Tamil Nadu: The Soul of Southern India

If it’s Rajasthan for majestic palaces and desert forts and Goa for beaches and DJ-fueled nightlife, it’s Tamil Nadu, India’s southernmost state, for brilliantly decorated temples and some of the best food on earth. Shaped first by the ancient Chera, Chola, and Pandya dynasties, and later by the British and French, the so-called Land of Temples offers a religious, artistic, and culinary journey spanning more than three millennia. Tap into the energy of Chennai, the state’s thriving capital overlooking the Bay of Bengal, before visiting ancient temples in the cities of Kanchipuram and Madurai. Continue on to the Chettinad region of the state, famed for its sprawling, historic mansions and rich craft traditions, and beloved around the world for its complex, aromatic cuisine. Next, visit the slow-paced coastal town of Pondicherry, with its pastel-hued houses and charming cafes, and take in the distinct mix of French and Tamil influences. End this 10-day passage through history with a stop at one of the region’s most modern curiosities: Auroville, an eco-utopian community founded in the 1960s that has dedicated itself to sustainability and human progress.