1. Mahabalipuram Seashore Temple

Offering stupendous views of the Bay of Bengal, the Shore Temple complex of Mahabalipuram is a major part of the group of monuments which have been identified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Built by the Pallava Dynasty between 700 A.D. and 728 A.D., this group of shrines is one of the oldest of its kind in South India. There are a total of three stone temples which reflect traditional Tamil architecture.

These granite structures also have a number of Hindu idols and other sculptures that will enthral visitors and students of history and archaeology alike.

2. Mahabalipuram Shore Beach

Easily accessible from the Sea Shore Temple is the Mahabalipuram Seashore Beach. This beach is open from 6 AM until 6 PM and the sands are warm here. This is also one of the few places in India where you can learn to surf.

You can catch waves between June and September, with the best ones lasting until July. The Mahabalipuram Seashore Beach is a great place for photo opportunities as you have the heritage temple complex in the backdrop. Due to strong currents in the Bay of Bengal here, one must be careful while swimming.

3. Pancha Rathas (Five Chariots)

Dating back to 630 A.D. to 668 A.D., the Pancha Rathas perfectly display India’s ancient rock-cut architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is also known as Pandava Rathas as there are 5 life-size carvings of chariots. Each of these granite chariots is carved from a single rock or monolith.

These monolithic pieces have been named after the 5 Pandava brothers and their shared wife Draupadi from the epic of Mahabharata – Dharmaraja Ratha, Bhima Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Nakula Sahadeva Ratha, and Draupadi Ratha. These structures remain incomplete, as seen from the tips and the base.

4. Descent of the Ganges & Arjuna’s Penance

This gigantic pair of structure is composed of two large boulders with intricate carvings on them. Covering an area of 96 feet by 43 feet, the monolithic heritage site tells the mythological story of how the River Ganges descended from heaven to the earth.

Also among the carvings are several gods, humans and semi-humans, and the story of how the Pandava warrior Arjun performed a penance to receive a boon from Shiva. He later used that boon in the war of Mahabharata. The rocks are basically pink granite, and quite well preserved.

5. Krishna’s Butter Ball

Located on a hill in Mahabalipuram is a huge boulder measuring 6 metres in height and 5 metres in width. A peculiar feature of this rock is that it magically seems to balance on this hill.

Over the years, a couple of attempts have been made to shift the gigantic ball to ensure the surroundings are safe from a sudden mishap in case it rolls down, but to no avail.

This site is now called Krishna’s Butter Ball as this mythological Hindu god liked to eat dollops of butter and would often steal it from others to feed his friends.

6. Auroville

Situated 10 km from Pondicherry, the experimental township of Auroville is one-of-its-kind in India. Officially established by Mirra Alfassa in 1968, this place literally means ‘City of Dawn’ in French.

Even though there are close to 3000 residents from about 40 nationalities living here, visitors are allowed to tour the planned community. French, English and Tamil are recognised as the official languages here.

Auroville generates its own electricity through solar power and produces its own organic food. They have a digital currency here, and other currencies are not accepted. This eco-village also does a lot of spiritual activities.

7. Matrimandir

Located smack in the centre of Auroville is a humongous golden sphere. This metallic structure is actually a hall, but is a visual beauty in itself. Built of metallic plates, the Matrimandir runs entirely on solar power.

Natural light is allowed to filter in during the daytime, and solar power is used to light up the auditorium when it’s dark. There is an inner chamber supported by 4 pillars inside.

One needs to make an advance booking to enter the Matrimandir which is mostly used for meditation. An expansive manicured lawn named the ‘Peace Area’ surrounds this structure.

8. Pondicherry’s Aurobindo Ashram

Established on 24th November 1926, Aurobindo Ashram was initially set up for the disciples of Sri Aurobindo – a retired politician who wanted to pursue spirituality. Today, it is also a museum open to visitors who can look at the white marble samadhis (tombs) of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother (Mirra Alfassa), and also explore the library.

For those interested in reading, there are several books authored by Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa, among certain other books. Aurobindo Ashram is open from 8 AM to 12 PM and again from 2 PM to 6 PM.

9. Backwaters of Chunnambar

8 km to the south of Pondicherry is a relatively unexplored village – Chunnambar. The backwaters of Chunnambar has a creek on one side and is connected to a beach on the other. It is possible to stay here in pretty little tree houses that dot the landscape.

This is also a great location to do some camping. You will have to carry your own tent and equipment though. You can reach here from Pondicherry through the Cuddalore Main Road.

10. Paradise Beach

This lovely beach can only be reached via ferries available in Chunnambar. There are a number of water sport activities that can be enjoyed here – sailing, rowing, speed-boating, pedal-boating and swimming. You can also play beach sports on the clean sands here.

You can also go on special boat trips that go out for dolphin watching. Hiking is another thing available for adventure enthusiasts. This beach is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Do keep in mind that you may have to queue up for the ferry, so plan your itinerary accordingly.