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2-Day Cultural and Coastal Tour of Chennai, Kanchipuram, and Pondicherry

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Day 1: Heritage and Temples

Chennai & Kanchipuram, India on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, Chennai

Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast of idlis and dosas at this famous local chain, open from 6:00am to 10:30pm.
INR200, 1h0m

9:30am

Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Chennai

Visit this iconic Dravidian-style Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its magnificent gopuram and vibrant temple rituals. Opens from 6:00am to 11:00am and 4:00pm to 8:30pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Drive to Kanchipuram

Travel approximately 75 km southwest to Kanchipuram, famed for its ancient temples and silk sarees. The drive takes about 2 hours.
INR600 (car hire), 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Saravana Bhavan, Kanchipuram

Enjoy authentic Tamil cuisine including thali meals, perfect after a morning of sightseeing. Open from 10:00am to 10:00pm.
INR300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Kailasanathar Temple

Explore this 7th-century sandstone temple known for its exquisite carvings and unique architecture, open from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
INR20, 1h30m

4:00pm

Ekambareswarar Temple

Visit one of the largest temples in Kanchipuram, dedicated to Lord Shiva, notable for its massive gopuram and ancient stone lingam. Open till 8:30pm.
Free, 1h0m

5:30pm

Shopping for Kanchipuram Silk Sarees

Browse local shops for famous Kanchipuram silk sarees, an ideal cultural souvenir and gift.
Varies, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dosa Plaza, Kanchipuram

Enjoy a variety of dosas and traditional South Indian dishes at this popular eatery open until 10:00pm.
INR250, 1h0m

8:30pm

Return to Chennai Accommodation

Drive back to Chennai to rest and prepare for the next day’s journey to Pondicherry.
INR600, 2h0m
Find Hotels in Chennai & Kanchipuram

Day 2: Coastal and Colonial Charm

Pondicherry, India on July 3, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel in Chennai

Start early with a quick breakfast featuring idli, vada, and filter coffee at your hotel before departure. Most hotels serve from 6:30am onwards.
Included in hotel stay, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Pondicherry

Travel approximately 150 km southeast to Pondicherry, a coastal town known for its French colonial architecture. The drive takes roughly 3 hours.
INR900 (cab hire), 3h0m

11:30am

Walk in French Quarter

Explore the charming French Quarter with its colorful colonial buildings, clean streets, and quaint cafes. Ideal for photography and cultural immersion.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Café des Arts

Enjoy a fusion of French and Indian cuisine in a trendy and artistic café open from 9:00am to 10:00pm.
INR500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Spend a peaceful hour at this spiritual community and meditation center, open from 8:00am to 12:00pm and 2:00pm to 5:30pm.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Promenade Beach

Stroll along the scenic sea promenade lined with statues, cafes, and the old lighthouse, perfect for leisure and sunset watching.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Le Dupleix

Dine at one of Pondicherry’s finest restaurants serving exquisite French and Indian fusion cuisine. Open from 7:30am to 10:30pm.
INR800, 1h30m

7:45pm

Departure or Overnight Stay

Depending on your travel plans, either depart Pondicherry or check into accommodation to rest.
Varies, Variable
Find Hotels in Pondicherry
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