Road Trip From Chennai to Pondicherry: Best Routes, Places to Visit, Stays & More
Wanting to go on road trip from Chennai, then why not head to the beautiful Pondicherry? With the salty sea breeze in your hair, the azure Bay of Bengal at your side and open road ahead of you, this is more than just a drive. And guess what? Whether you’re cruising down the scenic East Coast Road with its delightful detours or taking the slightly longer NH 32 route with hidden gems in Pondicherry, each path promises a unique adventure. So, create a playlist, pack those snacks, and get ready to discover the road trip of a lifetime—where every mile is an adventure and every stop is a story.
In this Blog
Chennai to Pondicherry via East Coast Road (ECR)
So, the first route is when you take the ECR. This route will take around 150 km for you to reach Pondicherry from Chennai which is also the fastest and most scenic way. You can do this drive in about three hours but it’s recommended that you take some time off and enjoy all the sites along the way. Traffic congestion may be experienced especially during peak times or due to tolls along the way, though the roads are generally in good condition.
Pro-tip: Keep live maps on for real-time traffic updates.
Popular Sights/Monuments Along This Route:
- Madras Crocodile Bank, Kelambakkam: A thrilling natural marshland and wildlife reserve housing various species of crocodiles. It’s a fantastic spot for a quick stop during your Chennai to Pondicherry trip as you get a glimpse of these fascinating creatures.
- Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum, Muthukadu: Dive into the South Indian heritage and culture at this living-history museum. It’s an engaging stop showcasing arts, crafts, and traditional architecture.
- Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram: This 8th-century marvel sits right on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. It’s a striking example of ancient Dravidian architecture and perfect for photos, strolls, or a cultural tour.
- Mahabalipuram Lighthouse, Mahabalipuram: A must-visit place from Chennai for stunning views of the sunrise and sunset. This historic lighthouse also offers great opportunities for photography.
- Alamparai Fort, Edaikazhinadu: Explore the ruins of this ancient fort, which stands dramatically by the sea. The site is perfect for history buffs and those seeking a scenic backdrop for photos.
NH 32—For the Offbeat Explorer
If you’re someone who likes to take the road less travelled, consider Route 2 via NH 32. Oh, this is the Route 2 and it is slightly longer, stretching about 165 km, and will take you approximately three and a half hours. While the drive is not as scenic as ECR, it has its own set of charms.
Popular Sights/Monuments Along This Route:
- Palar River View Point, Kanchipuram: Enjoy panoramic views of the expansive river banks and countryside—an excellent spot for a sunset break or a relaxing stop.
- Omanthoorar Park, Tindivanam: A public park dedicated to a former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. It’s a serene spot for a stroll amidst gardens and green spaces.
- Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur: Known as the Vandalur Zoo, this expansive park features large enclosures for various Asian mammals and is ideal for a quick safari or leisurely drive.
- Muthalamman Temple, Maduranthakam: Admire the classic Dravidian architecture of this ancient temple, renowned for its sacred significance and historical value.
- National Fossil Wood Park, Thiruvakkarai: Take a quick detour to this national geo-heritage monument that showcases ancient fossilised wood and prehistoric evidence. It’s a unique stop for those intrigued by natural history.
Arriving in Pondicherry
Having finally driven through a historical, cultural and scenic route, you will finally get to Pondicherry. This Coastal town is your dream destination with French colonial architecture, lovely beaches and vibrant culture. When one visits Pondicherry during September they are set to encounter the best of times for it – favourable climate, less crowdedness and an easy mood.
Be sure that as you make arrangements for your stay, you do not leave any stone unturned about the tourist destinations in Pondicherry. There is never a lack of things to do in Pondicherry from the famous Promenade beach to the calm Auroville. And, also don’t hesitate to taste French-Tamil delicacies made by local hotels, they are too yummy to miss.
Other Routes to Travel from Chennai to Pondicherry
The pleasure of enjoying a road trip from Chennai to Pondicherry and appreciating the beauty of East Coast Road is just one way, not necessarily the only way to reach there. If you want a more laid-back experience, you can take a train that will offer an approximate of a 4-5 hours journey. The Chennai Egmore to Pondicherry Express ensures that the ride is smooth with beautiful sights while on the other hand, there is also the option of travelling via Chennai-Pondicherry Passenger Train for its more local feel. If time is of essence or if you need to start your vacation quickly, flying could be most ideal. The fastest way to get there would be by taking a flight from Chennai to Pondicherry which takes approximately 60 minutes. So, whatever your option, nothing can stop you from visiting Pondicherry.
