3-Day Cultural and Coastal Road Trip from Chengalpattu to Kanchipuram, Arunachalam, Pondicherry, Mahabalipuram, and Back

Day 1: Temples and Heritage

Chengalpattu to Kanchipuram, India on June 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel JK Regency, Chengalpattu

Start your day with a hearty South Indian breakfast at this well-known local hotel, offering idli, dosa, and filter coffee to energize your journey.
INR200, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Kanchipuram

Drive approximately 40 km northeast from Chengalpattu to Kanchipuram, renowned as the 'City of a Thousand Temples'. The journey takes around 1 hour by car.
INR500 (transport), 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Ekambareswarar Temple

Explore this famous 7th-century landmark dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its impressive gopuram and ancient mango tree.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Kailasanathar Temple

Marvel at this early 8th-century temple with intricate carvings, dedicated to Lord Shiva and considered a masterpiece of Pallava architecture.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Meenakshi Bhavan, Kanchipuram

Enjoy traditional South Indian thali meals with a variety of authentic dishes, giving you a taste of the region's rich culinary heritage.
INR350, 1h0m

1:30pm

Travel to Arunachalam Hills

Head approximately 60 km south to Arunachalam, known for the Siddhar caves and peaceful natural surroundings. Expect around 1.5 hours of driving.
INR600 (transport), 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Siddhar Caves

Visit these historic caves linked to ancient sages and saints, ideal for a tranquil nature walk and spiritual experience. Open until 6pm.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Drive to Pondicherry

Begin the 60 km coastal drive southeast to the charming French-influenced town of Pondicherry, taking roughly 1.5 hours.
INR600 (transport), 1h30m

6:00pm

Check-in and Dinner at Villa Shanti, Pondicherry

Check into this boutique heritage hotel and enjoy dinner featuring Indo-French fusion cuisine in a lovely garden setting.
INR1200, 2h0m
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Day 2: Pondicherry Exploration

Pondicherry, India on June 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Café Des Arts

Enjoy fresh croissants and filter coffee at this quaint café popular among locals and tourists alike, opening from 7am.
INR400, 1h0m

8:00am

Walk along Promenade Beach

Stroll along the scenic seaside promenade early in the morning to soak the cool sea breeze and view colonial architecture.
Free, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Spend time at this spiritual community hub founded by Sri Aurobindo, located in the heart of the French Quarter. Open daily from 8am to 6pm.
Free, 1h30m

10:30am

Explore French Quarter

Walk through charming streets with colonial villas, boutique shops, and colorful murals that reflect Pondicherry’s French heritage.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Le Dupleix

Relish Indo-French dishes in a serene courtyard setting at this well-regarded restaurant in the French Quarter, open for lunch till 3pm.
INR900, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Auroville

Drive 10 km from Pondicherry to visit Auroville, an experimental township emphasizing sustainable living and spiritual harmony. Visitor centre open 9am-6pm.
Free, 3h0m

4:30pm

Return to Pondicherry and relax

Spend some leisure time at your hotel or stroll on the beachside promenade.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Promenade Rooftop Restaurant

Enjoy a vibrant menu featuring Indian and seafood delicacies while overlooking the Bay of Bengal from this rooftop setting.
INR1000, 2h0m
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Day 3: Mahabalipuram & Return

Pondicherry to Mahabalipuram to Chengalpattu, India on June 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Baker Street, Pondicherry

Start your day with French-style baked goods and coffee at this popular bakery close to the promenade, opens at 7:30am.
INR300, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Mahabalipuram

Travel 60 km west along the scenic East Coast Road to Mahabalipuram, known for its UNESCO World Heritage cave temples, about 1.5 hours drive.
INR600 (transport), 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas

Explore these iconic 7th-century Pallava monuments known for impressive rock-cut architecture and ocean views. Site open 9am to 6pm.
INR200, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Moonrakers, Mahabalipuram

Dine on fresh seafood and Indian specialties at this popular beachfront restaurant open till 3pm.
INR700, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Chengalpattu

Drive about 50 km northwest back to Chengalpattu, approximately 1.25 hours by road, concluding your enriching coastal and cultural road trip.
INR500 (transport), 1h15m
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