Tamil Nadu is renowned for majestic temples, ancient Dravidian culture and a truly special cuisine all of its own.
Less remarked upon however is the coastline of the state which is over 1000 kilometres long. From the cosmopolitan Marina Beach in Chennai, to Kanyakumari where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet, there are both bustling and popular spots as well as remote locations where time seems to stand still. Here is a sampling of some of the most popular coastal enclaves along the Tamil Nadu coast.
Arrival at Chennai
You’ll be met on arrival at Chennai airport and introduced to your driver. Check in at your hotel, then head out to Marina Beach, one of the longest city-beaches anywhere in the world. Part beach, part market, part social hub, Marina Beach is a singular introduction to the uniqueness of Tamil Nadu. Overnight in Chennai
Chennai - Mahabalipuram
Depart at your leisure and drive 2 hours or so to the town of Mahabalipuram- nowadays a fishing village and weekend escape destination for Chennai residents, but at one time a major port and capital of the Palavva dynasty. Several important, UNESCO World Heritage-listed monuments vie for you attention. Amidst the carnage of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the seabed here rose significantly and new offshore temple elements were discovered. Overnight in Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry
After breakfast and maybe some time on the beach, drive a further 2 hours to the former French capital of India, Pondicherry. If you wish you can visit Auroville before reaching Pondicherry- this is an ‘experimental city’, the dream of a sage, Aurobindo, who lived in Pondicherry during much of the mid-20th century and sees people from all over the world striving to build a self-sustaining community- 40-plus years in things are evolving nicely. Time in Pondicherry is best spent on foot walking through both the French Quarter and the busier Tamil Quarter. An evening stroll along the promenade is a quintessential part of a visit to Pondicherry. Overnight in Pondicherry.
Pondicherry - Tranquebar
While many people are aware that there was a French colonial presence in India, far fewer people know about the Danish influence here. Their one and only major stronghold was at Tranquebar. This small town bears a few traces of the Danish presence- mainly the large fort which still stands on the shoreline, but also in a series of historical markets and monuments. Definitely an off-the-beaten-track destination but one well worth exploring. Overnight in Tranquebar
Trichy - Rameswaram
Drive down the coast to Rameswaram, a famous pilgrimage site and a point so close to Sri Lanka that during ice ages when sea levels are low it has been easy to walk across ‘Adam’s Bridge’ to that island. On reaching Rameswaram visit the temple and beaches looking out over the Bay of Bengal. Overnight in Rameshwar arm.
Rameswaram - Kanyakumari
Continue travelling south until you run out of land! By this stage you’ll have reached Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India where the– Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal meet. Head out to Vivekananda Rock by boat, and enjoy the feeling of standing with all of India spread before you. Overnight in Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari - Trivandrum Airport
Witness sunrise over the ocean and later head towards Trivandrum. Any spare time can be spent on the beach at Kovalam- Trivandrum airport is only a short drive from here. Our local team will bid you farewell at Trivandrum airport.
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