Chennai to Pondicherry
Package price On Request
Product Code : AGORA82
Embark on a captivating two-day exploration from Chennai to Pondicherry, weaving through the cultural gems of Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram. Day 1 unfolds with a delightful drive via Kanchipuram, where ancient temples like Kailasanathar, Ekambareswarar, Varadharaja, Vaikundhaperumal, and Kamakshiamman beckon exploration. Enroute, delve into the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mahabalipuram before reaching Pondicherry. Explore Auroville, with its iconic Matrimandir, and immerse yourself in Pondicherry's cultural tapestry at the Museum and the French Quarter. Day 2 leads to Mahabalipuram's monolithic wonders—the Five Rathas, Cave Temples, Krishna's Butterball, Shore Temple, and Arjuna's Penance—culminating in a journey back to Chennai, leaving you with a trove of cultural experiences.
Day 1: Chennai - Kanchipuram - Pondicherry (190 kms)
Begin your journey with a hearty breakfast at your Chennai hotel. Your adventure kicks off with a drive to Pondicherry via Kanchipuram, a city with a rich tapestry of ancient temples. Explore the sacred marvels, including the Kailasanathar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Ekambareswarar Temple with its remarkable 2500-year-old mango tree, the Varadharaja Temple devoted to Lord Vishnu, the Vaikundhaperumal Temple also dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the Kamakshiamman Temple, celebrating the ultimate form of Goddess Parvati. Delight in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mahabalipuram before continuing your journey to Pondicherry. Check into your Pondicherry hotel. In the evening, pay a visit to Auroville, an experimental community founded by the spiritual leader Mirra Alfassa. Explore the breathtaking Matrimandir, a futuristic spherical temple adorned with golden discs. Discover the rich collection of bronze sculptures, temple lamps, handicrafts, and art at the Pondicherry Museum. Wander through the French Quarter of Pondicherry, with its charming mustard streets, colonial villas, and vibrant Tamil settlements.
Day 2: Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram - Chennai (160 kms)
After enjoying breakfast at your Pondicherry hotel, embark on a journey to Mahabalipuram. Explore the awe-inspiring monolithic temples, including the Five Rathas, showcasing the evolution of Dravidian-style architecture, and the 7th-century Cave Temples adorned with panels in the Mamalla style. Witness the legendary Krishna's Butterball, a colossal granite boulder defying gravity, the timeless Shore Temple, built from granite blocks in the 7th century under King Narsimha-Varman II Rajasimha, and the monumental Arjuna's Penance, one of the world's largest rock-cut reliefs. As the day unfolds, journey back to Chennai, where you'll be dropped off at your hotel or the airport.
- 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.