Tamil Nadu to Andaman Islands – The Southern Odyssey
14 days / 13 nights
Starting from USD 1942 / person
Detailed Tour Program
Day 1 – Arrival in Chennai
Arrival at Chennai International Airport. You will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to relax and acclimate. Overnight stay in Chennai.
Day 2 – Chennai / Kanchipuram / Mahabalipuram (140 km – approx. 4 hrs)
After breakfast, departure for Kanchipuram, the “City of a Thousand Temples” and one of the seven sacred cities in India. Visit the Kailasanathar Temple, a beautiful example of early Dravidian architecture, and the Ekambareswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its towering gopuram and sacred mango tree.
Next, continue to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Bay of Bengal.
Afternoon: Discover the famous Five Rathas, monolithic temples each carved from a single stone, Arjuna’s Penance, a massive bas-relief depicting scenes from the Mahabharata, and the stunning Shore Temple, one of the oldest structural stone temples in South India.
Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.
Day 3 – Mahabalipuram / Pondicherry (100 km – approx. 2.5 hrs)
After breakfast, scenic drive to Pondicherry, the former French colony with Mediterranean charm.
Afternoon: Explore Auroville, the international township founded by the Mother of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, with a visit to the Matrimandir, a futuristic golden meditation dome.
Evening: Stroll through the French Quarter, admire colonial villas and churches such as Notre-Dame des Anges, and relax by the seafront promenade.
Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
Day 4 – Pondicherry / Chidambaram / Gangaikondacholapuram / Kumbakonam (180 km – approx. 5 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Chidambaram, home to the Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva performing the cosmic dance. The temple’s architecture features intricate sculptures and symbolic representations of Hindu cosmology.
Continue to Gangaikondacholapuram, a lesser-known but equally magnificent Chola-era temple with grand bronze sculptures and a massive Shiva lingam.
Arrive in Kumbakonam, a sacred town famous for its concentration of ancient temples, including Adi Kumbeswarar, Sarangapani, and the beautiful Ramaswamy Temple with vivid Ramayana frescoes.
Overnight stay in Kumbakonam.
Day 5 – Kumbakonam / Darasuram / Tanjore (40 km – approx. 1.5 hrs)
After breakfast, short drive to Darasuram to visit the exquisite Airavatesvara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its intricate carvings and chariot-shaped sanctum.
Proceed to Tanjore (Thanjavur), former Chola capital and cultural center.
Afternoon: Visit the majestic Brihadeeswarar Temple, built in the 11th century and featuring one of the world’s tallest temple towers. Explore the Royal Palace, Saraswathi Mahal Library with its rare manuscripts, and the Art Gallery with bronze Chola sculptures.
Overnight stay in Tanjore.
Day 6 – Tanjore / Madurai (190 km – approx. 2 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Madurai, one of India’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, often called the “Athens of the East.”
Afternoon: Explore the architectural masterpiece, the Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar. Admire its 14 towering gopurams covered in thousands of colorful sculptures. Visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, built in 1636, blending Dravidian and Islamic styles with grand courtyards and domes.
Evening: Attend the evening aarti ceremony at Meenakshi Temple, an atmospheric and spiritual experience with music, chants, and rituals.
Overnight stay in Madurai.
Day 7 – Madurai / Tiruvannamalai (260 km – 6h30)
Morning: After breakfast, drive north towards Tiruvannamalai, a revered spiritual destination nestled at the foot of Arunachala Hill. The journey passes through rural Tamil Nadu, offering glimpses of village life and verdant countryside.
Afternoon: Upon arrival, check into your hotel and visit the Arunachaleswarar Temple, one of the largest temples in India, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his fire incarnation. Spanning over 25 acres, the temple is famed for its massive gopurams (gateway towers), intricate carvings, and spiritual significance as one of the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams.
Evening: Optional: Take part in Girivalam, a sacred circumambulation of the holy Arunachala Hill, considered to embody Lord Shiva himself. The 14-km walk is done barefoot and is believed to bring spiritual merit.
