One Day Itinerary: Velankanni, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Pichavaram

  1. 8:00AM: Velankanni Basilica
    1 hour (6.5 miles) from Nagapattinam

    Visit the beautiful Velankanni Basilica, a popular pilgrimage site dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health. The stunning Gothic-style church houses multiple altars and religious artifacts. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and take in the history and religious significance of the site.

  2. 10:00AM: Mahabalipuram Beach
    3 hours (106 miles) from Velankanni

    Spend the morning relaxing on the scenic Mahabalipuram Beach. The beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and soft sand. Take a dip, sunbathe or go for a stroll. There are also plenty of seaside shacks and restaurants to grab a bite to eat.

  3. 1:00PM: Le Dupleix
    1 hour (24 miles) from Mahabalipuram Beach

    Enjoy a delicious lunch at Le Dupleix, a charming French colonial-era hotel with a restaurant serving both French and Indian cuisine. The elegant and serene setting of the hotel is perfect for a relaxing lunch, and the food is highly praised by both locals and tourists.

  4. 3:00PM: Matrimandir
    1 hour (42 miles) from Le Dupleix

    Visit Matrimandir, a spiritual center located in Auroville near Pondicherry. The peaceful, open-air dome is surrounded by a beautiful garden and a man-made lake. The dome is known for its unique spiritual energy and beautiful architecture. Visitors can participate in meditation sessions and learn about the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother.

  5. 5:00PM: Pichavaram Mangrove Forest
    2 hours (60 miles) from Matrimandir

    End the day with a serene boat ride through the beautiful Pichavaram Mangrove Forest. The forest is home to a unique ecosystem and is known for its stunning natural beauty. Visitors can take a boat ride through the waterways and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Velankanni Basilica (1 hour, free)
  • Mahabalipuram Beach (3 hours, free)
  • Le Dupleix (1 hour, INR 1500 for two people)
  • Matrimandir (2 hours, INR 200 per person)
  • Pichavaram Mangrove Forest (1 hour, INR 200 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 2900 for two people
0