Exploring Auroville, Pondicherry, and Mahabalipuram: A Blissful 4-Day Getaway

Day 1: Discovering Auroville

Auroville, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Auroville Bakery

Start your day with delicious baked goods and fresh coffee at Auroville Bakery, known for its organic offerings.
Walk or bike to the bakery, close to the main entrance.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Matrimandir

Visit the iconic Matrimandir, the spiritual center of Auroville, where you can enjoy meditation and the beautiful gardens around it.
Take a short walk to Matrimandir; it's well marked and accessible.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Solar Kitchen

Indulge in a wholesome lunch at Solar Kitchen, known for its tasty vegetarian dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
Bike or walk back toward the community area; the kitchen is within Auroville.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Auroville Beach Visit

Spend the afternoon at Auroville Beach, where you can relax by the shore or take a leisurely stroll along the coast.
Take a bike to the beach, it's approximately 15-20 minutes from the community.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Auroville Earth Institute

Learn about sustainable building practices at the Auroville Earth Institute, showcasing Earth architecture and eco-friendly construction.
Bike back towards the community area and follow signs to the Earth Institute.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Auroville Pavillion

End your day with a delightful dinner at Auroville Pavilion, offering a diverse menu of organic and healthy meals.
A short bike ride back to the main area.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Charming Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Baker Street

Enjoy a delightful French-style breakfast at Baker Street, renowned for its freshly baked pastries and croissants.
Head to Pondicherry, approximately a 30-minute drive from Auroville.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Aayi Mandapam

Explore Aayi Mandapam, a beautiful monument in the heart of the city, ideal for capturing picturesque photographs.
Walk to the mandapam as it is centrally located.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore the French Quarter

Wander through the charming streets of the French Quarter, admiring whitewashed colonial buildings and vibrant bougainvilleas.
Walk through the neighborhood adjacent to Aayi Mandapam.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Café des Arts

Savor delicious local dishes in this vintage café, which offers a delightful ambiance with its artistic decor.
Located within the French Quarter, easy walking distance.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Promenade Walk

Take a leisurely stroll along the Promenade Beach, enjoying the sea breeze and beautiful views.
Walk from the café to the promenade; it's just a few minutes away.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Aurobindo Ashram

Experience tranquility at Aurobindo Ashram, an inspirational place known for its spiritual teachings and peaceful gardens.
A short 10-minute walk back towards the city center.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the Indian Kaffe

Sample authentic South Indian cuisine with an array of gourmet options at Indian Kaffe.
Located just a short drive from the Ashram.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Adventures in Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Mamalla Heritage

Delight in a hearty breakfast at Hotel Mamalla Heritage, known for its rich culinary options.
Drive to Mahabalipuram from Pondicherry, approximately a 1-hour journey.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Shore Temple

Marvel at the stunning Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with breathtaking views of the Bay of Bengal.
This temple is within walking distance from the hotel.
INR 40, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Arjuna's Penance

Discover the intricately carved bas-relief at Arjuna's Penance, a remarkable work of art depicting scenes from Indian mythology.
A short walk from the Shore Temple.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit Pancha Rathas

Explore the iconic Pancha Rathas, a group of five monolithic rock-cut temples, each with unique architectural features.
A quick 10-minute drive away.
INR 30, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Canteen

Enjoy a local meal at The Canteen, offering an array of vegetarian dishes inspired by South Indian flavors.
Drive back towards the town center.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Mahabalipuram Beach

Relax by Mahabalipuram Beach, where you can take a dip in the sea or unwind on the sand.
The beach is a short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Tiger Cave

Discover the historical significance of Tiger Cave, a rock-cut temple complex with scenic views of the surroundings.
A short 10-minute drive from the beach.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Sea View Restaurant

End your day with a delightful dinner at Sea View Restaurant, boasting stunning sea views paired with delicious seafood dishes.
Drive back towards the beachfront.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Relax and Return

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Relish a cozy breakfast at Café de Flore, where you can indulge in croissants and fresh coffee while enjoying the peaceful ambiance.
Drive back to Pondicherry from Mahabalipuram, approximately a 1-hour journey.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Botanical Garden

Stroll through the lush landscapes of the Botanical Garden, which features a variety of flora and a serene environment.
Easily accessible by car; about 15 minutes from the café.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Shopping in Pondicherry

Enjoy some shopping in the streets of Pondicherry, where you can find local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
Walk towards the main shopping district; it’s within the city center.
Variable, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Chetias Restaurant

Dig into regional specialties at Chetias, popular for its spicy Chettinad cuisine and friendly atmosphere.
Located a few minutes from the shopping district.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Relax at the Beach

Spend your last afternoon unwinding at the beach before wrapping up your trip, soaking in the sun.
Head towards Promenade Beach, about a 10-minute drive.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Wrap Up and Departure

Head back to relax at your accommodation, packing and preparing to leave with wonderful memories.
Travel back to your hotel; transportation arranged beforehand.
Variable, 1 hour
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