Chennai Andaman Tour

Tour Destination: Chennai –Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Tanjore – Trichy – Chennai  - Port Blair – Havelock Island – Neil Island – Port Blair

Travel Duration: 14 Nights/15 Days

DAY 1: CHENNAI- Arrive in Chennai and later transfer to the hotel.  After freshen up, evening free for leisure. One can visit the famous 

MARINA BEACH- This is naturally the instant choice for everyone that visits Chennai. This is the second longest beach in the world. The large expanse of silver sand allows for a great walk along the seashore. Sunrise and sun set views are picturesque in this perfect setting. Some of the sports activities possible in Marina Beach include fishing, wind surfing and beach volley ball.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 2: CHENNAI- After breakfast, full day city tour of The Capital City of Tamil Nadu- Chennai

FORT ST.GEORGE- It was built in 1640 AD, by the British East India Company under the direct supervision of Francis Day and Andrew Cogon. The flag staff at Fort St. George is still the tallest in India. South of the Fort is the War Memorial, built in 1939 in memory of the warriors who sacrificed their lives during the First World War. 

KAPELESHWAR TEMPLE- Located in Mylapore, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the oldest temples in the city. It is not clear as to who built the temple. Going by the songs by Nayanmars, it is believed that Kapaleshwar Temple was built during the 7th century by Pallava Kings.

DAKSHINACHITRA- Located in the heart of Chennai city, DakshinaChitra , or "a picture of the south", as it is meant in English, is a hub of living art traditions , conventional performing arts, crafts and architectural works of the country with due emphasis on South Indian customs and practices. 

PARTHASARTHY TEMPLE- It is located at Triplicane, near the famous Marina beach in Chennai. Spread over an area of 1.5 acres, it was built by the Pallavas in the 8th century. The temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna (Parthasarathy), houses images of the five incarnations of Vishnu. 

RAJIV GHANDHI MEMORIAL- Rajiv Gandhi Memorial is another must visit spot on your tour to Madras. It is located at a distance of about 40 km from the main city. The memorial is precisely situated at Sriperumbudur and is dedicated to the former Prime Minster of India, Raiiv Gandhi.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 3: CHENNAI - MAHABALIPURAM- Today, drive towards Mahabalipuram. Straight transfer to hotel.  After freshen up at the hotel, visit Mahabalipuram viewing

SHORE TEMPLE- The oldest structure in the area, build c. 700 AD, this temple has been here for more than 1400 years. A Shiva lingam is enshrined in the central building and the site can get very crowded on weekends.

FIVE RATHAS- This site contains five Rathas, literally chariots, dating from the 7th century. The sculptures are complemented by some enormous stone animals, including a large elephant.

THIRUKADALMALLAI- This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It was also built by Pallava King in order to safeguard the sculptures from the ocean. 

SCULPTURE MUSEUM- East Raja Street has hundreds of sculptures in stone, wood etc. The following structures like Arjuna's Penance, Krishna's Butterball, Mahishamardini Cave. Varaha Cave having four impressive carvings of Vishnu, Gajalakshmi, Trivikrama and Durga are all carved straight out of rock in the central hillside area, so you can travel between them on foot. 

In the evening you can sit back and relax on the sandy beach or can enjoy Boat rides in the Bay of Bengal with life guards, fishing trips to the sea & Turtle walk at the sea shore. 

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 4: MAHABALIPURAM - PONDICHERRY- Next morning drive towards Pondicherry. Transfer to hotel. In the evening take a leisurely walk to the local market of Pondicherry.

Overnight at Hotel. 

DAY 5: PONDICHERRY (PUDUCHERRY)- After breakfast, full day city tour of the Pondicherry

SRI AUROBINDO ASHRAM- This was founded in 1920 by Sri Aurobindo when Pondicherry was a French colony with the aim of putting in place his ideas of a peaceful community. 

PONDICHERRY MUSEUM- The Pondicherry Museum situated in the Government Park has a fine sculpture gallery and a section for archaeological findings dating back to the Roman settlement at Arikamedu.

