fam trip to tamilnadu

DELHI - CHENNAI – MAHABALIPURAM – KACHIPURAM – TIRUVANAMALAI – GINGEE – PONDICHERRY – THIRUKADAYUR – TRANQUEBAR –

KUMBAKONAM – DARASURAM – THANJAVUR – TRICHY – KARAIKUDI – RAJAKKAD – MADURAI – CHENNAI – DELHI

Vanakkam

Tamilnadu18 – 26 July 2014

ROUTE MAP

Started from Delhi, landed at the cosmopolitan city Chennai (Kamaraja Airport) at 2100 hrs and straightway went to Trident Hotel (4 Kms, 30

mins approx)

18 July

Chennai: 4.68 million (6th most populous city )Area: 426 Sq kms

WOMEN OF THE DAY MS. GIRIJA

WOW what an enthusiasm even after 60’s. A wonderful person with a vast knowledge along with a good stamina who walked

with us till 1900 hrs wherever we went. She took us for an orientation tour of Chennai. Drive pass through George town,

High court, Fish market, Perrys corner, LIC Building, Law college and Marina beach (13 Kms long, the longest natural

urban beach in the country)

5

ATTRACTIONS COVERED

1. CHOLAMANDAL ARTIST VILLAGE

2. DAKSHINA CHITRA3. SHORE TEMPLE4. FIVE RATHAS5. ARJUNAS PENANCE

HOTELS COVERED

1. TRIDENT2. TAJ FISHERMANS

COVE3. ITC VILASA4. IDEAL BEACH

RESORT5. GRT BAY RESORT6. BAY RESORT

19 JULY CHENNAI – MAHABALIPURAM

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CHENNAI – MAHABALIPURAM

CHENNAI – CHOLAMANDALAM: 1 HR (Good road, usual traffic of Chennai)CHOLAMANDALAM – DAKSHINCHITRA: 15 MINS (It is approx 21 Kms from Chennai) (Nice road)

DAKSHINCHITRA – TAJ FISHCOVE: APPROX 7 KMS AND 20-30 MINS (Nice road)

TAJ FISHCOVE – ITC VILAASA: APPROX 4 KMS AND 15 MINS (Nice road)

ITC VILAASA – CROCODILE BANK: 5 MINS (Nice road)

ITC VILAASA – MAHABALIPURAM: APPROX 20 KMS AND 30 MINS (Nice road)

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What we have seen

CHOLAMANDALAM:- Only for art lovers, paintersOur first stop. We didn’t like it much as it showcase paintings and art work by some artists. If someone is keen to see it, then only we should suggest.

DAKSHINA CHITRA:- “A picture of the south” – A Must for a everybody2nd stop, a wonderful orientation tour which showcases South India's cultural traditions and their connections to the present and to the future. Our first impression was of “Delhi Haat” but it is much more than that. It will take at least 1 hour to visit the full site. If you are visiting Chettinad later on then you can recall Dakshin chitra which showcase most of the traditional house of Chettinad

ARJUNAS PENANCE- Arjuna's Penance is a story from the Mahabharata of how Arjuna, performed severe austerities in order to obtain Shiva's weapon. It’s a nice picture sport.

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SHORE TEMPLE- UNESCO site clubbed with lush green gardens on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. A perfect picture sport built during the reign of the Pallava King Rajasimha (c. 700 - 728), is the earliest important structural temple in Southern India. Temple is dedicated dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva.

FIVE RATHAS- UNESCO world heritage site, Five temples that resembles chariots & also called as Pancha Pandava Rathas. Four of the Rathas are named after the four Pandava‘s while the fifth one is named after their spouse Draupadi. Another picture spot.

KRISHNA’S BUTTER BALL - The rock’s awkward position makes it quite popular with locals and tourists alike as it makes for an interesting backdrop for some whacky photographs. It’s a common sight to see visitors placing hands under the stone posing for pictures, which looks as though they are holding it up.

9Krishna’s Butter ball

Shore Temple

Arjuna's Penance Five Raths

TRIDENT - Chennai: We stayed there. All rooms are nice done and quiet spacious. Staff is professional cheerful and friendly. 167 Rooms (Deluxe – 51, Deluxe Garden – 19, Club – 42, Junior Suite – 05, Executive Club – 02 & 02 Presidential suite). 02 restaurants & bar.

