Culture & History: Chettinad & Madurai Excursion Tour From Trichy

Thanjavur , India

Culture & History: Chettinad & Madurai Excursion Tour From Trichy

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9h - 10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on a captivating Culture & History: Chettinad & Madurai Excursion Tour from Trichy, commencing with an 8:00 AM pickup from your hotel. Journey 165 kilometers to Chettinad, famed for its 19th-century mansions boasting opulent rooms and courtyards adorned with imported materials. Explore Chettinad Mansions, Chettinad Palace, and prominent temples like Vairavan Kovil, Karpaga Vinayakar, Kundrakudi Murugan, and Kottaiyur Sivan. Enjoy a local restaurant lunch before heading 90 kilometers to Madurai, arriving at 3:30 PM. Discover the grand Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple, Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, and the majestic Tirumal Nayak's Palace. Conclude the day at 5:30 PM, heading back to Trichy and reaching your hotel by 9:00 PM, enriched by the cultural and historical splendors of Chettinad and Madurai.

Available options

Car Only

Includes: Private Car with Driver.<br/>Pickup included

Car, Guide, Entrance & Lunch

Includes: Private Car with Driver + Private Guides + Entrance & activities charges mentioned in the itinerary & Lunch.<br/>Pickup included

Car, Guide & Entrance

Includes: Private Car with Driver + Private Guides + Entrance & activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.<br/>Pickup included

Car & Guide

Includes: Private Car with Driver + Private Guides.<br/>Pickup included

What's included

English speaking local guide, if option selected.

Entrance fees to monuments, if option selected.

Private AC car/van for pick up and drop off from/to your hotel.

Lunch, if option selected.

Government Taxes.

Bottled water in the car.

Detailed itinerary

8:00 AM: Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Trichy, and you will start your journey towards Chettinad, which is located about 165 kilometers away.

11:00 AM: You will arrive in Chettinad, and your sightseeing tour will begin. Chettinad is known for its 19th-century mansions, which are famous for their spacious rooms and wide courtyards, adorned with marble and teak. The construction materials, furnishings, and decorative items were primarily imported from East Asian countries and Europe. The marble was brought from Italy, chandeliers and teak from Burma, crockery from Indonesia, crystals from Europe, and wall-to-wall mirrors from Belgium. You will visit some of the open mansions for tourists, such as the Chettinad Mansions and Chettinad Palace. You will also visit several temples like the Vairavan Kovil Temple, Karpaga Vinayakar Temple, Kundrakudi Murugan Temple, and Kottaiyur Sivan Temple.

12:45 PM: Lunch break at a local restaurant.

1:30 PM: You will continue your journey towards Madurai, which is about 90 kilometers from Chettinad.

3:30 PM: You will arrive in Madurai, and your sightseeing tour will begin. Madurai is famous for the Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in India, built between the 16th and 18th centuries. The temple has an estimated 33 million sculptures and is famous for its endless rounds of ceremonies, prostration of countless devotees, and glittering market stalls. You will also visit the Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, a Hindu temple and one of the Six Abodes of Murugan, built-in rock-cut architecture by the Pandyas during the 6th century. You will also visit the Tirumal Nayak's Palace, a highly decorative monument with an enormous roofed arcade supported by 48-foot high stone pillars that still stands.

5:30 PM: You will end your sightseeing tour in Madurai, and then you will start your drive back to Trichy.

9:00 PM: You will arrive back at your hotel in Trichy, where our driver will drop you off.

What's not included

Camera charges at monuments.

Gratuities and optional activities.

Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN FR ES

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Thanjavur

Thanjavur, a historic city in Tamil Nadu, is renowned for its magnificent temples, grand palaces, and rich cultural heritage. It's a treasure trove of Chola dynasty legacy, offering a glimpse into South India's glorious past with its architectural marvels and vibrant traditions.

Top Attractions

Brihadeeswarar Temple

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 11th-century temple is a masterpiece of Chola architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it's renowned for its towering vimana (temple tower), which is the tallest in the world.

Historical/Religious/Architecture 2-3 hours ₹50 (Foreigners: ₹250)

Thanjavur Maratha Palace

This palace complex houses the Saraswathi Mahal Library, an art gallery, and the royal museum. It offers a glimpse into the region's Maratha and Nayak dynasty history.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours ₹100 (Foreigners: ₹500)

Schwartz Church

Built by the British in the 18th century, this church is a beautiful example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. It's dedicated to the memory of a Danish missionary.

Historical/Architecture 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Thanjavur Royal Palace and Museum

This museum within the palace complex showcases a rich collection of artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, and royal regalia from the Maratha and Nayak periods.

Historical/Museum 1-2 hours ₹100 (Foreigners: ₹500)

Kallanai Dam

One of the oldest water-regulation structures in the world, this ancient dam on the Kaveri River is a marvel of ancient engineering and offers scenic views.

Nature/Historical 2-3 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Thanjavur Filter Coffee

A strong and aromatic coffee made with freshly ground coffee beans and served in a traditional metal tumbler and cup.

Drink Caffeinated

Thanjavur Biryani

A fragrant and flavorful rice dish cooked with spices, meat (usually chicken or mutton), and served with raita and pappadam.

Lunch/Dinner Non-vegetarian

Rasavangi

A sweet dish made from rice flour, jaggery, and coconut, often served during festivals and special occasions.

Dessert Vegetarian

Thanjavur Sweet Pongal

A sweet dish made from rice, jaggery, and ghee, often served during festivals and special occasions.

Breakfast/Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Temple hopping Exploring local markets Visiting parks and gardens Enjoying a traditional massage Attending local festivals Visiting museums and art galleries Boating at Kallanai Dam Not applicable

Best Time to Visit

October to February

This is the best time to visit Thanjavur as the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. The temperature is mild, and the city hosts several festivals during this period.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Tamil
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Thanjavur is generally safe for travelers, but petty crimes like pickpocketing and scams can occur, particularly in crowded areas. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Use metered taxis or app-based services.
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.

Getting there

By air

Trichy International Airport • 60 km from Thanjavur

By train

Thanjavur Junction

By bus

Thanjavur New Bus Stand, Thanjavur Old Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

City buses are the most common mode of public transport. They are affordable and cover most parts of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ola, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Temple Street Maratha Palace Area New Bus Stand Area

Day trips

Swamimalai

20 km from Thanjavur • Half day

A small town known for its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, Swamimalai offers a peaceful and spiritual experience.

Kumbakonam

40 km from Thanjavur • Full day

A historic town known for its temples and educational institutions, Kumbakonam offers a rich cultural experience.

Trichy (Tiruchirappalli)

60 km from Thanjavur • Full day or overnight

A major city in Tamil Nadu, Trichy offers a mix of history, culture, and modern attractions.

Festivals

Bhramotsavam • April Float Festival (Theppam • February Pongal • January

Pro tips

Visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat.
Hire a local guide for a more detailed and insightful experience at historical sites.
Try Thanjavur filter coffee, a local specialty that's a must-try for coffee lovers.
Explore the local markets for unique souvenirs and handicrafts, but be prepared to bargain.
Respect local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting religious sites.