Exotic South

Arrival at Chennai Airport/Railway station. You’ll meet our representative/Driver & transferred to Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram is a small town in Kanchipuram district within the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India. It’s a town along the Bay of Bengal coastline. It was called the land of seven Pagodas. Everything from the origin of its name to the cause of its ruin, the history of Mahabalipuram remains shrouded in a charming mystery. On arrival at Mahabalipuram check into the hotel and enjoy the evening on beach.

Today after breakfast set out to visit the famous places of Mahabalipuram. 

Shore temple:It’s theforemost famous monument of the town. As the name suggests, the temple is located right on the sea shore. In fact it has one of the most beautiful architecture among the traditional temples of India and the carvings on the walls. This temple is a UNESCO world heritage and also counted as the finest example of Pallava architecture. The temple is located such that the first rays of the Sun fall on the presiding deity Shiva. Pancha Rathas:If you’ve ever read about Mahabalipuram, then you must have seen the striking picture of the 5 stone chariots. Unlike the spectacular stone chariot of Hampi, these chariots are monoliths and don’t have visible wheels. The PanchaRathas is a tribute to the five Pandava brothers in the ancient epic Mahabharata. Apart from the ornate chariots, the monolithic Airavat (elephant) and Nandi (bull) also shine bright.  Arjuna’s Penance or Descent of Ganges: It’s one among the most important open-air bas-relief architecture within the world. The elaborate sculptures on the pink granite are said to depict an episode of Mahabharata. There is an equally popular alternate theory of the story being related to another mythical story about the descent of Ganga. The legend depicted on the twin-stone boulders here are that of the descend of the river Ganga to earth, under the guidance of Bhagiratha. Krishna’s butterball: It's an enormous stone uniquely balanced on an incline, another favorite to take snaps. The single boulder that is called Krishna’s butterball weighs 250 tons. There are interesting stories associated with Krishna’s butterball. It is said that an attempt was made by one of the Pallava king to move the stone, however it couldn’t be moved. Centuries later, a governor of the region reattempted a transfer of this boulder with 7 elephants employed for the cause. Still it couldn’t be moved!!! The name of the boulder is driven from its resemblance to a butterball, a favourite snack of Krishna. Dinner and Overnight stay at the hotel in Mahabalipuram.

Today Morning After breakfast, check out from the hotel & transfer to Pondicherry. Enroute visit The Madras Crocodile Bank:It had been intended to be a genetic repository of Indian crocodiles, for breeding and safekeeping, and eventually releasing the crocodiles to the wild.  Pondicherry:Some miles from the Tamil Nadu’s capital city Chennai lays a town to charm you with its French influence. The beach town of Pondicherry is like a slow walk into the bygone era. The lanes named in French and the culinary delight from France is India’s way of preserving its history. Pondicherry is one among the seven union territories of India; officially named as Puducherry. Colonized by the French until 1954, shades of the French are still visible around every corner. On arrival at Pondicherry check into the hotel. Evening free for leisure, one can go to enjoy sunset at Paradise Beach Island or Rock island. Dinner & Overnight stay at Pondicherry.

Today early morning visit Promenade beach to look at the foremost beautiful sunrise (if one wants to), return to the hotel and take after breakfast &get ready for sightseeing of Pondicherry covering: Pondicherry Museum: Houses relics & artifacts from the French, Dutch & British Eras Raj Niwas:Official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Pondicherry French War Memorial:The French War Memorial honours those courageous souls who lost lives during the war. The memorial was designed by sculptor Gaston Petit & is engraved with bronze plates listing the names of soldiers who lost lives during World War I & also of those who died during World War II. Gandhi Mandappam: Mahatma Gandhi is a renowned name from the bygone era whose adages are quoted numerous times throughout the world. Not only in India, but the statues of the Mahatma are also placed around the world. Pondicherry is also home to one, a four-meter square was erected in Goubert Avenue or the Promenade. Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus:The church is one of the foremost sacred and spirtiual sites in Pondicherry. This church is 100 years old.  White town: Pink bougainvillea flowers peering over colorful walls, French street names & artsy cafes are the highlight of the white town area. Return back to hotel. Dinner and Overnight stay at the hotel in Pondicherry. 

Today morning after breakfast visit below places: Aurobindo Ashram: The spirituality in Pondicherry can be found easily in the Sri Aurobindo Ashram located just near to the promenade. Sri Aurobindo after realizing his deep inclination towards spirituality set up the ashram in the 19th century. If you’re interested in peeking at the history and experience tranquility, visit the Aurobindo Ashram for a while. Auroville: Humanity – that is what Auroville is all about. A town starting as an experiment dedicated to Sri Aurobindo, to honor humanity above all caste, creeds, and nationalities. Located on the outskirts of Pondicherry, the town is a must-visit to experience spirituality and celebrate humanity. Visit the Matrimandir from outside – Temple of the Divine Mother is the spiritual centre of Auroville. It stands as a living example of human unity in diversity.  Evening you shall enjoy the palm-fringed beaches of Pondicherry evening relax at the beach or indulge in some adventure activities or go for shopping. Dinner &Overnight stay at Pondicherry.

This day after Breakfast, transfer to Chennai Airport for your flight to your home town. You return back with wonderful memories of Tamil Nadu.

(The itinerary changes as per your time, schedule and the hotel area which you stay in)

(Entry fees & activity cost to be paid directly wherever applicable)