ARIKAMEDU- The Arikamedu archeological excavation site, which is around 7 km from Pondicherry, gives you a glimpse of ancient Roman trading in this part of the world.

AUROVILLE- This beautiful dome is synonymous with Auroville, and represents its very essence with a quiet hall for meditation. The dome is covered on the outside by golden discs that reflect the sun, giving it a surreal radiance.

PROMENADE BEACH- This lovely beach with a 1.5-km-long promenade, within a biking range from the heart of the city is one of the most delightful places in Pondicherry for a stroll, a sunbath or a swim.

PARADISE BEACH- A beautiful coastline, with the sun out most of the year. The beach is accessible only through a boat ride. The backwaters at Chunnambar along the Cuddalore Main road will guarantee you a pleasure ride - be it on one of those larger ferries or a jet ski.

CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS- This massive church built in the Gothic style, is one of the most beautiful in Pondicherry.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 6: PONDICHERRY (PUDUCHERRY) – SWAMIMALAI TEMPLE - TANJORE- Next morning drive towards Tanjore. En-route visit Swamimalai Temple.

SWAMIMALAI TEMPLE- The temple is located in Thanjavur district on the northern banks of the river Cauvery. It is one of the six famous abodes (Arupadaiveedu) dedicated to Lord Muruga (also spelt Murugan). Lord Muruga preached Pranava mantra “ OM ” to Lord shiva and that why he is called “Swaminathan”. The temple is built on an artificial hill and is reached by a flight of steps. It is believed that the sixty steps of the temple ascending to the sanctum sanctorum represent the sixty months of the ancient Tamil calendar. 

Continue your drive to Tanjore. Transfer to hotel. Evening free for leisure.

Overnight at Hotel. 

DAY 7:  TANJORE – TRICHY- After breakfast visit the city

BRIHADEESWARAR TEMPLE- Also called the Big Temple; this is one of the best temples in South India. This temple was built by the greatest Chola emperor Raja I in 10th century AD.

THE ROYAL PALACE- This vast building of masonry is near the Big Temple. It has an Art Gallery comprising of many granite and bronze statues of the Chola period, and the ancient Hall of Music. SIVAGANAGA TANK- Renowned for its sweet water, this tank is situated near the palace.

RAJARAJAN MANI MANDAPAM- Built during the 8th World Tamil Conference, this mandapam has a small garden with children's play materials.

MARIAMMAN TEMPLE (PUNNAI NALLUR)- This famous temple, located 6 km from Tanjore, is dedicated to Goddess Mariamman.

Later continue your drive towards Trichy (Tiruchirapalli). Straight transfer to hotel.  Evening free for leisure.

Overnight at hotel. 

DAY 8:  TRICHY – CHENNAI- After breakfast visit the city

ROCK FORT TEMPLE- Among the many spectacular sites to visit in Trichy, the Rock Fort Temple is a must visit. The fort is a massive rocky structure built at an altitude of 83 m above sea level. Located on the banks of the river Cauvery, it is Trichy's most famous landmark. 

THAYUMANASWAMY TEMPLE- Halfway to the fort lies the Thayumanaswamy Temple, also known as the Rock Fort Temple. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is an important pilgrimage site of the Hindus. This beautifully carved rock-cut cave temple of the Pallava period has a 100-pillar hall and a Vimana covered with gold. 

SRI RANGANATHASWAMI TEMPLE- 7 km from Trichy, Srirangam is said to be the abode of Lord Sri Ranganatha, the reclining form of Lord Vishnu. The temple of Ranganatha is said to be the largest in India.

JAMBUKESHWARAR TEMPLE- Just 2 km from Srirangam, this beautiful Shiva temple overshadows the larger Ranganathaswami temple due to its excellent architectural design. It is named after the elephant believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here.

In the afternoon drive back to Chennai. Transfer to Hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring the local South Indian market

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 9: CHENNAI - PORT BLAIR- In the morning depart at Chennai Airport to catch flight for Port Blair. Arrive at Port Blair Airport and later transfer to the hotel.  After breakfast, full day city tour of Port Blair

CORBYNS’ COVE BEACH-  The Corbyns’ Cove, is a serene and unspoiled soft sandy beach, set in picturesque background of lush green coconut palms and pleasant blue sea. The main attractions of this beach are the inviting water sports. The Corbyns’ Cove beach, situated 8 kms from the City centre is the closest Beach from the city. This coconut- palm fringed beach, is ideal for swimming and sun bathing.

