Highlights of Tamil Nadu (S India)

The state of Tamil Nadu, running about 500 miles along the Bay of Bengal coast to Cape Comorin, is the heartland of South India. More than a few degrees of latitude and temperature separate the Aryan north from the Dravidian south, two areas with totally different climate, crops, cuisine, language, architecture and social customs. From the coast, with its rice fields, coconut and banana trees, the land rises through the low-lying Eastern Ghats (mountains) up to tea, coffee and spice plantations in the Nilgiris and finally to the higher Western Ghats.

MADRAS, the capital of Tamil Nadu, epitomises the spirit and culture of India's southernmost state. The magnificent temples and their towering gopurams (entrance towers) dominate the landscape, just as religion permeates Tamil life.

The hill station of MUNNAR, at 1,525m, is set amid dramatic mountain scenery and is the commercial centre for some of the world's highest tea estates. It's a great place to relax after travelling in the plains of India.

PONDICHERRY'S ancient history dates back to the Vedic era; the Romans traded here two millennia ago, and the Portuguese arrived in 1521. Dutch and Danish traders followed, but it was the French - who purchased the town in the late 17th century, only relinquishing their hold in 1954 - who left the most enduring legacy. Now a Union Territory, with its own local government, this seaside colony retains its French 'lan, tempered by South Indian warmth, making it one of India's most relaxing destinations.

The second largest city in Tamil Nadu and once the capital of the Pandyas, MADURAI supposedly got its name from the Tamil word for honey. The story says that when King Kulasekhra Pandya first built Madurai, Shiva took nectar from his locks to purify and bless the new city. Known as the temple city, the old city of Madurai, south of the Vaigai River, was laid out according to the ancient design for a temple with the great Meenakshi Temple at the centre. Shops and stalls surround the Meenakshi on three concentric squares of streets that are used for religious processions.

Recommended travel guide books: The India Lonely Planet Guide and the Rough Guide to India.

Who looks after us? How our tours work is that from the moment you arrive in India our agents will meet you and their responsibility is to ensure that you are transferred as per your itinerary and escorted onto trains and met etc. All train and domestic flight bookings are reserved in advance. Travel by train is in comfortable air-con carriage in 4/6 berth cabins with padded berths/seats. You will have an English speaking driver and our local English speaking guides will escort you on your sightseeing tours.

Prices are listed on our tour pages and are based on a minimum of 2 people travelling together on your own preferred departure and return dates, sharing a car and double/twin room. Top range prices are based on your staying in 5 and 4 star accommodation and Mid range prices are based on en-suite 4 and 3 star accommodation. We can also help if you have a budget to stick to so please do get in touch with us to discuss your travel requirements.

For further information please telephone 01225 868544 or email info@essential-india.co.uk

Special note:
This tour can be adapted to suit your particular travel preferences. For tailor-made itineraries please contact Essential India Travel to discuss your individual requirements.

You can download and print our booking form and our detailed day by day tour itineraries with accommodation photographs and service details.

If you wish to pay for all or part of your holiday, please use our new ONLINE PAYMENT SYSTEM or phone us directly on 01225 868544

Travel Tariff Information

Duration: 16 Days
Peak Season : £
High Season October to May. (excluding Christmas and the New Year) Mid range accommodation: £2200 Airline: British Airways Land only (excluding flights on BA) £1580 Deposit £300 per person
Car Supplement Cost: N/A
Domestic Flight Cost: N/A

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