AUROVILLE 7-10 January

DAY WISE ITENARY 9th

7th
Pondiche
Auroville
rry

10th
8 th

East
AV and
coast
around
Road
DAY 1 Auroville
 AUROVILLE
Designed by popular architect Roger Anger, Auroville
is a strategically planned, experimental township that
aims to develop India through the idea of peaceful co-
existence. The township, located close to Pondicherry
is often referred to as the City of Dawn and is named
after Sri Aurobindo.
Auroville is the best place for those who seek tolearn
more about Indiaand its spirituality. It was created to
bring progressive harmony aims to transcend creed,
culture, politics and nationalities. Visiting here is truly
a unique experience.
The project was initially founded in the 1960s by the
spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo. The society
founded this project to ensure that people attain
divine perfection and find meaning of their existence
through peaceful living with one another. The place
also houses a large architectural marvel called
Matrimandir, which features 56 kilograms of gold on
its dome along with golden mounts. The building,
which glows with sunlight, is widely considered as a
harbinger of peace, serenity and tranquillity. The
Matrimandir is a middle point of this township and a
 REACHING KOYAMBEDU
1. Chennai Airport Koyambedu
Bus stop @ 6:00 Am via
Chennai Metro cost 50 Rs/
prsn
 REACHING PONDICHERRY
2. Koyambedu to Pondicherry @ 6:00 by Bus (non-
Ac) journey time 3hrs Approx. Cost 270/prsn
Get down at the Auroville Junction on the East Coast Road
Take Motorized Rikshaw to Tantos (6 mis travel via ESR road)

3. Get AUROCARD from guest hous

 VISITORS CENTER
It is located in Auroville's International Zone between
Bharat Nivas and Edayanchavadi village.
The Visitors Centre, which welcomes large numbers of
visitors every day, has been conceived as a
demonstration site for alternative sustainable
technology, renewable energy, alternative building
techniques and integrated waste water
management.The aim is to demonstrate the possibility
to successfully run such a centre in a pleasant set up
with low or no environmental impact and pollution.
Open daily from 9am - 1pm and 1:30 - 5pm
Issues passes toMatrimandir Viewing Point.From the VC
a shaded 10-12 minutes walk leads to the Viewing Point
in the Matrimandir area. For those who need motorised
transport, shuttles are available.
Bicycles for hire: available from the kiosk. Ph: 0413-
2623034
 @ VISITORS
CENTER
Take Brochures and view
Matri Mandir Presentation
and details about visitors
tour
Take passes to visit Matri
Mandir
Get a Vehicle (cycle 40-60
rs or Motor cycle 80-100 rs)
Ask about bus timings to
Pondicherry
Buy Auroville Map
Ask about full day taxi
services (in case of
Pondicherry visit required
to be done in car)
 SAVITRI BHAVAN
Savitri Bhavan inAurovilleis a centre dedicated to fostering a
living sense of Human Unity through spiritual education based
on the vision and teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.
The central focus is Sri Aurobindos mantric epicSavitri: a
legend and a symbol, which the Mother has called The
supreme revelation of Sri Aurobindos vision.
Savitri Bhavan aims to gather and create, to house and make
available all kinds of materials and activities that will foster a
deeper appreciation ofSavitri, of the lives, work and vision of
Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, and of the aims and ideals of
Auroville, in a space that breathes the atmosphere ofSavitri.
 MATRI MANDIR
Visitors and guests should bear in mind that the Matrimandir is
not a tourist site;it is a place for individual silent
concentration. A place which should be visited in an appropriate
physical and mental state.
The Matrimandir Viewing Point, south of the Park of Unity, is a
raised garden area which offers visitors a beautiful view of the
Matrimandir and its surroundings.
shaded 10-12 minute walk leads from the Visitors' Centre to
the Viewing Point. A free electric shuttle service is available for
those who may find it difficult to walk the approx. 1 km distance
each way.Free bus service is available for the return journey
from the Viewing Point to the Visitors Centre for all those who
wish to avail of it.
If you have some more time available for exploring other
aspects of Auroville, on the way back a small diversion is
possible through the International Zone, with interesting
locations like Savitri Bhavan, Unity Pavilion, Bharat Nivas,
Tibetan Pavilion, Inuksuk, and then back to Visitors Centre.
(Duration around 2 hours)
Concentration time in the Inner Chamber
9.35 to 10.05 am.
Last entry allowed into the Inner Chamber: 9.45 am.
Concentration time in one of the Petal Meditation Rooms
9.30 to 10.45 am
The 12 meditation rooms are normally open all at the same
time, but occasionally only a few may be open on a particular
day.
Passes are issued for only one room per visit.
 SIGHT SEEING
Solar Kitchen
This is the communitykitchen, with a dining-halland
itprovides tiffin-lunches to schools, service centers and
individuals. In the dine-in section, preference is given to the
ones who have pre-booked a meal, after whichit is thrown
open to people who are without priorbookings.
Solar kitchenis one establishment that takes food-wastage
seriously, and makes conscious efforts to cut it down. After
youve had your meal, you are supposed to throw the
remnants of your plate into a bin, whichis kepton a
weighing scale, and the collective wastage is taken note of,
and written for public knowledge.

