Chennai is Tamil Nadu’s coastal capital and one of India’s financial, cultural and tourism hubs. Attractions include the city’s beaches, museums, shopping areas and historical sites, particularly the centrally located Kapaleeshwar Temple – a historical shrine to the goddess Shiva, featuring gaudily decorative gopurams (towers) covered with colourful carvings – and the group of ancient rock-carved temples at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located roughly 60 kilometres from the city centre. Also of interest is the Guindy National Park, which occupies nearly three square kilometres of greenery in the city centre and is home to an array of birds, reptiles and (mainly smallish) mammals.
Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is situated in India's Tamil Nadu state, between the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake. The ancient port town is also a charming tourist hub, attracting travellers for centuries with its enthralling temples. It was once known as the 'Seven Pagodas', alluding to the seven tiered towers that once stood on the shore, of which one - the Shore Temple - still stands. The port is also famous for its stone carvings, which have World Heritage Site status. Impressive cave temples, monolithic 'rathas' (chariots), and sculpted reliefs built by the Pallavas in the 7th and 8th centuries form this group of monuments. After sightseeing, enjoy an Indian thali meal or chai tea at one of the bustling diners in town.
Puducherry – previously known as Pondicherry – is made up of four entirely separate enclaves along the Indian coast, all of which were colonised by the French in the 18th century. Named after the largest of these enclaves, this union territory has retained a strong European culture that makes it unlike any other place in India. Nowhere is this more evident than in Puducherry district, dubbed the ‘French Riviera of the East’, where antiquated colonial buildings line the quiet cobbled streets and tree-lined avenues of the old town, and many people still speak French as their first language.
As previously described
The capital city/island of the Andaman archipelago, Port Blair is the entry point into this remote archipelago and the kick-off point for forays into the area, including trips to Havelock, Neil, Ross and Little Andaman islands. It’s a pleasant place to overnight while en route to these exotic outposts – while you’re there don’t miss a meal or drinks at the Fortune Resort Bay Island Hotel, perched on a coastal cliff and offering spectacular views over the bay, as well as excellent tandoori fare.
One of the most popular tourist destinations in the Andaman archipelago is Havelock Island, accessible via a ferry ride from the Port Blair. The island offers a cornucopia of leisure opportunities, including snorkelling and diving amongst the coral reefs, with their kaleidoscopic array of marine life; fishing expeditions on the open ocean, hiking along lush jungle tracks, or simply soaking up the sun on one of the palm-fringed beaches. Don’t miss a visit to beautiful Radnaghar Beach, backed by a mystical stretch of indigenous forest. Perhaps because of its remoteness from the mainland, Havelock is far more laid back than many more traditional Indian destinations, with fewer cultural constraints and expectations.
Renowned for its slow, laidback vibe, Neil Island -officially known as Shaheed Dweep - is a tiny but beautiful island only 37km south of the Andaman Islands. This idyllic little pocket of paradise offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of nearby Havelock Island. Visitors can look forward to exploring gorgeous white sandy beaches, pristine coral reefs, lush tropical forests and quaint little villages. Popular activities on the island include swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, jungle trekking, shopping at the main bazaar, or simply relaxing on one of the exquisite local beaches.
As previously described
