Trip highlights
Auroville, the French quarter, Pichavaram’s mangroves and a Mahabalipuram finish.
Auroville and the Matrimandir viewpointRock Beach evenings in the French quarterRowboats through the Pichavaram mangrovesThe Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram
Day-wise plan
Meals and stay listed on every day · pace built for a group.
1Day 1 · Day 01: Auroville and the French quarter. · Meals: ·
- Arrive in Chennai around 7:00 AM and board the waiting vehicle.
- Breakfast en route, then a stop at Auroville.
- Leave for Pondicherry around 11:30 AM and check in by noon.
- 1:00 PM: into the French quarter, taking in the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, the Mahatma Gandhi statue and the French War Memorial.
- A walk along Rock Beach and Promenade Beach as the light goes.
- Dinner at one of the cafes, then a stroll through the lit French streets, back to the stay by 8:00 PM.
2Day 2 · Day 02: Pichavaram mangroves, the Secret Beach and Paradise Beach. · Meals: ·
- A 5:00 AM start towards the Pichavaram mangroves, with breakfast on the way.
- Reach the boating point by 10:00 AM for a rowboat through the mangroves.
- On to the quiet Secret Beach.
- 12:45 PM: the Chunnambar boat house, and the boat across to Paradise Beach.
- Dinner at a cafe in the French quarter and another walk through the lit streets, back by 8:00 PM.
3Day 3 · Day 03: Sunrise at Serenity Beach, then Mahabalipuram. · Meals: ·
- A 5:30 AM start for sunrise at Serenity Beach, back at the stay to freshen up by 7:00 AM.
- 8:00 AM: leave for Mahabalipuram, with breakfast on the way.
- By 10:00 AM, the Shore Temple and the climb up the lighthouse hill for the view out to sea.
- Time among the rock-cut monuments, and the beach behind them if the clock allows.
- Head back around 1:00 PM with lunch on the way, reaching Chennai by about 3:30 PM.
Where you'll stay
The properties this batch sleeps in — swapped only for something equal or better.
Pondicherry stay2 nights · sharing basis, separate rooms for men and women
What's in, what's not
Included
- Return sleeper class train journey, if opted for.
- All local transfers in a clean, comfortable vehicle.
- All sightseeing as per the itinerary.
- Deluxe stays on 3 or 4 sharing.
- Basic first aid.
- An experienced guide and travel photographer to capture the trip, on group departures.
- Permits, tolls, fuel, parking and driver allowances.
Not included
- Any entry fee, activity or ride.
- Food.
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