You can book yourself a meal at Solar Kitchenby calling-up

in advance.
Payment can only be made by Auro card here. Alternatively,
you can try your luck and pay someone (in cash) who has
the card, and wouldnt mind paying (through card) for you.
 AUROVILLE GUEST SERVICE
Located on the terrace above theSolar Kitchen, AV Guest Service is
open to the public and provides information and guidance for guests
and volunteers who have begun their stay in Auroville.

The AV Guest Service assists in helping guests find orientation

among workshops, therapies and programmes, to help in meeting
Aurovillians and integrating into the life of Auroville. Visit
http://www.aurovilleguestservice.into apply before coming, or visit
during office hours for more information.
The following services are also provided:
1.A range of informative and interesting publications on Auroville for browsing;
2.Advice and referrals on various aspects of staying in Aurovillle;
3.Space for receiving and handling feedback from guests on their experience in
Auroville;
4.Notice-board with events, classes, workshops & cultural activities open to guests;
5.Information on getting around Auroville and neighbouring areas;

Open daily 9:30am - 12:30pm and 1 - 4pm

(closedSaturdayafternoonandSundays)

Email:avguestservice@auroville.org.in
http://www.aurovilleguestservice.in

Ph: 0413-2622675
 SIGHT SEEING
There are plenty of things to try, learn and experience during your stay in Auroville; foreign movie screenings at the
town hall, eco movie screenings at Sadhana Forest, pizza nights with the Youth Club, discussions on Auroville-related
subjects, pottery classes, yoga classes, short term volunteering in schools, farms, forests and conservation initiatives,
language and dance classes, and more. Refer to the resources listed below to find these opportunities.
There is a sandy beach near Auroville, on the other side of ECR (Auro beach). It is not the cleanest of beaches, and
usually pretty crowded. A better alternative is the Serenity beach (aka Bodhi beach) located a little more proximal to the
town.
Watch a performance at Adishakti. Theres some excellent theatre performances there with live instruments and artsy
acting. One of my favourite things in Auroville.
Go to Youth Centre for a party. Well, thats tough to do if you arent pally with an Aurovillian and its not the sort of thing
youd get invited to if youre just hanging out there and making random friends, but if you do get to know some cool
people at AV and they invite you to a Youth Centre party, go for it. Its a setting unlike any other for anything at all. Very
chilled out vibe.
-Bamboo Centre

