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Cultural Heritage & Coastal Paradise: South India & Andaman

0/5
Duration

14 Nights / 15 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Discover the perfect blend of history, spirituality, and tropical bliss on the Cultural Heritage & Coastal Paradise: South India & Andaman tour. Journey through Tamil Nadu’s sacred cities, where ancient temples like Meenakshi and Brihadeshwara stand as marvels of Dravidian architecture, offering deep insights into India’s rich cultural tapestry. Explore the colonial charm of Pondicherry and the magnificent stone carvings of Mahabalipuram before heading to the pristine beaches of the Andaman Islands. Relax on the sun-kissed shores of Havelock and Neil Islands, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and witness the vibrant marine life. This tour is an ideal blend of cultural exploration and tropical relaxation, providing an immersive experience of South India’s heritage and the serene beauty of the Andaman coast.

Highlights

  • This is a private tour/activity only for your group.
  • Enhanced cleaning/ traveler safety.
  • In-depth cultural experience.
  • Flexible sightseeing & stopover.
  • Most travelers can participate.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 45.4%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 42.8%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 52.2%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 50.3%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 55.3%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 53.4%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 58.1%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

Arrival transfer to hotel (check-in/out time 12 pm). Visit Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India, showcasing artifacts and historical insights from British colonial times. Explore St. Mary's Church, located inside the fort, which is the oldest Anglican church in India, renowned for its beautiful stained glass windows and historic charm. Admire the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, famous for its intricately carved gopuram (gateway tower) and vibrant religious atmosphere. Visit Vadapalani Murugan Temple, one of Chennai’s most famous temples, dedicated to Lord Murugan, attracting devotees from all over for its ornate architecture and spiritual significance. Visit Santhome Cathedral, a neo-Gothic church built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, known for its stunning architecture and spiritual importance. Relax at Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, offering a beautiful view of the Bay of Bengal and a lively atmosphere. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Chennai - Kanchipuram - Trichy (350kms)

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Trichy, stopping at Kanchipuram, an ancient city renowned as the “City of a Thousand Temples,” where you can visit several sacred temples showcasing the grandeur of Dravidian architecture. On arrival in Trichy, check in at the hotel and later visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, a massive temple complex dedicated to Lord Vishnu, famous for its towering gopurams and intricate carvings. Explore Rock Fort Temple, perched atop a massive rock outcrop, offering panoramic views of Trichy and the surrounding landscape, with a history dating back to the 7th century. Visit Jambukeshwara Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its unique architectural style and sacred water tank symbolizing the element of water. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Trichy - Madurai (140kms)

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Madurai and check in at the hotel. Visit Meenakshi Temple, a sprawling temple complex with towering gopurams covered in vivid carvings, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Shiva, and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. Explore Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, a 17th-century palace built by King Thirumalai Nayak, showcasing a blend of Dravidian and Islamic architectural styles with its grand courtyards and majestic pillars. Visit Alagar Koil, a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, set against the scenic backdrop of the Alagar Hills, and known for its exquisite stone carvings and religious significance. Discover Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan, nestled on a hill, and renowned for its rock-cut architecture and sacred significance. Visit Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple, another of Lord Murugan's six abodes, located amidst lush greenery and revered for its spiritual atmosphere and natural beauty. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Madurai - Rameshwaram (170kms)

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Rameshwaram and check in at the hotel. Visit Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga Temple, a sacred Hindu temple and one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its long corridors, massive sculpted pillars, and religious significance. Explore Adam’s Bridge, a chain of natural limestone shoals between Pamban Island and Sri Lanka, believed to be the remnants of the legendary bridge built by Lord Rama's army. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5: Rameshwaram - Chettinad - Thanjavur (250kms)

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Thanjavur via Chettinad, known for its 19th-century mansions featuring wide courtyards, spacious rooms, and a distinctive architectural style that reflects the opulence of the Chettiar community. Continue to Thanjavur and visit Brihadeshwara Temple & Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site built by the great Chola king in the 10th century, famed for its massive central dome and intricate stone carvings. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6: Thanjavur - Darasuram - Gangaikonda Cholapuram - Chidambaram - Pondicherry (180kms)

