"Temple Tours" State of Tamil Nadu by jrober37

Tamil Nadu State Tourism Office operates a number of tours out of Chennai varying from 1 day tours to the shore temples at Mamallapuram to an 8-day extensive tour of the temples. This tour cost US$125 and was all-inclusive. I think it comparable to the Elderhostel Tour that costs $2000. This is a great introduction for you as far as returning to the places you liked best. I'm not a tour person - so I was delighted to be the only non-Indian. The state hotels vary - excellent in competitive locations - a few not so good. Take a mosquito net and a tube of crazy glue for the one/two in the bottom range. The breakfasts were excellent. Dinner was a bit monotonous - tali tali tali. So the minute you hit a big town check your guide for the best dinner. You'll make friends on this tour. See my personal album for expanded comment.

There are two major temples in this town - Ranganatha on the island of Srirangam in the River Kaveri - and the Rock Fort above the city. Trichy is an example of how very pleasant medium-size India cities can be. It has a good market and many restaurants. This was actually the last stop on the tour - I hopped-off to go to Ooty while the tour bus was returning directly to Chennai (Madras).

The finest example of Chola architecture. Completed in 1010 and dedicated to Shiva. Chola frescoes adorn the passage around the sanctum. The huge Nandipanda faces the inner sanctum.

• Pros:A steal. A perfect introduction to South India.
• Cons:Guide did not time well - short shrift given to Trichy and Madurai.
• In a nutshell:You'll want to go back and spend more time at the highlights.