Tamil Nadu is in the south of India. The climate is tropical, the pace is a bit slower and more relaxed than the big cities in India like New Delhi and Mumbai. It is a land of temples and churches, food and colour. The bright green of rice paddies as you drive through the landscape, the cows and the bullock carts, and the tall, imposing and detailed carvings of the temples make for a varied and interesting visit.

5 days in Chennai, staying at Raintree Hotel (St Mary's Rd). We shall join Storytrails on a few tours around Chennai which will give a cultural and religious background into Tamil life. We explore some Hindu temples, some churches, some British monuments and bazaars and do a bit of shopping! A day trip to Kanchipuram, the site of a beautiful ancient temple, and a town where silk sarees are woven adds colour!

Drive through Mahaballipuram, a beach town. Here we shall explore some world heritage monuments and ancient ruins from the late 7th century Pallava empire. This is also a stone cutters' town - some beautiful stone carvings are made here.

4 days in Pondicherry at Maison Perumal. This is a particularly relaxed and chilled part of the itinerary. Pondicherry was a French-colonised town. Part of it is very European (still called Whitetown), and the other more congested side is called Blacktown. There are lovely boutique shops and cool cafes, set amongst French and British colonial architecture. It is a coastal town with a lovely stretch of beach. For those feeling meditative there is the Aurobindo Ashram, which we visit and wander amongst the lovely gardens and explore their sustainable projects.

4 days in Thanjavur at the Swatma Resort We will visit a few temples - both heritage and in use. We will visit a beautiful Shiva temple called the Brihadeshwara Temple, and visit the towns of Swamimalai and Kumbakonam, known for their bronze artisans where we will be able to see the bronze alloy being made and statues made using the 'lost wax' method.

4 days in Madurai at the Taj Pasumalai. Madurai is the site of the colourful and stunning Meenakshi temple. She is a popular goddess, the more benign form of Kali. Her temple and the surroundings are fascinating. We will wander around the temple markets and visit a potters' village with Storytrails walking tours.

We then fly back to Chennai, to spend a last couple of days at the luxurious Taj Clubhouse, where we might do some last minute shopping and get ready for the trip home. Those who are still feeling energetic may want to take a last Storytrail walking tour on food, spices and cooking!