Franco-Tamil Romance: French Villa of Chettinad
5 Days / 4 Nights
Starting from ₹27,000
Slow down along the Coromandel Coast. Explore yellow-walled French villas, seaside promenades, and boutique cafes in Pondicherry, followed by palatial merchant mansions and banana-leaf dining in Chettinad.
Day 1: Arrival in Pondicherry (White Town)
Today's Highlights: Pick up from Chennai, seaside drive, French villa check-in, and Promenade walk.
The Journey: Pickup from Chennai Airport and take a scenic 3-hour drive along the coast to Pondicherry. Check into a restored French villa in White Town. Spend the late afternoon taking a quiet stroll along the Seaside Promenade, enjoying fresh French pastries at local bakery cafes.
Stay: Palais de Mahe / La Villa (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Heritage Cycle Tour & Auroville Retreat
Today's Highlights: Morning heritage cycle ride through Franco-Tamil quarters, afternoon at Auroville, and leisure evening.
The Journey: Take a gentle morning cycle tour through the French and Tamil Quarters, learning about the town's unique dual heritage. In the afternoon, visit the serene township of Auroville to view the golden Matrimandir dome. Enjoy an open evening dining at a courtyard bistro.
Stay: Palais de Mahe (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 3: Scenic Drive to Chettinad Palatial Mansion
Today's Highlights: Drive to Chettinad, check-in at a restored 19th-century merchant mansion, and high tea.
The Journey: Take a 4.5-hour drive into the cultural heart of Chettinad. Check into a grand merchant mansion featuring Italian marble and Belgian glass. Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the property followed by high tea in the courtyard.
Stay: Visalam - CGH Earth / Chidambara Vilas (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Mansion Walk & Chettinad Banana-Leaf Feast
Today's Highlights: Guided walk through 1,000-window mansions, Athangudi tile-making, and traditional feast.
The Journey: Take a slow morning walk through the surrounding village to view grand Chettinad Mansions and visit a handmade Athangudi tile workshop. In the afternoon, indulge in a slow, traditional multi-course Chettinad feast served on fresh banana leaves. Spend the evening relaxing by the mansion pool.
Stay: Visalam - CGH Earth (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Departure via Madurai / Trichy
Today's Highlights: Breakfast at the mansion and airport drop-off.
The Journey: Enjoy a slow morning breakfast before taking a private transfer to Madurai Airport (IXM) or Trichy Airport (TRZ) for your departure flight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
02 Nights in Pondicherry French Villa + 02 Nights in Chettinad Palatial Mansion.
Daily Breakfast, 1 Chettinad Banana-Leaf Feast, and 2 Dinners.
Private AC vehicle for all transfers and inter-city travel.
Guided heritage walking/cycling tour in White Town.
Flight or train tickets.
Personal shopping expenses.