January 19 – Arrive to the international airport in Kolkata. Meet your TVE representative and transfer to hotel for the evening.

January 20 – Enjoy a tour of some of our favorite places in Kolkata today.  Begin with a walk through Kumartuli- the famed potter’s village. These artisans create beautiful statues for religious festivals all over the world. Continue on to explore the surrounding area and visit two Jain Temples – one new and one old! Stop for lunch and shopping at Fab India – a must on our trips. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Victoria and Albert Monument and stroll through the grounds. Return to hotel in the early evening. (B)

January 21 – We will spend today with Women’s Interlink Foundation at their rescue center, Nijoloy House. Village Experience has been a supporter of WIF for many years and has been instrumental in the growth and success of this home and it’s rehabilitation programs. We’ll enjoy lunch from the hospitality school, a block printing activity, screen printing demonstration, learn how to grind spices, and shop fair trade from the tailoring program. This will be an incredible day! Return to hotel in afternoon. (B, L)

January 22 – Check out and transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Chennai. Check into hotel. Then, visit Fort St. George to see the museum, state legislature and the secretariat. This fort was build by the British in 1653 and is a great way to learn about the British Raj and their rule over India. We’ll then proceed to the Kapaleeshwarar Temple – an ancient Shiva Temple constructed in pure Dravidian style. Return to hotel. (B)

January 23 – Today, we will check out and drive to the incredible UNESCO World Heritage site at Mahabalipuram (approximately 1.5 hours). This temple complex houses the Sea Shore Temple, Five Chariots, Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna’s Butter Ball, and the Varaha Cave. This small seaside village was the main port of the Pallava Dynasty between the 5th and 9th Centuries. It is known to hold some of India’s most sublime rock-cut art. In the afternoon, we will continue for 2 hours to the gorgeous city of Pondicherry. Check into hotel for overnight. (B)

January 24 – Morning heritage walk of Pondicherry. This city was ruled by the French for more than 300 years and it’s influence can be seen throughout the city. Break for lunch and free time to explore the many shops, cafes, beaches, and restaurants on your own. (B)

January 25 – Free day to slow down and relax. Continue exploring on your own, hang out by the pool, or venture to one of the many beaches. (B)

January 26 – Today, we will check out and drive 1.5 hours to visit the 9th century Shiva Temple at Chidambaram. This is one of the most ancient and celebrated temples in all of India. We will then continue driving South a few hours to the area of the Great Living Chola Temples – both UNESCO World Heritage sites. We will visit the Temple at Gangaikonda and the Temple at Kumbakonam to begin. We then arrive to the city of Thanjavur and check into our hotel for the evening. (B)

January 27 – This morning, we will visit the third of the Chola Temples – the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur. This temple is from the 10th Century built by the great Chola King, Raja I. From here, we will tour the Thanjavur Palace built in 1550. After lunch, we will make a stop at the Bronze Making Artisan Village to see demonstrations of bronze castings and Tanjore Paintings. (B)

January 28 – Check out and drive 1.5 hours to the city of Trichy to visit the famous Rock Fort Temple. This was a Chola Citadel at one time and dominates the landscape of the city. Continue on to Srirangam to visit the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple Complex – one of the largest in all of India. We then drive 2 hours to the village of Chettinad – known for its fortress like homes and temples that are architectural marvels. Check into hotel for the evening. (B)

January 29 – Morning village tour to visit handmade tile artisans and hand loom artisans. We’ll then have a cooking demonstration and traditional lunch. Free time in the afternoon to continue exploring on your own. (B,L)

January 30 – Check out and drive to the village of Keelakuyikudi outside Madurai. This village is located in the Samanar Hills and is a protected monument by the Archeological Survey of India due to the many ancient caves with Jain inscriptions dating back to the first century. We then continue to the city of Madurai to visit the world famous Meenakshi Temple – an excellent example of Dravidian Architecture. Check into hotel for the last evening. (B)

January 31 – Transfers to airport throughout the day. (B)