Saffron & Sandalwood

Saffron & Sandalwood

This exceptional journey concentrates predominantly on the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, providing a varied insight into their Dravidian roots and their princely and colonial past. The journey begins at the ancient dynastic capital and 'sandalwood city' of Mysore with its plethora of palaces, monuments and mausoleums. Leaving the city behind, travel to the wildlife parks and forests of Nagarhole National Park, and enjoy a few days on safari in search of the wild elephants and illusive leopards that populate the park. Then onto the temple towns of Tamil Nadu to explore the exotic temples of Madurai and Thanjavur and the antique manor houses of Chettinadu, before heading for the Coromandel coast and Puducherry (Pondicherry), with its relaxed atmosphere and proliferation of French colonial architecture. In contrast, Chennai had stronger links with the British, evidence of which can be seen clearly during the course of this tour.