Anyone Know Where Villupuram District is?

TracyB · Jun 25th, 2007, 08:47

I am trying to arrange a visit to see my foster child and they have advised me only he is in the Villupuram district in Tamil Nadu...

As i am eager to book some flights..does anyone happen to know where this would be closer to..Chennai or Bangalore??

They will give me more info later...but as i am trying to plan flights now...i would like some idea...If anyone could help me that would be great!!

machadinha · Jun 25th, 2007, 08:50

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viluppuram_district

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viluppuram_%28City%29

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en...upuram&meta =

It looks to me to be fairly even between the two, but Chennai would seem the better bet and certainly closer by. Maybe let it depend on what flight you can get.

steven_ber · Jun 25th, 2007, 09:16

Chennai would be better (and closer) for transport connections.

http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/tami...viluppuram.htm

steven_ber · Jun 25th, 2007, 09:27

Just to add, I'm sure I've read about direct buses from Chennai Airport to Pondicherry, hopefully another member can confirm this.

Nick-H · Jun 25th, 2007, 12:53

There isn't a bus station at the airport (yes, it might be a good idea!).

Last time we did 'getting to Pondicherry by bus' Mrs N told me you either have to to to Tamburam (South of the airport) to catch the bus, in which case you probably won't get a seat, or you have to go the the main terminus which is to the North.

Update: Mrs N says that the nearest that the buses stop to the airport is Kathipara junction, near Le Royale Hotel.... but it is just a stop, hard to see which is your bus and get on it in one minute.

BangaloreBean · Jun 25th, 2007, 14:08

Villipuram is an easy ~45 minute journey from Puducherry ( Pondicherry), south of Chennai. The ashram at Puducherry can help with an airport cab pick-up from the airport direct to your guesthouse in Pondi/Puducherry. From there you can hop across to Villipuram by any local bus ( uncomfortable but fun) or by cab ( preferable, also easier on your eardrums!).

You can day-trip to the temple at Chidambaram from there, or try to get a grasp of the tsunami relief work in the Nagapattinam/Cuddalore area from your base at Pondi.

fsg · Jun 25th, 2007, 22:27

Its quite a big district. Can you be more specific.

Trains Go from Tambarram station about 5k away to Villupuram

http://www.indiarail.co.uk/si.htm.

No need to go to Pondy

Book your ticket on line , or a taxi from the airport should not cost more than 3000/-. Check at the prepaid booth.

Enjoy your trip

TracyB · Jun 26th, 2007, 00:33

Thanks..u guys..i just talked to World Vision again...They advised that we should fly into Chennai, and take a train to Villupuram where we will meet a rep to take us to the village.

However..i am not a huge fan of big cities, so if there is an option to stay somewhere else, that would be great.

I wonder if u guys can help me plan this.

Originally we will be in Goa...We plan to depart Goa on October 5th..(which is a Friday)..World Vision only plans visits on weekdays, and not on stat holidays.

So...we would really like to see Hampi....along the way if possible..if not..that's okay...Or should we fly right to Chennai from Goa.and then tour around that area??

We have to fly home on October 12th...so would like to travel between Goa and this area, visit the foster child and tour the area until we fly home...And i am thinking we should fly into Bombay/Goa...but home from Chennai, seeing as how we will be there anyways.

So we have from October 5th or 6th til October 12...The visit to the foster child will have to be somewhere between October 8th and 11th and only last a day....Anyways...i really could use some help planning this.

I can't book any international flights or book a date with World Vision until i get this al figured out..I am open to any suggestions u may have....

Thanks!!!

machadinha · Jun 26th, 2007, 09:58

I think you could easily do Goa-Hampi-a Tamil site or two-foster child (or vice versa)-Chennai yes. Although your time isn't that long. At least the route makes sense. I think from what I've read here Goa-Hampi isn't the easiest of routes but you'll get there I imagine.

As far as big cities go Chennai is/used to be very relaxed btw, I understand it's pretty much like that still.

TracyB · Jun 26th, 2007, 10:05

Well after talking to some people i know whom have travelled in this area..This is what they recommended for us to do with the short time we have..

