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    Cultural Capital of Tamil Nadu

TOUR OVERVIEW

Madurai or ‘Thoonga Nagaram’ (The city that never sleeps) is the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu with a strong Tamil history and is one of the seats of the Tamil Sangam literature. The city has been ruled by several kings including the Pandyas, Cholas, Madurai Nayaks and the British.

Hand painted floor tiles, mammoth luxurious mansions etched with Belgian glass and fine antiques from across the world, Traditional Tamil handloom mills, spicy food – Karaikudi is sure to overwhelm the senses of any traveler.

We then head to Rameshwaram – we cross the bridge from the mainland to this island, where people go to absolve themselves of their sins. But Rameshwaram is beyond its temples – the eerie history of Dhanushkodi, the inspiring abode of Late President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam – the place has this and more to offer.

When you are in Tamil Land, can you miss the authentic Tamil food, Jigarthanda, Madurai Jasmine flowers and authentic Chettinaad cuisine? Come, explore this enchanting part of Tamil Nadu with F5.

Note: We can customize for travelers arriving from other cities.

Day 1 - 24 Jul 2019

Leave Bangalore around 10 PM to Madurai. It would be an overnight journey. Reach the historic town by 6:00 AM on 25th July. If you wish to join from some other city, refer MORE INFO section.

Day 2 - 25 Jul 2019

Reach early morning and freshen up. After breakfast, we will set out to explore the temple city of Madurai. Understand the city’s history and explore the attractions here including the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, Meenakshi Amman Temple and the shopping complexes around. If time permits, visit Azhagar Kovil and Pazhamudhir Solai. Stay in Madurai.

Day 3 - 26 Jul 2019

Leave for Karaikudi early morning after breakfast. Have the local tour of the town with experiences of saree weaving and tile making added in. Also explore the huge mansions of Kanadukathan. Stay in Karaikudi.

Day 4 - 27 Jul 2019

We will proceed to Rameshwaram after an early breakfast. We will visit Pamban bridge on the way. Check in and proceed to visit Dhanushkodi. Dhanushkodi is a ghost town which was declared unfit for living by the government post the disastrous 1964 cyclone. Did you know the story behind the train that disappeared into the sea? Know it all today. Stay at Rameshwaram.

Day 5 - 28 Jul 2019

After an early breakfast, we will visit the Rameswaram temple and leave for Madurai. Today is the day to explore Sethukarai, the region mentioned in Ramayana, from where Ram is said to have built the bridge to Lanka. We will also visit the temple that houses the 6 feet tall Emerald idol of Shiva. Reach Madurai by evening and refresh. Post dinner, onward journey to Bangalore at night.

Inclusions

  • All meals for 4 days – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and two tea/coffee
  • Transport in an AC vehicle throughout the trip
  • All stay on twin sharing basis.
  • All entry, parking and permit charges.
  • Volvo Overnight Bus tickets from Bangalore to Madurai and back.

Exclusions

  • Tips
  • Shopping
  • Food other than inclusions. Personal expenses
  • Insurance
  • Anything not included in inclusions.

Terms & Conditions

REFUNDS/CANCELLATION:

  • 25% of the trip cost if canceled 10 days in advance
  • 50% of the trip cost if canceled 9 to 3 days in advance.
  • Last 3 days – no show – entire amount will be forfeited.

Disclaimer

  • F5 Escapes is in no way responsible for any untoward incident happening due to the ignorance/negligence of the guests, natural/man-made calamities, accidents or any other events that are out of human control during the trip.
  • All our trips are well-researched, including identifying access to medical facilities. In case of a medical emergency, F5 will assist the traveler in getting medical attention.
  • The trip is NON-SMOKING and NON-ALCOHOLIC.
  • F5 reserves the right to cancel the trip under certain conditions – in such a case, the amount will be refunded in full.

Weather:

July is the season of mild weather (About 30 degree Celsius) in Madurai, but given that Madurai weather is ‘hot, hotter, hottest’ all through the year, brace yourself for some heat and humidity in the coastal region, with occasional showers.

Food:

We will arrange for authentic Chettinaad food and Madurai food on the first two days, which will include non-vegetarian options. However, we cannot guarantee availability of non-vegetarian food in Rameshwaram. If you have any specific meal preferences / dietary requirements, please let us know beforehand.

Stay:

We will be staying in well-appointed hotels in Madurai and Rameshwaram and in a beautiful Chettinaad style stay in Karaikudi.

Customization:

Joining the group in Bangalore from a different city?

Take a flight or a train landing in Bangalore by 4-5 PM on 24th July evening. Ideal time for return flight/train would be after 10:30 AM on 29th July to account for delays and travel time within the city.

You can join directly at Madurai too! Read on.

  • The trip is ex-Bangalore – Bus ticket from Bangalore is included. If you are directly coming to Madurai, you will get a waiver of Rs. 2000 on the trip cost. Madurai is very well connected by air, train and road.
  • If you are arriving by bus, arrive not later than 7 AM on 25th July and plan your return bus after 9 PM on 28th July.
  • If you are arriving by train, arrive not later than 7 AM on 25th July and plan your return train after 9 PM on 28th July.
  • If you are arriving by flight, then arriving previous evening i.e. 24th July would be better so that you do not miss out on the activities the next morning. We will arrange accommodation (at extra cost) for you. Plan your return flight after 8 PM on 29th July or you may choose to stay in Madurai that night and take the next flight for which you will be dropped.

Note > Prepare > Accept > Embrace:

  • Madurai and surrounding areas are steeped in Tamil culture and rich history. If you are not that interested in culture and heritage, you can consider some other trips of ours. If you love stories, history and experiencing local culture through their temples and food, then this trip is for you.
  • This trip will have a lot of temple visits. We will try keeping it as non-religious and as story-oriented and culture oriented as possible.
  • The journey to and fro are by overnight Volvo buses. If you have severe knee or back issues, you might want to reconsider.
  • Interior TamilNadu has a very scant number of people who can understand or communicate in Hindi. Our tour lead would be someone who can converse in Tamil, Hindi and English well.


‘F5 Escapes’ is a Bangalore-based, experiential travel company, with a focus on redefining the way women travel in India. The premise of F5 is an ambitious dream –  to put India on the global travel map as a preferred destination for women from across the globe.

F5 Escapes offers fixed departure all-women group tours, customized itineraries for families, groups and solo travellers. We also do in-city engagements which include #JustGo travel meetups, workshops to educate women on travel safety, sustainable menstruation, motorbiking etc.

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F5 Escapes is a brand of Zingara Solutions Pvt Ltd, 1st floor, Lahe Lahe building, 80ft road, HAL 3rd stage, Kodihalli, Bangalore 560008
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