Hills and Coast
A gentler mix for families who want heritage and coast without a full temple marathon, finishing with three nights of hill relief in Ooty. Fewer long drives, more time in each place.
Day by day
Arrive Chennai
Direct flight from Ahmedabad lands by early afternoon. Rest, then an easy evening at Marina Beach (the world's second-longest urban beach) and a look at Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore if energy allows.
Shore temples and rock carvings
Drive to Mahabalipuram (55 km, 1½ hours). Full day at the UNESCO site: the Shore Temple facing the Bay of Bengal, Arjuna's Penance (the world's largest bas-relief), the Five Rathas, and Krishna's Butter Ball, a giant boulder that appears to defy gravity. Overnight by the coast.
Into the French Quarter
Coastal drive to Pondicherry (100 km, 2 hours) along the East Coast Road, with a stop at Auroville's Matrimandir viewing point on the way in. Afternoon walking the French Quarter's tree-lined streets — Rue de la Marine, the Promenade, Notre Dame des Anges. Café culture in the evening.
Auroville and the beaches
Morning at Auroville proper (Matrimandir interior needs advance permission, arrange it beforehand) and the visitor centre. Afternoon free — Paradise Beach by boat, or Sri Aurobindo Ashram for those interested. Relaxed second evening in the French Quarter.
Climb into the Nilgiris
Fly or drive Pondicherry–Coimbatore (drive is 6–7 hours; flying via Chennai is faster for those short on time), then drive up to Ooty (85 km, 3 hours climbing through 36 hairpin bends past Coonoor). Check in by evening; temperatures drop to 12–15°C.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway and the lake
Ride the UNESCO-listed Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train from Ooty to Coonoor and back (book weeks ahead, especially April–June and October). Afternoon at Ooty Lake for boating and the Government Botanical Garden. Doddabetta Peak viewpoint if the weather is clear.
Tea estates and a free morning
Visit a working tea factory and estate, and the Rose Garden. Afternoon free for shopping — Ooty's homemade chocolate and eucalyptus oil are the usual buys. Last evening in the hills.
Fly home
Drive down to Coimbatore (85 km, 3 hours) for the flight to Ahmedabad, usually one-stop via Chennai, Mumbai or Bengaluru. Leave Ooty by mid-morning to allow for the descent and airport time.
What's included
- Ahmedabad–Chennai and Coimbatore–Ahmedabad flights
- 7 nights in inspected 3★/4★ hotels
- Private AC vehicle for the whole trip (Pondicherry–Coimbatore leg by car or connecting flight, quoted at booking)
- Daily breakfast and veg dinner
- Nilgiri Mountain Railway tickets
- Airport pickup and drop
Not included
- Lunches
- Auroville Matrimandir permission and Paradise Beach boat ride
- Travel insurance
- GST 5%
Indicative cost
Per person, twin sharing
Per person, twin sharing
Per person on twin sharing, indicative for 2026, including flights. April–June (Ooty's own peak season) runs 20–25% higher and needs 6–8 weeks' advance hotel booking.