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Family-Friendly Pondicherry Itinerary with Chennai and Mahabalipuram

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Day 1: Explore Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Marina Beach

Start your day with a stroll along Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world, to watch the sunrise.
Head towards the Marina Beach area by car or taxi.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Fort St. George

Visit Fort St. George, the first fortress built in India by the British. Explore the museum and learn about Chennai's colonial history.
Take a short drive to Fort St. George.
INR 50, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy delicious South Indian cuisine at Murugan Idli Shop, known for its authentic idlis and dosas.
Travel to the restaurant for a satisfying meal.
INR 300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its intricate architecture.
Take a short drive to the temple.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Shopping at T Nagar

Explore the bustling streets of T Nagar for shopping souvenirs and traditional Indian clothing.
Drive to T Nagar for a shopping spree.
Variable, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Adyar Ananda Bhavan

End your day with a family dinner at Adyar Ananda Bhavan, known for its variety of vegetarian dishes.
Head to the restaurant for a scrumptious dinner.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Discover Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India

9:00AM

Shore Temple

Begin your day by exploring the ancient Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Travel from Chennai to Mahabalipuram by car or bus.
INR 500, 2 hours

11:30AM

Pancha Rathas

Visit the Pancha Rathas, a monolithic rock-cut temple complex showcasing unique Dravidian architecture.
Walk from the Shore Temple to Pancha Rathas.
INR 250, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Moonrakers

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Moonrakers restaurant overlooking the beach in Mahabalipuram.
Head to Moonrakers for a delicious meal with a view.
INR 800, 1 hour

3:00PM

Arjuna's Penance

Explore Arjuna's Penance, a massive rock carving depicting scenes from the Mahabharata and Hindu mythology.
Visit Arjuna's Penance within walking distance from Moonrakers.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Spend some leisure time at Mahabalipuram Beach, building sandcastles or watching the sunset.
Walk to the nearby beach for relaxation.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Seashell Restaurant

Enjoy a seafood dinner at Seashell Restaurant, known for its fresh catch and coastal flavors.
Head to Seashell Restaurant for a delightful dinner experience.
INR 700, 2 hours
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Day 3: Experience Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

9:00AM

Auroville

Visit Auroville, an experimental township known for its sustainable living and spiritual community.
Travel from Mahabalipuram to Auroville by private car or taxi.
INR 500, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tanto Pizzeria

Enjoy a wood-fired pizza at Tanto Pizzeria, a popular Italian restaurant in Pondicherry.
Head to Tanto Pizzeria for a scrumptious meal.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Paradise Beach

Relax at Paradise Beach, a serene escape surrounded by palm trees and gentle waves.
Take a short boat ride to Paradise Beach for a tranquil afternoon.
INR 200, 2 hours

6:00PM

Promenade Beach

Stroll along Promenade Beach, a popular waterfront stretch for a picturesque sunset view.
Walk from Paradise Beach to Promenade Beach.
Free, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Rendezvous

Indulge in French cuisine at Rendezvous, a charming restaurant known for its seafood and crepes.
Head to Rendezvous for a delightful dinner.
INR 800, 2 hours
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Day 4: Explore Pondicherry Further

Pondicherry, India

10:00AM

Morning Walk around White Town

Take a leisurely morning walk around White Town to admire the French colonial architecture and vibrant streets.
Start your walk from your hotel in White Town.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Le Dupleix

Enjoy a gourmet lunch at Le Dupleix, a boutique heritage hotel with a charming courtyard restaurant.
Head to Le Dupleix for a luxurious dining experience.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Serenity Beach

Relax at Serenity Beach, a quieter alternative to the bustling Promenade Beach, ideal for sunbathing and swimming.
Drive or take a tuk-tuk to Serenity Beach for a peaceful afternoon.
INR 100, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Aurobindo Ashram

Visit Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, promoting yoga and meditation.
Travel to Aurobindo Ashram for a serene experience.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Satsanga

Dine at Satsanga, a rooftop restaurant offering a mix of Indian and European cuisine with a cozy ambiance.
Head to Satsanga for a fusion dining experience.
INR 700, 2 hours
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Day 5: Return to Chennai

Chennai, India

9:00AM

Visit Government Museum

Explore the Government Museum in Chennai, housing an impressive collection of art, archaeology, and numismatics.
Travel from Pondicherry to Chennai by car or bus.
INR 100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Absolute Barbecue

Savor an elaborate barbecue lunch at Absolute Barbecue, a popular restaurant offering a wide range of grilled dishes.
Head to Absolute Barbecue for a filling meal.
INR 1000, 2 hours

2:30PM

Visit Valluvar Kottam

Explore Valluvar Kottam, a monument dedicated to the classical Tamil poet-saint Thiruvalluvar, known for its architectural grandeur.
Drive to Valluvar Kottam for a cultural experience.
INR 50, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shopping at Phoenix Marketcity

Indulge in some retail therapy at Phoenix Marketcity, one of Chennai's largest shopping malls with a variety of stores.
Take a short drive to Phoenix Marketcity for shopping.
Variable, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

End your day with a comforting dinner at Murugan Idli Shop, known for its authentic South Indian dishes.
Head to the restaurant for a satisfying meal.
INR 300, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Final Exploration

Chennai, India

10:00AM

Explore Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Spend the day at Arignar Anna Zoological Park, one of the largest zoos in South Asia, home to a diverse range of animals.
Drive to the zoo for an exciting day with the family.
INR 100, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy a final meal at Murugan Idli Shop before departing for your next destination.
Head to the restaurant for one last delicious meal.
INR 300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Departure

Bid farewell to Chennai as you head to the airport or train station for your onward journey, cherishing the memories of your family-friendly South India trip.
Arrange for transportation to the airport or train station.
Variable, Varies
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