That swish of air in the ears, wind blowing on to your face while the eyes are busy enjoying the landscapes is what road trip is all about! A drive or ride through the highways occasionally overtaking other vehicles give a thrill that can't be forgotten. Here is one such road trip which not only offers an enjoyable ride through the windy roads but also an opportunity to journey alongside the coastal line. Follow this article on a fantastic road trip covering Chennai, Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry!
Chennai in Tamil Nadu - Kick Start Here..
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A blend of history, tradition and modernity holds Chennai. This renowned city of Tamil Nadu has a unique charm and numerous places to explore. Let us go around enjoying the various attractions of the city on the coast of Bay of Bengal!
Top Tourist Places in Chennai
Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwar Temple, Fort St.George, Elliot's Beach, Thousand Lights Mosque , Sri Parthasarathy Temple, San Thome Church, Vandalur Zoo, Ashtalakshmi Temple, Shirdi Sai Baba Temple and Besant Nagar Beach are some of the top tourist places in Chennai.
You need atleast 2 days to cover most of the places. So, pick your favourites according to your time.
Did you know?
Chennai is called as Detroit of India because of the flourishing automobile industry!
Things to do in Chennai
Heritage tours (many architectural sites), beaches, watching a Bharatanatyam dance recital in Kalakshetra, religious travel (many temples) are the must things to do in Chennai.
Best Time to Visit Chennai
The time from October to January is the best time to visit Chennai. Summers are really hot and it is not a favourable time for travel.
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Accommodations: Book Hotels in Chennai
Mahabalipuram - History that Talks..
Distance from Chennai to Mahabalipuram is 56km via East Coast Road.
No doubt, Mamallapuram was an important seaport in the ancient India. Now we get to see the remnants of that glorious past! Today, Mahabalipuram is one of the best weekend getaways from Chennai. Don't you think we need to take a look around this exotic destination?
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Top Tourist Places in Mahabalipuram
The Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Descent of Ganges, Thirukadalmalai, Mahabalipuram Beach, Crocodile Park, Mamallapuram Lighthouse and India Sea Shell Museum are the best tourist places in Mahabalipuram.
Did you know?
Once upon a time, the Shore Temple served as a land mark for the navigating ships.
Things to do in Mahabalipuram
Photography tours, heritage tours, exploring the beaches, spot different varieties of crocodiles and other reptiles in Crocodile Park (one-of-its-kind) place.
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Best Time to Visit Mahabalipuram
Take a break in October or December to explore as this is the best time to visit Mahabalipuram. Pleasant weather is all you need for a perfect trip!
Accommodations: Nirvana Boutique Hotel, Sea Breeze Hotel, Ayur Resorts and Hotel Ramakrishna are some of the best stay options in Mahabalipuram.
Pondicherry - Feel the French..
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Distance from Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry is around 100km via East Coast Road.
'Pondy' as it is fondly called, is one of the favourite tourist destinations in South India. Its colonial charm along with the tranquil coastal line attracts tourists across India. A blend of native and colonial culture creates a symphony which you will love!
Top Tourist Places in Pondicherry
Paradise Beach, Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Bascilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Auroville , Promenade Beach, Gingee Fort, Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple and French Colony are the top tourist places to visit in Pondicherry.
Did you know?
You will get alcohol for lower cost as no taxes are levied on this liquor. So, time for booze!
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Things to do in Pondicherry
Stay in Auroville (universal township), exploring beaches, photography tours (especially in the French colony), heritage tours.
Accommodations: Book Hotels in Pondicherry
Overall, you will need atleast 6 days to cover the most important attractions in these places. This road trip covering Chennai, Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry will be memorable as you not only get to see the different tourist places but also journey along with the coastal line (East Coast Road). Surely, it is one of the best road trips in South India.