3-Day Honeymoon Itinerary for Vaaniyampaadi in June 2023

  1. Day 1: Mahabalipuram
    40 minutes (28.8 km) from Vaaniyampaadi

    Start your honeymoon by exploring the ancient temples of Mahabalipuram. Visit the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and admire its exquisite carvings and distinctive structural design. Proceed to the Pancha Rathas, a group of rock-cut monuments shaped like chariots, dedicated to the five Pandava brothers depicted in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. End the day with a romantic walk along Mamallapuram Beach and witness the beautiful sunset.

  2. Day 2: Pondicherry
    1 hour 20 minutes (85.2 km) from Mahabalipuram

    Take a day trip to the charming French Colony of Pondicherry. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and explore its peaceful ambiance and beautiful gardens. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the picturesque Promenade Beach and visit the lighthouse. Check out the Bharati Park and Aayi Mandapam monument. Treat yourself to some delicious French cuisine at a local restaurant and indulge in some shopping at the Goubert Market.

  3. Day 3: Pichavaram Mangrove Forest
    1 hour 40 minutes (97.3 km) from Pondicherry

    Take a boat ride in the Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, the second largest mangrove forest in the world and a designated Ramsar site. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the estuaries and canals in the mangroves. You can spot a variety of birds and animals during the ride. End the day by visiting the Alamparai Fort, a 17th-century fort built by the Nawab of Carnatic, and witness the stunning views of the Bay of Bengal.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Shore Temple (1-2 hours, INR 30 for Indians and INR 500 for foreigners)
  • Pancha Rathas (1-2 hours, INR 30 for Indians and INR 500 for foreigners)
  • Sri Aurobindo Ashram (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Promenade Beach (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Boat ride in Pichavaram Mangrove Forest (1-2 hours, INR 800-1000 per boat)
  • Alamparai Fort (30 minutes, Free)

  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 1,360-1,630 per person

Useful tips

If you have more time, you can explore other places like Chidambaram, Thanjavur, and Kumbakonam which are known for their rich history and culture. You can also spend a day at Auroville in Pondicherry which is an experimental township and a hub for spirituality and sustainability. If you have less time, you can skip Pichavaram Mangrove Forest and visit other attractions in Pondicherry like Aurobindo Handmade Paper Factory and Botanical Garden.

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