When you join one of our trips, we want you to have peace of mind. In response to COVID-19, we’ve:
From Bollywood to Kollywood, Sandalwood, and beyond, India’s film industries are among the most prolific in the world. In the past, the cinema halls where these films debuted were institutions themselves. Not only did they serve as portals to captivating alternate worlds, but they also became pilgrimage sites for audiences to pay respects to beloved actors and actresses. Though recent years have ushered in an era of multiplex theaters, many of these magnificent movie houses still stand. From the gleaming green exterior of the Tharangam theater to the high-ceilinged Saravanna, these structures are extraordinary relics of a vibrant architectural and cultural era.
On this journey, we’ll explore the cities and smaller villages at the heart of South Indian cinema. As we explore abandoned theaters and active sets, we’ll trace the legacies of actors, musicians, and businesspeople integral to the industry. We’ll cast an ear to the stories of industry vets, go behind the scenes, and learn a few moves from a dance professional. Before long, we’ll find ourselves slipping into the wonderfully contagious world of fandom.
Our journey begins in Tamil Nadu’s capital city, Chennai. Beneath its urban sprawl, bustling with industrial and political activity, the city boasts a rich and storied cultural landscape. We’ll gather at the hotel and get to know our fellow travelers and local film-enthusiast-and-guide over lunch. Take some time to settle in and rest up before our evening excursion to a beloved single-screen theater. Here, we’ll take in the larger-than-life triumphs and trials of one of Kollywood’s biggest stars. As the plot unfolds before us, we’ll find ourselves slipping into a shared vortex of adoration, empathy, and self-reflection. After the movie, we’ll head to a local haunt where we’ll dig into our first meal and catch a sneak preview of the adventures that await us.
Residency Towers (or similar), Chennai
Lunch, Welcome Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll set out to explore Kodambakkam, a historic locality of Chennai with a lively film industry dating back to the early 1950s. Kodambakkam inspired the term “Kollywood,” a colloquial name for the South Indian Tamil-language film industry. As we walk, we’ll learn about the abundance of traditional film studios that once lined these streets. We’ll spot some that have been transformed into hospitals or malls, and glimpse others that barely remain, crumbling vestiges of a golden era. We’ll delve into the rich legacy of the late A.V. Meiyappan, a pioneer of Tamil-language cinema and the eponymous founder of the illustrious AVM Studios. We’ll have a chance to go behind the scenes, exploring an active movie set and, if we’re lucky, checking out a recording and dance studio. After lunch at a nearby restaurant, enjoy some downtime, explore the city at your own pace, or check out the popular Marina beach as it springs to life at dusk. Alternatively, meander the localities of Mylapore and Royapettah for a window into the architecture and history of various communities that settled here: Brahmin, Muslim, as well as European—or visit Georgetown to gain a better understanding of the city’s colonial history. Tonight, we’ll dine with a seasoned South Indian film veteran who has a wealth of tales from his time working in this ever-evolving industry.
Residency Towers, Chennai
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll drive about three and a half hours to Pondicherry, a port town and former French colony. Over lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll chat with a local film enthusiast and kick back to watch a few iconic clips from popular Tamil movies shot in Pondicherry. In the evening, we’ll explore some of the historic film sites scattered throughout the city: the French and Muslim quarters, a street lined with centuries-old Hindu Tamil houses, the local flower market, and the town’s rocky promenade and pier. As the sun sets, we’ll head back to the hotel for a sumptuous spread of fresh, locally sourced delicacies, plucked directly from the Bay of Bengal, combined in a delicious fusion of French and South Indian cuisines.
Maison Perumal, Pondicherry
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we’ll head to a local cultural center in Pondicherry. Led by an expert in Indian cinematic dance, we’ll partake in a workshop that combines bhangra, contemporary dance, hip-hop, and jazz—typefied in many Bollywood and Kollywood films. After a fun, energizing, and interactive session, we’ll break for lunch at a local restaurant. (Before we leave Pondicherry, if we’re lucky, we may have the chance to meet an artist who’s been hand-painting movie posters for over a decade, and pore over his album of old posters, most of which are now designed and printed digitally.) Later in the afternoon, we’ll drive to Thanjavur (about a four-and-a-half-hour journey), home to some of the most prominent arts and crafts in South India. After checking in at our hotel, we’ll enjoy a leisurely dinner and turn in early to rest up from a busy day.
Thanjavur
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We’ll kick off the day with a visit to the home of an expert in Bharatanatyam, a form of classical Indian dance that originated in the temples of Tamil Nadu. Through conversation and dance, we’ll discover the nuances that define this narrative classical art form. We’ll trace the emergence and importance of Bharatanatyam in South Indian cinematic culture, learning about the actors and musicians who introduced it to commercial cinema. After lunch, take some time to explore the city at your own pace. Thanjavur is renowned for its traditional arts and magnificent temples dating back to the 11th century, so consider visiting the iconic Brihadeeswarar Temple, perusing ancient manuscripts in the Saraswathi Mahal Library, or strolling through one of the city’s many markets. We’ll regroup back at the hotel for dinner, where we’ll discuss tomorrow’s adventures.
Ideal River Resort, Thanjavur
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We’ll set out this morning for the charming village of Kanadukathan. After checking into our hotel, we’ll take part in a culinary demonstration that will stun the senses. Dish by dish, we’ll begin to glimpse some of the secrets of traditional Chettinad cuisine—typically characterized by an elaborate spread of dishes, the use of sun-dried meats, and spices of local and foreign origins. At the end of the demonstration, we’ll have the distinct and delicious honor of sampling the epicurean stars of the show. After we’ve digested, we’ll set out on a cycling tour of Kanadukathan. While the village is known for its palatial, now-abandoned mansions that once belonged to Chettinad merchants, it’s also where A.V. Meiyappan’s story began. Alongside a local film enthusiast, we’ll trace the legacy of AVM back to the mogul’s birth.