-Townhall,

- Visit to the Budha Garden,

Solitude Farm
 EATERIES
Auroville has a number of Pizzerias, which use a firewood oven for preparing pizzas. The most famous of these is the Tanto pizzeria on the Auroville main road (also has another branch on ECR). A definite must-visit.
Personal recommendations - pizzas, Tiramisu, Chocolate cake, other desserts
Another popular place is Roma's kitchen. It is located a bit off the main road, but there are signboards to guide you. It's a small, homely place run by a Parsi aunty (who has the distinction of having served the Dalai
Lama on both his visits there). Mainly North Indian cuisine, with a homely flavour.
Auroville bakery (Boulangerie). Another must-go. Especially for breakfast. The place opens around 6:30 in the morning. It serves freshly baked goods, and has a lovely seating area behind.
There are a number of small shops and stalls on the streets of Auroville, aimed mainly at tourists. Look hard, and you'll find some pretty good stuff. Do bargain but.

- If you are looking for a quick bite, there is a 'Momo cafe' (again on the main road; elusive signboard though). They are open usually only in the evenings, I think.
Eat at Naturellement. The ambience is pretty chill. And the food is great. But, most relevantly, its set in the heart of Auroville and is a very AV eating place. Do carry cash though as they dont accept cards and
theres no ATM for at least a couple of miles either way.
Cold Coffee at Marcs Cafe. Its on the main Auroville road leading up to Matrimandir, after the bakery. Their coffee preparations are exceptional.
Well Cafe.My absolute favorite lunch hangout, in the forest zone of Auroville. Their homemade bean burgers, falafels, hummus, salad everything on the Israeli menu is to die for. They also work to empower
women from nearby villages, by retailing funky accessories handmade with recycled materials.
Naturellement .Also hidden away in the forest zone, Naturellemont is a haven for homemade pastas. Transport yourself to Europe with their pesto pasta and open-faced Scandinavian sandwiches, in an open air
garden setting.
Frite Corner.Often overshadowed by Tanto next door, Frite Corner is a favorite hangout among locals for its sinfully good fries and grilled sandwiches. A must try!
Farm Fresh.My favorite place to grab a snack. The baguette sandwiches and Italian toast live up to its name; farm fresh goodness.
Le Morgan.Located at the Town Hall, Le Morgan has an eclectic combination of simple South Indian fare and french dishes to sample, starting with fresh idlis for breakfast. Finger licking good!
Solitude Farm .It takes the goodness of organic food to a whole new level. Fresh produce from the organic farm is cooked in South Indian style and served up with the local rice. I had one of my best local meals
here, of banana flower, curries and rice. Prior reservation is needed.
La Terraza.On the terrace above Solar Kitchen, Le Terraza was my favorite cafe to read or write; you can buy a Wifi voucher from the Blue Light Browsing Centre next door. They serve up possibly the best iced tea in
all of Auroville, and the half and half mushroom and hummus sandwiches are delightful too. Note that you can only pay with the Auro Card here.
Kopi Bar.As the name suggests, its a coffee bar.Famed to have the best cold coffee in Auroville, Kopis is a quiet hangout near Farm Fresh, with super fast Wifi at 20 rupees an hour.
DAY 3 Pondicherry
 HOW TO GO
Bus from visitors center to Pondicherry
From theVisitors' CentretoPondyat8:15am,2:15pmand5:15pm.
Buses also run from thePondicherry Bus Standto theVisitors' Centreat 7:30am, 1:30pm and
4:30pm.

