thyagesa and The Majestic

The Heritage vertical of Embassy Travel and Tours Along with

Historian Pradeep Chakravarthy presents

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Thyagarajar Temple ; Gangai Konda Cholapuram ; Udayarpalayam ; Thirumeyachur ; Koneri Rajapuram ; Kumbakonam Kalamkari ; Thirupananthal Adheenam

26th-29th July 2018 Registrations until :June 10th

TIRUVARUR AND Gangai KONDA cHOlaPURAM

We seek to instill a tangible pride of our glorious past and build a responsible, culturally sensitive community through heritage travel

Our Philosophy

The Majestic and the Musical Cradle

If Brihadiswara signifies the zenith of Chola architecture at Thanjavur, The stunning edifice at Gangai Konda Cholapuram is no less astounding. Similarly if the Anandha thandavam is the essence of Nataraja at Chidambaram, The Ajapaa nadanam is an equally riveting dance form of lord Shiva at Tiruvarur. Even the famous lyrics of Papanasam Sivam “ kana kan kodi venum”(Need millions of eyes) would be insufficient to explore, understand and appreciate these two treasures. This was also the birth place of the ‘Musical trinity’ – Thyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshithar and Syama Sastri

Mystical Palmyra, The Heritage Vertical of Embassy Travel and Tours, invites you for this exciting two day adventure chaperoned by Historian Pradeep Chakravarthy. We seek to enhance this flavor with visits to other treasures around as well.

Thyagaraja Temple, Tiruvarur

The Thiruvarur Thyagaraja temple is a temple dedicated to music and dance. It has unique instruments like boori nayanam which is played no where else. The temple was immortalised in the verses and lyrics of Shahaji and Dikshitar. The Kondi Parambarai family were among the most redoubtable devadasi families of their time serving the lord of this temple. We experiance the Sayaraksha pooja – a mesmerising ritual unique to this temple, admire the recently conserved murals in the Devasiriya mantapam and explore the small but unique temple museum. This visit would afford adequate time to soak into the music and admire the large temple tank as well.

Brihadiswara Temple Gangai Konda Cholapuram

Among the UNESCO World Heritage sites, this magnificent monument is a testament to the genius of Emporer Rajendra Chola , who exceled his father in extending the empire of the Cholas across south east Asia and also creating a marvel as magnificient as The ‘Big Temple’ in Thanjavur. We admire the Incredible structure and pay special attention to rare verses on the temple and the Koshta figures on the wall – some of which are considered the finest stone sculptures of the imperial cholas. The temple has the finest bronzes from his reign, a rare conquest from his wars that usherd in the worship of Navagrahas into Tamil Nadu that is so popular today.

Koneri Rajapuram

Appearances can be deceptive – unless you care to lookup! The Konerirajapuram temple is set amidst a Vathima Iyer Agraharam where time rests frozen for over a century. The murals of the temples date back to the 1930s but are fast fading. This would be an opportunity to see them before they are lost forever. Rarer still is the massive Chola bronzes of Nataraja and Kalyana Sundara, easily the largest from the imperial Chola age. We admire these and visit a few houses that have never been opened for tourisits before and learn about the unique livestyle of the Vathima Iyers.

Lalithambigai Temple Thirumeyachur

The Shiva temple is a grand construction with some of the finest Koshta sculptures. Each of them have delicacy and grace captured in a small format. The temple has an interesting magic story from recent times. Lets see if you can notice this without checking Google! The temple also has simple yet evocative verses by two of the Shaivaite saints, which we will listen to.

Udayarpalayam Zamin

Udayarpalayam Zamin under the protection of the kings has never failed to provide the fiercest and the bravest troops to them in gratitude. This brave land today stands vanquished. Time and neglect has taken its toll and made it visible in every sense. The dilapidated walls still bear ample testimony to past glories. Let us capture the ancient glories amidst the crumbling ruins.

Thirupananthal Adheenam

Founded in the 16th century to spread Shaiva Sidhantha, the Thirupananthal Adheenam also known as Kasi Madam, has many publications and continues to support and propagate Shaivism across India. This Adheenam is one of the biggest landowning institutions in the district Their core activities include temple reconstruction. We are among the privileged few to gain entry to explore the unique Adheenam buildings.

