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Pondicherry & Mahabalipuram
East Coast Soiree
TOUR OVERVIEW
Pondicherry has so many layers to it. Consider Auroville, one of the best examples of community living anywhere in the world. Then, there are the French and Tamil quarters in town that present endless opportunities for exploration. Finally, the mangroves that no one told you about! While in the region, can Mahabalipuram’s rich heritage be left behind? Come, explore this part of our diverse country with F5 Escapes.
Dates: 17th July 2025 – 20th July 2025 (3N/4D)
Price: INR 33,500 + 5% GST
Single occupancy surcharge – INR 11000 + 5% GST
GALLERY
Day 1 - 17 Jul 2025
Reach Chennai in the morning. Start for Pondicherry before noon. On the way, visit Dakshina Chitra. Dakshin Chitra is an exciting cross-cultural living museum of art, architecture, lifestyles, crafts, and performing arts of South India. Reach the White Town area by evening. Relax. Overnight at Pondicherry.
Day 2 - 18 Jul 2025
After an early breakfast, embark on a day trip to Pichavaram. Did you know that Pichavaram is the second-largest mangrove forest in the world? Boating through the crisscrossing mangrove channels, witnessing the beautiful bird life, is on the agenda. In the evening, take a heritage walk of the White town and also visit Aurobindo ashram and Manakkula Vinayagar temple. Overnight at Pondicherry.
Day 3 - 19 Jul 2025
Explore Auroville today. It is one of the finest examples of community living in the country. Visit the Maitrimandir viewpoint and explore the beautiful campus of Auroville: a lovely village walk, and scrumptious lunch. After lunch, proceed to Mahabalipuram, famous for its Pallava dynasty sculptures, shore temple, and beach. Overnight at Mahabalipuram.
Day 4 - 20 Jul 2025
Spend some time around the beach and enjoy your breakfast. Later, leave for Chennai. Trip ends.
Inclusions
- Accommodation for 3N/4D on double occupancy.
- Local transport in A/c vehicles all through the trip.
- Pichavaram entry and boating tickets.
- All meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 4 and tea/coffee.
- Monuments entrance fees / Parking / Toll etc.
- Heritage walk in Pondicherry.
- Village walk and sound garden tour in Auroville.
- Coordination and guidance of an F5 traveler.
Exclusions
- Food, tea-time snacks and meals other than mentioned
- Packaged water
- Camera charges
- Activity charges other than mentioned
- Tips and personal expenses
- Medication
- Flights/Train from your city of residence to Chennai and return.
- Any cost arising due to natural calamities, personal flight delays and aspects beyond our control. We will definitely facilitate an alternative and handle the contingency, the cost being yours.
- 5 % GST.
Terms & Conditions
REFUNDS/CANCELLATION:
- If canceled 90 days or more in advance, cancellation fee is 12% of the trip amount.
- 25% of the trip cost if canceled 89 – 60 days in advance.
- 50% of the trip cost if canceled 59 to 16 days in advance.
- Last 15 days – no show – the entire amount will be forfeited.
- If you use our services to book flights, cancellation charges of the flights will apply.
Disclaimer
- F5 Escapes is in no way responsible for any untoward incident happening due to the ignorance/negligence of the guests, natural/man-made calamities, accidents or any other events that are out of human control during the trip.
- All our trips are well-researched, including identifying access to medical facilities. In case of a medical emergency, F5 will assist the traveler in getting medical attention.
- F5 reserves the right to cancel the trip under certain conditions – in such a case, the amount will be refunded in full.
Arrival/ Departure timings
This trip is to Ex-Chennai. Joining us from a different city?
Reach Chennai on Day 1 by 9 AM and book your return journey from Chennai after 2 PM on Day 4.
Weather
Being the coastal region in Tamil Nadu, expect humid weather. Though this part of the country is fairly hot through the year, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius, expect pleasant mornings, humid and sunny afternoons, and cool evenings with the sea breeze kicking in.
*Please note that nowadays, climate/ weather is dependent on many factors and unpredictable hence the above information might be subject to change during your actual travel days.*
Note about Smoking and Alcohol
Everyone joining is an adult and we realise that we cannot dictate the behaviour on how you should enjoy the trip. All we ask is to respect your roommate’s comfort and smoke outside the room, even if the rooms have ashtray.
About your stay
- Pondicherry – A well reviewed hotel in the White Town.
- Mahabalipuram – A resort with access to beach
Food!
We have tried and planned your meals at great restaurants/ homestays etc. Tamil Nadu is known for its authentic cuisines and Pondicherry, for its French influences on local culture. Expect a culinary treat!
Note > Prepare > Accept > Embrace
- A little bit of walking will be required. Please let us know well in advance if you have any knee issues.
- We will be visiting the Matrimandir viewpoint but we will not be able to gain entry to the inner chamber. It is not a tourist spot – it is a place for meditation and it cannot be pre-booked by travel agents or tour operators.
- There are several sights and walks included which will require keeping time. Kindly cooperate with us and we will ensure a smooth experience for the group.
- We are trying to be eco-friendly, avoid plastic bottles and minimize littering. Kindly help us in that regard by carrying your own bottles.
Interesting Read About Pondicherry & Mahabalipuram
‘F5 Escapes’ is a Bangalore-based, experiential travel company, with a focus on redefining the way women travel in India. The premise of F5 is an ambitious dream – to put India on the global travel map as a preferred destination for women from across the globe.
F5 Escapes offers fixed departure all-women group tours, customized itineraries for families, groups and solo travellers. We also do in-city engagements which include #JustGo travel meetups, workshops to educate women on travel safety, sustainable menstruation, motorbiking etc.
