Ancient Frescoes & Acoustics

Chithannavasal/Sitthanavasal/Siddhanavasal Rock-Cut Jain Hill - 9:30 AM - Depart from Chennai
11:00 AM - Arrive in Trichy
12:00 PM - Visit Sittanavasal Cave, dating back to the 2nd century. These caves were constructed for Jain monks. Explore this rock-cut monastery, which features stunning murals created with vegetable and mineral dyes. The cave’s ceiling is adorned with 7th-century murals.
The cave’s acoustics are a highlight. A gentle hum resonates beautifully, aiding the monks in focusing and meditating.
Climb a steep path to the hilltop to see seventeen polished beds carved from rock. These beds, used by Jain ascetics since the 3rd century, have a raised portion at one end serving as a pillow.

Kudumiyanmalai Temple - Built by the Cholas and renovated by the Pandyas in the 13th century, the temple’s main hall features 1,000 pillars. The complex boasts remarkable sculptures, including the Rati and Manmadha sculpture, a masterpiece. Another notable statue is Shiva in a dancing pose.

A Medieval Fort & Palatial Mansions

Kanadukathan - A 45-minute drive takes us to Kanadukathan, the center for our tour of the Palatial Mansions of Chettinad. This area is filled with grand mansions built by the Chettiyar trading community. These traders dealt in goods ranging from salt to gems with countries like Burma, Malaysia, and Singapore. Much of their wealth was invested in constructing these magnificent residences, known as Natukottai or regional forts. We will visit a few of these mansions.

Athangudi - Known for a community of traders whose business expanded to Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The Nattukottai Chettiars had a passion for grand mansions, some as large as 70,000 sq ft. We will explore several of these mansions.

Thirumayam Fort - Thirumayam Fort has played a crucial role in the region’s history. Built in 1687 AD by the King of Ramnad, Sethupathy Vijaya Ragunatha Thevar, the fort is designed like a ring with seven concentric walls and a broad moat. It was historically significant during the Polygar Wars and was used as an arsenal by the British army during World War II.

The fort also served as a hideout for Veerapandi Kattabomman, a courageous freedom fighter against the British. Our guide will share the inspiring story of this freedom fighter and the fort’s role in the struggle.

8:00 PM - Flight from Trichy to Chennai
9:00 PM - Arrive in Chennai

• Return flight from Chennai to Trichy
• Complimentary breakfast
• Professional guide fees
• Accommodation for one night
• All entrance fees included

Two centuries ago, the Chettiyar merchants from Tamil Nadu managed a vast trading empire that extended from Burma to the Philippines. They imported Italian marble, Belgian mirrors, Burmese teak, and Japanese tiles, using these materials to construct 11,000 grand mansions in rural Tamil Nadu.

Exploring the most magnificent of these mansions offers a unique experience unlike any other in India. This two-day Chettinad tour from Chennai also includes a visit to Sittanaval Cave, a 2nd-century Jain monastery featuring 7th-century murals painted with vegetable dyes and acoustics designed to enhance meditation. Additionally, the tour visits the Athangudi tile workshop, where handmade floor tiles, highly sought after by architects worldwide, are crafted from local sand and mineral pigments.

The package includes return flights from Chennai, a private car, an expert guide for both days, and an overnight stay in a mansion.

5 Senses Tours is recognized by the Department of Tourism and has received the Outlook Responsible Tourism Award and the Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.