Executive summary by Darmansjah
Why Go Now?
Make merry with the locals as they observe Thai Pongal, a significant harvest festival of one of India’s most densely inhabited states, from 14 to 17 January. Houses are cleaned and decorated, and big feasts and dances are held. People gather together to cook the Pongal dish, a meal of mainly rice, milk, jiggery, cashew nuts, and raisins, and to worship farm animals, many of which will be dressed and ornamented Bonfires are aplenty, as are songs about the gods and the seasons.
Tamil Nadu has the second-largest tourism numbers in India as it is home to some of India’s finest temples and heritages sites both natural and manmade. Popular attractions in its capital, Chennai, include Kapaleeshwar Temple, Sri Parthasarathy Temple, and Kalikambal Temple.
How Do I Make It Happen?
Singapore Airlines operates direct flights from Singapore and from Kuala Lumpur to Chennai International Airport.
Courtyard Chennai is a modern and well-appointed hotel located in the capital’s central business district. It is a short drive away from Chennai International Airport, the U.S. Consulate, and the IT and Manufacturing Corridor (from US$77, Marriott.com/hotels/travel/maacycourtyard-chennai-india).