3-Day College Friends Road Trip from Coimbatore to Pondicherry via Yelagiri and Mahabalipuram

Day 1: Hill Station Escape

Yelagiri, Tamil Nadu, India on April 28, 2025

7:00am

Departure from Coimbatore

Start early morning from Coimbatore to maximise time in Yelagiri. The drive is approximately 4.5 hours covering around 220 km.
INR0, 0h30m

11:30am

Breakfast at Olive Bistro, Yelagiri

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with South Indian and continental options in the serene hills of Yelagiri.
INR300 per person approx., 1h

12:30pm

Explore Yelagiri Nature Park and Punganoor Lake

Spend your afternoon walking around the Nature Park and boating on Punganoor Lake, popular spots for relaxation and nature appreciation. The park is open daily from 9am to 6pm.
INR100 for boating, 2h

3:00pm

Visit Jalagamparai Waterfalls

A beautiful trek and sight to the waterfalls in Yelagiri; perfect for photos and a refreshing break.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Check-in at Annamalai Regency or similar hotel

Settle in and relax at your accommodations ready for the evening.
INR1500-2000 per night per room, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Grand Plaza Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful dinner with a mix of Tamil Nadu local dishes and multi-cuisine options, perfect for a group of friends.
INR350 per person approx., 1h30m
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Day 2: Heritage and Beach

Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India on April 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel before checkout.
Included in hotel stay, 1h

8:30am

Drive from Yelagiri to Mahabalipuram

A 3.5-hour drive covering approximately 180 km towards the coast to Mahabalipuram.
INR0, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Moonrakers Seafood Restaurant

Taste fresh coastal seafood delicacies with great ocean views, a must when visiting Mahabalipuram.
INR400 per person approx., 1h

1:00pm

Explore UNESCO World Heritage Site – Shore Temple & Five Rathas

Visit the iconic 7th-century Shore Temple and the Five Rathas, fascinating Pallava dynasty stone carvings open daily from 6am to 6pm.
INR150 per person, 2h

3:15pm

Visit Arjuna’s Penance and Krishna Butterball

Marvel at the intricate bas-reliefs and the huge balancing boulder, key attractions in Mahabalipuram.
Included in the ticket above, 1h15m

5:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Mamalla Heritage or similar

Relax and freshen up after a day of sightseeing in one of Mahabalipuram’s comfortable hotels.
INR2000 per night per room, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restauran Fisherman’s Cove (Hotel resort)

Beachside fine dining experience with delicious seafood and traditional Tamil cuisine available till 10pm.
INR500 per person approx., 1h30m
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Day 3: Pondicherry Culture

Pondicherry, India on April 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with breakfast included with your stay in Mahabalipuram before checkout.
Included with stay, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Pondicherry

1.5-hour scenic drive through Tamil Nadu countryside, approximately 60 km from Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry.
INR0, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Explore the famous spiritual community and peaceful gardens; it opens at 6am and closes at 8pm.
Free entry, 1h

11:15am

Pondicherry Promenade Walk and French Quarter

Walk along the Promenade Beach, and explore French colonial architecture in the quaint streets.
Free, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Café des Arts

Enjoy French and continental dishes in a charming café setting in the heart of the French Quarter. Open 9am-10pm.
INR400 per person approx., 1h15m

2:15pm

Relax at Serenity Beach

Spend your afternoon at Serenity Beach, perfect for a quiet swim and chilling out with friends.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Shopping at Mission Street

Explore local boutiques and souvenir shops for unique gifts and apparel.
Variable, 1h30m

6:30pm

Early Dinner at Le Dupleix

Savour gourmet French-Indian fusion cuisine in a historic colonial villa until 10pm.
INR600 per person approx., 1h30m

8:00pm

Departure to Coimbatore

Begin your journey back home – approximately 8-hour drive covering 460 km. Consider breaks en route for comfort and safety.
INR0, 8h
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