ITC VILASA: Under construction. They will be coming with 92 rooms in 04 categories (Luxury room, Presidential Suite, honeymoon Suite & Ocean Suite & with 02 restaurants. Meghna Rao - Sales & Mktng Manager

TAJ FISHERMAN’S COVE: Huge and stunning, amazing place just near sea waves along with delicious food. Had a lovely lunch. Very nice rooms. It is operating with 152 Rooms. (Superior Charm – 50, Deluxe Delight (New Wing) - 64, Deluxe Delight Cottage – 18, Premium Indulgence Se vie Cottage – 10, Temptation Villa a- 10. Kumar B.C - GM

IDEAL BEACH RESORT: Huge and nice(also near sea shore). Hotel has total 68 rooms in 05 Categories (Sea View Villa, Queen’s Suite, Pllava with 03 restaurants. Prasad Monnappa - Asst Manager, Operations

GRAND BAY: New hotel very close to GRT. No direct access to beach but with a walk of 300m (5 Min). Total 28 rooms (05 Std, 15 Studio & 8 Chalet rooms) & 02 restaurants. Small nice can be recommended to price conscious. Mr. Samuel - GM

CHARIOT BEACH RESORT: We stayed here. Room was quite large but the staff at front office was inexperienced, he may be a trainee. Rooms at ground floor has access from a dark gallery which is horrifying. Having 70 rooms (14 – Chariot Cottage, 14 – Deluxe Cottage, 08 – Deluxe Sea view room, 16 – Deluxe Room, 02 – Junior Suite, 08 – Standard Room, 04 – Sea view Cottage & 04 Sea View Suite Rooms) & 02 Restaurants.

RADISSON TEMPLE BAY: My favorite in M’ Puram (47 acres, biggest in town). It looks like a colony you can sea people riding bikes and driving cars or parked. India’s largest swimming pool 222 meter. Total 144 rooms. Chalet Garden View - 29, Chalet Pool View – 64 and Chalet Sea View – 09, Studio suite – 02, Pool villa – 06, Bay villa – 01 & Bay Bungalow – 01

Had a lovely dinner at “The Wharf”, a specialty restaurant by the bay which serves exquisite sea food, grills and pastas and the Water’s Edge Café, a 24 hour multi-cuisine restaurant, though I didn’t like the Veg food but Sea food was praised by my friends. The Sindbad is an informal bar attached to the restaurant and the Maritime Tales is the lounge bar. Mr. Shabin (GM) a wonderful person

ITC VILASA CHARIOT

VIEW FROM TAJ IDEAL BEACH RST GRAND BAY

The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology is one of the largest reptile zoos in the world. It is spread over eight and a half acres of land and is home to over 2500 reptiles. Out of 26 species of Crocodiles in the world they have 18 species along with some Tortoises

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MAHABALIPURAM – KACNHIPURAM: 65 KMS, 1 HR APPROX (Good road & no traffic)

KANCHIPURAM – TIRUVANAMALAI: 130 KMS, 2.5 HRS APPROX (Good road)

20 July

ATTRACTIONS COVERED

1. Ekamberashwara Temple

2. Kamakshi temple3. Ramanasraman

HOTELS COVERED

1. GRT Regency2. Sparsa

16EKAMBARESHWAR TEMPLE

The five grand temples associated with the five basic elements are:

1. Earth – (Bhoomi) - Kanchipuram - Ekambareswarar Temple2. Water – (Jal) - Thiruvanaikaval - Jambukeswara Temple (Near Trichy)3. Fire – (Agni) - Tiruvannamalai - Annamalaiyar Temple4. Wind – (Vaayuvu) – Srikalahasti (Kalahasti, Andhra Pradesh)5. Sky – (Akaash) - Chidambaram - Chidambaram Temple

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Ekambareswarar Temple

Legend has it that once Parvati, the consort of Shiva was doing penance under the temple's ancient Mango tree near Vegavathi river. In order to test her devotion Shiva sent fire on her. Goddess Parvati prayed to her brother, Vishnu, for help. In order to save her, he took the Moon from Shiva's head and showed the rays which then cooled down the tree as well as Parvati. Shiva again sent the river Ganga to disrupt Parvati's penance. Parvati prayed to Ganga and convinced her that both of them were sisters and so should not harm her. Subsequently, Ganga did not disturb her penance and Parvati made a Shiva Linga out of sand to get united with Shiva. The God here came to be known as Ekambareswarar or "Lord of Mango Tree