Leave Goa and fly to Chennai....Take a local bus or taxi to Mamallapuram..Spend about 4 nights...While there...take a local bus to Pondicherry for the day...Then..go back to Chennai...spend the night...Take the train to Villanpuram...meet the foster child...then take the train back to Chennai..fly home!!

Is there any other way to get to Villanpuram from Mamallapuram without going back to Chennai??

Any comments on this itinerary??

machadinha · Jun 26th, 2007, 10:27

Hm well Mahabalipuram is nice if you like it. Not so if you don't.

I hung out there for a week or so but on a short trip I could think of a lot more enticing places in the immediate area. It's just really not very special, and from pics I've seen here getting more touristy by the day. The "sights" can be seen in an afternoon and they're just literally test runs for the various architecture styles in the wider vicinity really, that was their intention. What do you call it, maquettes, replicas. Very old ones, yes. The beach is nothing to rave about but then most beaches in India aren't. The restaurants are mostly geared to tourists with the prices and bland menus and uninspiring visitors to match.

Don't get me wrong, like I say I enjoyed myself there, but I found an out-of-the-way place to stay and was just having a respite from a several-month trip.

M'puram isn't well connected so although I don't know, I'm not surprised if main traffic would go over Chennai. That's how I got around there.

ps Friends of mine stayed at Pondy at the time and loved it. It just wasn't my thing so I never tried. They liked it for the odd French atmosphere though, I think I can relate having seen post-Portuguese influences in Gujarat.

tasuray · Jun 26th, 2007, 11:12

Lot of trains passes over Vellupuram from Egmore Station of Chennai viz. Kanyakumari Express etc.It is also the nearest railway station of Pondichery.No problem to reach there from Chennai.

TracyB · Jun 26th, 2007, 11:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by machadinha

I hung out there for a week or so but on a short trip I could think of a lot more enticing places in the immediate area.

Where do u recommend then??

machadinha · Jun 26th, 2007, 11:41

Umm, well, whip out your guidebook and there's a number of famous temple towns close by. Sorry, I don't have mine with me. Places like Kanchipuram, Chidambaram and a host of others, Tamil Nadu is filled with them.

TracyB · Jun 26th, 2007, 11:50

Funny, i was just reading about Kanchipuram and it looks like something we would like...

Jun 25th, 2007, 08:47	#1
TracyB Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Edmonton, Canada Posts: 342	Anyone Know Where Villupuram District is? I am trying to arrange a visit to see my foster child and they have advised me only he is in the Villupuram district in Tamil Nadu... As i am eager to book some flights..does anyone happen to know where this would be closer to..Chennai or Bangalore?? They will give me more info later...but as i am trying to plan flights now...i would like some idea...If anyone could help me that would be great!!

Jun 25th, 2007, 08:50	#2
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 10,581	http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viluppuram_district http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viluppuram_%28City%29 http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en...upuram&meta = It looks to me to be fairly even between the two, but Chennai would seem the better bet and certainly closer by. Maybe let it depend on what flight you can get. __________________ Reading tips, all picked up at IndiaMike : INDAX's A Comprehensive Guide To India / Dinoj Surendran's Desi Humor / ITHVC on Culture Shock & Travel Health / JetLag Travel Guides For the Undiscerning Traveller / India Travel Links

Jun 25th, 2007, 09:16	#3
steven_ber Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: London, England. Posts: 9,212	Chennai would be better (and closer) for transport connections. http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/tami...viluppuram.htm __________________ . How to get helpful replies to your transport/Itinerary questions. Train information.

