7-Day Honeymoon Itinerary for Pondicherry and Mahabalipuram

1. Day 1: Pondicherry
   2 hours 30 minutes (93 km) from Chennai Airport

   In the morning, take a romantic stroll along the Promenade Beach, followed by a visit to the French War Memorial. In the afternoon, visit Auroville, an experimental township, and learn about its unique history. In the evening, enjoy a candlelit dinner at the beachside restaurant, Satsanga.

2. Day 2: Pondicherry
   15 minutes (3.3 km) from previous location

   Start the day with a visit to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a beautiful church with stunning stained-glass windows. In the afternoon, explore the colorful streets of the French Quarter and shop for souvenirs. In the evening, relax with a couple's massage at the Ocean Spa.

3. Day 3: Pondicherry to Mahabalipuram
   1 hour 30 minutes (98 km) from previous location

   Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mahabalipuram, home to ancient rock-cut temples and shore temples. In the afternoon, visit the Tiger Cave, a beautiful temple complex. In the evening, watch the sunset at the Shore Temple.

4. Day 4: Mahabalipuram
   10 minutes (2.3 km) from previous location

   Start your day early with a visit to the Pancha Rathas, a group of five monolithic temples. In the afternoon, learn about stone carving at the Sculpture Museum and visit the Krishna's Butterball, a giant granite boulder. In the evening, take a romantic walk along the Mahabalipuram Beach.

5. Day 5: Mahabalipuram
   20 minutes (10.5 km) from previous location

   In the morning, visit the Varaha Cave Temple, a rock-cut Hindu temple, and the Descent of the Ganges, a beautiful relief sculpture. In the afternoon, take a tour of the Crocodile Bank and learn about conservation efforts. In the evening, enjoy a seafood dinner at Moonrakers.

6. Day 6: Mahabalipuram
   5 minutes (1.3 km) from previous location

   Start the day with a visit to the Mahishasuramardini Cave, a rock-cut temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga. In the afternoon, visit the Mahabalipuram Lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views of the town. In the evening, take a romantic boat ride at the Othavadai River.

7. Day 7: Mahabalipuram
   15 minutes (6.3 km) from previous location

   End your trip with a visit to the Thirukadalmallai Temple, a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In the afternoon, relax at the Beach Park and enjoy the scenic beauty. In the evening, take a cooking class at the hotel and learn to make traditional South Indian dishes.

Recommendations

Consider taking a day trip to the nearby town of Kanchipuram, known for its beautiful temples and silk sarees. Another option is to take a romantic boat ride at the Chunnambar Boat House in Pondicherry. Don't forget to try the local cuisine, including seafood dishes and French-inspired cuisine.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (1 hour, free)
• Auroville (3 hours, free)
• Satsanga (2 hours, INR 1500)
• French Quarter (2 hours, free)
• Ocean Spa (2 hours, INR 5000)
• Tiger Cave (1 hour, INR 200)
• Shore Temple (1 hour, INR 250)
• Pancha Rathas (2 hours, INR 500)
• Sculpture Museum (1 hour, INR 250)
• Krishna's Butterball (30 mins, free)
• Mahabalipuram Beach (2 hours, free)
• Varaha Cave Temple (1 hour, INR 250)
• Descent of the Ganges (1 hour, INR 250)
• Crocodile Bank (2 hours, INR 100)
• Moonrakers (2 hours, INR 2000)
• Mahishasuramardini Cave (1 hour, INR 250)
• Mahabalipuram Lighthouse (1 hour, INR 200)
• Othavadai River (1 hour, INR 500)
• Thirukadalmallai Temple (1 hour, INR 250)
• Beach Park (2 hours, free)
• Cooking Class (2 hours, INR 3000)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 12,500