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Silk WeavingWe were taken to 2 houses where silk weavers were doing their daily work. It looks complex in understanding how they do it but still you get the idea about the hard work which is required to make ONE SAREE. It takes approx 15 days to make a silk saree as told by our host who later took us to his beautiful shop to buy silk items. It is definitely an inclusion to any itinerary having Kanchipuram.

19Sri ramana ashram

Abhishekam ceremony at 1700 hrs is a

must for a foreign visitor

with Vedic mantras.

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SRI RAMANAAs a boy of sixteen in 1896, he challenged death by a penetrating enquiry into the source of his being. Later hailed as Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi he revealed the direct path of Self-enquiry and awakened mankind to the immense spiritual power of the holy Arunachala Hill, the spiritual heart of the world.

Tiruvannamalai, situated at the foot of Arunachala, is a town of medium size, an ancient village with a large and splendid temple. Certain yearly festivals draw large crowds of pilgrims to Tiruvannamalai from all over South India. This is especially so during Karthigai (also known as Deepam), which usually falls in November. (pics to follow in the coming slides)

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ARUNACHALA Once Vishnu and Brahma fell to disputing which of them was the greater. Their quarrel brought chaos on earth, so the Devas approached Siva and besought him to settle the dispute. Siva thereupon manifested himself as a column of light from which a voice issued declaring that whoever could find its upper or lower end was the greater. Vishnu took the form of a boar and burrowed down into the earth to find the base, while Brahma took the form of a swan and soared upwards to seek its summit. Vishnu failed to reach the base of the column but “beginning to see within himself the Supreme Light which dwells in the hearts of all, he became lost in meditation, oblivious to the physical body and even unaware of himself, the one who sought”. Brahma saw the flower of an alse plant falling through the air and, thinking to win by deception, returned with it and declared he had plucked it from the summit.

Vishnu admitted his failure and turned to the Lord in praise and prayer: “You are Self-knowledge. You are OM. You are the beginning and the middle and the end of everything. You are everything and illuminate everything.” He was pronounced great while Brahma was exposed and confessed his fault.In this legend, Vishnu represents the intellect and Brahma the ego, while Siva is Atma, the spirit.

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The story continues that, because the lingam or column of light was too dazzling to behold, Siva manifested himself instead as the Arunachala hill, declaring: “As the moon derives its light from the sun, so other holy places shall derive their sanctity from Arunachala. This is the only place where I have taken this form for the benefit of those who wish to worship me and obtain illumination. Arunachala is OM itself. I will appear on the summit of this hill every year at Kartigai in the form of a peace-giving beacon.”

The Maha Karthigai Deepam

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On every full moon millions of people come here and whole town is immersed in to the religious ceremony. We also heard about a sacred sage who slaps to his devotees but he is not traceable and people say if you get a slap you will be blessed by him as told by a very humble person Mr. Rajiv Gandhi (Hotel Arunai Ananta)

Hotels are mostly 100% booked near full moon dates hence its an year around season for them

At the Aasram are meditation centre, a big kitchen for in house people, a big shop to buy books & souvenirs and lots of peacocks including white peahen. You can witness many foreigners doing meditation in the Aashram.

SPARSA: One of the best in town. Good location nestled in the interiors. Running with 20 rooms (12 suite & 08 Standard Rooms). Have a good swimming pool and activity center. Lovely South Indian meal. No escalators, one has to climb 12-15 steps for the rooms.

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21 JulySPARSA TO HOTEL ARUNAI ANANTA: 2 KMS, 5 MINUTES DISTANCE (Smooth Road)

HOTEL ARUNAI ANANTA – AASHRAM OR HOTEL AKASH INN: 2KMS, 5 MINUTES (Smooth Road)

HOTEL AAKASH INN – TEMPLE OF FIRE: 3 KMS, 5 MINUTES (Smooth Road)

TEMPLE OF FIRE – PONDICHERRY: 111 KMS, 2 HRS 40 MINUTESAND THE JOUNREY FOR FIRST TWO HRS IS NOT AT ALL GOOD with broken patches of road.