Or

Autorikshaws for ECR road, beach and Pondy, are available in the parking area at the
Visitors Centre.
Current rates are:
To ECR-beach : Rs. 120
To Pondy : Rs. 230
Inside Auroville; less than Rs. 120
 PONDICHERRY
Puducherry previously called Pondicherry and
commonly known to as Pondy was under the French
jurisdiction until 1954 and some people here still
speak French and English with French accents.
Hotels, restaurants and lifestyle shops sell a
charming image of the French-subcontinental artistic,
magnified by Gallic inventive types whose residence
has, in turn, drew Indian artists and designers. Wide
highways, seafront stroll, French building, stunning
beachesand places of religious significance make
Pondicherry a stop worthy of being visited.
 PLACES TO VISIT
Pondicherry Beach - 6 km
Raj Niwas - 5 km
Promenade - 5 km
Pondicherry Museum - 4.6 km
Park Monument ( Aayi Mandapam )- 4.5 km
French War Memorial - 4.5 km
Manakula Vinayagar Temple - 4.5 km
Bharati Government Park - 4.4 km
Chunnambar Boathouse - 4.1 km
Pondicherry Botanical Garden - 3 km
 SIR AUROBINDO ASHRAM
One of favoured tourist places in Pondicherry, Sri
Aurobindo Ashram is where people come to seek
spiritual harmony and enlightenment. It once served
as a spiritual community and is known for being the
abode of spiritual guru, Sri Aurobindo.
During the early half of 20th century, Aurobindo
stayed here along with his few disciples and Mirra
Alfassa, the mother of the ashram and his spiritual
collaborator. Once he withdrew from public view, all
the responsibilities of the place were handed over to
the Sadhaks, his spiritual aspirants. The ashram is
also responsible for founding the concept of peaceful
co-existence in atownship. Auroville, the township in
Pondicherry is the direct product of the ideals and
aims of this ashram.
The ashram can be visited from 8 in the morning to
12 noon, or from 2 in the afternoon to 6 in the
evening. This place ispopular for following the
internal yogaconcept, which seeks to bring a
transformation in life. It also follows the existential
rule of living, wherein people are motivated to find a
meaning of their life and attain divine perfection.
 MANAKULA VINAYAGAR
TEMPLE
This Hindu temple, located in Pondicherry is dedicated to Lord
Ganesha. It is widely considered a popular pilgrimage site.
The temple and its antiquity reminds one of how Indian
culture and heritage didnt wither away even after years of
colonization. During Dupleixs tenure, several attempts were
made to destroy the temple, but Hindu populations always
managed to protect it through protests and threat of Maratha
invasion.
Revered for its beauty and structure, the temple came into
existence even before French came to the country.
Constructed before 1666 AD, this place of worship has
different names and types of Lord Ganesha. Meaning sand
around pond, several scholars have written about this
temple.
This place is also known for a saint, Thollaikkathu Siddhar,
who stood 6 feet tall and had a broad forehead with blissful
eyes. He is said to have attained enlightenment from this
temple and later sacrificed his body here. People bring in their
new born children here for getting blessings.
The shrine is well-known for its golden chariot, which has
been made through donations by different devotees. 7.5
kilograms of gold has been used for constructing this chariot,
which was estimated around INR 35 lacs. The chariot was first
run in a grand ceremony on 5th October 2003. Now, it runs
once a year on Dusherra.
 RAJ NIWAS
Raj Niwas in Pondicherryis the official
residence of the Lieutenant Governor. It is one
of the most important buildings, which once
served as a palace during French colonization
of the country. It used to be the residence of
Dupleix, the official French Governor, who was
notorious for trying to destroy Manakula
Vinayagar Temple.

Currently, the Niwas is located in the

Government Park and parts of it are opened
for the public. Dr Iqbal Singh, the present
Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry resides
here. The place is well known for its parks and
gardens, along with sculptures from medieval
and contemporary era, giving a keen insight
into the culture and life of Pondicherry.
 THE PONDICHERRY MUSEUM
The city of Pondicherry is widely known for its
sculptures, architecture and cultural influences.
Those who wish to acquaint themselves with
Pondicherry should therefore visit the Pondicherry
Museum which is a hub for art enthusiasts, history
lovers and explorers.
The museum is known for having remains from the
Arikamedu Roman settlements. At the same time, it
features a rare collection of bronze and stone
sculptures that provide information and insight into
the Chola and Pallava dynasties of India. Apart from
this, the museum also houses some of the rare
artefacts from Roman empires that once lived in
Pondicherry.
The museum is also popular for artefacts from
literature and Dravidian culture. One of its regions is
the Bharathidasan Museum, which is named after
the popular Pondicherry poet and playwright. Here,
one can find French diaries and other artefacts that
reveal facts about how architecture in this city has
flourished over the years.
 PROMENADE
The Promenade, also known as the Goubert Avenue is
one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry. Designed
in a French style, it has boulevards and swaying palm
trees all around. The seafront is best when visited in
the early morning, when you can enjoy calm and
tranquil nature and refresh yourself with a morning
walk. This is also great for those who wish to socialize
with locals and other joggers.
After the jogging or morning walk, make sure that you
try tea stalls and coffee stalls here. The place is great
for enjoying the sound and mist of sea breeze. It is
also known for its bustling bazaars in the evening. If
you love the bustle, then evening is the time to visit.
But if you favour serenity, make sure you visit it during
the morning hours.

