Need a break from the chilly winters of North India? This Sankranti pack your bags and head to the balmy warmth of South India. Celebrate Sankranti like never before in the cultural epicentre of South India, the state of Tamil Nadu.
We bring to you a six-day itinerary spanning five cities in Tamil Nadu that we are sure will give you a taste of the state’s rich art, music and cultural heritage.
Day 1 - January 11, 2020
Explore Chennai – Visit the Mylapore Festival 2020
All great cities have a soul. And Mylapore, one of the most famous neighbourhoods in Central Chennai, can rightfully claim to be the soul of this city. This neighbourhood pre-dates even the city’s birth in the 17th century and even now retains the look and feel of its olden days, with an unmissable authentic culture and heritage like its caught in a beautiful time warp.
Home to a Kapaleeswara Temple, one of the most iconic Shiva temples in the city with more than a thousand-years heritage, Mylapore is a world in itself. We suggest you walk around the temple streets that are a hive of activity and local products. Soak in the sights and sounds of this place and don’t forget to taste the “authentic filter kaapi” here.
The Mylapore Festival will host many music concerts (Sannidhi Street, outside the east gopuram of the temple), photo exhibitions, art shows, street fairs and heritage walks.
Day 2 – January 12, 2020
Drive to Mahabalipuram – Witness the Mamallapuram Dance Festival
Mamallapuram, a seaside temple town in Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu, prides itself on the popularity of this dance festival. Organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu, this dance festival showcases many popular dance forms of India. Exponents of Bharata Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak and Kathakali perform at the festival against the magnificent backdrop of the Pallava rock sculptures that dots this town.
A popular beach resort and a culture front, Mamallapuram is a town full of ancient monuments, sculptures, caves, monolithic temples and beaches. Do make time to visit the Shore Temple that was built during the reign of Narsimha Varman of the Pallava dynasty in 8th century A.D.
http://tamilnadutourism.org/FineArts/DanceFestivals/Default.aspx?catid=0402P01
Day 3 - January 13, 2020
Enjoy the art extravaganza – Watch Chennai's Kolam (Rangoli) Competition
The Mylapore Festival 2020 will also host a kolam competition. Open for spot registrations, this event is typically a big draw and is held on North Mada streets. The competition starts at 3.30 pm and if you get here on time, you can witness the great art in the making! Fret not if you don’t come in time. The kolams are left as exhibits for a few hours after the end of the competition.
The sheer art and creativity of this ubiquitous Kolam will blow your minds away!
Day 4 – January 14, 2020
Go to Tuticorin – Celebrate International Pongal Festival
Located about 18 kilometres from the lively regional hub, Tuticorin, the International Pongal Festival provides a spectacular backdrop to this harvest festival. It hosts a whole lot of fascinating workshops and brings famous rock bands, dance troupes and food festivals all under one event. From treehouses to camping to specified kids zone, the festival is family-friendly and showcases the vibrant culture of the state. You can dance to the ancient Indian tunes, sway to the beats of international rock, get blessed by an elephant or mingle with a global crowd – this festival has something for everyone!
Note that the event is charged and you will need to buy yourself tickets to attend it.
Day 5 – January 15, 2020
Head to Pollachi – See Tamil Nadu's International Balloon Festival
Located about 18 kilometres from the lively regional hub, Tuticorin, the International Pongal Festival provides a spectacular backdrop to this harvest festival. It hosts a whole lot of fascinating workshops and brings famous rock bands, dance troupes and food festivals all under one event. From treehouses to camping to specified kids zone, the festival is family-friendly and showcases the vibrant culture of the state. You can dance to the ancient Indian tunes, sway to the beats of international rock, get blessed by an elephant or mingle with a global crowd – this festival has something for everyone!
Note that the event is charged and you will need to buy yourself tickets to attend it.
Day 6 – January 16, 2020
Pack it up with Coimbatore – explore the Manchester of South India
Head to Coimbatore, the second-largest city in the state during the last leg of your travel break.
Visit the city’s famous temples or shop in its vibrant textile market, Coimbatore, we promise, won’t disappoint you at all. Don’t forget to drink water here – it is the world’s second sweetest water!
You can also visit the Adiyogi statue, which according to Guinness Book of Records is the world’s largest and the Puliyakulam Vinayagar Ganesh Temple, which is Asia’s largest single-stone statue!
Summing Up
Image Credits
- Chennai - Flickr User Simply CVR
- Mamallapuram - Flickr User Arian Zwegers