Tamil Nadu & Karnataka - Audley Travel

Santhome Church, ChennaiChennaiFounded in 1639 by the East India Company,Chennai (or Madras, as it was formerly known)grew from the small British settlement ofMadraspatnam to encompass all the surroundingvillages and the neighbouring Portuguesesettlement. The striking Indo-Saracenicarchitecture that characterises the old city ofFort St George stands amid the hustle and bustleof modern life, creating a fascinating city ofcontrasts. From the beautiful neo-Gothic SanThome Cathedral to the Kapaleswarar temple,Fort St George to Marina Beach, Chennai’scultural history has left a wealth of sites tointerest the visitor.VIVANTA BY TAJ –CONNEMARA, CHENNAILocated in the heart of the city, this art decoproperty is the city’s only heritage hotel. Modernfacilities and comforts are coupled with old-worldcharm and the air-conditioned rooms are allbright and welcoming with spacious living areas.Restaurants include the Rain Tree, which has agarden setting with live classical dance, and theVerandah, which overlooks the attractiveswimming pool and provides dishes fromaround the world. There is also a well-stockedbookshop.60Vivanta by Taj – Connemara, ChennaiThe Andaman IslandsThe Andaman Islands are India’s secret paradise;with stunning beaches, pristine coral reefs, denseforests, active volcanoes, swimming elephant, andelusive dugongs. Located to the east of themainland in the Indian Ocean, the islands are partof India but geographically closer to Burma andThailand. Marco Polo visited the islands in the13th century and in the late 19th century theBritish took control and established a penalcolony. Today their remoteness is a blessing andthe white sands are frequented by visitorsprepared to journey to enjoy their simplicity andsnorkel and dive in the clear seas. Flights fromCalcutta and Chennai land at Port Blair, theisland’s administrative centre, where a night isusually necessary after your stay on one of theislands, before travelling back to the mainland.BAREFOOT RESORT,HAVELOCK ISLANDPerfect for discerning nature lovers, this is aneco-friendly retreat in the shadows of lush, greentropical rainforests next to a beautiful white sandybeach. Spread over three hectares, the resort isbased on the philosophy of sustainable andsocially responsible tourism. The 18 cottages andvillas are made from wood and thatch, rainwateris harvested and most staff members are from thelocal community. The resort offers many outdooractivities including diving, fishing, kayaking, trekkingand elephant rides. You could begin your daywith a yoga class, take an escorted nature walk, ordiscover the fascinating world of the coral reefs.The Andaman Islands