vacation planning
Need help with vacation planning in Mahabalipram and Pondicherry?
I am planning a vacation in Pondicherry and Mahabalipuram. Can someone help with a good itinerary (for a family of 3)? I will reach Chennai on 5th December around noon and take return flight on 9th afternoon. Options for Kanchipuram and Kovelung beach are also open.
Choice 1
1. Covelong (Beach)
This sleepy village, once a political hub for the Frenchmen, is home to many fishermen. Situated on the Coromondal coast, along the scenic East Coast Road and 40 km from Chennai, it is a well-known haunt for many tourists who want to surf and swim the waves. A canal running parallel to the Bay of Bengal separates Covelong beach, from the mainland and runs all the way from Chennai to Mahabalipuram.
2. Mahabalipuram (World heritage Site)
Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram, was an ancient port city on the Coromandel coast built by the Pallava Dynasty in the 7th century. It was named after the cruel demon king Mahabali, who was slayed by Goddess Durga, and is an important World Heritage Site today. It is 20kms from Covelong, and can be reached by the scenic East Coast Road.
Mahabalipuram is known for the beautiful historical monuments that were built mostly during the Pallava Dynasty in the form of rock cut caves and temples. Its beautiful and unspoilt beaches stretching for miles, and lined by groves of casuarinas is another great attraction
3. Pondichery (Beach)
As you travel down the scenic East Coast road you hit Pondichery about 100 kms from Mamallapuram. It is bound on the east by the Bay of Bengal and by South Arcot District of Tamil Nadu on the other three sides. Pondichery traces its origin to Sage Agasthya. Its shores have also been home to different cultures, from the Romans to the French, who ruled for 300 years.
Places at Pondichery:
1.Aurobindo Ashram (must visit)
2.Auroville (10 km) from Pondichery (must visit)
3.Beach
4.Raj Nivas, the former palace of Dupleix now the residence of Pudhucherry’s Lieutenant Governor, Botanical Gardens,
5.Chunnambar boat house, Bharathi Park, Museum, Romain Rolland Library, Botanical the 400-year old banyan tree at Keezhoor, and the coastal town of Marakanam that was a major port in the 1st Century AD, are all worth the visit.
Choice 2
Yellagiri (Hill station)
This hill-station is 3-4 hours drive from Chennai and is at a height of 920m above sea level. It is one of the quieter hill destinations of Tamil Nadu and is surrounded by orchards, rose-gardens and green valleys. The up-hill drive, with 14 hair-pin bends, takes you through some spectacular scenery. Yellagiri is basically a cluster of villages surrounded by four hills. The main settlements are at Athnavur and Nilavur. A peaceful and unexplored area, the destination has not been commercialised, and offers you a picturesque and unpolluted ambience.
Sightseeing Highlights:
Punganur Lake is a manmade lake with a pretty garden surrounding it. The boat club here offers pedal and motor boat rides. The area is a favourite haint of bird-watchers. There is a children’s park and a mini-zoo next door.
Velvan Temple situated on top of a hill, is another attraction of the town. The presiding deity is Lord Murugan and there is a huge sculpture of Gadothgajan at the entrance. In July and August several colourful festivals and fairs are organised here, where you can see the local culture.
Jalagamparai Waterfalls is a steep trek downhill of around 5km. The lush green surroundings and small hamlets on the way add to the scenic beauty. However, there is water in the falls only after the monsoons, so trekking here in summers may not be worth the effort.
Swamimalai is the highest peak in the area and is a popular trek. Other smaller peaks to scale are Javadi Hills and Palamathi Hills.
Coming back from Yellagiri (Hill station) you can plan one day Kanchipuram temple.
Lake George RV Park – Vacation Planning Video
