After breakfast, we will learn how the tie-and dye Sungudi sarees are made. This intricate art was performed by a group of Saurashtrians who migrated from Gujarat to Madurai in the early 16th century. This is the reason that the
pattern of bandini and sungudis remains the same but the process of making both are different. We then proceed for a traditional South Indian lunch at Taj’s Gateway Hotel Pasumalai.

After lunch we head to Tirunelveli’s Nellaiappar temple. This is the most important Siva-Devi temple in this region with Nellaiappar and his consort, Devi Kantimathi being the prime deities. The temple has been in existence since before the 6th century and finds a place – in the verses of the Saint Sambandar. Here one can marvel at the rich wood carvings and bronze lamps. After visiting the temple, there will be a quick stopover at Nellai Crafts for those who wish to pick up souvenirs of this region.

We then cover the remaining hour by road and check in to Vakula, a charming small boutique hotel with a heritage ambience.

After breakfast, we will take the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the philosophy of Nammalvar and experience the Alwar Tirunagari. Through this experience, we will also have an opportunity to learn the basics of the Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions in Tamil Nadu and understand the nuances of appreciating Carnatic music.

Lunch will be at Vakula – a traditional south Indian lunch. We may then proceed to savour a local speciality – Puliyodharai – tamarind rice. After lunch we will visit Brahmadesam. The ride to Brahmadesam is two hours and will take us to the upper reaches of the Tambaraparni river, to this truly magnificent temple. The pond in the front and the agrahara or the Brahmin residences are virtually intact – a rare sight in today’s changing world. We spend a leisurely couple of hours to meditate, listen to music, enjoy the sculptures – including a stone bell and one of the largest Nandi idols. The temple was built by Rajendra Chola whose naval expeditions to South East Asia are well
known.

On returning to Vakula, an exclusive Carnatic Music Concert will be organised and followed by dinner. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, we will head to Veeravanallur to see a larger and quieter Shiva temple dedicated to Bhoominathar. The temple has a rare collection of metal icons of Shiva and becomes an ideal place to understand the development of the many forms of Shiva. We will also see the creation of the local Chedi Butta sarees famous in this town.
We will return for traditional Saiva Pillaival lunch with their classic Sodhi and Ginger Thogayal at Vakula and rest.
After tea, we will go to the nearby town of Perunkulam (Big Lake) and in the Shiva temple there, enjoy some songs that are connected to the region and share what we have learned about Shiva and ourselves.

Dinner is at Vakula and we bid goodbye to our two experts today.

After a leisurely breakfast, our guests will be driven to Anantya resort (134Km, 3hours) – a boutique wellness themed hotel. On arrival guests woll have lunch and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Guests can also consider in-house Ayurvedha therapy or can go on hikes to Kalimalai Kurushumalai, Chitaral Jain Temple and Marituvamalai. In the evening we recommend a barbeque dinner with a camp fire at the “Flat
Rock,” under the star-studded sky.

Overnight at the hotel in Anantya

After breakfast, as our guests check out of their hotel in Anantya resort, they are driven to Trivandrum airport (55Km, 1 hrs 30 min) to embark on their onward journey.