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Explore South India: Chennai, Mahabalipuram & Pondicherry

Viewed by 71 travelers

Day 1: Cultural Exploration

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at the iconic Saravana Bhavan, famous for its dosas and idlis.
Take an auto-rickshaw to Saravana Bhavan which is located in various parts of Chennai.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore the historic Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a beautiful example of Dravidian architecture.
It's a short 15-minute auto ride from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Marina Beach

Stroll along Marina Beach, the second longest beach in the world, and enjoy the local vendors.
Marina Beach is about a 15-minute drive from the temple.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Marina Beach Cafes

Savor local street snacks like sundal and murukku at one of the beachside cafes.
Enjoy lunch at a cafe along the beach.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Fort St. George

Head to Fort St. George, the first fort built by the British in India, and explore the museum.
A 15-minute taxi ride from Marina Beach.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Relax at a Local Cafe

Unwind at a local cafe with a cup of filter coffee.
Find a nearby cafe with a great ambiance.
INR 150, 1 hour

6:00PM

Sunset at Marina Beach

Return to Marina Beach to watch the sunset, a perfect way to end your day.
It's just a short walk from the cafe.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant

Enjoy a flavorful dinner featuring Chettinad cuisine, known for its spices.
It's a short ride from the beach.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Chennai

Day 2: Historical Wonders

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cream & Crust

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with continental options at Cream & Crust.
Take a taxi to reach Cream & Crust.
INR 350, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Government Museum

Discover the rich history and culture of Tamil Nadu at the Government Museum.
It's a 30-minute taxi ride from the restaurant.
INR 20, 2 hours

12:00PM

Explore Theosophical Society

Visit the peaceful gardens of the Theosophical Society and the beautiful Adyar Banyan Tree.
A short 15-minute taxi ride.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Aasife Biriyani

Indulge in a mouthwatering biryani at Aasife, a local favorite.
Head back to the city center with a taxi.
INR 400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Vivekananda House

Learn about the life of Swami Vivekananda at the heritage center named after him.
A 20-minute taxi ride from the restaurant.
INR 50, 1 hour

4:30PM

Shopping at Pondy Bazaar

Spend some time shopping for local textiles and souvenirs at Pondy Bazaar.
A 15-minute auto-rickshaw ride.
Free (shopping costs vary), 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Head to Kalakshetra Foundation

Catch a traditional dance performance at this cultural institution dedicated to Bharatanatyam.
It's a 30-minute taxi ride.
INR 300, 2 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Light House

Wrap up the day with a delightful seafood dinner at Light House.
A 10-minute taxi ride from Kalakshetra.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Chennai

Day 3: Beach and Temples

Mahabalipuram, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading out.
Enjoy a relaxed start before checking out.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Mahabalipuram

Depart for Mahabalipuram, known for its exquisite rock-cut temples.
A comfortable taxi ride of about 1.5 hours.
Varied based on taxi service, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit the Shore Temple

Marvel at the architectural grandeur of the UNESCO-listed Shore Temple, which overlooks the Bay of Bengal.
Centrally located in Mahabalipuram.
INR 500, 1 hour

10:45AM

Explore Arjuna's Penance

Visit Arjuna's Penance, a magnificent stone relief that depicts scenes from the Mahabharata.
A short walk from the Shore Temple.
Included in Shore Temple entry, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Small Shops near the Beach

Try local seafood delicacies at small beach shacks.
Head towards the beach where many shacks are located.
INR 400, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Pancha Rathas

Explore the Pancha Rathas, known for its unique rock-cut architecture.
A short taxi ride from the beach area.
INR 500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Unwind on the tranquil Mahabalipuram Beach, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Easily accessible from the Pancha Rathas.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Visit Mahabalipuram Lighthouse

Climb up the lighthouse for spectacular views of the coastline.
A short walk from the beach.
INR 30, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Moonrakers

Enjoy a laid-back dinner featuring fresh seafood at Moonrakers.
10-minute walk from the lighthouse.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Mahabalipuram

Day 4: French Heritage

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel in Mahabalipuram.
Check out of your hotel and prepare to depart.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Pondicherry

Leave Mahabalipuram for the charming French colonial town of Pondicherry.
A taxi ride of about 2 hours.
Varied based on taxi service, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Aurobindo Ashram

Experience tranquility at Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo.
Centrally located in Pondicherry.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Cafe des Arts

Enjoy a light French-inspired lunch at this cozy cafe with a bohemian vibe.
It's a short walk from the Aurobindo Ashram.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Stroll through the French Quarter

Take a leisurely walk through the picturesque French Quarter, admiring colonial architecture.
Easily accessible on foot.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit the Pondicherry Museum

Learn more about the history and heritage of the region at the Pondicherry Museum.
A short walk from the French Quarter.
INR 50, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at Promenade Beach

Unwind at Promenade Beach and enjoy the sea breeze.
A stroll from the museum to the beach.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Fisherman's Wharf

End your day with coastal cuisine at The Fisherman's Wharf, known for its vibrant atmosphere.
A short ride from Promenade Beach.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Serenity and Culture

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the charming Café de Flore.
Easily accessible in the heart of Pondicherry.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Auroville

Travel to Auroville, an experimental township known for its sustainable living.
A taxi ride of about 30 minutes.
INR 100, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Matrimandir

Visit Matrimandir, the focus of Auroville, and soak in its serene atmosphere.
A short walk within Auroville.
Free (donations appreciated), 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Auroville's Visitor Center Cafe

Savor organic local cuisine at the Visitor Center Cafe.
Easily accessible within Auroville.
INR 500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Relax at Auroville Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon at Auroville Beach, away from the crowds.
A 15-minute walk from the visitor center.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Return to Pondicherry

Head back to Pondicherry to explore some more.
A short taxi journey.
INR 100, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Visit Sri Manika Vinayakar Alayam

Visit the beautiful Hindu temple known for its intricate sculptures.
A short drive or walk in Pondicherry.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Explore the Local Markets

Shop for handicrafts and local goods at the vibrant markets.
Proceeds are upscale shopping areas.
Free (shopping costs vary), 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Surguru

End your trip with a sumptuous South Indian meal at Surguru, famous for its thali.
A short taxi ride from the markets.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Pondicherry
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