A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started
Explore Pondicherry, Cochin and Tanjore with their trading heritage and beautiful temples and palaces
15 days, from £3,135 to £4,105
Old trading posts, temple towns, palaces: the cultural richness of Tamil Nadu
13 days, from £3,215 to £4,375
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Many of the temple complexes are more than mere places of worship, but also for social gatherings, education, celebrations and a place for art, in all its forms from music, dance, drama, and handicrafts, to flourish. Definitely worth a visit are Kanchipuram, Chidambaram, Thanjavur, Mamallapuram and Kumbakhonam.
Away from the temple trail, the Chettinad region is full of wonderful fortress houses. Once home to some of Tamil Nadu's wealthiest families, many of the villages now feel like ghost towns but with some of the beautiful houses maintained. In the 19th century the Chettinad men were serious tradesmen with Burma and used to ship back wonderful teak and satinwood from which they would build their mansions.
In contrast to the rest of Tamil Nadu is Pondicherry - the former seat of the French in India - where you will find wonderful colonial French architecture and (if you know where to look) delicious French food.
Finally, the state capital of Chennai will likely feature on any holiday itinerary and the city is worth a day or two's exploration, as is the cultural gem of Madurai.
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