Once you arrive in Chennai early morning,  our driver will pick you up. Proceeds towards Mahabalipuram. It is about 60 Km/ 40 miles and takes around 2 hours.

On the way stop at Madras Crocodile Bank Trust – The bank is the first crocodile breeding centre in Asia. The centre is both a registered trust and a recognized zoo.

Once you reach Mahabalipuram you can visit the different monuments, buildings and temples for the rest of the day

Arjuna’s Penance – The Arjuna’s Penance is an enormous rock-cut relief, one of the largest in the whole world. It is also known by the name ‘Descent of the Ganges’ because the structure depicts either or both of these two significant and symbolic events of Hindu mythology; thus making this attraction spot a favourite among historians, scholars, academics as well as tourists who are enthusiastic about the cultural past of India.

Five Rathas – The Five Rathas, also known as Panch Rathas, is a exemplary set of rock temples. These temples are built in the same shape as pagodas, and greatly resemble Buddhist shrines and monasteries. The rathas are associated with the great epic Mahabharata.

You can also visit Covelong Beach – A perfect retreat amidst palm trees and silver sand. From the centuries earlier to the times after, the Beach has been transformed into one of the best excursion and picnic spots. The village nearby has India’s first Surfing School. The beach offers a plethora of water activities to its visitors.

In the evening you can visit Mahabalipuram Beach. The beach lies on the shore of Bay of Bengal and comprises of some rock-cut sculptures which are pleasing to the eyes. It is also famous for caves, massive rathas, chariots and temples which offer a great spot for holiday.

Overnight at the hotel.

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Today after breakfast you can visit the rest of the Monuments of Mahabalipuram including:

Shore Temple – It is one of the oldest South Indian temples constructed in the Dravidian style and depicts the royal taste of the Pallava dynasty. The work of the temple has been listed amongst the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

Pancha Rathas, which literally means the 5 Chariots is also known as Pandava (The 5 siblings in the epic Mahabharat) Rathas (Chariot). In fact, the Pancha Rathas is an example of monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture.

Krishna’s Butterball, which is also known as Vaan Irai Kal and Krishna’s Gigantic Butterball, is a gigantic granite boulder resting on a short incline in the historical coastal resort town of Mamallapuram. It is a sight worth visiting.

Varaha Cave Temple, which is also known as the Varaha Mandapa, is a rock-cut cave temple located at Mamallapuram. It is part of the hill top village, which is 4 kilometres or 2.5 miles to the north of the main Mahabalipuram sites of rathas and the Shore Temple.

Sthalasayana Perumal Temple, which is also called Thirukadalmallai, is at Mahabalipuram. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD. It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Sthalasayana Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Nilamangai Thayar.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Mahabalipuram, Indian Seashell Museum is famous amongst people of all age groups. The museum is forts of its kind in India and the largest one India. On display are around 40,000 kinds of shells along with details about them. 

After breakfast checkout and proceed towards Puducherry. It is about 100 Km/ 60 miles and takes 3 – 4 hours.

On the way you can visit Alampari Fort. The Alamparai Fort exudes a gloomy yet attractive vibe that is irresistible for many. As you walk across the enthralling fort, you’ll find surprising traces of life in the form of shrubs, creepers, bushes and trees even on the walls.

So, it would be almost noon before you reach Pondicherry. Then you can check into a resort.

Then you can visit the the Aurobindo Ashram.  

The Sri Aurobindo Ashram was set up with the aim of helping people attain moksha and inner peace. Thousands of tourists from all over the country visit the ashram to experience and achieve spiritual knowledge. The ashram is by far one of the wealthiest ashrams in the world. Also, the ashram does not have any branches and solely exists in Pondicherry.

In the evening, you can take a stroll in the Promenade Beach. It is surely among the best Beaches in Pondicherry for Family getaways. The many seaside cafes, beach shacks and restaurants add to the charm of the beach.

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After breakfast, today you can start your day with a heritage walk.

During the guided heritage walk you will see the different churches and buildings that bear the rich flavor of the erstwhile French connection. Our guide will explain you the historical important and relevance of those structures, something that makes Pondicherry so special and unique.

You can also visit the following places till lunch:

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus – One of the 21 Basilicas in India and the only one in Pondicherry, this church was set up by the French missionaries in 1908 which was given the status of the Basilica in 2011. The lives of Christ along with the saints of the Catholic Church have been captured in the stained glass panels of the edifice.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral – Dedicated to St. Peters, it is a church of Capuchins and was first served as a small chapel situated outside the government park. In fact, it was the only surviving structure during the British invasion who aimed at mass destruction of buildings and monuments.

After lunch you can visit the Auroville. It is an experimental township where people from across the world of all cultures and traditions come and live together in peace. This place is the epitome of tranquillity.

Matrimandir – It lies In the centre of Auroville in the form of a huge sphere surrounded by twelve petals. The Geodesic dome is covered by golden discs. Inside the central dome is a meditation hall known as the inner chamber – this contains the largest optically-perfect glass globe in the world.

While returning you can take a look at the Auroville Beach – It is popular for beautiful seashells, shallow and crystal clear water, and sun-kissed shores.

It might be a good idea to choose an evening flight from Chennai. In that case you can visit some more beaches in Pondicherry in the morning.

Paradise Beach -The beach has utterly gorgeous views with some interesting water sports to try. The beach has shower rooms and changing rooms for those who want to swim. Also, this is one of the cleanest and best beaches in Pondicherry, maintained by Chunnambar Resort. The beach can be accessed from Chunnambar boathouse in boats and kayaks.

You can also visit the Manakula Vinayagar Temple. 

Though Pondicherry is more famous for the Churches, the Manakula Vinayagar Temple, dedicated to the Hindu Lord Ganesha, is a popular pilgrimage site and tourist destination in Pondicherry. The temple is more than 500 years old. So, you will find the architecture of the temple quite interesting. In fact, it is one of the oldest temples in the region. One of the main attractions of the temple is the golden chariot, which is made of gold weighing 7.5 kg . The height and breadth of the chariot is 10 feet and 6 feet, respectively. The chariot was fully made up in teakwood covered by copper plates duly engraved with beautiful art works and the plates duly attached with golden rakes.

Start from Pondicherry depending on your flight from Chennai. As you would have realised it would take about 5-6 hours to reach Chennai.

You can also stay overnight in Pondicherry and relax. Then take the next day’s flight from Chennai.

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