Day 01 – Chennai
On arrival at Chennai vide an early morning flight, you will be taken to a city Hotel for a short sleep. Have a relaxed breakfast. Afternoon, a guided story telling tour of Chennai-Ancient Mylapore Cultural Train. You will visit Kapaleeshwar Temple, Santhome Cathedral etc. You will have opportunities to interact with the local flower sellers at the temple and of course with your local story teller. Overnight at hotel.
ANCIENT MYLAPORE CULTURAL TRAIL
Understand and explore the eclectic architecture of the ancient settlement, which helps to establish a deep connection with the past. Get an up and close view of the manner in which these houses garland the historic Kapaleeswara Temple and decorate the local wat of life. The tour offers an introduction to the Social History of Chennai- the story of its people, its streets, its architecture, its public and commercial institutions, and its multitude of small family-run stores.

Day 02 – Chennai-Kanchipuram-(1.5 Hours) Thiruvannamalai-(2.5 Hours)
After an early breakfast, drive to Kanchipuram, the city of thousand temples. Half day guided tour of Kanchipuram. Visit Kailasanatha Temple, Ekambareswara Temple & Varadaraja Temple. Afternoon, drive to Thiruvannamalai . Visit Arunachaleswar Temple. Also walk through Grivalam Road. Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Kanchipuram – Kanchipuram, an ancient city known as “the city of thousand temples”, is one of the seven most sacred pilgrim centres for the Hindus. There now remain about 126 temples and a few more in its outskirts. Today, apart from its temples, this small town is also known for its thriving handloom industry. Ekambaranath Temple, also known as Ekambareswarar Temple – The eleven-storey structure which is adorned with beautiful Stucco Figures is one of the tall temple towers in South India. The ancient mango tree in the courtyard inside the temple is revered by childless couples. They faithfully tie small cradles to the branches of the tree and leave with the hope that their desire for an offspring will be fulfilled. Also visit Kailasanatha Temple and Varadaja Temple.

Afternoon, drive to Thiruvannamalai, otherwise known as Varanasi Of the South. On arrival, check into your hotel. Evening visit Sree Arunachaleswarar Temple and you may stay until the closing ceremony. The temple itself is a living village where you will get enough interaction opportunities with local people. You may start with a short walk through Grivalam Road where the SAdhoos sitting on the roadside, blessing people. Overnight at hotel.

Thiruvannamalai, known for Arunachaleswarar Temple, one of oldest Shiva Temples in India. The famous temple city of Thiruvannamalai, looks similar to Madurai, but the temple is huge and the entry to tourists are permitted very close to the Sanctum Sanctorum. May be this is the right place to witness the closing ceremony as one can stand so close to the Sanctorum and also to the sleeping room, known as Palliyara. The Arunachaleswarar Temple at Tiruvannamalai is one of the biggest and grandest temples in South India.

Day 03 – Thiruvannamalai- Gingee Fort (1 Hours)-Pondicherry (1 Hour)
Early morning, if you wish, you may walk to the Aruna mountain which will be a good experience. The hotel people will guide you . Later after breakfast, drive to Gingee Fort also known as Senchi Fort. You will visit the monuments located at the foot of the hill. Later drive to Pondicherry to check into your hotel. Afternoon , guided tour of Pondicherry. Evening for free walks at the French quarter or beach side. Overnight at the Hotel.

Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu, India is one of the few surviving forts in Tamil Nadu, India. So well fortified was this place that Shivaji ranked it as the “most impregnable fortress in India” and it was called the “Troy of the East” by the British. The actual name of Gingee is ‘Sengiri’ meaning perhaps the “Red Hill” in Tamil that has got corrupted into Gingee. A popular tradition is that Senji Fort and the village are named after the local village Godess Senji Amman.Her temple existed before the construction of the Fort,half way up the Rajagiri Hill. The name has also been traced to Singavaram the neighbouring Vaishnavite shrine, whose lord is considered the guardian deity of the place. Originally the site of a small fort built by the Chola dynasty in 9th century AD, it was later modified by Kurumbar while fighting the Chola and again by the Vijayanagar empire in the 14th century to elevate it to the status of an unbreachable citadel to protect the small town of Gingee. Though the Fort is accessible and seen from the main road, there is no much exploration happening and the tourists are not much to be seen at all.Before you enter the Fort,you may visit a Temple by name Venkitaramana Temple which stands the test of time beside the tall hill. Once you enter the Fort, it is a vast area where you will see the prison, Elephant bathing Pond, Women’s residence, a huge granary or store house to keep food and other consumables and many more.

