MahabalipuramMahabalipuram was the second capital andseaport of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. Itwas at the height of its political power and artisticcreativity between the 7th and 9th centuries AD,during which time the Pallavas establishedthemselves as patrons of early Tamil culture. Thenature of the area, with its two vast granite-gneissmounds, lent itself to rock-cut architecture andthere are many fascinating sites including thestriking Shore Temple and Arjuna's Penance, oneof the world's largest bas reliefs. Mahabalipuram is a good base to explore the region on day tripswhilst enjoying the leisurely atmosphere in thisbreezy coastal town on the Bay of Bengal.VIVANTABYTAJ- FISHERMAN'SCOVE, MAHABALIPURAMLocated 38 kilometres south of Chennai on theway to the rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram,Fisherman's Cove is one of the most luxuriousbeach resorts in Tamil Nadu. Built around theruins of a Dutch Fort, all 88 air-conditionedrooms and cottages are beautifully positionedwithin the tropical gardens or beside the Bay ofBengal. The spacious rustic cottages have anoutdoor sitting area and open-air garden showers. Restaurants include Bay View wherefresh and locally caught seafood can be enjoyed in an open-air setting and Seagull, an all day multi-cuisine restaurant.RADISSONTEMPLEBAY,MAHABALIPURAMThis airy hotel is within easy walking distance ofthe sights of Mahabalipuram and located above abeautiful beach. Set in 18 hectares of landscapedgardens, the rooms and cottages are decorated inbright colours with large picture windows and abalcony or deck area overlooking the sea orgardens. Some rooms have their own plungepool. A large pool and a wonderful infinity poolare perfect for a dip after sightseeing. Otherfacilities include a health suite, a multi-cuisine cafeoverlooking the historic Shore Temple and anopen-air restaurant specialising in seafood.KanchipuramOne of India's seven holy Hindu cities,Kanchipuram is also a wonderful example of thearchitectural styles of the Pallava and Choladynasties. There are dozens of temples, built from the 7th to 15th centuries and some stillattract hundreds of pilgrims every day, making this an excellent place to observe the pujaceremonies of worshippers. The KailasanathaTemple is considered to be the most beautiful,with numerous small shrines and faded frescoes.The town itself is a key silk production area and a fantastic place to watch the skilled artisanscreating the delicate saris and shawls that areworn throughout India.www.audleytravel.com/southindia ?01993 838 355 ?Tamil Nadu & Karnataka59Vivanta by Taj - Fisherman's Cove, MahabalipuramRadisson Temple Bay, MahabalipuramShore Temple, MahabalipuramKrishna's Butter Ball, MahabalipuramKailasanatha Temple, KanchipuramBharatha Natyam dancers, Mahabalipuram Silk drying, Kanchipuram

60The 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. BAREFOOTRESORT, HAVELOCKISLANDPerfect for discerning nature lovers, this is an eco-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.ChennaiFounded 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 of Fort 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.VIVANTABYTAJ- 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 from around the world. There is also a well-stockedbookshop.Vivanta by Taj -Connemara, ChennaiSanthome Church, ChennaiThe Andaman Islands