Date: 30th July 2025
PONDICHERRY & MAHABALIPURAM TRIP – 30 of July th to 2nd of August
Students of Grade 8 to 12 visited Pondicherry & Mahabalipuram as a part of the educational trip from the 30 of July th to 2nd of August.
We began the trip by visiting the famous Thiruvanamalai temple. Then proceeded towards Pondicherry a former French colony that offers a contrasting experience with a unique blend of French & Indian culture evident in its architecture, streets & overall aesthetics.
Auroville is a popular destination near Pondicherry for those in search of tranquillity. The main attraction of Auroville is the beautiful structure of Matrimandir, fondly referred to as the ‘soul of the city’. It is located in the centre of the town, surrounded by lush green grasslands and forests
Mahabhalipuram known for its ancient architecture, particularly rock cut temples and monuments built by the Pallava dynasty in the 7th century.
The shore temple – a famous UNESCO World Heritage site located on the coast. Itstands as a testament to the Pallava dynasty’s architectural brilliance dating back to the 8 century A.D. Stands on the shore of Bay of Bengal. Its distinctive Dravidian architectural style features intricately carved sculptures of Gods, Goddesses and mythical beasts showcasing the Pallava’s mastery over stone craftsmanship. Attached to the shore temple are the Rathas Temple. The five Rathas (Pancha Rathas). The five rathas are named as ‘Dharmaraja Ratha’, ‘Bhima Ratha’, ‘Arjuna Ratha’, ‘Nakula Sahadeva Ratha’, and ‘Draupadi Ratha’ after the five Pandava brothers and their common spouse Draupadi from the great Indian epic ‘Mahabharata’. Although unfinished and never consecrated, these rathas that are often erroneously referred as temples are now part of the monument complex that is marked as ‘Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram’ by ‘UNESCO’. It is enlisted in UNESCO’s World Heritage sites.
At the heart of Mahabalipuram lies a marvel, a wonder, a testament to the grandeur of the past – the incomparable, the indomitable, the ethereal, Krishna’s Butterball. This colossal orb of granite is a sphere of such perfect balance and proportion that it seems as if it were crafted by the gods themselves. It sits there, upon its tiny pedestal, defying the laws of physics and nature, as if held aloft by the very breath of the divine.
The trip was a great learning opportunity about the intersection of ancient Pallava history and unique French colonial culture.