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Pondicherry, stopping en route to visit The Great Living Chola Temples at Darasuram and Gangaikonda Cholapuram, both UNESCO World Heritage sites known for their architectural brilliance and historical significance. Visit Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, where the deity is worshipped as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, and known for its annual dance festival. Arrive in Pondicherry and check in at the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 7: Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram - Chennai (150kms)

Breakfast at hotel. Visit Auroville, an experimental township dedicated to human unity, where people from all over the world live in harmony, focusing on sustainable living and spiritual growth. Explore Pondicherry Museum, which showcases a rich collection of artifacts from the French colonial era, along with sculptures and bronzes from the Chola and Pallava dynasties. Drive through the stunning French Quarters, passing by the French Consulate, Raj Nivas, Government Square, Churches, and French schools, which reflect the unique Franco-Tamil culture of Pondicherry. Stop at Mahabalipuram to visit the Monolithic Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring rock-cut temples, cave sanctuaries, and giant open-air reliefs, including the famous Five Rathas and Krishna's Butterball. Marvel at the Shore Temple, a beautifully carved temple situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, and The Arjuna Penance, an enormous relief sculpture depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. Arrive in Chennai and check in at the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 8: Chennai - Port Blair (flight)

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the airport to board a flight for Port Blair. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and later visit Corbyn's Cove Beach, a serene beach lined with coconut palms, offering a relaxing spot to enjoy the sea breeze and scenic views. In the evening, attend the Sound & Light Show at Cellular Jail, where the heroic saga of India’s freedom struggle is brought to life through narration and light effects. Overnight at hotel.

Day 9: Port Blair - Neil Island (by scheduled ferry)

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the jetty to board the ferry to Neil Island. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and later visit Laxmanpur Beach, known for its picturesque sunset views, white sandy shores, and crystal-clear waters, making it a perfect spot for relaxation. Explore Bharatpur Beach, famous for its coral reefs and opportunities for snorkeling, offering a glimpse of the vibrant marine life in the Andaman Sea. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Neil Island (B)

Breakfast at hotel. Day free and easy to relax on the beach, enjoying the tranquil surroundings and natural beauty of Neil Island. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Neil Island - Havelock (by scheduled ferry)

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the jetty to board the boat for Havelock Island. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and unwind on the pristine beaches of Havelock. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Havelock

Breakfast at hotel. Embark on an early morning boat ride to Elephant Beach, known for its blue shallow waters, making it an ideal spot for beginner snorkelers to explore the vibrant marine life. Spend the day lying on the beach, relaxing, and taking in the scenic beauty of the fallen trees, white sand, and clear waters that make Elephant Beach a photographer's paradise. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Havelock

Breakfast at hotel. Day free and easy to relax on the beach, soaking in the natural beauty of Havelock Island’s serene environment. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14: Havelock - Port Blair (by scheduled ferry)

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the jetty to board the ferry back to Port Blair. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15: Port Blair - Chennai (flight)

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the airport to board the flight for Chennai. From Chennai, board your connecting flight for your onward destination. Complimentary transport will be provided if required for transit use in Chennai.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 15 Nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Port Blair - Neil Island - Havelock Island - Port Blair transfer by scheduled ferry.
  • Transfer for mentioned Island activities.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Chennai - Port Blair - Chennai flight fare approx INR 10500 per person in economy class.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Hotels used or similar for 14 nights accommodation

4 Star Hotels
Chennai x 2 nights: Accord Metropolitan/ The Park Chennai
Trichy x 1 night: Courtyard by Marriott
Madurai x 1 night: Fortune Pandiyan Hotel/ Regency Madurai by GRT Hotels
Rameshwaram x 1 night: The Residency Towers
Thanjavur x 1 night: Courtyard by Marriott
Pondicherry x 1 night: Le Pondy/ Accord Puducherry
Port Blair x 2 nights: Seashell/ Fortune Resort Bay Island
Neil Island x 2 nights: Seashell/ Symphony Summer Sands Beach Resort
Havelock Island x 3 nights: Seashell/ Silver Sand Beach Resort

Can travelers upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels?

Yes, travelers can upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels by paying the supplement. Please send inquiry for same from the booking page to get the price quote.

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