Bangala, Kanadukathan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll drive to Madurai, considered the womb of Tamil civilization. Over lunch, we’ll chat with several members of a prominent actor’s fan club who will guide us through the inner workings of such organizations—such as performing auspicious actor-related rituals and hosting celebratory processions on an actor’s birthday. At the end of the day, we’ll explore several old theaters—some of them abandoned, others still in use. Screening mostly classics (both contemporary and old), these spaces are more than mere theaters. From old halls to makeshift tents, these are spaces for communal engagement, often made possible by minimal means, where the audience is bound by its ubiquitous love for cinema. We’ll spend tonight yet again admiring the city’s stars—this time the ones in the sky—as we enjoy a traditional meal outside.
Heritage Madurai, Madurai
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, we’ll weave our way through vibrant heaps of blossoms at Madurai’s flower market. Immersed in aromas of jasmine and rose, we’ll explore the rows of fragrant flowers and learn about their religious and commercial importance. Take the rest of the afternoon to explore Madurai at leisure, taking in the towering Meenakshi Temple and the exquisite, 16th-century Dravidian-Islamic architecture. In the company of a local expert, we’ll wander the city streets, sample mouthwatering local snacks, and enjoy lunch at a traditional South Indian restaurant. After our farewell feast, it’s time to say our parting words, let the credits roll, and head to the airport—or join us on a flight to Delhi if you wish to stick around for our optional, three-day extension.
Delhi
Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, we’ll journey to the magnificent Mughal city of Agra. We’ll settle in and enjoy some downtime before heading to the iconic gardens of Taj Mahal at sunset. Originally the viewing gardens for the Taj, the Mehtab Bagh offers an unparalleled view of the stunning structure from across the river. We’ll wander the lush gardens, perfectly aligned with the Taj, and learn about the Persian charbagh concept, which offers a different perspective on this timeless mausoleum.
The Grand Imperial, Agra
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We’ll witness the sublime beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise, when the early morning rays fall on the monument’s faded white marble walls. Later in the morning, we’ll set out for Rajasthan to learn about the culinary traditions of its capital city, Jaipur, stopping en route to visit Fatehpur Sikri. Dotted with 16th-century ruins, this city was once the well-fortified capital of Emperor Akbar and stands as a renowned relic of Mughal heritage. Once we arrive in Jaipur, we’ll unwind at the home of a local Rajasthani family, exchanging stories as we learn how to cook a few of the delicacies of this state’s spectacular cuisine. After our hard work, we’ll enjoy a lavish dinner together. We’ll also have the opportunity to catch a film at Raj Mandir, the oldest cinema in Jaipur, where screenings still begin with the raising of a velvet curtain.
Narain Niwas, Jaipur
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We’ll begin the day feeling as though we’re traveling back in time, visiting some of Jaipur’s historic landmarks. We’ll explore the exquisite sandstone and marble halls of Amber Fort before digging into a traditional Rajasthani quick-meal for lunch. Wandering the old city, we’ll take in stunning views of the dizzying, pink sandstone Hawa Mahal, and wind our way through the sprawling complex of the City Palace. We’ll spend our final night together unwinding in the gardens of an 18th-century observatory, measuring minutes in shadows and reflecting on our adventures together.
Narain Niwas, Jaipur
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a week and a half of adventures—both on-screen and off—it’s time to say goodbye and head to the airport. If you'd like to extend your time in the area, your guides would be more than happy to recommend places to stay and things to do on your own. Until the next adventure!
Breakfast
The cost of this trip is $4,335 ($6,655 if taking the Rajasthan extension), based on double occupancy.
You’re in good company. Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip. We have two options for you:
Shared Room (subject to the latest Covid-19 guidelines): You’ll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Private Room: Have your own room, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost of $460 ($815 if taking the Rajasthan extension). After booking your trip, please request a private room when you fill out your traveler information form and we’ll add the option to your booking and final balance.
Our trip begins with a welcome lunch in Chennai on Day 1. We recommend you arrive in Chennai the day before so you can settle in at the hotel and meet our guide and group in the lobby in time for lunch. Our trip concludes in Madurai, in the afternoon on Day 8. If leaving Madurai directly after the trip, we recommend departing in the evening on Day 8. If you’d like to continue on for our three-day extension in Rajasthan, the flight to Delhi also departs in the evening on Day 8. The extension concludes during the morning of Day 12 in Jaipur.
Travelers should be comfortable walking one to three miles over the course of each day, climbing stairs, and remaining on their feet for long periods of time. Though our pace will be relaxed, we’ll spend most of our time in busy towns, cities, and a few quiet villages. Keep in mind that we’ll be spending time in bustling and crowded places, so to have the best experience possible, travelers should be eager to fully immerse themselves in the buzzing energy of it all.
If informed in advance, dietary restrictions can be accommodated for most meals. However, there will likely be several experiences throughout the trip, such as the sampling of street food and traditional meals, where special dietary requests can’t be accommodated. If you have a severe allergy, please contact us to find out if this is the right trip for you.
You'll be contributing to the recognition and preservation of a rich, cinematic heritage. Additionally, part of the proceeds from this trip will be donated to the Tushita Foundation, a children's education and empowerment program based out of Amer.