Offers

Thanjavur - Chettinad Experience with Madurai(6 Nights)

Trichy, Thanjavur, Chettinadu, Madurai

for Inbound Traveller, Heritage Traveller

Holiday Overview

Meenakshi Amman Temple
Chettinadu Mansion (Nivalink Trip Dated - 2 May 2009)
Brihadeeswarar Temple (Nivalink Trip Dated - 2 May 2009)

Thanjavur - Chettinad Experience with Madurai is a short break itinerary that combines heritage and cultural experiences of Thanjavur, Chettinadu and Madurai.

Route

Thanjavur(2) - Chettinadu(2) - Madurai(2)

Summarised Itinerary
  • Day-1 Arrival at Thanjavur. Visit UNESCO World heritage site temple
  • Day-2 In and around Thanjavur or Kumbakonam Temples visit
  • Day-3 Thanjavur - Chettinadu. Heritage walk and sightseeing
  • Day-4 In and around Chettinadu
  • Day-5 Arrival Madurai. Visit Meenakshi Temple and Aarupadaiveedu Lord Murugan Temples.
  • Day-6 Rameshwaram Excursion
  • Day-7 Departure
Sightseeing Summary

Chettinadu - Kanadukathan Village (1.00 kms), Athangudi (8.00 kms), Thirumayam Fort (11.00 kms)

Madurai - Meenakshi Amman Temple (1.00 kms), Gandhi Memorial Museum Madurai (3.00 kms), Ramanathaswamy Temple (160.00 kms)

Thanjavur - Brihadeeswarar Temple (1.00 kms), Saraswathi Mahal Library (1.00 kms), Tanjore Palace (1.00 kms), Sangeetha Mahal (2.00 kms)

Preferred Arrival /Departure Destination
Arrival - Trichy Departure - Madurai
Best Season to Travel
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Popular Extensions to the Itinerary

Additional nights at Kumbakonam area around Thanjavur can be considered which has many temples of heritage and architectural importance and many experiences that can be explored at a leisurely pace.

Distances
  • Trichy to Thanjavur -58 kms (1.5 hrs)
  • Thanjavur to Chettinadu -108 kms (2.5 hrs)
  • Chettinadu to Madurai -100 kms (2.5 hrs)
Route

Trichy - Thanjavur(2) - Chettinadu(2) - Madurai(2)

Detailed Itinerary

Day-1 Arrival at Thanjavur. Visit UNESCO World heritage site temple Arrival at Thanjavur. Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur, a Chola Period (9th - 13th century) Temple and a UNESCO World heritage site.

Day-2 In and around Thanjavur or Kumbakonam Temples visit Visit Vijayanagar fort (2 kms from Brahadeeswara Temple), a 16th century fort. Inside the fort is the Tanjore Palace, Sangeetha Mahal, Saraswathi Mahal Library and Art Gallery having a collection of sculptures and paintings OR undertake excursion to Kumbakonam (41 kms) to visit Adi Kumbeswara Temple, Darasuram temple and other temples of Kumbakonam, which not only have architectural significance but also are pilgrim centres on their own. Guests may also consider visit to traditional musical instrument factory, a craft that is unique to an area preserved by more than 100 artisans.

Day-3 Thanjavur - Chettinadu. Heritage walk and sightseeing Thanjavur to Kanadukathan (100 kms - 2.5 hrs). Kanadukathan is a heritage village of Chettiars of Chettinadu. Heritage walk here is recommended. Guests have options Stay in one of the heritage type hotels and enjoy ethnic cuisine. Guests also visit Thirumayam Fort.

Day-4 In and around Chettinadu Visit to the Chettinadu Palace, Cycle tour in the rural region nearby, Visit to the Athangudi Tiles factory, basket making cooperative and brass smiths. Shopping to Karaikudi where Antiques, Chettinadu sarees and silverware are available. Visit Lord Ganesha temple at Karaikudi.

Day-5 Arrival Madurai. Visit Meenakshi Temple and Aarupadaiveedu Lord Murugan Temples. Arrive at Madurai (94 kms - 2.5 hours). Visit the Meenakshi Temple complex. Time permitting guests have option to visit Aarupadaiveedu Temples (2 temples within 10 km radius), Gandhi Museum and experiential traveller have option for foodies walk (Optional extra).

Day-6 Rameshwaram Excursion Full day excursion to Rameshwaram (160 kms - 3 hours oneway), It is home to Ramanathaswamy Shiva temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples in India. Time permitting visit Dhanushkodi Beach, renowned for temples that are linked to Lord Rama and Ramayana mythology.

Day-7 Departure Depart for onward journey.

Detailed Sightseeing

Chettinadu :

  • Kanadukathan Village - Kanadukathan is mainly famous for big heritage mansions of the Chettiar community and authentic Chettinad cuisine. Palace of the Chettinad royal family and other prominent bungalows are popular with heritage travellers. Guests are even able to stay here and experience the area.

  • Athangudi - Athangudi is where handmade terracota tiles are made using traditional tile making methods. This is popular visit option for Heritage and experiential travellers.