 FRENCH WAR MEMORIAL

French War Memorial is a popular place of interest. Built
on the Goubert Avenue or The Promenade, it serves as
a reminder of those valiant soldiers who lost their lives
during the World War-I from 1916 to 1919. The
memorial, built in 1971, is reminiscent of the fact that
war leaves fatalities behind and doesnt answer any
questions or offer any solutions. On the Bastille Day,
i.e. 14th July every year, the memorial is illuminated in
a beautiful manner, ensuring that locals and travellers
can pay homage to courageous martyrs who laid down
their lives.
Closely located to the Gandhi Statue and surrounded by
eight pillars, this statue reminds one of the era gone by
and the Indian struggle for independence. French
influence can be seen close by as an iconic, marble
statue of Joan of Arc, located here.
 BHARATI GOVERNMENT
PARK
Bharati Government Park is one of the most organised
parks in the country. This important place to visit in
Pondicherry is designed in such a way that it serves as its
green centre. Considered to be a French Town, this park is
now an area that bustles with life, thanks to a number of
locals and travellers who visit here with their families and
kids.
The park features a beautiful pond and a local museum.
Nestled around hills and traffic parks, this is where kids
can learn and enjoy a variety of things. It is divided in
four, almost equal parts and showcases an amalgamation
of ancient sculptures and modern statues. The place is
also known for housing Raj Niwas, the residence of the
Lieutenant Governor. It once served as the Palace of
French Governor of Pondicherry. An art gallery in the South
and an Eastern side with French bandstand are popular in
this park.
 THE PONDICHERRY
BOTANICAL GARDEN
All over the world, botanical gardens are tourists delight.
This Pondicherry Botanical Garden is no different. Providing
respite from the heat and hustle-bustle on main roads, this
garden serves as one of the delightful places to visit in
Pondicherry.
Located south of the New Bus Stand, it is a reminder of
French architecture, providing an insight into how
architecture in France developed and how colonization has
had an impact on the development of Pondicherry. Built in
1826, the garden was initially laid out in ornate style so that
locals could picnic and enjoy their free time refreshing
themselves amidst trees, grasses and flowers.
Tourists can enjoy the sight of fountains, gravel lined paths,
beautiful flowerbeds and pruned trees. One of the most
ornately designed gardens inSouth India, the botanical
beauty houses around 1500 varieties of plants.
The Pondicherry Botanical Gardens are well known for exotic
species of different plants procured from all over the world.
Every weekend musical fountain shows are organised.

