Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, which was founded by a man with the same name From there, head to Pondicherry Museum on foot En route, you’ll learn about the French colonial influence that is evident in everything from the architecture to the cuisine Wander the museum galleries, which are filled with rare artifacts, archaeological findings from Arikamedu settlements, and learn about the history of this incredible and diverse place from your guide
Enjoy lunch on this private tour of Pondicherry at a French-Indian fusion restaurant (own expense) where you can sample the flavors unique to this region
After your meal, drive 4 miles (6 5 km) to Auroville This small town was founded by Mirra Alfassa and is home to a devout spiritual community Follow your guide to Matrimandir—known by locals as ‘Temple of the Mother’’—where you’ll get an up-close look at its gold-plated dome and lotus-shaped urn that stretches nearly 100 feet (31-meters) Gain a deeper understanding of this temple’s significance for practitioners and teachers of Integral yoga

At the end of your private day trip from Chennai to Pondicherry, travel in air-conditioned comfort back to your hotel or to the Chennai airport for departure