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A 7-Day Motorcycle Riding Itinerary for Pondicherry and Mahabalipuram

  1. Day 1: Explore Pondicherry
    0 minutes (0 miles) from your accommodation

    Start your day with a visit to Sri Aurobindo Ashram to learn about Sri Aurobindo's teachings and meditate. Take a walk along Promenade Beach, enjoying beautiful views of the Bay of Bengal. In the evening, ride to Arikamedu archaeological site to explore ancient Roman trading history in India.

  2. Day 2: Gingee Fort and Tiruvannamalai
    2 hours (64 miles) from your accommodation

    Early morning ride to Gingee Fort, a historical fort that is surrounded by three hills. After visiting the Fort, head to Tiruvannamalai. Visit Arunachaleswarar Temple, one of the largest temples in India dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk around the temple and try some local street food.

  3. Day 3: Explore Mahabalipuram
    2 hours (58 miles) from your accommodation

    Start your day by exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mahabalipuram, including the Shore Temple, Five Rathas, and the Arjuna's Penance. Take a stroll on the beautiful Mahabalipuram Beach. In the evening, ride to the Crocodile Bank to learn more about conservation efforts to protect these reptiles.

  4. Day 4: Kanchipuram and Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
    2.5 hours (79 miles) from your accommodation

    Take a ride to Kanchipuram and visit the Kamakshi Amman Temple, one of the three holy places in India. Afterward, head to Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary to witness migratory birds from afar. In the evening, explore the local markets and try some traditional South Indian cuisine.

  5. Day 5: Pondicherry Museum and Beaches
    1 hour (23 miles) from your accommodation

    Start your day by visiting the Pondicherry Museum to learn about the history of the town. Head to Serenity Beach or Paradise Beach to relax, swim, and sunbathe. In the evening, take a walk around Pondicherry's French Quarter and enjoy some French cuisine.

  6. Day 6: Pichavaram Mangrove Forest and Chidambaram
    3.5 hours (115 miles) from your accommodation

    Ride to the Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, one of the largest mangrove forests in the world. Enjoy a boat ride through the dense mangrove forest. Afterward, head to Chidambaram and visit the Nataraja Temple, one of the most important temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.

  7. Day 7: Pondicherry Botanical Garden and Auroville
    30 minutes (7 miles) from your accommodation

    Visit the Botanical Garden in the morning to see exotic plants and trees. Afterward, take a ride to Auroville, an experimental township where people from all cultures live together in peace and harmony. In the evening, head back to Pondicherry to relax and reminisce about your adventure.

Recommendations

If you have extra time, consider visiting the Ousteri Lake, Matrimandir, or exploring the French War Memorial in Pondicherry. For side trips, you can ride to Yelagiri Hills or Nandi Hills. For maximizing your fun, try to start early in the morning to avoid traffic and explore more. Finally, don't forget to try traditional South Indian filter coffee and buy some handmade French soap as a souvenir.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Sri Aurobindo Ashram (2 hours, Free)
  • Promenade Beach (1 hour, Free)
  • Arikamedu (2 hours, INR 100)
  • Gingee Fort (3 hours, INR 25)
  • Arunachaleswarar Temple (2 hours, Free)
  • Shore Temple (1 hour, INR 500)
  • Crocodile Bank (2 hours, INR 35)
  • Kamakshi Amman Temple (1 hour, Free)
  • Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary (2 hours, INR 25)
  • Pondicherry Museum (2 hours, INR 10)
  • Serenity Beach or Paradise Beach (3 hours, Free)
  • Pondicherry's French Quarter (2 hours, Free)
  • Pichavaram Mangrove Forest (3 hours, INR 150)
  • Nataraja Temple (1 hour, Free)
  • Pondicherry Botanical Garden (1 hour, INR 20)
  • Auroville (2 hours, Free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 915
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