Where to Stay in Pondicherry
When choosing where to stay in Pondicherry, one has various options that talk about charm and comfort at once. Chitrita Bhavan provides an enthralling atmosphere where its refurbished heritage mansion gives a vintage look coupled with modern amenities and facilities. Starry Deck, is villa in Chennai that offers luxury amidst lush landscapes where quietness reigns supreme. It’s surrounded by greenery and has swimming pool among others with balconies which make it perfect for stargazing.
If you’re looking for some more options then Pérola Do Mar villa is located near Mahabalipuram and stands tall between Mudaliarkuppam backwaters and Bay of Bengal. The Black Box in Auroville provides an innovative rest in a repurposed shipping container for those who want to experience something different.
These are some of the best places to stay in Pondicherry and each provide their own unique experience so that you may never forget your visit to this charming city.
Frequently Asked Questions on Travelling From Chennai To Pondicherry
Where to Stay Near Pondicherry?
You have many incredible options when looking for where to stay in Pondicherry. Chitrita Bhavan is an old building with modern amenities. If you are looking for something luxurious, Starry Deck is an ideal choice which offers peace among lush greenery and picturesque scenes. For an extravagant escape, Pérola Do Mar is a stunning villa in Pondicherry located near Mahabalipuram. The Black Box in Auroville is a place known for its innovative designs and eco-friendliness unlike any other in the area. All these best places to stay in Pondicherry offer distinctive experiences that add value to your visit
The fastest route from Chennai to Pondicherry has to be the East Coast Road (ECR). This is a scenic road along the Bay of Bengal which gives you the shortest distance but not less than 150km. In fact you could cover about 150km within three hours only if you took this ECR which not only saves time but also let’s enjoy beautiful coastal views throughout the entire journey.
If you are taking the East Coast Road (ECR) to travel, then the distance between Chennai and Pondicherry should be about 150 km. Alternatively, if you take NH 32 route which is another option one can use while travelling from Chennai to Pondicherry, it will be roughly 165 km. This would approximately mean that it could take a traveller a minimum of three hours or even four on the road depending with traffic congestion and state of the roads.
There are several convenient options to travel from Chennai to Pondicherry in case driving does not seem like a good idea. For instance, train transportation provides an enjoyable journey that lasts for about 4-5 hours from Chennai to Pondicherry. On the other hand, there many buses running between the two towns serving as a cheaper mode of transport. Again, flights are available thus giving opportunities to individuals who need instant trips hence taking only one hour.
There are different time durations when travelling between these two locations using various means. ECR by car or taxi takes nearly three hours. By train expect this trip may last for around five hours and via plane the total flight time is less than an hour making it faster route.
Travelling by train is another great alternative that allows tourists enjoy beautiful scenery as well as make their journey comfortable in all aspects. Another common train used for such journeys is called “Chennai Egmore –Pondicherry Express” and “Chennai-Pondicherry Passenger Train” that normally covers this distance within 4-5 hours. These trains offer travellers relaxed ride through picturesque views.
Buses come to the rescue of people who want to travel between these two places. They include both private and state-owned ones. To make it even more convenient for everyone, there are different types of buses including those that can be considered as standard and some luxurious. It’s characterised by traffic jams whereby the road might take about 4-6 hours until arrival depending on a bus type chosen too. This option is cost-effective and comfortable due to additional features available in luxury rides.
You have many incredible options when looking for where to stay in Pondicherry. Chitrita Bhavan is an old building with modern amenities. If you are looking for something luxurious, Starry Deck is an ideal choice which offers peace among lush greenery and picturesque scenes. For an extravagant escape, Pérola Do Mar is a stunning villa in Pondicherry located near Mahabalipuram. The Black Box in Auroville is a place known for its innovative designs and eco-friendliness unlike any other in the area. All these best places to stay in Pondicherry offer distinctive experiences that add value to your visit.
