SOUTH INDIAN GOLDEN HERITAGE CIRCUIT

South Indian Golden Heritage Circuit

The Cauvery Delta, having miles and miles of lush green paddy fields, is also a repository of arguably, the finest temples of South India. Join us in visiting Kumbakonam, Thanjavur and Madurai (The Golden Heritage Circuit) where the size of the temples will make you wonder if these were built by humans. The temple towns will astound you with the old lanes and bye lanes, the aromatic street food, and the whiff of camphor, flowers and incense in the air will take you to another world.

Overview

 

• Destination: Tamil Nadu
• Location: Kumbakonam-Thanjavur-Madurai
• Google Map Co-ordinates: 10.8050° N, 78.6856° E
• Nearest City (Airport): Madurai
• Nearest City (Railway Station): Madurai
• Duration: 7N/8D (Flexible)
• Level: Easy
• Guide: Available
• Price: On request

Experience

The old temples of Kumbakonam with their colourful Gopurams, built by the Chola Kings are of great historical importance. You will visit the greatest temples of South India. Kumbakonam is also know for its unique set of temples, the Navagraha temples, a set of nine temples each dedicated to one planetary deity. Also an ancient commercial centre, it is renowned for its trade in foods, particularly rice and betel leaves, and for its hand-spun silks and bell-metal pots.
Thanjavur was the capital of the Chola kindom. As per folklore, the city is named after the demon Thanjan who was killed by Lord Vishnu. The Brihadeeswara temple here is the highlight of the city and is on the World Heritage Listing. Thanjavur paintings originated here. These are characterized by rich and vivid colors, simple iconic composition, glittering gold foils overlaid on delicate but extensive gesso work and inlay of glass beads and pieces or very rarely precious and semi-precious gems. Do check on how the Kings promoted art, culture, dance and music here.
Madurai, which is mentioned during the Sangam era (6th to 3rd century BC), is one of the oldest cities of India. The Meenakshi Temple is one of the finest temples in India, and also one of the oldest, having a mention in Tamil Literature as early as the 7th Century. It is spread over 14 acres of land and has Gopurams that are visible from any part of the city. This is where Lord Shiva performed the Cosmic Dance, the Tandava. Also visit the Thirumala Nayak Palace in the vicinity. This was built in 1636 CE and is a national monument.
Visit Rameshwaram, one of the most significant pilgrimage centres of India, via the Pamban bridge, a spectacular engineering wonder, 2.3 kms long, built on the sea, having a double-leaf bascule section midway, which can be raised to let ships and barges pass through. The colour of the sea is sure to blow you off. Spend time at the Ramanathswamy temple built in the 12th century. It is believed that a visit to this temple would wash away the sins and one can attain salvation.
Get to stand at the end of landed territory at Dhanushkodi, around 20 kms away from Rameshwaram. It is known as the lost city of Tamil Nadu. It was a popular port town but was destroyed in 1964. You can gaze out at Adams bridge, the chain of reefs, sandbanks and islets that almost connects India to Sri Lanka.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

The Saranpani, Kumbheshwara and Nageshwara temples at Kumbakonam are renowned Shiva and Vishnu temples. The temples at Darasuram and Gangaicondacholapuram with intricate designs, inscriptions and the majesty will make you wonder how complex the art of temple building is.
The Brihadeeshwara temple at Thanjavur also called the Big Temple is one of the biggest temple of India and is rightly said to be an architectural wonder. It will throw light on how an organized way of working could help build such a massive temple in just 6 years. It will also show how art is important to religion and the role of art forms in building the temple.
The Meenakshi Temple at Madurai, the street food which is probably the best in Tamil Nadu, and of course the colourful lanes and bye lanes of this temple city that is dotted with myriad small shops selling colourful clothes, household ware and small artifacts.
The amazing Pamban bridge with deep blue water beneath.
The temple at Rameshwaram, has 22 wells and it is believed that bathing with the water of each well gives one particular power.
Dhanushkodi that is a ghost city now and will give you an end of the world feel.
The Chettinad mansions, the colorful Athangudi tiles that are handmade, the Pillayapatti temple, the farmer’s market and of course the Chettinad cuisine.