Sacred Tanjore and the Chola Temple Trail

Sacred Tanjore and the Chola Temple Trail

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For the detailed itinerary, please contact us at info@bluecanvasexp.com
or call (+91)-90083 06688

Duration

2 day tour

Group size

15 people

Age

10+yrs

Tour

tanjore (2)
Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram
2 (1)
1

This trip takes you on the immersive spiritual tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site, listed  as the ‘Great Living Chola Temples’ which are in and around Tanjore. For over 1000 years, these temples have been centres of faith and power and they have also acted as the nucleus around which Tamil culture has evolved.

It was here in the bylanes around Brihadisvara Temple that Bharatnatyam was born. It was here that the first Tanjore paintings were made and the famous ‘Chola Bronzes’ were shaped by artisans. Join architect and heritage expert Madhusudhanan Kalai, in this Priceless journey through Tanjore and the ‘Living Chola Temples’.

This tour has been specially designed for parents who would want to introduce their children to the wonders of Indian thought, faith and art .

Experience Highlights

  • Explore the renowned Brihadishwara temple, built by Raja Raja Chola and pray at one of the largest Shivalingas in India
  • Uncover the stories behind many fascinating aspects of this temple, such as the 11 tonne ‘Vimana’ made out of single granite, and one of the largest stone inscriptions in the world, engraved on its south western wall
  • Understand the connection of the Cholas with Shaivite worship and their legacy of the great Chola temples
  • Marvel at the art of ‘Chola Bronzes’ and visit the bronze idol makers of Tanjore to see these idols being brought to life
  • Understand the unique tradition of processional gods and how this tradition evolved here
  • Visit the famous Saraswati Mahal Library in the Tanjore palace to see some of the rarest manuscripts found in India
  • Discover the story of the Maratha king who introduced the first Devnagari printing press in India
  • Visit the temples at Gangaikondacholapuram, and discover the story of the ‘Conqueror of the Ganges’ and the lost capital of the Cholas
  • Explore the Airavatheshwar Temple at Darasuram, one of the ‘UNESCO World Heritage Living Chola’ temples

Exclusive for Mastercard holders

  • A special 'Abhishekam' in the sanctum sanctorum at the Darasuram Temple
  • A 20 min session on Veda Parayanam inside the Darasuram temple
  • Immersive and exclusive insights with renowned architect and heritage expert Madhusudhanan Kalai
  • Personalised handcrafted leather embossed diary

Other inclusions

  • All meals as defined in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and donations at the temple
  • A renowned local storyteller who will be your personal guide during this trip

Exclusions

  • Transportation to Thanjavur
  • Hotel accommodation. However, we can support you with accommodation reservations on special request
  • Any meals or services not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Alcohol purchase
  • Refreshments at local cafés or street food joints are left to the preference of our guests, and are not included in the tour
  • Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry etc
  • Expenses arising out of unexpected fuel hikes & any cost arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, road conditions and any other circumstances which are beyond our control.
  • Medical or travel insurance
  • Cost towards evacuation of guest in medical emergency or any other reason

Itinerary

    This trip takes you on the immersive spiritual tour of the UNESCO World Heritage listed – ‘Great Living Chola Temples’ which are in and around Tanjore. For over 1000 years, these temples have been centres of faith and power and they have also acted as the nucleus around which Tamil culture has evolved. It was here in the bylanes around Brihadisvara Temple that Bharatnatyam was born. It was here that the first Tanjore paintings were made and the famous ‘Chola Bronzes’ were shaped by artisans. Join architect and heritage expert Madhusudhanan Kalai, in this Priceless journey through Tanjore and the ‘Living Chola Temples’. This tour has been specially designed for parents who would want to introduce their children to the wonders of Indian thought , faith and art .

    About the Expert

    Madhusudan Kalai

    Madhusudhanan Kalaichelvan, an architectural expert and a heritage activist, is your expert guide for an unforgettable heritage trip to the Chola temples of Thanjavur. He specializes in conservation and architectural research and also serves on the Government instituted panel for conservation of temples in Tamil Nadu. He has done extensive research on the Chola era temples of Thanjavur region. Join Madhusudhanan on this exclusive two-day temple tour and immerse yourself in the captivating world of the Cholas. This tour has been curated by Peepul Tree Stories with on-ground support by Blue Canvas experiences.

     

    About the Partner

    Peepul tree is a platform that showcases the finest Indian artistry and the stories behind them. We travel through India, and help you rediscover great stories and handmade treasures. We bring out the best of Infinite India.

    Experience T&Cs

    • This offer is valid on the basis of minimal participants of 15pax (inclusive of upto 5 children between 10yrs to 15yrs per tour)
    • This offer is exclusive of air fare and travel outside of the package.
    • Pick up and drop from the nearest airport can be arranged at additional charges.
    • This offer includes meals as mentioned in the itinerary, travel within the tour, guide fees, entry fees and other expenses related to the tour specifically
    • Purchases made outside of the package will be billed to the guest directly
    • In case of Foreign Nationals, monument entry and fees may vary as per Government charges and permissions

    What to expect

    • As these are ancient temples, you can expect a crowd of followers and bustling streets
    • You can expect religious practices, chants and devotional offerings at the temples
    • You may be expected to remove your footwear and to cover your head at the temples
    • Temperatures may be warm and sultry
    • We may come across areas where the streets are not clean, but our efforts will towards avoiding those tracks

    Others

    The tour is experienced best on foot. Hence, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.

    Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities.

    Incase, you need special assistance, please do get in touch with us to know your options.

    Each walk can range from 30 mins to a few hours, with breaks planned in between.

    Please dress according to the weather, cotton clothing and a hat is preferred during the day.

    Please wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders as this is an area worship. A head scarf is mandatory in this tour.

    Evenings will be pleasant and cool.

    We aim to provide breaks for rest with refreshments during the tour, however as these are temple runs, the closest breakpoint/ restroom may be a distance away.

    Booking terms

    • Booking Lead Time -
    • - Expression of interest 15 days in advance
    • - Details of the itinerary, to be mailed separately to guest
    • Cancellation Policy -
    • - 100% payment is refundable upto 10 days in advance of the tour
    • - 50% payment is refundable upto 5 days in advance of the tour
    • - Non-refundable after 5 days leading up to the tour

    Payment Policy:

    • 100% payment upon booking

    Pricing

    • INR 17325 + GST per person for both days (INR 8662.5 per day)
    • Children above the age of 15yrs will be considered at adult rates
    • Children between the 10yrs to 15yrs can avail a student discount. Please let us know seperately
    • This tour is not recommended for children below 10yrs
    • This price excludes personal purchases, special diet requests, alcoholic beverages and extras which are not included in the package

    For the detailed itinerary, please contact us at info@bluecanvasexp.com
    or call (+91)-90083 06688

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