 CHUNNAMBAR BOAT HOUSE

Chunnambar River is widely popular for its
backwaters, which offers travellers the opportunity
to enjoy picnicking with their families and children.
Amongthe tourist places to visitin Pondicherry, this
boathouse not only allows one to stay in a luxurious
manner, but also ensures that travellers enjoy the
trip of a lifetime amidst nature and greenery.
The boathouses here are driven by the crew and
oarsmen in the Chunnambar River. They have one,
two or three rooms along with sundeck, balcony
areas and other facilities ensuring that you stay in a
leisurely manner. Apart from boathouses, the river
here also has a water sports centre, where travellers
can enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities.
 PONDICHERRY BEACH
Pondicherry Beach is aparadise for all beach
loversand tourists. It is flanked by a flowing
creek on one side and is also known for its
tree houses, which are located on the
backwaters. The beach is a budget one in
South India as it is cheaper to access
andaccommodation in pondicherryis lesser
when compared to other beaches and their
resorts or hotels in the country.
The seashore is also known for organising a
widerange of activitiesincluding cruises in
the backwaters, trekking, beach volleyball,
chess, picnic, themed events, table tennis,
and catamaran rides for travellers. All these
activities along with the beautiful
surroundings, waters and golden sands is
what makes thisbeachperfect for a holiday.
 GAUBERT AVENUE
Goubert Avenue, also called the The Promenade is one of
the favoured places in Pondicherry. It is included in most
of the packages that offer invigoration of mind, body and
spirit. The tranquil boulevard is best visited during early
morning, when one can enjoy peaceful and quiet walks. It
is here that you can meet locales and enjoy socializing
with other joggers.
After the visit and jogging, one can refresh themselves
with hot drink at tea and coffee stalls. Permeating in a
French vibe, the place is also great for enjoying the fresh
sea breeze. The Promenade turns into a bustling bazaar
in the evening and seems absolutely different from what
it looks in the morning. Its overall charm is accentuated
by the spectacular views of the beaches.
 CHURCH OF SACRED HEART
OF JESUS
Situated on the South Boulevard of Pondicherry, The
Basilica of Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of the most iconic
churches in the country. A specimen of Gothic
Architecture, this venerated structure transports you to
an era gone by, giving insights into French architecture
and gothic style of developments.
The rare stained glass panels in this church are known for
depicting the life events of Jesus Christ and saints from
different Catholic Churches. This place of worship has
become afamous pilgrimage spotfor Christians in recent
times.
Development of this church began in the year 1895 and
the surrounding parish was established in January 1908.
In 2008-2009, the church celebrated its centenary year
of founding of the parish. The government released a
special postal stamp and envelope to mark its
celebrations. The place features four evangelists statues
and four lamp posts along with chandeliers, focus and
flood lights.
 KARAIKAL BEACH
Karaikal is a popular port city. Located on the East Coast of
India, it is visited by those who like to enjoy beaches and
related activities. A part of Union Territory of Pondicherry or
Puducherry, this charming destination is a combination of
Indian and European cultures. The Karaikal Beach here is a
major source of income and tourism.
[Take a walk throught the good old
streets of Pondicherry]
Included in almost all holiday packages of the city, this
seashore is well-known for its inviting blue waters, golden
sands and closely located markets. These markets offer a taste
of Pondicherry and are especially known for their restaurants
that serve foods cooked in indigenous spices. Several popular
temples and churches are also located close to the beach.
This seaside is a popular ground for locales and travellers from
all over the world. A number of activities, including trekking,
volleyball, swimming classes and games are organized here.
[Have a look on all theinteresting thingsto do in
Pondicherry]
 PARK MONUMENT (AAYI
MANDAPAM)
Another tourist places in Pondicherry Park Monument is
Park Monument. It is an attractive, alluring destination
that is located in the picturesque area of Government
Park. Built during the period of Napoleon-III during the
16th century, this is a place that will transport you to
the era gone by.
Currently, it is referred to by the name of Aayi, who
was once a renowned courtesan. If the local stories are
to be believed, Aayi destroyed her home and made a
water tank instead of it. The king then believed that
the candle lit house was a sacred place. It is widely
believed that the tank was responsible for serving and
bringing water from town to French engineers. This
hassle free destination offers an insight into the lives
and times of people in 16th century.
 SCUBA DIVING
Located on the kaleidoscopic coastlines of the Bay of Bengal,
Pondicherry also proves to be a blessed scuba diving destination
in the entire country! The azure and clear waters around this
union territory offers astounding opportunities to take a dive into
the mesmeric under-water world and discover its magical beauty.
One of the wonderful things to do in Pondicherry, scuba diving is
a common trait among the locals and is now gaining immense
popularity among the tourists. Conducted under the guidance of
expert PADI certified divers, this adventure sport is in fact a not to
be missed activity.
Most of the diving sites in Pondicherry ranges from 5m to 40m,
and proves to be ideal for the novice as well as the expert divers.
Moreover, the clarity of the water bed and the wide range of
aquatic life makes these dives an extremely exciting affair. Some
of the popular diving sites in Pondy includes 4 Corners, Temple
Reef, Coral Shark Reef, Arvind's Wall and The Hole.
Take a dive deep into the turquoise waters of Pondicherry,
discover the enchanting beauty of the marine life, swim along
exotic fishes, witness the gorgeousness of the coral reefs and
curate some of the most magical memories of your tour!
 Via East Coast
DAY 4 Road
SADRAS JAGANNATH
DUTCH FORT, TEMPLE, NEAR
MAYAJAL
KALPAKKAM
 ALAMPARAI
FORT RUINS
You could give 100 bucks to the local fishermen
near Alempara fort and he takes you for a ride
along the backwaters.This will be a much better
experience than the Mutukadu Boating.