The old town of Pondicherry has a unique charm and the French Quarter is unique in its cleanliness, architecture, discipline etc. To experience the spirit of Pondicherry, its essential to walk through the old town and closely observe the nature of its architectural traditions. Its interesting to note that if someone wants an old building to be restored in Pondicherry, the local authorities ask for the approval of INTACH on priority. This is interesting and we could see how naturally those old buildings were restored in French style. One will walk through Town Hall (Mairie/Hotel de Ville),Notre Dame des Anges Church, Ecole Francaise d’Extreme-Orient,Cluny Emboidery centre, Alliance Francaise, INTACH Heritage Centre for Exhibitions, Lycees Francaise and lot more.
The beach close to the French quarter is landscaped with wide stone paved pathways and the vehicular traffic is banned from 6 PM till 7.30 AM. its strictly maintained and the pedestrians enjoy their walk in the evening. Many of the old heritage buildings are now getting converted to hotels and guest houses. All kinds of restaurants with international cusines are seen everywhere. A walk through the market place on M G Road is also amazing.

Day 04 – The Auroville Experience
Full day story telling experience tour on Auroville, the central attraction of Pondichery, for its unique living culture of universality. The tour is conducted by our story telling partner in Tamilnadu with an authentic story teller who will take you through the life & spirit of Auroville. Your lunch is included in the tour which you will have from Auroville. Overnight at your hotel

Auroville is an experiment in progress. It wants to be a universal town where women and men of all countries are able to live in peace and harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. Currently, people from more than 50 different nationalities live and work in Auroville. On this tour we learn what makes Auroville special.

The tour, led by an Aurovilian, starts with an introduction to the philosophy behind Auroville, and the influence of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. We then learn about the day to day functioning of Auroville though which it puts its philosophy to work. It includes visits to a textile design studio, musical design and treatment centre, bamboo research institute and a women’s cooperative. Guests are encouraged to interact with the hosts/artisans. Lunch at one of the in-house organic restaurants/cafes is part of the experience. The tour ends at the visitor center where one can shop for Auroville products, they make for some very good souvenirs.

Day 05 – Pondicherry- Mahabalipuram (2 Hours)
After breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram for a sightseeing of Mahabalipuram to explore the heritage of Mahabalipuram temples, built in 7th & 8th century AD which are today the sight of several antique sculptural marvels. Afternoon for exploring the beach or the township. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Mahabalipuram has a significant role in the history and architecture of India which gives a major role for the archaeological enthusiasts. This is the only place in India where we have Cave Architecture, Monolythic Architecture and Structural Architecture still existing simultaneously. Also the long stretch of clean beach will give one a peaceful relaxation in Mahabalipuram.
Mahabalipuram – It is among the most outstanding examples of Pallava art and architecture. The monuments are floodlit at night and so it is possible to enjoy their beauty even after sunset. Arjuna’s Penance – This skillfully carved rock is the largest bas relief in the world. There are nine rock cut cave temples. The Mahishasuramardhini cave, contrasting the goddess fighting a demon on one side, and Lord Vishnu’s cosmic sleep on the other, is a particularly remarkable one. Five Rathas -These rock-cut temples are rated as excellent example of Pallava art. Shaped in different styles, the rathas are supposed to have been scooped out of a single rock formation.

Day 06 – Mahabalipuram-Chennai (1 Hours)-Port Blair (By Flight)
After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to connect your Indigo flight to Port Blair ETD. On arrival at Port Blair airport, you will be transferred to your hotel at Port Blair. After some rest, visit the famous Cellular Jail, (entry closes at 1545hrs), an old colonial prison situated in Port Blair also known as ‘Kalapani’. Later, attend the enthralling Sound & Light Show at Cellular Jail where the heroic saga of the Indian freedom struggle is brought alive and then drop back to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

• In case your flight lands in the afternoon, we may offer to take you direct from the airport to Cellular Jail so that you are able to watch the Sound & Light show.

• Please note that since vehicles are not allowed to wait outside Cellular Jail, all guests will be dropped at the parking point (approximately 400mtrs from the entry gate of the Jail) and will have to walk from the parking point until the entrance. Once the Jail visit or Sound & Light show is done, the guest will have to walk back to the parking point to board the vehicle.

• Please note that the Sound & Light show timing is subject to ticket availability.

Day 07 – Port Blair – Havelock
Today, you will be dropped at the Ferry station to board your ferry to Havelock. On arrival at Havelock, you will be received by the hotel staff to bring you to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure on the beach. Overnight at Hotel.

