Splendours of the South

We created this brief, but as penetrating-as-you-want-it-to be visit to South India because so many of our guests develop quite an affection for the country, and realize there is far more to India than the justly famous North. We don’t think there’s a square Indian kilometre that isn’t fascinating, but the South’s magnificent, world-unique temples, its distinct cultures, swirling histories, and, as always, the kind reception we’re given make it something of a must for travellers in search of human and architectural splendour.

Itinerary

DAY 1 Flights from Delhi or Mumbai take us to Chennai (which we may remember as Madras) and we’re escorted to the typically sumptuous Leela Palace Chennai and our Deluxe Sea View rooms (the sea in this case being the Indian Ocean). After lunch at the hotel, we’ll visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple and Bronze Gallery for a first look at the fabulous, soaring temple facades that look as if their hundreds of gaily coloured figures are ready to jump down and mingle with the rest of us mortals.

DAYS 2 An expertly guided day in Mahabalipuram, a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, which in the late 19th century the encyclopedic Murray’s India and Ceylon Handbook called “one of the most remarkable places in India,” and it still very much is. After returning to the Leela Palace we’ll take an optional after-dinner walk in one of Chennai’s bazaars, like all Indian bazaars, unfailingly charming and eye-popping.

DAYS 3 We fly south to Madurai, amble in its bazaar and attend an evening prayer ceremony in the spectacular Meenakshi Temple. We overnight at the historic Gateway Madurai.

DAY 4 We’ll return to Meenakshi Temple (one visit is but an introduction) and visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a grand 17th century gem. Then back to our hotel for lunch, followed by a flight to Mumbai, where we’ll have serene day rooms before our flights homeward.