Itinerary
Day 1: Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (235kms)
Stop At: Chennai (Madras), Chennai (Madras), Chennai District, Tamil Nadu
Pick up from your hotel or Chennai airport and drive to Pondicherry via visiting Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu
Kanchipuram is known for being a culture and philosophical hub, a golden city of thousands of temples, and Kanchipuram sarees. The city is home to the famous Kanchi Kamakshi Temple, which is the highly revered abode of Kamakshi (Goddess Parvathi) - consort of Lord Shiva. The Kailasanathar Temple is known for its magnificent architecture. The highest, largest and most impressive temple in the town, spanning 40 acres and dating back to the Pallava period is the Ekambeshwarar Temple. Varadharaja Perumal Temple one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is of immense religious importance. The Devarajaswami Temple was constructed by the Vijayanagar kings.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Mahabalipuram, Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu
Further drive to Mahabalipuram and visit Monolithic Temples Five Rathas an excellent example of the evolution of Dravidian style architecture. Krishnas Butterball a gigantic granite boulder resting on a short incline. 7th century Cave Temples cut and decorated with panels in the Mamalla style. Shore Temple built with blocks of granite in 7th century during the rule of King Narsimha-Varman II Rajasimha the temple complex consisting of two Siva temples and a carving of Anantasayana Vishnu. The Arjuna`s Penance an enormous rock-cut relief, one of the largest in the whole world.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Pondicherry, Pondicherry, Union Territory of Pondicherry
After sightseeing continue drive to Pondicherry check in at hotel. Evening to relax on the beach.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.
Day 2: Pondicherry - Chennai (160kms/ 2hrs approx)
Stop At: Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Rue de la Marine, Pondicherry India
Visit Aurovil an experimental community founded in 1968 by the spiritual leader Mirra Alfassa as a town where people from all over the world could live in harmony. Its focal point is the Matrimandir, a futuristic, spherical temple covered in gold discs.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Pondicherry, Pondicherry, Union Territory of Pondicherry
Visit Pondicherry Museum it houses a fantastic collection of bronze sculptures of god and goddess, a wide gathering of temple lamps, handicrafts and art. Drive pass or walk through stunning French Quarters, charming mustard streets, colonial villas and vibrant Tamil settlements. Besides a very picturesque view of the lovely alleys and narrow lanes, you can also marvel at the gorgeous architecture of the French colonial settlements which include French consulate, Raj Nivas, Government Square, Churches & French schools.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Chennai (Madras), Chennai (Madras), Chennai District, Tamil Nadu
After sightseeing drive to Chennai and drop off to your hotel or airport.
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
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No accommodation included on this day.