Trip highlights
The midnight Giri Pradakshinam, then the French quarter and an ocean sunset.
The optional 14 km Giri Pradakshinam under the night skyArunachaleswara temple and the Ramana Maharshi ashramAuroville, the French quarter and a beach sunsetThe Shore Temple on the drive home
Day-wise plan
Meals and stay listed on every day · pace built for a group.
1Day 1 · Arunachalam: the temple, and the midnight walk.
- Arrive at the base city and head towards Arunachalam, freshening up en route or at the breakfast stop.
- Check in and settle, then a South Indian lunch.
- Visit the Sri Ramana Maharshi ashram, which keeps a deep quiet.
- By evening, into the Arunachaleswara temple for the prasadam and a wander through the local markets.
- At 10:00 PM, begin the Giri Pradakshinam: the 14 km walk around the hill taking in all eight lingas, at an easy pace with chai stops along the way.
- It takes five to six hours comfortably, and it is optional. The route can also be covered by auto.
2Day 2 · A slow morning, then Auroville and the French quarter.
- Back at the stay around 4:00 AM after the walk, and a proper sleep.
- A late start at 10:00 AM. Nothing is rushed today.
- Set off for Pondicherry by 11:00 AM.
- First stop Auroville, which is quiet and deliberately plain.
- Then the French quarter: pastel streets and cafes.
- A pause at Our Lady of Angels church.
- Sunset on the beach, and dinner at one of the cafes. Overnight in Pondicherry.
3Day 3 · Sunrise, the Shore Temple, and homeward.
- An optional early walk down to the beach for sunrise, which is worth the alarm.
- Freshen up and head for Mahabalipuram.
- The Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site standing right on the water.
- On to the base city drop and the journey back to Hyderabad.
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Where you'll stay
The properties this batch sleeps in — swapped only for something equal or better.
Arunachalam stay1 night · sharing basis, separate rooms for men and women
Pondicherry stay1 night · sharing basis, separate rooms for men and women
What's in, what's not
Included
- Pick-up and drop from Hyderabad, with return sleeper train tickets. If trains are unavailable, buses are arranged instead.
- All local travel through the trip as per the itinerary, in an AC vehicle.
- 2 nights accommodation on a sharing basis in a villa or homestay, with separate rooms for men and women.
- A Travloger trip captain with the group for the whole trip.
- All permits, tolls, taxes and driver allowances.
Not included
- GST, and any entry fee, activity or boat ride.
- Any food or beverage not listed in the inclusions, including alcoholic drinks, mineral water and meals or refreshments on the go.
- Travel insurance, and any cost arising from a natural calamity.
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
