Bygone Royal Kingdom of Pudukottai- 2 day tour from Chennai

Itinerary

Day 1: Ancient Frescoes & Acoustics

Stop At: Sittannavasal Rock-Cut Jain Temple, Sittannavasal Cave Road, Madiyanallur, Tamil Nadu 622101, India
930AM- Fly from Chennai
11AM- Arrive in Trichy
Noon-We visit Sittanavasal Cave dating back to the 2nd century. These caves were built for monks of the Jain faith. We will explore this rock-cut monastery which houses spectacular murals made out of vegetable and mineral dyes. The exquisite ceiling of the cave is decorated with murals from the 7th century.
The highlight of this cave is the acoustics. A mild hum in this cave resonates spectacularly to help the monks focus and concentrate on their meditation.
We will climb a steep path to the top of a hillock where we can see seventeen polished bed carved out of the rock. These beds were used by Jain ascetics since the 3rd century. The beds have a raised portion at one end which serves as a pillow.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Kudumiyanmalai Temple, Pudukkottai India
The temple was built by the Cholas and renovated by the Pandyas in the 13th century. The highlight of this temple is the main hall a 1000 pillars. There are some remarkable sculptures in this complex.The Rati and Manmadha sculpture is a masterpiece.
Another remarkable statue is that of Shiva in a dancing pose.
Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in hotel in Pudukottai

Day 2: A MedievalFort & Palatial Mansions

Stop At: Thirumayam Fort, State Highway 210, Pudukkottai District, Thirumayam, Tamil Nadu 622507, India
Thirumayam Fort has played a significant role in the history of this region. It was built in 1687 AD by the King of Ramnad, Sethupathy Vijaya Ragunatha Thevar. The fort has been designed like a ring and is constructed with seven concentric walls surrounded by a broad moat. This fort was of historical significance during the Polygar Wars. It was also used during World War II as an arsenal by the British army.

The fort was also the hideout for Veerapandi Kattabomman, the brave freedom fighter who fought the British. Our guide will narrate the inspirational story of this freedom fighter and the role this fort played in the struggle.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Athangudi Palace, Athangudi Rd, Athangudi, Tamil Nadu 630208, India
This region is famous for a community of traders who had built up a business which grew to South East Asia including Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and Philippines. Nattukottai Chettiars had a penchant for palatial mansions and some as large as 70000 sq ft. We will visit a few of these mansions.
2PM- We drive 60 KM to Trichy airport.
445PM- Fly back from Trichy to Chennai
6PM- Arrive in Chennai
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.