TAJ GROUP - BEST OF TAMIL NADU
Validity : October 1, 2004 to March 31, 2005

INR. OFFER

Few regions on the Indian subcontinent can offer such myriad experiences as Tamil Nadu. The very epitome of southern hospitality, this multi-faceted state offers lush forests, cool hill stations,sleepy coastal hamlets, ancient monuments, holy temples, and colourful traditions with delightful shopping experiences... all rolled into one unique, enjoyable, convienient and unforgettable package. Taj presents the Best of Tamil Nadu on a platter or a banana leaf!

Extension Itinerary 1 | Extension Itinerary 2

• Inclusives :
  Two-way transfers to the nearest airport / railway station.
• Accommodation in standard rooms.
• Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner (Rs. 1,600/- worth of meal credit at Fisherman's Cove and Taj Connemara per day per couple).
• Inter- hotel transfers and sightseeing by an AC car per itinerary. Sightseeing includes key tourist attractions such as Mahabalipuram, Dakshinachitra, crocodile bank, sculpture houses of Mamallapuram in Chennai, Pondicherry, the Chettiar Mansion, the Royal Palace in Madurai and more.
• - Current taxes.

Extension of stay from Madurai to Savoy Hotel, Ooty (1 night) and Taj Garden Retreat, Coonoor (1 night) available at an additional cost of Rs. 21000 and from Madurai to Taj Garden Retreat, Thekkady (1 night) and Taj Residency, Ernakulam (1 night) available at an additional cost of Rs. 24000. Rates on double occupancy inclusive of transfers, sightseeing as per itinerary and all meals.

Detailed Itinerary
Validity :October 1, 2004 to March 31, 2005
( 5 Nights / 6 Days, Chennai - 2 nights, Tanjore - 1 night, Madurai - 2 nights )

Day 1

Arrive at Chennai airport / railway station and check-in at the Taj Connemara or Fisherman's Cove. On arrival you are treated to a sumptuous breakfast.You also get a meal credit of Rs 1400 per day / per couple for lunch and dinner. At Fisherman's Cove make your evening truly delightful with a catamaran ride*. If you are at Taj Connemara, you can set out on a shopping spree in the city.

Day 2

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for the ancient port of Mahabalipuram. En route, visit Dakshin Chitra, Crocodile Bank and the famed sculpture houses of Mamallapuram. Return to the hotel for lunch and spend the afternoon, relaxing, swimming or at the unique spa* for couples at Fisherman's Cove. You can also go on a guided tour of Chennai if you choose to. End the day with an early dinner at the hotel.

Day 3

After breakfast, head for Pondicherry. Visit Auroville, the Pondicherry Museum, Aayi Mandapam, the French War Memorial, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and enjoy lunch at Pondicherry.

After lunch, proceed to Chidambaram and visit the 2000-year-old Nataraja Temple. Alternatively, you could enjoy boating among the hundreds of canals in South India's only mangrove forest, Pichavaram. Arrive at Tanjore for dinner and stay at the Ideal River View Resort or an equivalent hotel

Day 4

After breakfast, visit the 10th Century Brihadeshwar Temple. The Rajaraja Museum and Art Gallery, the Royal Palace and go souvenir shopping at the famed Art Village.

Arrive at Karaikudi for lunch, and relish the famous Chettinad fare at the Chettiar Mansion. After lunch, visit the famous Chettinad palaces and souvenir shops in the Antique Lane. Arrive at Taj Garden Retreat Madurai for dinner, and halt for the night.

Day 5

After breakfast at the hotel , you can from two options:

Option 1: Visit the famous 12th Century Rameshwaram Temple*, and lunch at TTDC, (or opt for a packed lunch). After lunch, leave for Dhanushkodi*, explore the remains of the lost city. Return to Taj Garden Retreat Madurai for dinner.

Option 2:After breakfast, enjoy 62 acres of sprawling landscaped gardens and a panoramic view from the hotel, or you could also relax with a traditional Ayurvedic massage*. After lunch at the hotel, spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure or visit the health centre that creates exotic potions for the international markets. As the evening sets in, visit the famous Meenakshi Temple.
Later in the evening, drop in at the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace which was built in 1636 A.D., for a striking sound and light show. Enjoy the evening shopping, and wind up an interesting day with dinner at the hotel.
*- at an extra cost

Day 6

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for your journey back home. The end of an eventful and memorable Southern holiday.

Extension Itineraries

The romance and tradition of the South has been known to captivate many a visitor. If you find yourself under the spell, you may choose to extend your Southern holiday with the following options and take home even more everlasting memories.

Extension Itinerary 1: Ooty/Coonoor or Mudhumalai
( 2 Nights / 3 days, Coonoor - 1 night, Ooty - 1 night )

Day6

Departure from Madurai to Taj Garden Retreat Coonoor, which offers a panoramic view of terraced tea gardens, blue hills and puffy white clouds.

Day 7

Choose between sightseeing at Ooty/Coonoor and the wildlife sanctuary at Mudhumalai.

Option 1: Ooty /Coonoor sightseeingAfter breakfast, visit Lamb's Rock, Sim's Park and the Dolphin's Nose. After lunch at Taj Garden Retreat Coonoor, leave for the Ooty Lake, Doddabetta Peak and the Botanical Gardens. Check-in at the Savoy, Ooty for dinner and a night halt, and wake up to an Ayurvedic massage* or an exhilarating trek amidst the hills the next morning.

Option 2: Mudumalai sightseeing tripAfter breakfast, leave for the Mudhumalai Wildlife Sanctuary…truly a wildlife enthusiast's paradise! Lunch at jungle resort in Masinagudi, where you can also trek, cycle, or go on a jeep safari*. Spend your evening going on safari on an elephant back*, and tuck into a hearty dinner at the Savoy.Day 8After breakfast at the hotel, set out on your journey back home, carrying beautiful memories. The Taj provides transfers to the Coimbatore airport or railway station
*- at an extra cost

Extension Itinerary 2 - Thekkady/Cochin
( 2 Nights / 3 days, Thekkady - 1 night, Cochin - 1 night )

Day 6

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Taj Garden Retreat Thekkady. After lunch, go for a Spice Plantation tour

Day 7

Wake up to a misty boat safari on the scenic Periyar Lake, followed by breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, depart for Ernakulam.

Check-in at the Taj Residency Ernakulam in time for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing. In the evening, watch a captivating performance of Kathakali, a ritualistic dance-drama. Return to the hotel for dinner

Day 8

After breakfast at the hotel, set out on your journey back home, taking with you memories to last a lifetime. The Taj provides transfers to the Cochin airport or railway station