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ATTRACTIONS COVERED

1. TEMPLE OF FIRE2. FRECH TOWN3. MANAKULA VINAYAKA

TEMPLE4. AUROBINDO ASHRAM5. FRENCH WAR

MEMORIAL6. STATUE OF DUPLEIX

HOTELS COVERED

1. ARPANA HOTEL2. ASHREYA HOTEL3. ARUNAI ANANTHA4. AAKASH INN5. MAISON PERUMAL6. VILLA SHANTI7. LA VILLA8. OLD CHARM GUEST

HOSUE9. PALAIS DE MAHE

21 JULY TIRUVANAMALAI - PONDICHERRY

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Annamalaiyar Temple (Fire) Aurobindo Aashram

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MANAKULA VINAYAKA TEMPLE

French Quarter

French War Memorial

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Our Guide Boniface

Flower Market

The Church of Our Lady of Angels

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Annamalaiyar Temple: It is significant to the Hindu sect of Saivism as one of the temples associated with the five elements

Area is 10 hectares and one of the largest in India. It has four Gopurams. Tallest towers is the eastern tower with a height of 66 metres.

In Hindu mythology, Parvati, wife of Shiva, once closed the eyes of her husband playfully in a flower garden at their abode atop Mount Kailash. Although only a moment for the gods, all light was taken from the universe, and the earth, in turn, was submerged in darkness for years. Parvati performed penance along with other devotees of Shiva. Then her husband appeared as a column of fire at the top of Annamalai hills, returning light to the world. He then merged with Parvati to form Ardhanarishwara, the half-female, half-male form of Shiva

Witnessing the devotees taking pradiskhana with rolling of their body on ground is just amazing

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PondicherryAurobindo Ashram: The Ashram was set up in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo Ghose, one of India’s greatest philosopher-poets, who originally came to Pondy to escape persecution by the British Since its establishment almost a century back has played a significant role in the socio-economic-spiritual fabric of puducherry. Therefore it is not surprising that the Ashram and its various branches together occupy some of the best heritage properties in puducherry. The building you see in French town with same color as of Aashram belong to A. Ashram

Town: The town was divided in a French section and Tamil section, with its respective population and architectural differences and each its own particular streetscapes.

In French Town the roads are flanked by colonial style buildings with long compound walls and statelygates, behind which life unfolds. The facades have often vertical columns and tall windows and are coloured cream, yellow and pink.

In Tamil Town the streets are lined by verandahs and extended porches where its residents would gather and passing guests would spend the night. The colours here are green, blue and brown, while the facades convey horizontal and low features.

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Pondicherry

Beaches: As opposed to the rest of India, the beaches here are relatively clean and not as crowded: Main four beaches are Promenade,  Paradise Beach, Serenity beach, Auroville Beach

Temple/Churches/Mosque: There are plenty of temple/churches in Pondicherry some of the famous are:  Varadaraja Perumal Temple, The Notre Dame des Anges, The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Meeran Mosque

Vegetable Market/Flower Market: Huge collection of small venders will make you spellbound. A must for a foreigner

If you are staying near French Quarter then an evening stroll near beach area will be a good delight with a delicious at any of the famous restaurant in that area.

HOTEL ARPANA, ASHREYA: Very small hotels, simply not for us.

ARUNAI ANANTHA: Recommended hotel. Total 30 rooms, 14 Standard, 14 Deluxe & 02 Suite. First floor rooms have view to Giri Mountain. A good place for both FIT and GIT. Have an open area to set bon fire or to perform any cultural event. Rajeev Gandhi (Front office person, very nice man), Ravindran (GM). Rajeev shared some interesting facts about the town which generally even guide do not know

AAKASH INN: Can be suggested for budget clients. 18 Rooms (Superior – 06, Executive 10 & 02 Suite). Mr. G. Peter (Unit Manager)

Aakash Inn Arunai Anantha

LES HIBISCUS: Small bed & Breakfast with 04 Standard rooms.

