7:00 AM – Departure from Chennai to Pondicherry

Your journey begins with a 3-hour drive from Chennai to Pondicherry (approximately 150 kilometers), a charming coastal town known for its colonial heritage, vibrant culture, and spiritual significance. During the drive, enjoy the scenic views of the countryside and the serene coastal landscapes.

10:00 AM – Arrival in Pondicherry

Aurobindo Ashram: 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Start your exploration in Pondicherry with a visit to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, one of the most renowned spiritual centers in India. Founded by the famous philosopher and yogi, Sri Aurobindo, the Ashram is a place of peace and reflection. Spend time in the tranquil surroundings, exploring the ashram’s history and philosophy. The meditation areas and the tomb of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother (Mirra Alfassa) are key highlights of the visit.

French Quarter and Manakula Vinayagar Temple: 10:45 AM 
Next, head to the French Quarter, where you can stroll along the charming cobbled streets lined with French colonial architecture. The picturesque whitewashed buildings, vibrant bougainvillaea, and peaceful ambiance offer a glimpse of Pondicherry’s colonial past. Visit the Manakula Vinayagar Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, located nearby. This temple is famous for its intricate Dravidian architecture and the revered idol of Ganesha, believed to bring blessings and prosperity.

Promenade Beach
After immersing yourself in the city’s history, enjoy a peaceful walk along Promenade Beach, one of the most popular spots in Pondicherry. With the sea on one side and colonial-era buildings on the other, this beautiful beach offers a perfect opportunity to relax, take in the sea breeze, and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Auroville and Matrimandir 

After lunch, drive to Auroville, an experimental township located about 10 km from Pondicherry, known for its unique vision of universal human unity. Founded by Mirra Alfassa (known as the Mother), the city is designed to be a place of peace and harmony for people of all nationalities and cultures. The Matrimandir, a golden spherical structure at the heart of Auroville, is a symbol of the town’s ideal of inner peace and unity. You can explore the surroundings and visit the Matrimandir Viewing Point for panoramic views of the township.

12:45 PM – 1:45 PM: Lunch

Indulge in a delightful South Indian or French-inspired lunch at a local restaurant in Pondicherry. Many restaurants in the city offer a mix of local seafood delicacies, South Indian vegetarian dishes, and French cuisine, giving you a taste of the diverse culinary influences in the region.

2:00 PM – Departure from Pondicherry to Mahabalipuram

After a serene visit to Auroville, drive for about 2 hours to Mahabalipuram (around 100 kilometers from Pondicherry), known for its ancient temples and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

4:00 PM – Arrival in Mahabalipuram

Shore Temple: 
Begin your exploration of Mahabalipuram with the iconic Shore Temple, located by the sea. This architectural marvel, built in the 7th century, is one of the oldest structural temples in South India and is renowned for its exquisite Dravidian style. The Shore Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is particularly stunning at sunset, offering spectacular views over the Bay of Bengal.

Pancha Rathas: 
Next, head to the Pancha Rathas (Five Rathas), a group of monolithic rock-cut temples named after the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. These unique structures, carved out of a single granite rock, display intricate sculptures and are an excellent example of Pallava-era architecture.

Arjuna’s Penance and Krishna’s Butterball: 
Continue your tour by visiting Arjuna’s Penance, one of the world’s largest bas-reliefs, depicting the legendary descent of the Ganges from the heavens. This colossal carving showcases scenes from Hindu mythology, featuring gods, animals, and sages in intricate detail. Not far from here, visit Krishna’s Butterball, a giant balancing boulder that defies gravity and has become one of Mahabalipuram’s most photographed landmarks.

6:00 PM – Departure for Chennai

After completing your tour of Mahabalipuram, begin your return journey to Chennai. The drive back will take approximately 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.

 Arrival in Chennai

Conclude your memorable and enriching day trip as you arrive back in Chennai, bringing with you a wealth of cultural and historical experiences from Pondicherry and Mahabalipuram.

Exclusive Website Price:

01 Person –          INR 16900 / person

02 – 04 Persons – INR 11900 / person

05 – 15 Persons – INR 10500 / person

Tour Includes :

• Pick up and drop to hotel in Chennai by Private transportation with AC
• English speaking guide
• Lunch
• Water bottle
• Snacks
• Entry tickets
• All taxes
• Parking