Day 01
Chennai - Kanchipuram - Pondicherry (200kms)
India · Architecture
Chennai to Pondicherry via Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram
The journey
Trip highlights
- 01 Visit Kanchipuram’s renowned ancient temples
- 02 Explore Auroville and the Matrimandir surroundings
- 03 Discover Pondicherry Museum and the French Quarter
- 04 See Mahabalipuram’s Five Rathas and Cave Temples
- 05 Marvel at the Shore Temple and Arjuna's Penance
- 06 Travel by private AC car/van with guided sightseeing
- 07 Breakfast and monument entrances included as per itinerary
Discover some of South India’s most celebrated cultural and heritage sites on this 2-day journey from Chennai to Pondicherry via Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram. Explore ancient temple towns, UNESCO-listed monuments, and coastal landmarks while travelling in a private vehicle with guided sightseeing as per the program.
In Kanchipuram, visit revered temples including Kailasanathar, Ekambareswarar, Varadharaja, Vaikundhaperumal, and Kamakshiamman. Continue to Pondicherry to experience Auroville, the Pondicherry Museum, and the colonial charm of the French Quarter before heading to Mahabalipuram to see the Five Rathas, Cave Temples, Krishna's Butterball, Shore Temple, and Arjuna's Penance.
With breakfast, monument entrances mentioned in the itinerary, bottled water, and 1 night’s accommodation included if the selected option is chosen, this tour offers a convenient way to experience history, spirituality, architecture, and coastal culture in one trip.
Discover some of South India’s most celebrated cultural and heritage sites on this 2-day journey from Chennai to Pondicherry via Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram.
From the itinerary
At a glance
What this trip includes
Duration
2 Days
Tour type
Private
Activity level
Easy
Accommodation
Included
Transport
Included
Wheelchair access
No
Cities
Pondicherry, Chennai, Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram
Languages
English
Day by day
The itinerary
Day 02
7:30 AM: Depart from Chennai and journey towards Pondicherry via Kanchipuram, a city revered for its ancient temples and spiritual significance.
Day 03
Explore the sacred marvels, starting with the Kailasanathar Temple, an architectural gem dedicated to Lord Shiva. Admire its intricate carvings and serene ambiance, which offer a glimpse into the rich heritage of South Indian temple architecture.
Day 04
Continue your exploration to the Ekambareswarar Temple, where the towering gopurams and the sacred mango tree, believed to be over 3,500 years old, create an aura of divinity and tranquility. Then, visit the Varadharaja Temple, a magnificent shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu, showcasing remarkable sculptures and ornate pillars.
Day 05
Proceed to the Vaikundhaperumal Temple, steeped in history and spirituality, before concluding your Kanchipuram tour with a visit to the Kamakshiamman Temple, an embodiment of feminine energy and devotion.
Day 06
After exploring Kanchipuram, continue your journey to Pondicherry, soaking in the picturesque landscapes along the way. Check into your Pondicherry hotel upon arrival.
Day 07
Visit Auroville, an experimental community founded by the spiritual leader Mirra Alfassa. Explore the breathtaking Matrimandir, a futuristic spherical temple adorned with golden discs, and take a peaceful walk in the surrounding gardens.
Day 08
Discover the rich collection of bronze sculptures, temple lamps, handicrafts, and art at the Pondicherry Museum, offering insights into the region's cultural heritage.
Day 09
Wander through the French Quarter of Pondicherry, with its charming mustard streets, colonial villas, and vibrant Tamil settlements. Explore iconic landmarks such as the White Town area, the French War Memorial, and the Pondicherry Promenade (Goubert Avenue), offering stunning views of the Bay of Bengal.
Day 10
Optionally, visit the Manakula Vinayagar Temple, a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, known for its vibrant architecture and religious significance.
Day 11
Overnight at hotel.
Day 12
Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram - Chennai (160kms/ 2hrs approx)
Day 13
After breakfast at your Pondicherry hotel, embark on a journey to Mahabalipuram.
Day 14
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.
Day 15
Witness the legendary Krishna's Butterball, a colossal granite boulder defying gravity, and marvel at its intriguing history.
Day 16
Visit the timeless Shore Temple, built from granite blocks in the 7th century under King Narsimha-Varman II Rajasimha, and admire its exquisite carvings and architectural elegance.
Day 17
Explore the monumental Arjuna's Penance, one of the world's largest rock-cut reliefs, depicting scenes from the Mahabharata and daily life.
Day 18
Optionally, you can visit the Tiger Cave, a rock-cut Hindu temple complex surrounded by lush greenery and offering serene surroundings for meditation.
Day 19
As the day unfolds, journey back to Chennai, where you'll be dropped off at your hotel or the airport.
The route
Where you'll travel
The fine print
Trip details
What's Included
- Breakfast
- 1 Nights' accommodation (if option selected) in selected price category 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 the program
- Monument entrances and activity charges mentioned in the itinerary.
- Bottled drinking water in the car.
- Government taxes.
What's Not Included
- Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet, etc.
- Gratuities and optional activities.
Know before you go
- WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
- STROLLER OR PRAM ACCESSIBLE
- PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEARBY
- INFANT SEATS AVAILABLE
- Not suitable for pets
- Infants must not sit on laps
- Wheelchair accessible
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Hotels used or similar
Pondicherry x 1 night
3* - Shenbaga Hotel/ Annamalai International
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Palais De Mahe/ La Villa
Logistics
Meeting & route
Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Chennai.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Chennai.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey
Your 2 days finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Chennai..
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