VILLA SHANTI: Suites are very nice and big. Total 15 rooms (Deluxe – 09, Superior – 02, Junior Suite – 02, Terrace Suite – 02 & 01 Executive Suite) Mr. Joy Gupta - GM

LA VILLA: STUNNING Property with 06 rooms. Sylvain’c and architect’s creativity reflect in the hotel. Just amazing. Blindly recommended. Sylvain – MD

PALAIS DE MAHE: Very nice property with 18 Standard Room. Recommended for dinner also at terrace restaurant. Mr. Dinu (Manager) Great personality we met on our tour.

MAISON PERUMAL: Our first hotel in Pondicherry where we stayed. Rooms are quite nice. South Indian food is good. It’s fine accommodation. Sam John - Manager

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22 JULY PONDICHERRY - KUMBAKONAM

PONDICHERRY – CHIDAMBRAM: 67 KMS

CHIDAMBRAM – THIRUKADAYUR: 49 KMS, 2HRS 45 MINUTES

THIRUKADAYUR – THIRRUPUGULUR, 45 KMS, 1.5

HRSTHIRRUPUGULUR –

KUMBAKONAM, 75 KMS, 2.5 HRSPondicherry to Thirukadayur drive is good. Rest all the drive is from interior villages with very beautiful countryside up to Mangala heritage.

Kumbakonam: Time to change our perception about Kumbakonam, it’s a very big town with first AC BUS STOP in the country (Total 6 in town) initiated by Citi Bank & Kumbakonam Municipality

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22 JULY PONDICHERRY - KUMBAKONAM

ATTRACTIONS COVERED

1. AUROVILLE 2. AURO BEACH3. BIKE TOUR4. Amritaghateswarar -

Abirami temple

HOTELS COVERED

1. ATITHI – PONDICHERRY

2. MANGALA HERITAGE

3. BUNGALOW ON THE BEACH

4. MANTRA

Auroville

Auro Beach

The Temple

Auroville: It was founded as a project of the Sri Aurobindo Society on Wednesday 28 February 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, "The Mother". It is approx 8 kms from Pondicherry. (Good way is to take bikes on rent)

Matrimander: In the middle of the town is the Matrimander, which has been acclaimed as "an outstanding and original architectural achievement. It was conceived by "The Mother" as "a symbol of the Divine's answer to man's aspiration for perfection". Silence is maintained inside the Matrimandir to ensure the tranquility of the space and entire area surrounding the Matrimandir is called Peace area. Inside the Matrimandir, a spiraling ramp leads upwards to an air-conditioned chamber of polished white marble referred to as "a place to find one's consciousness". The surface of the dome has 56 kg of Gold

Bikes: You can easily get the bikes to hang around in Pondicherry. Ranging from 300-400 Rs per bike

Thirukadaiyur temple: It is the place where Lord Shiva protected Markandeya from Yama (Lord of Death) when he was about to take the boy's life. Hence, this temple is supposed to give longevity of life to devotees. A function called Sashtiaptha poorthi is often celebrated for couples,particularly at the temple premises, when the husband reaches 60 or Sadhabishegam when he reaches 80, which is believed to give them a long life.

ATITHI: Good property in town. We are using it for TIC-series and till now it is fine.

BUNGALOW ON THE BEACH: Worst hotel. We went there for lunch and simply refused to have and got the reply “Our kitchen is closed”. They do not bother who and what we are. Not recommended

MANGLA HERITAGE: A Small village property with 05 Rooms. Village walk with a visit to Shiva temple. Will be a good rural experience for a foreigner.

MANTRA VEPPATHUR: There are total 30 rooms (mantra Cottage – 24, Mantra Illam – 02 & Pannaiyar Illam – 02) with all modern amenities, but traditionally decorated. It still holds the charm and a good place for stay. K. Selvam (RM), N. Nagarajan (Manager – Front office)

ATTRACTIONS COVERED

1. BRIHADESHWARA TEMPLE

2. ROCK FORT3. SRIRANGAM TEMPLE

HOTELS COVERED

1. MANTRA2. PARADISE3. IDEAL RIVER VIEW

RESORT4. TANJORE HI5. GRAND GARDENIA

Mantra – Anandham Swamimalai: 20 KmsKumbakonam – Tanjore: 45 Kms

Tanjore – Trichy: 92 Kms, 1 Hr 15 minutes

23 JULY

Click icon to add picture

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PARADISE RESORT: 5 Minutes from Darasuram Iravadeeshwarar temple. Some rooms are very nice (World Heritage UNESCO Monument) with 46 rooms (Standard – 18, River Side – 19 rooms & 09 rooms in the new wing with Standard Category). Charming lady. Rtn. Latharaman – Chair Person