Day 8 – Tiruvannamalai / Chennai (190 km – 5h)
Morning: After breakfast, set off towards Chennai, with a stop at Gingee Fort, often referred to as the “Troy of the East.” This historic citadel complex stretches across three hilltops and dates back to the Chola dynasty. The climb rewards you with sweeping views and a sense of ancient grandeur.
Afternoon: Arrive in Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu. Check-in and freshen up.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxed stroll along Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world. Visit the colonial district around Fort St. George, established by the British East India Company in 1644 and now home to a museum showcasing early colonial artifacts.
Day 9 – Chennai / Port Blair / Havelock Island
Morning: Early transfer to the airport for your flight to Port Blair, the gateway to the Andaman Islands.
Afternoon: Upon landing, take a ferry to Havelock Island, renowned for its powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters.
Evening: Check-in at your beachfront resort and unwind amidst palm groves and tropical breeze. Sunset over the Andaman Sea offers a perfect moment to relax after your journey.
Day 10 – Havelock Island
Morning: Visit the world-famous Radhanagar Beach, consistently ranked among the top beaches in Asia. With its soft white sands, calm turquoise waters, and lush forest backdrop, it’s ideal for swimming or simply soaking in nature.
Afternoon: Optional visit to Elephant Beach, accessible by a short boat ride. This vibrant coral reef spot is perfect for snorkeling or glass-bottom boat rides to observe marine life.
Evening: Return to the resort for a tranquil evening. You may choose to enjoy a beachside barbecue dinner or simply relax with a book by the waves.
Day 11 – Havelock Island (Day at Leisure or Optional Activities)
Morning: A relaxed start to the day. For those looking to explore more, visit the serene Kalapathar Beach, known for its striking black rocks and unspoiled surroundings.
Afternoon: Optional excursions: scuba diving in pristine dive sites teeming with marine biodiversity, kayaking through mangrove creeks, or exploring local fishing villages for a cultural encounter.
Evening: Enjoy the peaceful island atmosphere — perhaps indulge in a spa session or watch the stars from the beach.
Day 12 – Havelock / Port Blair
Morning: After breakfast, take the ferry back to Port Blair.
Afternoon: Visit the poignant Cellular Jail, a colonial-era prison that once held Indian freedom fighters in solitary confinement. Explore the museum and memorial halls that narrate India’s struggle for independence.
Evening: Witness the powerful Sound & Light Show at Cellular Jail, which combines narration, music, and visuals to tell the story of the Andaman Islands’ role in India’s freedom movement.
Day 13 – Port Blair / Chennai
Morning: Transfer to the airport for your flight to Chennai.
Afternoon: After arrival and hotel check-in, enjoy your final exploration of Tamil Nadu’s capital. Dive into the city’s vibrant atmosphere with a visit to T. Nagar or Pondy Bazaar, bustling markets famous for silk sarees, jewelry, and spices.
Evening: Free at your hotel.
Day 14 – Chennai / Departure
Morning: After breakfast transfer to Chennai International Airport for your flight back home.
End of Services
Your hotels or similar :
- Chennai – Radha Regent****
- Mahabalipuram – Chariot Beach Resort****
- Pondichéry – Villa Helena (Heritage)
- Kumbhakonam – Chola Dynasty***
- Tanjore – Gnanam***
- Madurai – GRT Regency***
- Tiruvanamalai – Hotel Himalaya***
- Port Blair – Coral Reef Hotel & Spa****
- Havelock – Barefoot at Havelock****
Price Includes :
- Private vehicle adapted to the number of travelers: spacious, air-conditioned, and suitable for transporting all luggage comfortably. All expenses related to vehicle, fuel, taxes, toll taxes & parking.
- English-speaking driver (basic level), including all his meals, accommodations, and salary.
- Accommodation in double or twin-sharing rooms, with breakfast and all applicable taxes included.
- All monument and park entrance fees.
- Domestic flight below Chennai / Port Blair / Chennai.
Price Does Not Include :
- International and domestic airfare
- Visa fees and processing
- Lunches and dinners (except houseboat)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, laundry, etc.)
- Tips for guides and driver
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Optional activities (Ayurveda treatments, performances, yoga, etc.)
- Camera/video fees at certain monuments.