CELLULAR JAIL- This historic building was built in the 19th century to look like a wheel with seven spokes. Today only three wings of the seven remain. It took 10 years to complete. It is called ‘Cellular’ because it is “Cells beyond Cells”.

SOUND & LIGHT SHOW- At the National Memorial ‘Cellular Jail’ you can attend the Sound & Light Show where the heroic saga of the Indian Freedom Struggle is brought alive by the means of light and sound at the jail premises, presented in English and Hindi, which takes you back to the British Era.

Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 10: PORT BLAIR – HAVELOCK- In the morning you will be escorted to Phoenix Bay Harbor to board MV. Makruzz (1 ½ hrs) or Govt. Ferry (2 ½ hrs) which will take you to Havelock Island. Arrival at the harbor and transfer to hotel.

HAVELOCK ISLAND- The Island is named after a British Army Officer. The island offers state-of-the-art facilities for snorkeling and scuba diving. Havelock is famous for its white sand and crystal clear and transparent waters.

RADHANAGAR BEACH- The beach is the best and famous beach of Andaman Islands. With its beautiful and sparkling blue waters which make few of the calmest seas. The clear waters further facilitate amazing views of the coral reefs, and snorkeling is a must do activity. You can go for swimming or can enjoy the beautiful place.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 11: HAVELOCK – ELEPHANTA BEACH – HAVELOCK- In the morning proceed to Havelock jetty to catch boat to Elephanta beach, the best place for doing snorkeling and water sports activities.

ELEPHANTA BEACH- this beach has suffered the effects of the 2004 tsunami and has since got reduced in size; you might find a lot of Indians here. The beach is nevertheless an amazing place to visit and is famous for its coral views. The place is excellent for those who seek solitude and relaxation right in the lap of the Andaman Sea.

After returning rest of the day free at leisure.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 12: HAVELOCK – NEIL ISLAND- Today morning move towards the Harbor to board a ferry which will take you to Neil Island. Later transfer to the hotel.

NEIL ISLAND- Neil Island is known as the ‘vegetable bowl’ of the Andamans. The settlers named the beaches after mythical characters of the epic Ramayana (Bharatpur, Laxmanpur, Sitapur, Ramnagar etc.) The island, with its very relaxed vibes and long, deserted beaches is a place to chill out after the "bustle" of Havelock.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 13: NEIL ISLAND – PORT BLAIR- After breakfast, go on sightseeing tour of Neil Island visiting Bharatpur Beach, Sitapur Beach, Laxshmanpur Beach and Natural Bridge like structure called Hawda Bridge by locals.

In the evening start return journey to Port Blair enjoying the sea breeze and the sight of the changing colors of the sky of the setting sun and most of the time accompanied by dolphins and flying fishes swimming along the boat.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 14: NORTH BAY AND ROSS ISLAND- After breakfast transfer to Andaman Water Sports Complex to catch a ferry for the entire excursion to Ross Island and North Bay.

NORTH BAY- It is also called “The Gate Way to Port Blair”. This place is famous for its coral reefs, exotic verities’ of beautiful ornamental fishes and water sports activities. The breathtaking stretch of coral bed leaves you spellbound.  North Bay is the foremost snorkeling point of Andaman. Apart from snorkeling and glass-bottom boat ride, scuba diving, underwater sea walk facility is also available at North Bay.

ROSS ISLAND- It was the Capital of Port Blair during British and Japanese regime, prior to India’s Independence. It was named after Sir Daniel Ross a marine surveyor. It was nick named “The Paris of the East”. It is now under the supervision of the Indian Navy. This island is an ideal destination for nature walk amidst sylvan surroundings with deer’s, peacocks and exotic birds.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 15: PORT BLAIR- Today take your own time and relax.  Later catch your flight towards onward destination