If you are in Chennai, a one-day trip to Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry is a must. The nearest airport to these places is in Chennai, so after you land there, you can hire a taxi from the airport to start your journey. It takes approximately one hour from Chennai airport to Mahabalipuram and another two hours to reach Pondicherry by car. The sightseeing will commence right from the drive itself when you take the famous East Coast Road (ECR). ECR is constructed along the Bay of Bengal coast, so as you drive towards Mahabalipuram, you will enjoy a continuous view of the sea along the way.

Exploring Mahabalipuram

Pancha Ratha: The first stop of your journey should be Pancha Ratha, as the entry closes by evening, and it tends to get crowded early due to its historical significance, attracting numerous tourists, including school kids. Pancha Ratha, also known as the Five Rathas, is a group of monolithic rock-cut temples located in the town of Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram). These structures are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site known as the “Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram.” The Pancha Ratha temples serve as an excellent example of ancient Indian architecture and sculpture. Each of the five rathas (chariots) is carved from a single large granite rock and represents a distinctive architectural style. They are named after the Pandava brothers from the Indian epic, the Mahabharata.

Shore Temple: As the name suggests, the Shore Temple is situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, providing a picturesque and serene setting. The temple complex is known for its beautiful beachside location, making it a popular tourist destination. The Shore Temple continues to be an active place of worship, and it hosts various Hindu festivals throughout the year. It is believed to date back to the 8th century during the rule of the Pallava dynasty and has many monolithic sculptures that depict various forms of Lord Shiva.

Krishna’s Butter Ball: It is one of the architectural wonders in Mahabalipuram,where a massive granite boulder of more than 5 meters in diameter is perched on a slope on a hillside and seems to defy the laws of physics by remaining balanced on a small, sloping rock base. The name of this boulder comes from mythology where the rock’s shape resembles a dollop of butter which God Krishna used to enjoy as a kid. You can find many tourists trying to push or move the rock, but it remains immovable due to its sheer weight and the friction between the rock and the underlying surface.

Mahabalipuram Beach: The beach near the Shore Temple is quite scenic, especially in the evening. You can try local seafood, such as fish fry or fritters, at the local shacks leading to the beach

There are many rock-cut sculptures, multiple monuments like Arjuna’s Penance, and historical museums in Mahabalipuram, which can also be included in your travel itinerary.

Exploring Pondicherry:

Pondicherry was a former French colony and you will still find considerable French influence in the city specially in the architecture and cuisines.

French Quarter: The French Quarter is the heart of the past colonial influence in Pondicherry. You’ll find well-preserved colonial-era buildings with distinct French architectural elements, such as arched doorways, colorful facades, and wrought-iron balconies. The streets are clean, and many buildings are painted in shades of yellow, white, and pastel colors, giving the area a distinctly French feel.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram: The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a renowned spiritual and philosophical community located in Pondicherry. It was founded by Sri Aurobindo Ghose, a prominent Indian philosopher, and the ashram has become one of the most significant spiritual and cultural landmarks in Pondicherry which attracts visitors from around the world. The ashram is a centre for the practice of Integral Yoga, which is the core philosophy taught and practiced there. Other ashram activities include meditation sessions, yoga classes, art and culture events, and educational initiatives.

Auroville:  Auroville is an experimental international township located near Pondicherry. It is home to a diverse international community of residents, often referred to as “Aurovilians.” People from various countries and backgrounds come to live in Auroville, contributing their skills and talents to the community’s development and activities. They have their own education system and community governance including various economic activities like handicrafts, sustainable agriculture, and eco-friendly products manufacturing. These activities help support the community’s self-sufficiency.

The Matrimandir: The Matrimandir, meaning “Temple of the Mother,” is the spiritual and architectural centrepiece of Auroville. It is a large, golden spherical structure that symbolizes the divine consciousness. Inside, there is a meditation chamber that is open to practitioners for silent contemplation.

Promenade: The Promenade Beach, also known as Pondicherry or Rock Beach, is a tourist popular seafront promenade located in the heart of Pondicherry. Along the promenade, you can find several historical landmarks and statues like the iconic Mahatma Gandhi statue. The French War Memorial is also nearby, commemorating soldiers who sacrificed their lives in World War I.

Cafes at French colony: Pondicherry offers a unique blend of Indian and French cuisine. You can enjoy delicious croissants, quiches, and other French pastries alongside traditional South Indian dishes. The French influence is especially prominent in the numerous cafes and bakeries scattered throughout the city.

There are many beaches in Pondicherry, such as Serenity Beach, where you can visit shacks or cafes to savour local seafood while also enjoying the beauty of the beach.