• Kindly remind the Port Blair hotel to provide packed breakfast

• Kindly carry your passport to enter the Port Blair jetty. Alcohol cannot be carried on-board the ferry.

Evening Beach walk – Take a guided walk along the beach to explore it’s pristine environment and learn about coastal vegetation and marine ecology.

Day 08 – Havelock
Relax and unwind on the picturesque beaches of Havelock.
Optional Activities:
Morning :Birding with Sunrise – A sun rise birdwalk in the Andaman islands is a magical experience that combains the serene beauty of dawn with the vibrant sounds of nature awakening as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the lush landscapes, the islands come alive with the calls and songs of their rich bird life. Spot a variety of forest, mangrove and coastal bird species, including rare and endemic ones like the Andaman Drongo, Andaman bulbul and Andaman coucal. Observe other elements of nature such as butterflies, wild flowers and small mammals, adding to the richness of experience.

Afternoon:2:00 pm Radanagar beach-Spend time swimming, sunbathing and the serene surroundings. 3:00 PM Neil’s cove nature walk – Guided nature walk along the trails around Neil’s cove, observing endemic flora, a serene lagoon surrounded by dense forest and witness the hues of sunset. Keep an eye out for monitor lizard, Hermit crabs, land crabs and butterflies flitting through the forest. Spot native birds like Andaman drongo and kingfisher.

Day 09 – Havelock
Relax and unwind on the picturesque beaches of Havelock.
Optional Activities:
Morning:Village experience and Farm visit – A village tour in the Andaman is a wonderful way to connect with the cultural and rural life of the locals, while exploring the natural beauty and sustainable practices of the region. Learn about tropical farming, indegenous crops, and the role of community based agriculture.
Secret beach Nature walk – Embark on a guided trek to a hidden beach. Enjoy some quiet time at the beach, surrounded by the nature’s serenity and explore secluded, untouched shores. Spot towering trees creepers and wild Orchid along the trail. Catch glimpses of vibrant butterflies including the Andaman Clipper and blue tiger. Monitor lizards, Geckos and bay island lizards are often seen basking in the sun. The area is often undisturbed making it perfect for spotting birds like Andaman woodpecker, white headed starling, scarlet minvets, herons, and kingfishers.
Evening:Mangrove kayaking Paddle through the serene mangrove creeks on Havelock Island with a guide. Observe unique mangrove ecosystem, spot waterbirds, and learn about the ecological significance of these habitat.

Day 10 – Havelock
Relax and unwind on the picturesque beaches of Havelock.
Optional Activities:
Morning: Forest trekking and snorkeling / Discover scuba diving
Forest trekking – The journey to elephanta beach begins with an adventurous trek through a lush tropical forest. Walk through the dense greenary, with towering trees, endemic plants and glimpses of wildlife like birds, lizards and butterflies.
Sonrkeling- Elephanta beach is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and crystal clear water making it a prime spot for snorkeling. Discover the stunning underwater world filled with colourful fish, sea anemones and other marine creatures. Snorkeling reveals a variety of common marine creatures including schools of small fish like damselfish and sergeant majors, colorful parrot fish and angelfish, curious clown fish hiding in sea anemones, shy octopuses and vibrant sea urchin and starfish, all thriving amidst the coral reefs and sandy beds.

Afternoon :Intertidal walk – Tidal walk is an extraordinary exploration of marine world revealed during low tide, offering a close up experience of life in the zone between the land and sea. This activity both educational and immersive, providing insights in to the fascinating biodiversity. Explore tide pools and rockyshore to observe a variety of marine creatures including hermit crabs, seacucumber, mudskippers, brittle stars. Learn about different coral species and their role in the marine ecosystem. Observe vibrant seaweeds and algae that thrive in the intertidal zone and understand how organism survive in the harsh conditions.

Day 11 – Havelock
Relax and unwind on the picturesque beaches of Havelock.

Optional Activities:
. Barren island trip
. Game fishing
. Island Hopping
. Sunset cruise

Day 12 – Havelock- Port Blair – Chennai-Departure
After an early breakfast, you will board the ferry to Portblair and on arrival at Port Blair Ferry Station, you will be dropped at the Airport to connect your flight to Chennai . On arrival in Chennai , Airport hotel car will pick you with a paging board to transfer you to an airport hotel for rest. Later by midnight, you will be dropped to Chennai International Airport by the hotel car to connect your flight home.

*Activities in Havelock may slightly change depending upon the hotel you choose for your stay.