Description
Chennai – Pondicherry Coastal Heritage Escape
Step into a journey where French elegance meets ancient Indian heritage. This 4 Nights / 5 Days experience takes you along Tamil Nadu’s picturesque coastline, covering the colonial charm of Pondicherry, the UNESCO-listed rock-cut marvels of Mahabalipuram, and the cultural pulse of Chennai. From tree-lined boulevards and pastel villas to intricate temples and golden sands, this itinerary blends history, spirituality, and seaside leisure into one seamless journey.
Curated by AAIFLY, this tour lets you walk through the French Quarter, unwind at Promenade Beach, seek peace at Sri Aurobindo Ashram, admire the Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas in Mahabalipuram, and experience Chennai’s iconic Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Marina Beach. Whether you’re a culture lover, beach enthusiast, or leisure traveler, this coastal circuit offers the perfect mix of exploration and relaxation.
Tour Overview
| Duration | 5 Days / 4 Nights |
|---|---|
| Countries Covered | India |
| Main Destinations | Pondicherry, Mahabalipuram, Chennai |
| Ideal For | Couples, Families, Culture & Heritage Travelers, Beach Lovers |
| Travel Type | Guided Land Tour – Group & Customizable |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
| Accommodation | Comfortable Hotels in Pondicherry & Chennai with Breakfast |
| Experiences Included |
French Colony Walk & Promenade / Rock Beach (Pondicherry), Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Sacred Heart Basilica, Pondicherry Museum & Bharathi Park, Mahabalipuram UNESCO Sites – Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna’s Butter Ball, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Parthasarathy Temple, National Art Gallery, Fort Museum & Marina Beach (Chennai) |
| Internal Transfers | AC Vehicle for all intercity travel (Chennai – Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram – Chennai) & sightseeing as per itinerary |
| Support | On-ground Assistance, Excursion Support, Driver & Vehicle Support, 24x7 AAIFLY Helpdesk |
Day wise travel itinerary
Arrive at Chennai Airport and begin your coastal drive to Pondicherry (approx. 4 hrs). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and freshen up before heading out to explore.
Discover the French War Memorial and the Gandhi Statue along the breezy Promenade Beach, stroll through the quaint French Colony with its mustard-yellow façades, visit the neo-gothic Sacred Heart Basilica, explore the ancient Roman trading site of Arikamedu, and enjoy the sunset at Rock Beach.
Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
Discover the French War Memorial and the Gandhi Statue along the breezy Promenade Beach, stroll through the quaint French Colony with its mustard-yellow façades, visit the neo-gothic Sacred Heart Basilica, explore the ancient Roman trading site of Arikamedu, and enjoy the sunset at Rock Beach.
Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
After breakfast, immerse yourself in Pondicherry’s spiritual and cultural treasures. Visit the serene Sri Aurobindo Ashram, explore artefacts at the Pondicherry Museum, relax at Bharathi Park, and, if time permits, wander through the lush Botanical Garden. The rest of the day is free to stroll the vibrant lanes, sip French coffee at a quaint café, or shop for handmade crafts.
Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
Today, drive to Mahabalipuram (approx. 2 hrs), a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its Pallava-era architecture. Admire the seaside elegance of the Shore Temple, see the monolithic beauty of the Pancha Rathas, witness the intricate stone carvings of Arjuna’s Penance, and marvel at the gravity-defying Krishna’s Butter Ball. Enjoy some leisure time at Seashore Beach before returning to Pondicherry for the night.
After breakfast, head to Chennai (approx. 4 hrs), the capital of Tamil Nadu and a city that celebrates both tradition and modernity. Visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple with its towering gopuram, the historic Parthasarathy Temple, explore fine art collections at the National Art Gallery, step into history at the Fort Museum, and admire the neo-Gothic beauty of Santhome Church (if time permits). End the day with a sunset stroll along the iconic Marina Beach. Overnight stay in Chennai.
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before checking out. You will be transferred to Chennai Airport for your onward journey, carrying memories of golden sands, ancient stones, and French-colonial charm.
Inclusions
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Accommodation on double sharing basis
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All tolls, parking fees, driver bata & fuel costs
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All transfers and sightseeing by AC Tempo Traveller (as per itinerary, 10 hours/day)
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Each sightseeing spot covered once during the tour
Exclusions
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Meals other than mentioned
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Entry & monument fees
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Personal expenses such as tips, calls, laundry, liquor
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Any item not mentioned in inclusions
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Early check-in charges
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Travel insurance or accident coverage.
Important Notes
Payment Policy
- 50% advance payment required at the time of booking.
- Remaining balance must be paid 15 days prior to departure.
Cancellation Policy
- 30+ days before departure: 25% of the package cost.
- 15–29 days before departure: 50% of the package cost.
- Less than 15 days: 100% of the package cost.
- No refund for unused services or last-minute cancellations.