Art and Craft – Kumbakonam Kalamkari

Very few people are aware that Kalamkari art was a thriving form in and around Kumbakonam for over five decades. Sadly it witnessed a decline due to mechanization and modern technology which eclipsed the arduous, physical art form. Vigorous steps to revive this to its past glory are being taken and a visit to a Kalamkari centre will help us appreciate both the art and the current efforts .

Accommodation Mantra Koodam - Vepatthur

We will be staying at Mantra Koodam, which lies in the lap of history, just off the temple town of Kumbakonam and set amidst serene environs inspired by the rustic charm of an old Kumbakonam village of Vepatthur. Guess who was involved in renaming this resort ??

When and Where :

Day 1 – 26th July -  2130 – Assemble at

Hotel Chandra Park -  2230 – Leave for

Kumbakonam by Uzhavan Express

Day 2 – 27th July -  0454– Arrive at Kumbakonam -  0530 – Check-in at Quality inn

Viha, Kumbakonam to Freshen up and have Breakfast

-  0730 – Leave for Gangai Konda Chozhapuram (1 Hr journey)

-  1100 – Leave for Udayarpalayam Zamin

-  1300 – Check-in at Mantra Koodam, Vepatthur and Lunch

-  1600 – Leave for Tiruvarur ( 1.15 hrs journey)

-  1700 – 1800 – Museum and Mandapam

-  1800 – 1900 – Sairaksha Ritual

-  2000 – Resort/ Dinner

Day 3 – 28th July -  0800 – Breakfast -  1000 – Checkout and Leave

for Tirumeyachur -  1200 – Koneri Rajapuram -  1300– Traditional lunch -  1430– Koneri Rajapuram

temple and Houses visit -  1630 - Kumbakonam

Kalamkari Demonstration -  Thrupananthal Adhinam -  1800 – Check into Quality

inn Viha to refresh -  2000 – Dinner -  2100 – Checkout and Leave

for Train Station -  2153 – Leave for Madras by

Uzhavan Express

Day 4 – 29th July -  0430 – Arrive at

Chennai Egmore Station

-  Say Bye until our next tour J

The Fine Print! Several places we will be visiting are places of worship and therefore we request your special attention to the following: •  Please  dress conservatively and avoid wearing shorts and

sleeveless wear.  Please carry a dhothi and shawl. •  Comfortable shoes or slippers since monuments are

footwear free zones •  We strongly advice carrying sun block, sunglasses and cap •  Basic medication/ first aid will be available. Please carry

your specific medication if any  •  Camera – Rs. 10 and Rs.100 for the usage of camera at

certain places •  Photography may not be permitted in certain Places •  We would like to iterate that this is not a religious trip and

therefore we all need to respect the time and interest of those who are coming to enjoy the heritage aspect of the trip. Therefore please ensure that you respect and stick to time schedules.   

•  Due to unforeseen circumstances, in case we need to make certain changes in the itinerary, we request your patience and understanding. We assure you that the alternate option provided will be just as exciting

•  A Tip between Rs. 50 – Rs. 200 per person may be collected for service providers based on popular consensus

 

Included   

•  Road travel on AC coach •  Accommodation in AC rooms  accommodating up to 2   

adults. Children will be accommodated depending on the age and hotel policy. In this Trip we will be staying a t   M a n t r a K o o d a m V e p a t t h u r - http://www.cghearth.com/whatsnew#top and will also be using Quality inn Viiha at Kumbakonam http://www.qualityinnviha.com

•  Meals mentioned - 2 breakfast, 2 lunch and 2 dinners per person  (Request you to specify your preference if any in advance)

•  2 bottles of water per person will be provided on the coach every day. We request you to bring a refillable bottle in order to reduce the usage of plastic waste.

