I made a trip to Chennai- Mahabalipuram- Pondicherry- Chidambaram - Kodaikanal- Madurai. the entire circuit is very beautiful with a very varying climatic conditions.
Mahabalipuram a coastal Town has the UNESCO World Heritage site - The Shore Temple. It's a small town wherein all spots can be visited by morning and evening walks, Climate was not so hot so as to require AC Room Hotel, I visited it in December. Bicycle could be easily taken on rent and one may ride through nearby villages.
Single Occupancy Non A/C Rooms are available from 500 per night to 800 per night, Check out time is generally 12 noon in all Hotels.
Next Destination was Puducherry ( earlier known as Pondicherry) it's a beautiful blend of village and city life, Aurovile gives an amazing experience of a life away from City, bicycles and two wheelers are easily available on rent. Opting for a stay in Aurovile is highly recommended. One may first reach to Visitors Centre in Aurovile, from there various stay options can be sought and booking can be confirmed through a phone call. Just a few kms away from Aurovile begins the City life of Clean Puducherry having awesome French Buildings and beautiful sea beaches.
Kodaikanal, hill station, does not have many attractions. A complete day would suffice for exploring worthy sites such as Coakers Walk, Lake view, Bryant Park these are within the town only and won't need any vehicle to explore.
Madurai, famous for Silk and Cotton Sarees is a good city for 1 day trip, provided that you keep Temple Darshan for early morning hours of the Day, Gandhi Museum and Sound and Light Show at Palace are attractions of the City. A cool drink " Jigarthanda " Rs 50/- per glass is really fulfilling, it's a shake made up of local almonds and few other constituents.
