Chennai to Pondicherry
Package price On Request
Product Code : AGORA82
Embark on a captivating journey from Chennai to Pondicherry, exploring ancient temples, colonial heritage, and coastal charm. Begin with a spiritual visit to Kanchipuram, discovering the Kailasanathar, Ekambareswarar, Varadharaja, Vaikundhaperumal, and Kamakshiamman Temples. Stop at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mahabalipuram to marvel at its Shore Temple, Five Rathas, Cave Temples, Arjuna’s Penance, and Krishna’s Butterball. In Pondicherry, explore the serene Auroville community and the iconic Matrimandir, and visit the Pondicherry Museum with its rich collection of art and sculptures. Stroll through the French Quarter with its charming colonial villas and vibrant local culture. This tour offers a perfect blend of spirituality, history, art, and coastal beauty, leaving travelers with unforgettable experiences.
Day 1: Chennai - Kanchipuram - Pondicherry (190 kms)
Begin your journey with a hearty breakfast at your Chennai hotel before embarking on a scenic drive to Pondicherry via the historic city of Kanchipuram, renowned for its ancient temples and spiritual heritage. Explore the sacred Kailasanathar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Ekambareswarar Temple featuring a remarkable 2,500-year-old mango tree, and the Varadharaja and Vaikundhaperumal Temples devoted to Lord Vishnu. Pay a visit to the Kamakshiamman Temple, celebrating the divine form of Goddess Parvati, and immerse yourself in the devotional aura and intricate Dravidian architecture. Continue your journey with a stop at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its rock-cut temples, sculptures, and coastal beauty. Upon arrival in Pondicherry, check in to your hotel, then visit Auroville and the futuristic Matrimandir, explore the Pondicherry Museum with its rich collection of bronze sculptures and temple artifacts, and stroll through the charming French Quarter with its colonial villas and vibrant Tamil settlements.
Day 2: Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram - Chennai (160 kms)
After breakfast at your Pondicherry hotel, drive to Mahabalipuram for a full-day exploration of its extraordinary heritage. Witness the monolithic marvels of the Five Rathas, each reflecting distinct Dravidian architectural styles, and explore the 7th-century Cave Temples adorned with exquisite Mamalla-style panels. See Krishna's Butterball, a massive granite boulder that seemingly defies gravity, and the iconic Shore Temple built from granite blocks under King Narsimha-Varman II Rajasimha in the 7th century. Discover the monumental Arjuna's Penance, one of the largest rock-cut reliefs in the world, depicting intricate mythological narratives in astonishing detail. As the day concludes, drive back to Chennai, where you will be dropped off at your hotel or airport, bringing an end to a memorable tour that blends history, spirituality, and coastal charm.
- Assistance on arrival at airport.
- 1 Nights' accommodation in selected price category hotels.
- Daily breakfast at hotels.
- Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.
- English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
- Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
- Bottled drinking water in car.
- Government taxes.
Hotels used or similar for 1 nights accommodation
Pondicherry x 1 night
3* - Shenbaga Hotel/ Annamalai International
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Palais De Mahe/ La Villa
- Any flight tickets.
- Camera charges at monuments if any.
- Meals other than mentioned in the inclusions.
- Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
- Gratuities and optional activities.
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions.