad and for those inspired by French-influenced Pondicherry. This holiday idea ends in Madurai, leaving it wide open to being extended into the neighbouring region of Kerala. Simply, continue the drive over the Western Ghats mountains and to reach Cochin, the famous backwaters and the Arabian Sea.
Included as Standard
Airport VIP meet and greet, a bottle of wine on arrival, a spa treatment, a dedicated member of our team available 24/7, an upgrade at one of your chosen hotels and cars with Wi-Fi connectivity.
Day 1
Chennai
Day 2
Chennai - Pondicherry
Day 3
Pondicherry
Day 4
Pondicherry - Tanjore
Day 5
Tanjore
Day 6
Tanjore - Chettinad
Day 7
Chettinad
Day 8
Chettinad - Madurai
Day 9
Madurai - Chennai
Day 1
Chennai
With its historic landmarks and buildings, long sandy beaches, cultural and art centres and … Chennai had been the most visited city in India by foreign tourists.
Day 2
Chennai - Pondicherry
Day 3
Pondicherry
Experience the bohemian-chic of old town Pondicherry, a former French colony.
Day 4
Pondicherry - Tanjore
Day 5
Tanjore
Day 6
Tanjore - Chettinad
Day 7
Chettinad
An age-old trading region, full of opulent mansions.
Day 8
Chettinad - Madurai
Watch villagers turn clay into dolls and deities ready for temples and festivals.
Day 9
Madurai - Chennai
More details
Visit Pondicherry - Cool and Quiet, with a Distinctly French Aesthetic
Coming from Chennai, Pondicherry is a breath of fresh air. A former French colony, the town has a distinctly French aesthetic with quiet, clean, shady cobbled streets, lined with colonial-style houses. Pondicherry itself is easy to navigate although we highly recommend employing our resident guide to help you discover all the best places this unusual, south Indian town has to offer. Don’t miss an early morning rickshaw ride with one of our training driver/guides who’ll give you insight into life in Pondi. Visit the ashram and Auroville, India’s famed utopian community.
Temples of Tamil Nadu - The Ultimate Showcase for the Skilled Artisan
Across the south of India, each town has a temple quite distinct from the other. There are more than 30,000 temples, each temple not just a place of worship, but a place for social gatherings, education and celebration, a place where the artisan’s skill was showcased.
We can discuss with you which temples are actually worth a visit during your holiday but the ones we think are most impressive are Gangaikondacholapuram, Kumbakonam and Chidambaram.
Huge Mansions and Incredible Cuisine are the Secrets of Chettinad
In contrast to the many temples in the south, the region of Chettinad is a total surprise. In the early 19th century, wealthy traders settled here and built themselves opulent mansions, with no expense spared. Over time, with the collapse in trade, these beautiful houses were abandoned and left to ruin. Many have been sold off piece by piece, however today a few still remain and are well worth visiting. The architecture and design are quite exquisite and the town of Karaikudi is a treasure trove of antique shops. The region is also well-known throughout India for its exceptional cuisine.
Madurai and the Living, Breathing Meenakshi Temple
The holy city of Madurai is an eminent religious and cultural centre in India. The Meenakshi temple dates back as far as 2,500 years and is probably the most impressive temple of Tamil Nadu. The temple complex covers 14 acres, and has 4,500 pillars and 14 towers, it is huge.
The sheer size of the temple means that it’s easy to get lost inside, so we highly recommend you employ one of our expert guides to help you navigate it. It’s a “living” temple, full of industry and a constant stream of couples waiting to be married in its corridors.
One of the highlights at Meenakshi Temple, which you really shouldn’t miss, is the night ceremony. This is a puja (worship) performed, amidst much chanting, drums, horns and smoke.
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Tour Extension Suggestion: Kerala
Considering extending this itinerary? We would suggest visiting Kerala, just over the hills. Leave the flat plains of Madurai and continue into the Western Ghats, a line of hills that separates Tamil Nadu from its neighbour, Kerala. The rather splendid scenery and cooler climes are extremely attractive and a welcome contrast from the dusty plains of Tamil Nadu. Munnar offers excellent walking and the opportunity to learn about tea production. Descending from the hills, the journey brings you to Cochin, the backwaters and the coast. During your time in Kerala, you can visit villages, markets, cruise on small canals, watch unusual, traditional dance displays, eat a whole new type of Indian cuisine and rest and relax on its golden beaches.
Let’s chat
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From $3,820 Per person
When to travel
India in January
January is a very popular time to travel to India, due to mild temperatures and very little rainfall. The climate varies across India from snow in the Northern States to the Southern regions experiencing daily sunshine – perfect for an escape to Kerala’s beaches.
India in February
During peak season, February is an ideal month to travel to India, experiencing all regions of the country from Rajasthan in the North to Karnataka in the South.
India in March
Temperatures begin to rise with March typically being the last month of the peak season. A significant month for religious, Hindu festivals, March can become busy in some regions however also a perfect time to travel to experience Indian culture and wildlife.
India in April
With temperatures starting to rise, regions in Northern India start to become more accessible with excellent opportunities to discover hiking trails and the wildlife of these regions. Temperatures can sometimes exceed 40°C, with high levels of humidity in Southern India.
India in May
From May to September, Monsoon rains affect the North and Central states of India with daily rainfall and thunderstorms. During the Monsoon season, it is best to experience high altitude regions and avoid beach resorts.
India in June
Most regions of India will experience the Monsoon season in June alongside high daily temperatures and high levels of humidity. Whilst, not a popular time to travel, experience the mountainous regions as opposed to Central India to experience slightly cooler temperatures at the start of the month.
India in July
At the peak of the Monsoon season, most of the country experiences frequent, heavy rainfall. Whilst travel plans may be interrupted due to the climate, it is a great time to visit India to experience the national parks and the great outdoors.
India in August
As the Monsoon continues, the climate is very similar to that of June and July. Whilst not a suitable time to travel to India’s Southern beaches, other Northern Regions are popular with locals for hiking and outdoor pursuits.
India in September
As the final month of the Monsoon season, rainfall will be less frequent with the occasional sunny spell showcasing the lush, green vegetation that has flourished during the heavy rains.
India in October
As the monsoon rains have finished, humidity levels remain high and the peak travel season begins. During the month of October, there are lots of religious festivals, including Diwali, where some regions may become busier with domestic tourists.
India in November
As one of the best times to visit the country, November brings comfortable temperatures for sightseeing with the monsoon rains dying out from October. As the temperatures drop, however, Northern India and the Himalayas will become less accessible.
India in December
In December, temperatures and climate will be dependant on the region. In the Southern States, India will see a pleasant and mild climate, ideal for sightseeing, whereas, in Northern India and mountainous regions, snow and cold temperatures are likely.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. A curiosity of the world and of you, and your passions. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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