weekend trip
Pondicherry (Puducherry)
A former French colonial town with colourful streets, a serene promenade, Auroville, and excellent cafés.
150 km from Chennai (approx. 3 hours via ECR)
Best time: October to March
How to Get There
The East Coast Road (ECR) is the most scenic route, hugging the coastline through Mahabalipuram. Alternatively, take NH32 via Tindivanam for a faster drive. Government and private buses run frequently from Koyambedu and Tambaram.
Things to See & Do
- 1French Quarter (White Town), with pastel-coloured colonial buildings
- 2Promenade Beach, a car-free stretch along the sea
- 3Auroville, the universal township and Matrimandir
- 4Sri Aurobindo Ashram
- 5Paradise Beach, accessible by boat
- 6Serenity Beach, popular for surfing
Travel Tips
- Book heritage hotels in the French Quarter for the best experience
- Rent a bicycle or scooter to explore the town
- Book Matrimandir visits in advance via the Auroville website
- Try French-Tamil fusion cuisine at local cafés