INDECO SWAMIMALAI:Have been using this for TIC-Series with 1-2 issue last year but we didn’t find any fault in the hotel, rather it gives the best experience in Kumbakonam. Their fan collection at reception is amazing, Nagalinga flower is one of its kind. Have 43 rooms (35 deluxe, 02 Grand suite, 02 royal suite & 01 Mega Room). Other 24 Rooms are under construction.

IDEAL RIVER VIEW: Rooms are just like IRV –M’puram. It is near to River Kabini having all 42 River Side room. Other 12 rooms are under construction.

TANJORE HI: In the main market. 4 deluxe Rooms. No Television in the room & Have terrace restaurant but too much hot as it is on the top. They have a unique roof pattern in one of the room.

GRAND GARDENIA (TRICHY): Budget hotel running with 38 Rooms (32 Executive & 06 Grand Suite) can be proposed to our guests.

SANGAM: The best hotel. 92 rooms in 05 Categories. (Standard – 13, Executive – 30, Deluxe – 36, Family – 01, Suite – 5 & Presidential Suite – 01). With 02 restaurants.

24 JULY

TRICHY – NAMANSAMUDRAN: 63 KMS, 1HR & 15 MINS

NAMANSAMUDRAM – THIRUMAYAM FORT: 11 KMS, 15 MINS

THIRUMAYAM FORT – CHIDAMBRAM VILAS: 5 KMS, 15 MINS

CHIDAMBRAM VILAS – TILE FACTORY: 25 KMS, 1 HR

TILE FACTORY – SNACK FACTORY AT: 20 KMS, 30 MINS

VISALAM – THE BANGALA: 13 KMS, 30 MINS

THE BANGALA – DINDIGUL: 106 KMS, 2 HRS 30 MINS

DINDIGUL – RAJAKKAD: 65 KMS, 1 HR 30 MINS (LOVELY

DRIVE UP TO RAJAKKAD, GOOD VIEW OF THE TOWN FROM THE HILL )

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ATTRACTIONS COVERED

1. NAMANSAMUDRAM2. THIRUMAYAM FORT

HOTELS COVERED

1. CHIDAMBRAM VILAS2. SARATHA VILAS3. VISALAM4. THE BANGALA5. RAJAKKAD ESTATE

24 JULY TRICHY - RAJAKKAD

47TIRUMAYAM FORTNAMANSAMUDRAM

Ayyanar shrines are usually located at the peripheries or boundaries of rural villages, and the deity is seen with a sword riding a white horse. He and fierce-looking Karuppusami, his most important companion with a moustache, a large sickle and a scary demon by his side, are eternally vigilant fighting against demons and evil spirits that are threatening the village. 

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It was a small area with 7-8 deities placed in an open air temple with lots of small/big Terracotta horses.

People donate these horses every year and it’s a matter of approx 10000 Rs.

CHIDAMBARA VILAS: All the below properties are of traditional Chettinad style with some modern touch up. Good hotel with 25 Luxury villa & have 03 different restaurant for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Also provide village walk & bullock card ride on request.

SARATHA VILAS: Good hotel. 8 Rooms (06 – Heritage & o2 Master Chamber) with 01 dining hall & 02 Spa. Bernard Dragon & Michel Adment (Directors)

VISALAM: Excellent. 92 rooms in 05 Categories. (Standard – 13, Executive – 30, Deluxe – 36, Family – 01, Suite – 5 & Presidential Suite – 01). With 02 restaurants. Mr. Febin - GM

THE BANGALA: Using it for TIC-Series. No issue at all. 12 Std rooms in Old wing & having 12 standard rooms In new wing. No TV in the rooms they have 01 TV in branda.