  • Thirumayam Fort - The Thirumayam Fort is a 40-acre fortress built in late 17th century on Pudukkottai-Karaikudi Highway. The fort has been extensively renovated by Archaeological Survey of India in 2012

Madurai :

  • Meenakshi Amman Temple - Meenakshi Amman Temple is a 17th century temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati known as Meenakshi and her consort, Lord Shiva as Sundareswarar. It is most prominent landmark of the city. The complex houses 14 gopurams, highest being about 52 meters. Meenakshi Amman Temple is one of the most visited temples of Tamilnadu and must visit for any traveller.

  • Gandhi Memorial Museum Madurai - Gandhi Memorial Museum was established in 1959 is one of the five Gandhi Museums in the country. Collection on display includes photos, paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, quotations and some of the selected Photostat copies of many of Gandhiji's letters

  • Ramanathaswamy Temple - Ramanathaswamy Temple is a renowned Lord Shiva temple at Rameswaram. It is one of 12 Jyotirlinga temple. The temple was built during the 12th century. The temple has the longest corridor among all Hindu temples in India.

Thanjavur :

  • Brihadeeswarar Temple - Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur is an ancient Lord Shiva temple Shiva and is considered Landmark in South Indian temple architecture. It has a massive 66 meter temple tower and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a must visit for any heritage traveller.

  • Saraswathi Mahal Library - The Saraswathi Mahal Library established around 1700 AD and located in the premises of a palace, contains over 30,000 Indian and European manuscripts written on palm leaf and paper.

  • Tanjore Palace - The Thanjavur Maratha Palace Complex, known locally as Aranmanai, is the official residence of the Bhonsle family who ruled over the Tanjore region from 1674 to 1855. The palace complex consists of the queens courtyard and the Durbar Hall. The Raja Serfoji Memorial Hall and the Royal Palace Museum are situated in the Sadar Mahal Palace. The Saraswathi Mahal Library is situated with the Thanjavur palace complex.

  • Sangeetha Mahal - Sangeetha Mahal is Handicraft Gallery offering wide ranging authentic handicrafts from local artisans.

Destination Overview

Trichy - Trichy is one of the 4 most important business towns in Tamilnadu. It is generally visited along with Thanjavur and Madurai as a part of the itinerary or a transit stay as an alternative to Thanjavur.

Thanjavur - Thanjavur is an important center of South Indian art and architecture. The Brihadeeswara Temple is located in the center of the town, which is UNESCO World Heritage site.

Chettinadu - Karaikudi is known as the base town for the area of Chettinad. Chettinad is well known for its Chettinad cuisine, Mansions, and Temples. The villages around are rich in cultural heritage, art and architecture, and is well known for its 18th century mansions

Madurai - Madurai today is one of the busiest towns in Tamilnadu. The Meenakshi temple is awe-inspiring and is a must visit for any South India itinerary for both Indian as well as Overseas guests

Access
Prefered Arrival : No ImageTrichyNo ImageTrichy
Prefered Departure : No ImageMaduraiNo ImageMadurai
Distances
  • Trichy to Thanjavur -58 kms (1.5 hrs)
  • Thanjavur to Chettinadu -108 kms (2.5 hrs)
  • Chettinadu to Madurai -100 kms (2.5 hrs)

Ready Cost estimate for this itinerary is not available.

However Nivalink would be able to readily offer a cost estimate or customise the itinerary as per specific requirements.

All Nivalink packages offer a Quality Assurance for superior recommendations and hassle free travel experience.

Call 022-6150 6363 to speak to our travel planner or email tn-37@nivalink.co.in to connect with our travel planner for details on the itinerary: Thanjavur - Chettinad Experience with Madurai.

Email to expert@nivalink.co.in to connect with sector expert for specific ideas and recommendations.

Travel Ideas incorporated in the itinerary

Madurai Pilgrimage

Meenakshi temple complex in Madurai is nothing short of an experience. Meenakshi Temple today is a more

Lines indicate the best available driving routes.
Arrows indicate connectivity other than Road (e.g. Waterways or Air).
Please click on the markers for more detailed Information.

Distances
  • Trichy to Thanjavur -58 kms (1.5 hrs)
  • Thanjavur to Chettinadu -108 kms (2.5 hrs)
  • Chettinadu to Madurai -100 kms (2.5 hrs)

Expert Speak

Thanjavur - Chettinad Experience with Madurai works well with a choice of premium stay options that facilitate experiential travel (e.g. Chettinadu Mansion).

Expert Connect

Nivalink has taken over 300 trips across India and select destinations overseas over last 10 years to verify hotels, evaluate destinations and understand its suitability with different profiles of customers across different seasons.

At Nivalink you are able to connect directly with experts who have travelled to these destinations and are able to offer novel ideas, honest perspectives and help you narrow down choices.

Email to expert@nivalink.co.in to connect with sector expert for specific ideas and recommendations.

All Holidays /Tamil Nadu/ Holidays for Tamil Nadu/Thanjavur - Chettinad Experience with Madurai