Welcome to Chennai! Start your trip by exploring the historic Fort St. George in the morning. This 17th-century fort houses several government buildings and a museum. In the afternoon, visit Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade. In the evening, head to the vibrant Mylapore neighborhood to experience the local culture and indulge in delicious South Indian cuisine.
Fort St. George: Entrance fee - INR 10, Time spent - 2 hours
Start your day with a visit to Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a beautiful example of Dravidian architecture. In the afternoon, explore the Government Museum, which houses a vast collection of art and artifacts. In the evening, take a relaxing boat ride at the Muttukadu Backwaters and enjoy the serenity of nature.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple: Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Government Museum: Entrance fee - INR 250, Time spent - 2 hours
Check out from your hotel in Chennai and catch a bus or hire a taxi to Puducherry. After reaching Puducherry, visit the famous Auroville, an experimental township known for its spiritual significance. Spend the afternoon exploring the French Quarter, with its charming streets and colonial architecture. In the evening, relax at the Promenade Beach and catch a beautiful sunset.
Auroville: Donation-based entry, Time spent - 3 hours
French Quarter: Free, Time spent - 2 hours
Promenade Beach: Free, Time spent - 2 hours
Tuesday, October 24: A Day in Puducherry
Start your day by visiting the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. In the afternoon, explore the Pondicherry Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the region. In the evening, take a walk along the picturesque Paradise Beach and enjoy the tranquility.
Auroville Bakery: A charming bakery serving freshly baked goods and breakfast items. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Le Dupleix: A historic French villa-turned-hotel with a restaurant offering a mix of French and Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Satsanga: A popular vegetarian restaurant serving a variety of Indian and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Wednesday, October 25: Auroville and Serenity Beach
Spend the morning exploring the serene and peaceful environment of Auroville. Visit the Matrimandir, the iconic golden spherical structure, and experience its tranquil ambiance. In the afternoon, head to Serenity Beach and indulge in water sports or simply relax on the sandy shores. In the evening, explore the vibrant cafes and boutique stores in the White Town area.
Auroville: Donation-based entry, Time spent - 3 hours
Serenity Beach: Water sports - INR 500, Time spent - 3 hours
White Town: Food and shopping expenses - INR 800, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot near Auroville is Tanto Pizzeria, known for its fresh baked goods and Italian-inspired breakfast dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
For a delicious lunch, head to Le Club, a beachfront restaurant in Serenity Beach, offering a diverse menu including Mediterranean, French, and Indian cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit Villa Shanti, a charming restaurant located in the heart of White Town. It offers a fusion of Indian and global flavors, with an average cost for a meal at around 1200 INR per person.
Thursday, October 26: Back to Chennai
Check out from your hotel in Puducherry and travel back to Chennai. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Valluvar Kottam, a memorial dedicated to the Tamil poet and philosopher, Thiruvalluvar. Explore the bustling streets of T. Nagar for some shopping and indulge in delicious street food. In the evening, enjoy a sunset walk at the picturesque Besant Nagar Beach.
T. Nagar: Shopping expenses - INR 1000, Time spent - 2 hours
Besant Nagar Beach: Free, Time spent - 2 hours
Friday, October 27: Chennai City Tour
On your last day, explore the vibrant neighborhood of Egmore and visit the Government Museum and National Art Gallery. In the afternoon, take a tour of the historic Kapaleeshwarar Temple and soak in the spiritual aura. End your day with a visit to the popular Express Avenue Mall for some shopping and entertainment.
Egmore: Free, Time spent - 2 hours
Kapaleeshwarar Temple: Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Express Avenue Mall: Shopping and entertainment expenses - INR 1500, Time spent - 3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Madras, known for its authentic South Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 100-150 INR per person.
For lunch, dine at Dindigul Thalappakatti Restaurant, famous for its flavorful biryanis and Tamil Nadu cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 200-300 INR per person.
Indulge in a sumptuous dinner at Annalakshmi Restaurant, offering a delectable spread of vegetarian Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300-400 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
When in Chennai, don't miss the chance to explore the vibrant streets of Mylapore and indulge in the local cuisine. Visit the lesser-known Cholamandal Artists' Village, an artists' commune showcasing contemporary Indian art. In Puducherry, discover the peace and tranquility at the Aurobindo Ashram and enjoy a leisurely walk along the Rock Beach, away from the usual tourist crowds.