Leave early to avoid city traffic; the drive on NH77/NH48 to Mahabalipuram is scenic and coastal-approaching. Expect highway stops for fuel and quick breaks.
Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed lunch — Moonrakers is a popular seafood spot near the shore, while Hotel Mamalla offers reliable coastal and South Indian plates.
Nearby rock-cut monuments and the massive bas-relief 'Arjuna’s Penance' showcase 7th–8th century Pallava monolithic art — easy walking cluster of sites.
Surguru is a dependable local choice for vegetarian South Indian meals while Café des Arts offers light Franco-Indian dishes in White Town (open mid-morning onwards).
Choose a relaxed French-Indian dinner in a heritage setting — both restaurants are popular and take walk-ins but reservations are recommended for weekends.
Short drive to the Auroville Visitors Centre to start your day; allow time to orient and collect maps and schedules (Visitors Centre typically 9:00am–5:00pm, some shops open earlier).
Visit the Matrimandir viewing point or the inner chamber if you've booked — inner chamber visits must be booked in advance through Auroville and have specific time slots.
Explore exhibits about Auroville’s philosophy, shop for Auroville-made handicrafts, and get directions for on-campus spots (Visitors Centre open 9:00am–5:00pm typically).
Have a simple, wholesome community meal at the Solar Kitchen (usually open around noon); food is largely vegetarian and served cafeteria-style—donation-based.
Take the boat from Chunnambar (boats run roughly 9:00am–5:00pm; arrival times vary) to Paradise Beach for a relaxed day on a sandy, less-crowded stretch; bring sun protection and water.
Visit the Arikamedu ruin site (ancient Roman trade port) and nearby coastal viewpoints to learn about Pondy’s ancient maritime past (site hours commonly 9:00am–5:00pm).
Return drive via NH77/NH48 — expect approximately 6–7 hours depending on traffic and stops; plan a lunch stop en route (Krishnagiri/Salem corridor restaurants).