9. - 30 December: Tanjore

PLACEHOLDER

Morning depart for sightseeing of Tanjore visiting the famed Brihadeeshwara temple and later the museum which houses  a good collection of Bronzes and later the Palace.  

In the afternoon  visit Thiruvaiyaru, 13km north. Usually in January an international music festival is held here in honour of the Saint and composer Thyagaraja.  Overnight stay in Tanjore

Book Review/Recensione: "In light of India" (1998), by Octavio Paz, ****

Testo in italiano di seguito

Synopsis

This collection of essays recalls the author's days in India, first as an attache in the Mexican Embassy, then 11 years later as Mexico's ambassador. He brings insight into India's landscape, culture and history in a series of discourses. "The Antipodes of Coming and Going" is a remembrance of the sights, sounds and smells of the subcontinent. "Religions, Castes, Languages" gives a survey of Indian history".

"A Project of Nationhood" is an examination of modern Indian politics, comparing the respective Islamic, Hindu and Western civilizations through the course of history. "The Full and the Empty" is an exploration into what Paz calls the soul of India, its art, literature, music and philosophy, and an indictment of the self-centred materialism of Western society.

Octavio Paz is the author of "The Double Flame: Essays in Love and Eroticism".

8. - 29 December: drive to Thanjavur (Tanjore)

PLACEHOLDER

Morning depart for Tanjore enroute visiting Gangaikondacholapuram (1/half hr and Darasuram and Kumbakonam and then on to Tanjore (1hr).  

On arrival check into Hotel Sangam and overnight stay.

7. - 28 December: drive to Chidambaram

PLACEHOLDER 

Morning continue by car for Chidambaram (1/half hr).  On arrival check in at the Shradharam Hotel.

Later depart for sightseeing visiting the Natraja Temple. You can visit the temple again in the evening during the evening prayer ceremony.

Return to your hotel for overnight stay

hotel Sradharam/Chidambaram

6. - 27 December: drive to Pondicherry

PLACEHOLDER

Morning depart by car on to Pondicherry (2 hrs). Pondicherry a former French colony.

Police with French kepi hat!

On arrival check into Hotel Anandha Inn.  Later proceed for sightseeing visiting Auroville and Aurobindo Ashram.


Overnight stay at Ananda Inn/Pondy