Road Trip From Chennai to Pondicherry – An Amazing Experience
The road trip between Chennai and Pondicherry though is about 160 km in distance, the experiences can be many depending on the route you take. I, personally, enjoy moving through the exceptionally beautiful East Coast Road (ECR). This is a clean drive, scenic, and faster. There are also a lot of things to do as you head towards a 3-4 hour drive and make a trip out of it. The great thing is that you can do either of these things to Pondicherry or while talking a Pondicherry to Chennai road trip to return.
You can get to pondy (fondly called by locals) on many transport options. A Chennai to Pondicherry bike trip can be really exciting if you are into that kind of thing. Additionally, though the trip lasts about 3 hours long, what you can do is make a day trip out of it.
Here are some of the things you can do on your trip from Chennai to Pondicherry, depending on what you like to do. I have done almost all of it on my trips to Pondy with my friends and family.
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Places to Visit When Taking a Road Trip From Chennai to Pondicherry
1. Cholamandal Artists’ Village
If you like painting, sculptures or anything to do with the arts, the Cholamandal Artist village is a must stop. Ensure that you check the timings so you do not miss it. It has a museum, an amphitheater, and enough things to see to take some time away from your travels. Many people flock here to get a sense of the idea of art in Chennai, and India.
3. Crocodile Bank
The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust & Centre For Herpetology is a popular tourist spot on the way to Pondicherry. Spread across 8.5 acres of land to protect crocodiles and keep them safe and multiply. Between Chennai and Pondy is this bank that is entertaining for adults and children alike. It is a treat for animal lovers and looks to impress with close to 20 species of crocodiles and other animals on display.
3. VGP Golden Beach
VGP Golden beach is one of the best places to visit in Chennai with family or friends. You can take a quick break from your travel and sit chill around one of the cleanest beaches in Chennai. The place is a part of the VGP Universal Kingdom, which is an amusement park. Statue man, host of amazing rides, great food options, and other entertainment keeps you busy at VGP.
4. MGM Dizzee World
Do you enjoy adventure rides such as spider spin, dashing cars, Ferris wheels, roller coaster, and super trooper then a halt at MGM Dizzee World is a must? Apart from these rides they also have water sports and special seasonal shows that are packed with fun. Do not miss the snow valley experience at MGM, which is really entertaining. So, if you like the super fun rides do stop for a bit here.
5. MGM Eastwoods Resort
There are many spots you can stop for lunch as you drive to pondy. One of the coolest that has direct access to the beach is MGM Resorts. One can even take a day off from the transport and book a room here. They have a grand spread for lunch and the best thing is their hospitality. The best thing about this place is that you are eating a good meal right on the beach.
6. Muttukadu
If you like boating and boat rides, you can look at muttukadu as a pit stop. Depending on how much time you have, you can go for a slow boat or a speed boat across the lake. The place is also suitable for kayaking, canoeing, and windsurfing. They have it all at different times and at different costs. The scenic greenery and a view of the ocean will surely be a relaxing pit stop if you are doing a road trip.
7. Mahabalipuram
It is a host to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It can be a trip by itself if you want to explore it completely. There are many places to see and a lot to do in this temple town. However, something you must not miss is the architecture, the places of importance like the shore temple, and others, the artisans that make the sculptures in stone and sell it to people.
8. Auroville
Auroville – Places to Visit While Road Trip From Chennai to PondicherryWhat was meant to be a place built for people as a universal town. Auroville was created or built in the idea that it is open for all people from around the world. It is also the home to the Matri Mandir that has gold discs and gardens. However, you will have to walk a bit so remember to prep yourself. Also, multiple hole-in-the-wall restaurants serve up awesome pizzas and other stuff.
Finally, when you take a road trip from Chennai to Pondicherry or are on your way back from Pondicherry to Chennai, the one thing I know for sure is that it is a pleasant trip. It does not matter if you are driving down or doing a Chennai to Pondicherry bike trip – even if you do nothing en-route, just the view is breathtaking. The drive is an amazing experience in itself. So, if you ask me, do yourself a favor and experience it at least once in your life! I assure you you will come back for more.
FAQs – Road Trip From Chennai to Pondicherry
Is it safe to travel from Chennai to Pondicherry at night?
Yes, the road trip from Chennai to Pondicherry is perfectly safe to embark on at night. The roads are well lit and you may even save yourself from traffic!
How far is Pondicherry from Chennai?
In terms of distance, the road trip from Chennai to Pondicherry is a 151 km ride. It is a straight stretch along the ECR.
Is Pondicherry worth visiting?
Pondicherry is an idyllic seaside town that has a unique French touch to it. Definitely visit it if you’re around the Coromandel coast!
Which is the best route from Chennai to Pondicherry?
The best route for a road trip from Chennai to Pondicherry would be along the East Coast Road. It’s a scenic route that has a lot of touristy spots along the way.
How long is the drive from Chennai to Pondicherry?
On an average day, the road trip from Chennai to Pondicherry would take you around 3 hours, not factoring in traffic.
What is the best time to visit Pondicherry?
Like with Chennai, the best time to visit Pondicherry is around the months of January to March.
About The Author
Gulshan Bafna
Gulshan Bafna is one of the luxury travelers in India. He, along with his wife, has traveled to many exotic places that one could dream. With their travel journey, they bring us the best face of those places. He compiles all of his travel journeys to give the taste of traveling to his readers. In his writing, he jots down the best things to do in all those places that he has visited. Reading these would help one know better about the place. He is also a seeker who loves exploring and discovering new places and share his experiences with everyone.
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