•  Regular entry tickets where required will be provided •  Darshan at temples will be allowed if People wish to and

ONLY if time permits.    •  All applicable taxes as on date    Not Included •  Expenses of Personal nature •  Room Service •  Any other attraction/temple not mentioned in the itinerary •  Tips  

Fine Print, Inclusions and Exclusions :

Hailing from Tirunelveli and moving on to international exposure through KFI, MCC, JNU (Delhi) and LSE (London) in his academic years, Pradeep Chakravarthy has always had a passion for the history and Heritage of Tamil Nadu with special focus on the role that it plays in society then and now. Having a background in HR/leadership development and coaching though his assignments in TVS, Cognizant, Infosys and McKinsey, he constantly explores methods of constructively employing out of the box techniques of exposure to fine elements practiced in ancient times to motivate and hone ones inherent skills. He pioneered temple walks in Madras. His deeply invested interest in the music, food, literature of Tamil Nadu allows him to present succinctly and simply even the dreariest topic in history. He has authored several books and has over 300 articles in The Hindu, Marg magazine, India Express, Times of India etc., to his credit. He has lectured in several prestigious venues like IIC (Delhi), IC (London) and is an awardee from the Tag Foundation.  

Embassy Travel and Tours has been in the business of tailoring unique and memorable travel experiences for the past four decades. A part of the Airlift Group of Companies, we adhere in a personalized manner to all travel related services that one might require be it guidance, documentation, reservations, currency exchange etc. Customization and luxury travel is our forte, which ensures the utmost comfort for our clients whether it is outbound, inbound or domestic travel. Mystical Palmyra is the heritage vertical we take pride in adding to our existing array of experiences extended by us. We are proud to showcase some of the neglected treasures of a bygone rich era that are just around the corner. We assure you that the whole experience will be an absolute luxurious insight into our glorious past.  

Your “partners in crime” :

From the “horses” mouth!

"This temple trip was different from others. It was not about religion, not about mythology, not even about history. It was about the evolution of human civilization. What was even more interesting, was how Pradeep was able to connect the past to the current way in which we think and act to survive , synergize with others and form strategies to connect with the rest of the society. It would be brilliant,  if we can use this knowledge and 5000yrs of history into our management practices. ” - Vinod Dasari, MD, Ashok Leyland We have never felt that Priya and Pradeep are organizers and we are just travelers.  Over the years we have become one family, every body making everyone feel at ease and comfortable – Mythili Chandrasekaran, Ex SBI The call was for refreshing “degree” But the Mystical Palmyra pedigree Ensured it was so much more -- Places, People, food and tales of yore Priya and Pradeep pack so much fun The initiated will seldom shun Their trips planned with such care I proudly proclaim they are beyond compare. – J Krishnan, Logistics Industry I had a very insightful trip and my appreciation and awe of Indian history and culture is being expanded with each trip. It is also an eye opener as to how a warped version of our history is being taught in schools whereas such phenomenal achievements of our ancestors are being glossed over – Shailesh Vummidi, Jeweler It was our first trip with Pradeep and Priya. We never had to think or be concerned about anything.  Every little detail was taken care of.  Living in Delhi, we are surrounded by monuments/tombs reminding us of the Mughals, British and India’s independence.  One always thought that all history was in the north.  This trip opened my eyes to history in the south – Sudha Rajendran, Delhi        

Contact: Sridharan Lakshmanan; sridhar@embassy-travels.com; +919282119040 Raji Kumar; raji@embassy-travels.com; +919840471127 Address: 23, Thanikachalam Road, T. Nagar, Chennai – 600 017 Bank Details: Ours is a Current Account

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Minimum age: 15 years (Between 15-18 yrs they must be accompanied by an adult and above 70 years they must be accompanied by a younger person)   Per person Package cost : -  INR 17,750 on twin sharing basis (We will not be

pairing guests. This is for those who are travelling as couples or with known people. At the time of registering you may check with us for other participants looking to share the room)

-  INR 22,250 on single occupancy basis Registration: Before June 10th 2018 by way of a NON-REFUNDABLE payment of rs. 4000 Full payment: at the time of registration or before June 10th 2018 to ensure confirmed participation in the tour   Cancellation and refund: - 30 days before commencement of tour – 50% of tour cost will be refunded - Less than 30 days before commencement of tour – no refund - incase of non-participation due to rescheduling of tour by the organizers due to ANY REASON – 75% of tour cost will be refunded -Incase of cancellation of the tour by organizers – full refund including registration fee  

Contact and Package details :