4-Day Scenic and Cultural Trip from Chennai to Puducherry with Mahabalipuram Excursion

Day 1: Arrival & Mahabalipuram

Chennai to Mahabalipuram, then Puducherry, India on June 12, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Chennai Airport - Café Coffee Day

Enjoy a quick and refreshing breakfast at Café Coffee Day located in Chennai Airport, featuring South Indian filter coffee and light bites to start your trip energized.
INR250, 45m

9:00AM

Travel to Mahabalipuram

Drive south from Chennai Airport to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rock-cut temples and sculptures. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours covering around 60 km.
Transport included in taxi fare, 1h30m

10:30AM

Visit Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas

Explore the Shore Temple, an iconic 7th-century structure overlooking the Bay of Bengal, along with the Five Rathas, monolithic rock-cut temples representing Pandava brothers.
INR60, 2h

12:30PM

Lunch at Moonrakers

Dine at Moonrakers, a popular seaside restaurant offering fresh seafood and local Tamil Nadu delicacies with beautiful ocean views.
INR800, 1h

1:30PM

Visit Mahabalipuram Beach and Crocodile Bank

Spend some relaxing time at Mahabalipuram Beach, then visit the Crocodile Bank, a conservation center showcasing various reptiles, open till 5:30 PM.
INR120, 1h30m

3:00PM

Travel to Puducherry

Drive further south for about 2 hours (approx 95 km) to reach Puducherry for your hotel stay at Club Mahindra Puducherry.
Transport included in taxi fare, 2h

5:00PM

Check-in and Relax at Club Mahindra Puducherry

Settle into your comfortable accommodation at Club Mahindra Puducherry and enjoy the hotel’s amenities including pool and garden areas.
Included in stay, 2h

7:30PM

Dinner at Villa Shanti Restaurant

Dine at the renowned Villa Shanti offering a mix of French and Tamil cuisine in an elegant heritage setting in Puducherry’s French Quarter.
INR1200, 1h30m
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Day 2: Puducherry City Tour

Puducherry, India on June 13, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast at Club Mahindra Puducherry to fuel your day of sightseeing.
Included in stay, 1h

9:00AM

Visit Promenade Beach

Start your day at the beautiful Promenade Beach, enjoying the morning breeze along the seafront boulevard. This free attraction is open all day.
Free, 1h

10:15AM

Explore French Quarter and Heritage Buildings

Walk through the French Quarter to admire colonial-era architecture, colourful streets, and charming cafes.
Free, 2h

12:30PM

Lunch at Café des Arts

Have a delightful lunch at Café des Arts, famed for its cozy ambiance and French-inspired menu.
INR700, 1h

2:00PM

Visit Puducherry Museum and Botanical Gardens

Explore the Puducherry Museum showcasing regional history and the serene Botanical Gardens open till 5 PM.
INR30, 2h

4:30PM

Chalk Street Art Walking Tour

Join a guided walk in the evening to discover vibrant street art and murals around the city.
INR150, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Le Dupleix

Enjoy an intimate dining experience with French-Indian fusion cuisine at Le Dupleix.
INR1500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Auroville & Markets

Puducherry, India on June 14, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast at Club Mahindra Puducherry to energize for the day’s excursion.
Included in stay, 1h

9:00AM

Visit Auroville

Drive 15 kms from Puducherry to Auroville, an experimental township blending spirituality and sustainable living. Visit Matrimandir viewing point (closed on Mondays), open 9 AM to 5 PM.
Free, 3h

12:30PM

Lunch at Solar Kitchen, Auroville

Experience wholesome organic meals at Solar Kitchen in Auroville, popular for its simple yet nutritious fare.
INR500, 1h

2:00PM

Return to Puducherry & Explore Local Markets

Explore Puducherry’s bustling local markets like Goubert Market for spices, textiles, and souvenirs, ideal for shopping till 6 PM.
Varies by purchase, 2h

6:00PM

Evening Coffee at Baker Street

Relax with freshly baked pastries and coffee at Baker Street, a French-style bakery known for its ambiance.
INR300, 45m

7:30PM

Dinner at Tanto Pizzeria

Indulge in authentic wood-fired Italian pizzas at Tanto Pizzeria, a popular local spot in Puducherry.
INR900, 1h30m
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Day 4: Beach Relaxation & Departure

Puducherry to Chennai Airport, India on June 15, 2025

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast at Club Mahindra Puducherry to make the most of your last day.
Included in stay, 1h

8:00AM

Relax at Paradise Beach

Visit Paradise Beach, accessible by boat from Chunnambar Boat House, known for its pristine sands and calm waters. Boat service starts at 8 AM and closes around 5 PM.
Boat fare approx INR150, 2h

10:30AM

Check out and Travel to Chennai Airport

Return drive from Puducherry to Chennai Airport, approximately 3 hours covering 150 km. Plan your departure flight accordingly.
Transport fare approx INR2500, 3h

1:30PM

Lunch en route at A2B Restaurant, Kelambakkam

Stop by Adyar Ananda Bhavan (A2B) for authentic South Indian meals and snacks on the way to the airport.
INR500, 1h
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