CHETTINAD - MADURAI BY SURFACE ( +/- 110 Kms , +/- 03 Hrs )
Today, visit Karaikudi the village of Athangudi, which is the center of the local hand-produced tile industry. The workshops welcome visitors, who can also try their hand at the very precise and age-old craft. The biggest mansion in Athangudi is commonly referred to as the ‘tile house’ (although the owners like to call it a palace!). The village of Chettinad itself, 5km east of Athangudi, has a number of impressive houses near the water tank, but the Chettinad Palace is the largest and most impressive of all of them and is open to visitors when the family is not in residence. After the visit drive to Madurai, arrive, and check in at Hotel.
Afternoon visits Madurai city – It is over 2500 years old and is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu – an ancient seat of learning. The city is planned in the shape of a lotus. Visit the Palace of NayakTirumalai depicts the influence of Mughal art and traditional Hindu art and Thiruparankundram, one of the abodes of Lord Subramanya where you will find Shiva and Vishnu facing each other, which is rare in Hindu temples.
Evening: visit the Meenakshi temple for "aarti"