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Tamil Nadu & the Andaman Islands... Cultural Tour & Beach Holiday in South India
15 days from £8,250 for 2023 per person
This itinerary offers a chance to experience two very different aspects of India; one renowned for its impressive and ancient temples, and the other for its pristine nature and stunning beaches. Travel through centuries of fascinating history and monuments left behind by three major dynasties – the Cholas, Pallavas and Vijayanagars, before relaxing on the untouched hidden beaches of the Andaman Islands.
Tamil Nadu is an enchanting land, where towering temples bustling with devotees dominate the flat landscape. Madurai is home to the majestic and impressive Meenakshi Temple, and will be the first sighting of many beautiful south Indian temples. Explore the ‘city that never sleeps’ and all it has to offer, from the food markets, to the old palace, and Meenakshi Temple. Leave behind the chaos of Madurai and travel north to the splendid mansions sprinkled across arid Chettinad. The ancient capital of the powerful Chola dynasty, Tanjore is the centre for south Indian religion, art and architecture; explore the city whilst staying and the ultra-luxe Svatma. Venture further north to bohemian Pondicherry, a small slice of France on India’s south eastern coast, before heading to the ancient site of Mahabalipuram, 1,300 years old and still standing strong. Leaving the rich and vibrant culture of Tamil Nadu behind you, fly to the Andamans, where powder-white sand beaches, gin-clear waters and untracked jungle awaits you.
This luxury holiday is purely a suggested itinerary; it can be booked as it is or used as a starting point for creating your perfect tailor-made tour of India. If you would like to see similar trips, take a look at our collection of Epic Journeys, Honeymoons and Family Holidays; as well as our favourite Beach and Culinary Tour itineraries.
Itinerary details
15 days from £8,250 for 2023 per person
- Day 1 - The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai - Madurai
Fly to Madurai via Chennai. Afternoon at leisure. - Day 2 - The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai - Madurai
Full day city sightseeing, including the Meenakshi Temple, the Palace and Flower Market. Evening "Going to Bed Ceremony" at Meenakshi Temple. - Day 3 - Visalam - Chettinad
Morning drive to Chettinad for regional sightseeing, including the Tile Factory and the Mansions of Chettinad. - Day 4 - Svatma - Tanjore
Morning drive to Tanjore. Afternoon at leisure. - Day 5 - Svatma - Tanjore
Full day sightseeing of Tanjore. - Day 6 - Palais de Mahe - Pondicherry
Morning drive to Pondicherry. Afternoon at leisure. - Day 7 - Palais de Mahe - Pondicherry
Morning city sightseeing tour. Afternoon at leisure. - Day 8 - Taj Fisherman's Cove - Mahabalipuram
Morning drive to Mahabalipuram to explore the sites. - Day 9 - Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans - Havelock Island
Early morning transfer to Chennai for the flight to Port Blair. Transfer by boat to Havelock Island. - Day 10 - Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans - Havelock Island
Day at leisure. - Day 11 - Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans - Havelock Island
Day at leisure. - Day 12 - Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans - Havelock Island
Day at leisure. - Day 13 - Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans - Havelock Island
Day at leisure. - Day 14 - Taj Connemara - Chennai
Morning boat transfer to Port Blair and fly to Chennai. - Day 15 - In transit.
Morning flight home.
Places of Interest
AccommodationMy favourite thing is to go where I've never been.
Diane Arbus
