World Tour With Saravana

  Nestled in the heart of Tamil Nadu, the region of Chettinad is a living museum of South Indian heritage — a world where art, architecture, and cuisine come together in exquisite harmony. Once home to the prosperous Nattukottai Chettiars , a merchant community renowned for their global trade and refined taste, Chettinad continues to enchant visitors with its timeless treasures. A Legacy Carved in Stone and Wood The most striking feature of Chettinad is its palatial mansions , each a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship. Built between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these homes stand as symbols of opulence and cultural pride. Every element — from the intricately carved Burmese teak doors to the Italian marble floors and Belgian glass chandeliers — tells a story of the Chettiars’ cosmopolitan connections and appreciation for art. Walking through villages like Kanadukathan, Karaikudi, and Athangudi , one encounters rows of grand homes with imposing facades, vast courty...

    Discovering Takao-san: Tokyo’s Sacred Mountain Retreat  Just an hour west of the hustle and bustle of central Tokyo lies   Mount Takao ( 高尾山 , Takao-san)   — a peaceful, forested escape that combines natural beauty, spiritual heritage, and accessibility. At just 599 meters tall, it may not rival the grandeur of Japan’s taller peaks, but what Takao-san lacks in height, it makes up for in history, biodiversity, and charm. A Spiritual and Cultural Landmark  Takao-san has long been considered a sacred mountain. It is home to   Yakuō-in Temple  , founded in 744 during the Nara Period. The temple is dedicated to   Izuna Daigongen  , a tengu-like deity believed to protect the mountain and its visitors. Throughout the year, monks perform rituals and fire-walking ceremonies, and many people climb Takao-san to seek blessings, especially on New Year’s Day when the mountain sees its highest foot traffic. Tengu statues...