Essential Tamil Nadu & the Andamans - Absolute Asia Tours

On arrival in Chennai, you'll be met by a Myway representative, who will accompany you to your hotel in Mamallapuram ( on the coast )

You'll spend the morning with your guide, visiting Mamallapuram's stunning 8th century Shore Temple, before heading on to explore the Hill Complex with its sacred sights and spectacular carvings. You'll also stop at the Five Rathas - remarkable ancient monoliths each carved from a single huge rock. After lunch, depart for Pondicherry in time for a cycle rickshaw ride around the diverse streets of this former French colony.

Spend the morning exploring Pondicherry with your guide, starting in White Town, with its manicured streets and villas, before heading over the canal to Black Town, which has its own flavour and a day-long bohemian bustle that nicely offsets the French colonial hauteur. You'll have the afternoon at leisure to explore under your own steam, perhaps dropping into some of the French Quarter's many art galleries and antique shops, or visiting its famous Goubert Market, within the Grand Bazaar.

Drive to Tanjore, stopping at Kumbakonam, one of the oldest towns in Tamil Nadu and home to 18 major temples. In its picturesque setting between two rivers, the town is also known for its intricately carved idols, silk weaving and exquisite brassware, especially lamps. Explore a couple of the town's most important sites before heading onwards to check in to your hotel.

Take a trip to Tiruchirappalli - aka 'Trichy' - to explore the 17th century Rock Fort Temple, perched on an 83 metre crag overlooking the town. As you climb the 400 steps to its summit, pause at various temples and cave shrines, with beautiful carvings to admire while you catch your breath! Next stop is Srirangam, famous for its huge temple complex, which sits on an island in the river. Return to Tanjore for lunch and an afternoon at Brihadishvara Temple, known locally as the Big Temple - because it is! The temple’s walls are covered in mythological scenes, and its monolithic cupola was carved from a single granite rock which weighs in at 80 tonnes. You will also have the chance to observe some bronze statues being cast by local craftsmen.

Depart for Chettinad, stopping to visit Chettinad Palace, known for its mix of architectural styles, and to explore the region's cottage industries, including colourful glass tiles that are still made by hand. Continue to your accommodation, in one of the extraordinary heritage mansions which were built here between the mid 19th and 20th centuries.

Head up into the cooler climate of the Palani Hills, where you'll spend a couple of days amongst the coffee plantations, enjoying the lush tranquil landscape. You'll be staying in one of the seven gorgeous planter-style guestrooms at Pallam Palace, the 18th century house at the heart of Rajakkad Estate. Your time here can be spent relaxing in a shaded hammock beneath the garden trees, exploring the estate, visiting the farm with its animals and coffee-drying yard, or walking to the village beyond. Guided excursions on offer include riverside walks, climbing escarpments to enjoy the panoramic views, or heading to waterfalls and isolated pools for an undisturbed wild swim.

Enjoy a second day exploring your beautiful surroundings, or simply put your feet up and soak in the atmosphere.

Having arrived in Madurai, relax for a while before taking a late afternoon walking tour of this ancient city with your specialist guide. Your host will share fascinating tales about kings, gods, and intriguing Madurai residents, many of which are so ancient that they dance a fine line between myth and history. After dinner in town, you'll be taken to the Meenakshi Temple in time for the ‘night ceremony’. Amidst much chanting, drums, horns and incense burning, witness the image of Lord Shiva being carried in a procession from his shrine to that of his wife Meenakshi, where he'll spend the night.

Return to the Meenakshi Temple to explore this impressive South Indian temple with your guide. There's a lot to see in the 14 acre temple complex, including 14 ornately decorated step-temples, and 1000s of extraordinary monuments. Highlights include musical pillars which ring at different tones when struck, the pilgrims' bathing pool with its huge golden lotus, and exquisite stone carvings in the 1,000-pillared hall. Spend the afternoon exploring under your own steam, before meeting a specialist guide for your evening streetfood tour. Madurai's lively food scene goes back a long way, with written records – including recipes – spanning two millennia! Your guide will share some foodie history while you sample local delicacies in a city that takes its food very seriously.

After your short flight to Chennai and hotel check-in, spend the afternoon with a knowledgeable local guide, exploring the British heritage of this fascinating city. Within Fort St George, which was the first English fortress in India, you’ll find a great museum and St Mary's, the country's oldest Protestant church. Explore Santhome, a stunning 16th century Catholic basilica, before enjoying some time at leisure to soak up the ambience.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Port Blair in the Andaman Islands, where you'll be transferred to the jetty for the (shared) ferry trip to Havelock Island. Prepare to kick back and relax by the beach for a couple of days!

Your day will be at leisure to relax on the beach, enjoy some snorkelling, or maybe participate in one of the activities offered by your resort.

Another day to enjoy this stunning environment, doing as much or as little as you like.

You'll take the ferry back to Port Blair this morning and connect with your flight to Chennai. On arrival you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel.

Transfer to Chennai airport in time for your onward flight.