Oncelivingitslifefull-fledgedduringMughalempire,AlamparaifortwasinfluencedbytheFrenchculturewhose
maincentrehavebeenPondicherry,almost50Kmsfromthere.itwasgiftedbytheMughalNawabtothe
FrenchGovernment.Howeverlater,awarbetweentheBritishandtheFrenchwasthereasonofthedestruction
ofthefort.
It s believed that the fort also had a dockyard inside the bay of Bengal for thetrading facility. Now
a days, the ruins of the fort can still be seen in the near by water-fronts. The fort is still
surrounded by thehigh walls and watch-tower. This place is gaining popularity in tourism lately.
Places to see around:
Remnants of the fort, high fort walls, brick steps, mausoleum, watch tower, Nature around, view
 PICHAVARAM
MANGROVE
FORESTS
Pichavaram (MadBoon) has a well-
developed mangrove forest. Pichavaram
consists of a number of islands
interspersing a vast expanse of water
covered with green trees. The area is about
1100 Hectare and is separated from the sea
by a sand bar.
The Pichavaram mangrove[3] biotope,
consisting of rare species like Avicennia and In this place there is a mangrove forest. Boating is
Rhizophora presents a special attraction, arranged by Tamilnadu tourism department to the
with its peculiar topography and Mangrove forest. This trip is breath taking one and
environmental condition. It supports the good for nature lovers. Boating for 1 hour, 2 hour
existence of many rare varieties of and 4 hours may be taken. Motor Boat and row
economically important shell and finfishes. bots are available. .
The Pichavaram mangroves attract an
appreciable bird population of residents,
local migrants and true migrants.
 MUTUKADU
BOAT HOUSE
NoteveryoneonecanaffordtogotoKeralatofeelthe
gustoofbackwaters.Iagreethatserenityand
magnificentcharmtiedinKeralabackwaterscannever
bereplacednonethelessjusttogetafulloffun
estimationofwhatbackwaterslooklikeMuttukadu
boat houseisnotabadchoice.

36 Kms from Chennai on East coast road aka ECR

towards Mahabalipuram
Open from 9am to 5pm & run by TTDC
Row boating for Rs 130 for 30 minutes
Speed boating for Rs. 450 for 10 minutes
Power boat for 8 members for Rs. 350
Shared 30 minutes ride cost Rs. 50
 THE MADRAS CHOLA
CROCODILE BANK MANDALAM
TRUST ART VILLAGE