RAJAKKAD: They way to the hotel from is very nice with beautiful trees on the both side of the road along with 30-40 minutes hilly road. 07 Non AC Rooms. 01 Dining hall. One can have walk visit around hotel where they have coffee plantation, black pepper, orange & lemon plantation. Beware of small insects which can easily check in to you room if you keep you door/windows open. Staff need little training on basics

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ATTRACTIONS COVERED

1. RAJAKKAD SURROUNDINGS

2. MEENAKSHI TEMPLE

HOTELS COVERED

1. CARDAMOM HOUSE2. HERITAGE3. TAJ GATEWAY4. GRT REGENCY5. ASTORIA BY

SPARSA

25 JULY RAJAKKAD - MADURAI

RAJAKKAD – MADURAI: 98 KMS, 2 HRS 40 MINS

Good highway after coming out from Rajakkad. We can suggest Rajakkad from Madurai easily.

Surroundings

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MEENAKSHI TEMPLE

CARDAMOM HOUSE: Good hotel nestled in the small hilly region and clubbed with sports activities, bike rides, swimming pool. o7 rooms with different category opposite side of river. B. Shankar – Manager

THE HERITAGE - MADURAI: Using it for TIC-Series and no complaint at all. Best property with total 67 rooms (Deluxe club – 29 & Luxury Villa – 35). There are 02 villas on road side which we not recommended to our guests.

GRT REGENCY: Hotel with 57 rooms (45 – Superior &12 Deluxe Rooms). All 19 rooms at 2nd floor washrooms are big. Free Wi-Fi with nice swimming pool.

TAJ PASUMALAI: 63 rooms (08 – Standard, 30 – Superior & 25 Executive Room). Restaurant with view of Meenakshi temple. Big hotel. You have to use steps very often. We found Arshad behavior little strange may be he was not interested to show the hotel or something else. Arshad Sheriff – Sales Manager

HOTEL ASTORIA: New budget property with 39 Deluxe Room. (No Swimming pool). Its good for budget clients. Sri Guru Ganesan – Duty Manager

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ATTRACTIONS COVERED

1. FEW MINUTES AT MARINA BEACH ONLY

HOTELS COVERED

1. FRANGI HOUSE2. PARK POD3. THE TRAIN TREE

ANNA SALAI4. LEELA PALACE5. NIKETANA6. NEW WOODLANDS7. PARK HYATT8. TAJ CONNEMARA9. RESIDENCY

TOWERS10.MAHAMUDRA

RESTAURENT

26 JULY CHENNAI

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Marina Beach: You are driving pass through the Marina Beach (longest in the country). It look too dirty and one

can see some tractors cleaning the beach area. There are

horses available for those who doesn’t want to walk along with some street snacks.

Chennai Airport: It is a good airport but the way to airport

is quite tough due to traffic jams and Metro construction

from the city centre. It is also the hub of AIR ASIA

THE RESIDENCY TOWER: Total 175 rooms (120 deluxe, 43 club & 11 suite). Best thing is that it has 24 hrs check in

THE SAVERA: Total 230 rooms (55 Standard, 26 Buiness Club, 85 Executive, 28 executive Superior & 06 Executive Club). Have Malgudi restaurant open for dinner only.

THE PARK POD: Total 14 rooms (09 deluxe, 04 Luxury & 01 suite). Budget hotel with swimming pool, but pool in back to the reception. Can be good for budget clients

FOOTPRINT: Guest house. Not recommended to budget clients as well

THE NIKETANA: hotel with 18 rooms (11 suits & 07 Deluxe). Not recommended

NEW WOODLAND: Small hotel & not recommended to budget clients also

PARK HYATT: Just Amazing. Not sure why Travel Agents do not use Park Hyatt. It is one of the best hotel we have seen till now. 201 rooms (54 park, 27 park View, 12 park Suite.

THE LEELA: As usual amazing location but view of filthy Marina beach stretch. 326 rooms (114 – Deluxe City View, 118 – Deluxe Sea Facing, 8 – Premier Sea Facing, 55 – Royal Club Room, 08 – Executive suite, 13 – Junior Suite, 02 – Luxury Suite, 02 – Grande Suite, 02 – Royal Club Suite, 02 – Royal Grande Suite, 01 – Royal Suite & 01 – Maharaja Suite). Restaurants Chaia Xo & Jamavar

TAJ CONNEMARA: Saw only one Royal suite. Just amazing.

With ThanksAshwani, Amit & Bhupinder