Exciting 2-Day Cultural and Historical Tour of Tamil Nadu

Day 1: Heritage and Shore Temples

Chennai to Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, Chennai

Start your day with an authentic South Indian breakfast featuring idli, dosa, and filter coffee at this popular vegetarian chain known for traditional flavors.
INR250, 1h0m

9:30am

Travel to Mahabalipuram

Drive approximately 60 km south along the scenic East Coast Road to Mahabalipuram, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage shore temples and rock-cut sculptures.
INR1500 by taxi, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas

Explore the Shore Temple, one of the oldest structural stone temples in South India, and then walk over to the Pancha Rathas, monolithic rock-cut temples representing the five Pandava brothers.
INR200, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Moonrakers, Mahabalipuram

Enjoy fresh seafood and regional Tamil cuisine with a beautiful seaside view at this highly rated restaurant open from 12pm to 4pm.
INR800, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Mahabalipuram Beach and Crocodile Bank

Relax on the beach or visit the nearby Madras Crocodile Bank Trust to see various reptiles and conservation efforts. The bank is open from 9am to 5pm.
INR150, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Check into a comfortable hotel such as The Rainforest Resort or Chariot Beach Resort to relax and refresh after your day of sightseeing.
INR4000 per night, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Wharf, Mahabalipuram

Dine on a variety of Indian and continental dishes with a view of the ocean at this well-reviewed restaurant open until 10pm.
INR900, 1h30m
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Day 2: Spiritual and French Colonial Charm

Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry and return to Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India on June 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast at your hotel before driving to Pondicherry.
Included in hotel stay, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Pondicherry

Drive 100 km south from Mahabalipuram to the charming town of Pondicherry, known for its mix of French colonial architecture and Tamil culture.
INR2000 by taxi, 2h0m

10:30am

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Explore this peaceful spiritual community open from 6am to 12pm and 2pm to 7pm, where visitors can learn about the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother.
Free, 1h0m

11:30am

Walk through French Quarter and Promenade Beach

Stroll through colorful streets lined with colonial buildings, cafes, and boutiques, then enjoy the view from Promenade Beach.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Cafe des Arts, Pondicherry

Relax with a European-style lunch featuring crepes, salads, and coffee at this charming cafe open from 8am to 4pm.
INR700, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Auroville

Drive 12 km from Pondicherry to Auroville, an experimental township dedicated to human unity, open 9am to 5pm. Visit the Matrimandir viewing point and the Visitors Center.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Return to Chennai

Drive approximately 150 km north back to Chennai. Plan to arrive by evening.
INR2500 by taxi, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ponnusamy Hotel, Chennai

Conclude your trip with a hearty traditional Tamil meal including spicy Chettinad chicken at this popular local restaurant open until 10pm.
INR600, 1h30m
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