Thisisaplacewhereeveryonecanenjoy.Ifaestheticandartistic
Itisatrustforherpetologyandenvironmentconservation.Ithas thingsattractyouthenthisplaceisaperfectdestinationforyou.
wonseveralawardsintherecentpastandgettingrecognizedas Thisisaplacewhereyouneednotthinktwicebeforegoingthere.
anon-profitorganizationintherecentyearswithvolunteers Itcanbefungoingtherewithfamily,withchildren,withco-
pouringinfromthemetropolitancityofChennaiandwiththehelp workersorevenwithsomeonewhoappreciatesartisticsense
oflocalexperts.Itisabankwithavarietyofcrocodiles,turtles, andaspiretobesomekindofartistsomeday.
andsnakes.Ifyoulovewildlifeandaquaticlife,youwouldsurely Artgalleries,Openairtheatre,danceperformances,sculptures,
lovethisplacetoo.OfficialsiteofMadras crocodile bank museums,handicrafts,sandandclayart,photographyandthere
areathousandamazingstuffwhichcanmakeyouawe-
Timings: 08.30 AM 05.30 PM (All day except closed on struck.Butifyouwanttoenjoymore,youshouldplanyour
Monday) scheduleinadvanceandaccordingtoyourchoiceyoushouldgo
Fee: Adult- Rs 35 and child (below 10 years) : Rs 10 there.
Camcorder: Rs. 100 and still camera: Rs. 20
Night safari: (Saturday and Sunday only, 07.00 pm-08.30 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM
pm, ticket counter closes at 08.00 pm) Cholamandalam village Entry Fee: Rs 20 for adults and Rs
Adult: Rs 60 and children(Below 10 years): Rs. 20 5 for kids
 DAKSHINA CHITRA MAHABALIPU
HERITAGE VILLAGE RUM

Atraditionalanduniqueheritagevillagewhichiskeepingthe
TheShore Temple(builtin700728AD)issonamed
traditionallifestylesofsouthIndiaaliveanddepictingthemata
becauseitoverlookstheshoreoftheBayofBengal.Itisa
singleplacealongtheECRspreadingoveracres.Knowmorestructuraltemple,builtwithblocksofgranite,datingfrom
aboutDakshinChitra
the8thcenturyAD.Itwasbuiltonapromontorysticking
Dakshinchitra Visiting Hours: 10 am to 6pm
Weekly Holiday: Tuesday (open on all national holidays outintotheBayofBengalatMahabalipuram,avillage
except on Diwali Day) southofChennaiinthestateofTamilNaduinIndia.Atthe
timeofitscreation,thevillagewasabusyportduringthe
Indian Adult: Rs.100/- reignofNarasimhavarmanIIofthePallavadynasty.[1]As
Indian Child: Rs.20/- (5-12yrs) oneoftheGroupofMonumentsatMahabalipuram,ithas
Indian Student: Rs.30/- (13-18yrs) beenclassifiedasaUNESCOWorldHeritageSitesince
Teachers : Rs.50 ( or at the discretion of the management) 1984.[2]Itisoneoftheoldeststructural(versusrock-cut)
School Students package: Rs.100/
stonetemplesofSouthIndia.[1]
 PYRAMID TIGER CAVE
TEMPLE

The Tiger Caves are not actually caves, and tigers

SriKarneshwarNatarajatemplelocatedonthebeachat
do not live here! These rock-cut structures with
Pudhukuppam,12kilometresnorthofAuroville,
tiger-head like shapes (
Thenewtemplehasbeenrebuiltonthesameplace.The
some think its a mythological animal,yeli) are
GreatPyramidofEgyptistheoriginoftheconceptand
believed to have been constructed in 7-8 century
theproportionsofSriKarneshwarNatarajaTempleare
by Pallavas, like all other similar monuments in
basedontheproportionsofthisGreatPyramid.The
Mahabalipuram/Mamallapuram. The Tiger caves
proportionsofthelattergeneratealsothepointeddome
are a part of ASI (Archaeological Survey of India)
whichhousesLordNataraja.Thepyramidisoriented
protected monuments and the venue is maintained
exactlytowardsthemagneticNorthsoastogenerateits
neatly with proper parking space and lush green
maximumenergy.