4-Day Cultural and Coastal Tour: Chennai to Mahabalipuram and Puducherry

Day 1: Mahabalipuram & Puducherry Arrival

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

7:30AM

Breakfast at the airport or nearby cafe

Start your day early with a light breakfast at Chennai airport; options like Cafe Coffee Day offer quick service to fuel your trip.
INR200, 0h30m

8:00AM

Travel from Chennai Airport to Mahabalipuram

Commence your journey towards Mahabalipuram, approximately 60 km south, known for its UNESCO World Heritage rock-cut temples and shore temple.
INR1500 (taxi), 1h30m

9:30AM

Visit Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas

Explore these remarkable 7th-century monuments showcasing Dravidian architecture; they open early at 6:00 AM and close by 6:00 PM.
INR40 (entry fee), 2h0m

11:30AM

Lunch at Moonrakers Restaurant, Mahabalipuram

Enjoy fresh seafood and local Tamil Nadu delicacies at this popular seaside eatery; open till 3 PM.
INR600, 1h0m

12:30PM

Visit Arjuna's Penance and Krishna’s Butterball

Witness the colossal rock reliefs and giant balancing rock, unique natural and artistic landmarks close to the Shore Temple.
Free, 1h0m

1:30PM

Drive from Mahabalipuram to Puducherry

Travel 100 km south to Puducherry for check-in at Club Mahindra, an ideal beachfront location for rest and relaxation.
INR2000 (taxi), 2h30m

4:00PM

Check-in and rest at Club Mahindra Puducherry

Unwind and freshen up at your accommodation, which offers comfortable amenities and a serene environment for guests.
Included in stay, 1h30m

5:30PM

Evening walk at Promenade Beach

Take a relaxing walk along the famous promenade to enjoy sunset views and local street snacks; promenade accessible 24/7.
Free, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Le Dupleix

Savor French and Indian fusion cuisine in an elegant heritage setting located in the French Quarter; open till 10 PM.
INR1200, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 2: Puducherry City Tour

Puducherry, India on June 13, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Cafe des Arts

Enjoy a quaint breakfast at this popular French-style cafe that offers light meals and excellent coffee; opens at 7 AM.
INR400, 1h0m

8:30AM

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Explore this peaceful spiritual community and learn about Sri Aurobindo’s life and teachings; open 24 hours but guided tours recommended in morning.
Free, 1h0m

9:30AM

Visit Botanical Gardens

Stroll through these well-maintained gardens showcasing diverse flora and a water lily pond; open 9 AM to 5 PM.
INR10, 1h0m

10:45AM

Puducherry Museum

Discover the rich history and culture of Puducherry through archaeological artifacts, sculptures, and paintings; open 10 AM to 5 PM, closed Mondays.
INR20, 1h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at Surguru Spot

Try authentic South Indian vegetarian meals and thalis in a casual setting; open until 10 PM.
INR400, 1h0m

1:00PM

Explore French Quarter

Walk through charming colonial streets with pastel-colored buildings, quaint shops, and cafes; best explored on foot.
Free, 2h0m

3:30PM

Visit Auroville

Head to the universal township famous for the Matrimandir; visitor center open 9 AM to 4:30 PM, guided tours available by prior booking.
Free, 2h0m

6:00PM

Return to hotel and relax

Freshen up and rest after the day’s exploration at Club Mahindra Puducherry.
Included in stay, 1h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Le Café

Dine beachfront enjoying open-air seating and casual menu options with a great vibe; open till midnight.
INR800, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 3: Puducherry Relaxation & Culture

Puducherry, India on June 14, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Baker Street

Enjoy fresh bakery items and coffee at this French-style bakery; opens at 7:30 AM.
INR350, 1h0m

9:00AM

Visit Paradise Beach

Relax at this pristine beach accessed by ferry from Chunnambar Boat House (9 AM to 5 PM); enjoy sunbathing and water sports.
INR150 (ferry round trip), 3h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at Theevu Plage

Savor coastal cuisine with views of the bay at this intimate beachside restaurant; open from 12 PM onwards.
INR700, 1h0m

1:30PM

Visit Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Admire this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, known for its colorful architecture and elephant blessings; open 6 AM to 8 PM.
Free, 0h45m

2:15PM

Shopping in Mission Street Market

Shop for souvenirs, local handicrafts, and textiles in the bustling market street; stores usually open till 7 PM.
Varies, 2h0m

4:30PM

Return to hotel and rest

Relax and enjoy the hotel amenities or take a swim at the Club Mahindra pool.
Included in stay, 2h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Dine in a beautifully restored colonial home serving traditional South Indian and fusion dishes; open till 11 PM.
INR1200, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 4: Return to Chennai

Puducherry to Chennai Airport, India on June 15, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Club Mahindra Puducherry before checkout.
Included in stay, 1h0m

8:00AM

Checkout and depart to Chennai Airport

Travel back to Chennai Airport, allowing sufficient time for your flight; the journey takes about 3 hours by taxi.
INR3000, 3h0m
View Hotels