Chennai-Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry

Wonder Tours and Travels - In the morning, guests will be picked up from their hotel or the airport in Chennai.

Mahabalipuram - Explore Mamallapuram (Approx 1.5 hrs)
Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, was a 7th-century port city of the Pallava dynasty, located about 60 km south of Chennai in Tamil Nadu. Named after the Pallava king Mamalla, it features numerous historic monuments primarily constructed between the 7th and 9th centuries and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city has been a hub for stone carving for centuries, showcasing its legacy in magnificent temples, bas reliefs, and mandapas (narratives carved into shallow rock overhangs). The Shore Temple is the most renowned example in Mahabalipuram, while the unfinished temples offer insight into the art of sculpture.
With the rhythmic sounds of stone carvers working on granite, charming streets lined with shops and cafes (offering delicious seafood), and a relaxed backpacker vibe, Mahabalipuram is a delightful weekend escape from Chennai.

Pancha Rathas - The first stop of the day is at the Pancharathas, or five chariots, a series of monolithic temples crafted by the Pallavas. These rock-cut monolith temple structures were built in the 7th century. Each of the five rathas or chariots is dedicated to the main characters of the Mahabharata epic - Draupadi, Arjuna, Nakul-Sahadeva, Bhima, and Yudhister. There is also an elephant sculpture next to the ratha of Nakul-Sahadeva. Standing at the rear of the elephant reveals an uncanny resemblance between the back of the chariot and the elephant.

Arjuna’s Penance - Next, visit Arjuna’s Penance, a bas-relief monument considered one of India’s most magnificent pieces of ancient art, depicting vivid scenes from the Mahabharata. The relief is 100 feet long and 45 feet tall! The main story illustrates how Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, performed severe austerities to obtain Lord Shiva’s weapon.

Krishna’s Butter Ball - The following stop is Krishna’s Butterball, a granite boulder perched on a rocky slope. This intriguing boulder seems to defy Newton’s laws of gravity and has remained in this precarious position on the slope for over a thousand years.

Shore Temple - The final destination is the Shore Temple. This magnificent temple overlooks the Bay of Bengal and was a significant center during the Pallava reign when Mahabalipuram was the main port of their Kingdom. Built by King Raja Simha in the early 8th century, the Shore Temple is a landmark in India’s architectural landscape. Marco Polo referred to it as the seven pagodas. The existing temple is the last surviving of the seven that once served as a beacon for seafarers.

Pondicherry - After sightseeing in Mahabalipuram, guests will be transferred to Pondicherry for hotel check-in. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

Pondicherry

Pondicherry - Founded by the French East India Company in the 18th century, the town has preserved much of its French culture while embracing Tamil traditions. This fusion has led to a burst of contemporary cultural creativity that harmonizes with its enduring French architecture, wide boulevards (with French names), and its beautiful seafront promenade. Pondicherry is divided into two distinct parts, the French and the Tamil. The French quarter features structures in the European classical style, while the Tamil quarter showcases the vernacular style of Tamil Nadu. The two styles have influenced each other, resulting in many buildings in both parts of the town being a harmonious blend of European and Tamil architectural patterns. This cross-influence gives the old town its unique architectural identity, which can be termed “Pondicherry-ness”.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram - Sri Aurobindo Ghosh is arguably Pondicherry’s most famous resident. The tour begins with a visit to his memorial at the Aurobindo Ashram. Guests will gain insight into his life, philosophy, and revolutionary ideas. The memorial also features a section on Sri Aurobindo’s renowned disciple, Mirra Alfassa. It is an ideal place for meditation.

Pondicherry Lighthouse - A French heritage walk is organized through the heart of the city, offering glimpses of exquisite French architectural style. This heritage walk helps visitors appreciate Pondicherry’s French connection.

Sri Aurobindo Handmade Paper - Visit a unique factory that produces handmade paper. The Sri Aurobindo Paper Factory, established 50 years ago, makes paper from 100% cotton rag pulp. During this visit, guests will experience how paper is produced from cotton rags and processed using techniques like silk screen printing and marbling.

Statue Of Gandhi - A walk along Pondicherry’s famous promenade, facing the beautiful Bay of Bengal, follows this.

Auroville - After lunch, travel to Auroville, a radical concept of a global village where thousands of people from around the world have renounced their nationalities to live as global citizens. Auroville was conceived with the vision that “There should be a place on earth that no nation could claim as its own, where all human beings of goodwill with a sincere aspiration could live freely as citizens of the world and obey one single authority, that of the supreme truth; a place of peace, concord, and harmony…”. Guests will also see the various ways its citizens practice sustainable living. Matri Mandir is a giant dome for silent meditation. Guests can view it from outside during a day visit. Note that permission for meditating inside must be obtained one day in advance in person.

• Pickup and drop-off in Chennai
• 01 night accommodation included
• Expert cultural evangelist as your host and guide
• Complimentary breakfast
• Mahabalipuram entry ticket covered
• 02 days of private transportation provided

• Gratuities
• Beverages

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.