After breakfast, our guests are driven to Shri Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram (35 KM, 1 hour). Dating back to the 12th Century CE, Darasuram Airavatesvara Temple is a mighty divine splendour built by the famous Chola King Rajaraja Chola II and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This UNESCO World Heritage Site bears witness to the remarkable achievements of the Chola in the field of art, architecture, sculpture, painting, and bronze casting and is a part of The Great Living Chola Temples.

Further, the guests are driven to Mantra Koodam by CGH Earth (12 KM, 30 minutes drive) for a traditional South Indian lunch, known as ‘The Maharaja Thali’, which is a special collection of 17 stunning South Indian recipes in one platter, served on Banana leaves, each prepared to surprise our senses. Following lunch, we drive to Gangaikonda Cholapuram (30 KM, 45 minutes drive). This place is known mainly for its magnificent Shiva Temple constructed by the Chola King Rajendra Chola I in the year 1025 CE. The temple has been accorded the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site & of being one of the “Great Living Chola Temples”.

After a guided tour of the temple, our guests will be driven back to their hotel in Thanjavur. Rest of the evening will be at leisure followed by dinner & overnight at the hotel.

Today, after breakfast, our guests are escorted to visit the Veena makers.
As per the current scenario, only 15 families in Thanjavur make Veena & the art of making Veena is slowly fading away with passing generations. Our guests will interact with the makers & witness the technique of Veena making.

Further, our guests will be escorted for a Tanjore Painting Demonstration. This will be organized exclusively for our guests. The Tanjore Painting craft started during the Chola period and flourished during the Tanjore Nayaks and Maratha periods. The Nayak kings brought Telugu speaking Raju families for the development of the craft. This is followed by lunch. After lunch, our guests are driven to the historical town of Orathanadu. This town houses a ‘Maratha Chatram’ named after Muktambal, one of the queens of Serfoji II in 1802 AD. This chariot shaped building displays religious sculptures in stucco & wood. It is said that it was the palace built for Muktambal, the king’s beloved woman, who created the medical & rest house facilities of the chatram which was also used as a royal camp.

This evening, a special performance of the South Indian dance form, Bharatanatyam will be organized for our guests at the hotel.
The musical evening will be followed by dinner & overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, as our guests check out of their hotel in Thanjavur, they are driven to to Raja Gori Maratha Burial Grounds or the Kailash Mahal. It houses almost as many as 20 mausoleums of the Maratha Kings, including the art patron, Seroji II and their queens. Though referred to as tombs, these structures are often regarded as resembling temples. The Marathas who ruled Thanjavur between 17th & 19th century, practised installing idols of Lord Shiva where a king and queen were cremated & worshipped the idols, calling the temples ‘Raja Gori’.

Following this visit, the guests are driven to Madurai airport to embark on their onward journey or proceed for the post tour extension to Pondicherry, Rameswaram or other destinations per their preferences.