Jun 25th, 2007, 12:53	#5
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 26,900	There isn't a bus station at the airport (yes, it might be a good idea!). Last time we did 'getting to Pondicherry by bus' Mrs N told me you either have to to to Tamburam (South of the airport) to catch the bus, in which case you probably won't get a seat, or you have to go the the main terminus which is to the North. Update: Mrs N says that the nearest that the buses stop to the airport is Kathipara junction, near Le Royale Hotel.... but it is just a stop, hard to see which is your bus and get on it in one minute. __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Jun 25th, 2007, 14:08	#6
BangaloreBean BeatTheHeat Polar Yoga Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: 3rd Rock from the Sun Posts: 23	Villipuram is an easy ~45 minute journey from Puducherry ( Pondicherry), south of Chennai. The ashram at Puducherry can help with an airport cab pick-up from the airport direct to your guesthouse in Pondi/Puducherry. From there you can hop across to Villipuram by any local bus ( uncomfortable but fun) or by cab ( preferable, also easier on your eardrums!). You can day-trip to the temple at Chidambaram from there, or try to get a grasp of the tsunami relief work in the Nagapattinam/Cuddalore area from your base at Pondi. __________________ *The cock does the crowing...but the hen delivers the goods*

Jun 25th, 2007, 09:27	#4
steven_ber Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: London, England. Posts: 9,212	Just to add, I'm sure I've read about direct buses from Chennai Airport to Pondicherry, hopefully another member can confirm this.

Jun 25th, 2007, 22:27	#7
fsg Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: U.K Posts: 230	Its quite a big district. Can you be more specific. Trains Go from Tambarram station about 5k away to Villupuram http://www.indiarail.co.uk/si.htm. No need to go to Pondy Book your ticket on line , or a taxi from the airport should not cost more than 3000/-. Check at the prepaid booth. Enjoy your trip

Jun 26th, 2007, 00:33	#8
TracyB Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Edmonton, Canada Posts: 342	Thanks..u guys..i just talked to World Vision again...They advised that we should fly into Chennai, and take a train to Villupuram where we will meet a rep to take us to the village. However..i am not a huge fan of big cities, so if there is an option to stay somewhere else, that would be great. I wonder if u guys can help me plan this. Originally we will be in Goa...We plan to depart Goa on October 5th..(which is a Friday)..World Vision only plans visits on weekdays, and not on stat holidays. So...we would really like to see Hampi....along the way if possible..if not..that's okay...Or should we fly right to Chennai from Goa.and then tour around that area?? We have to fly home on October 12th...so would like to travel between Goa and this area, visit the foster child and tour the area until we fly home...And i am thinking we should fly into Bombay/Goa...but home from Chennai, seeing as how we will be there anyways. So we have from October 5th or 6th til October 12...The visit to the foster child will have to be somewhere between October 8th and 11th and only last a day....Anyways...i really could use some help planning this. I can't book any international flights or book a date with World Vision until i get this al figured out..I am open to any suggestions u may have.... Thanks!!!

Jun 26th, 2007, 09:58	#9
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 10,581	I think you could easily do Goa-Hampi-a Tamil site or two-foster child (or vice versa)-Chennai yes. Although your time isn't that long. At least the route makes sense. I think from what I've read here Goa-Hampi isn't the easiest of routes but you'll get there I imagine. As far as big cities go Chennai is/used to be very relaxed btw, I understand it's pretty much like that still.

Jun 26th, 2007, 10:05	#10
TracyB Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Edmonton, Canada Posts: 342	Well after talking to some people i know whom have travelled in this area..This is what they recommended for us to do with the short time we have.. Leave Goa and fly to Chennai....Take a local bus or taxi to Mamallapuram..Spend about 4 nights...While there...take a local bus to Pondicherry for the day...Then..go back to Chennai...spend the night...Take the train to Villanpuram...meet the foster child...then take the train back to Chennai..fly home!! Is there any other way to get to Villanpuram from Mamallapuram without going back to Chennai?? Any comments on this itinerary??

Jun 26th, 2007, 10:27	#11
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 10,581	Hm well Mahabalipuram is nice if you like it. Not so if you don't. I hung out there for a week or so but on a short trip I could think of a lot more enticing places in the immediate area. It's just really not very special, and from pics I've seen here getting more touristy by the day. The "sights" can be seen in an afternoon and they're just literally test runs for the various architecture styles in the wider vicinity really, that was their intention. What do you call it, maquettes, replicas. Very old ones, yes. The beach is nothing to rave about but then most beaches in India aren't. The restaurants are mostly geared to tourists with the prices and bland menus and uninspiring visitors to match. Don't get me wrong, like I say I enjoyed myself there, but I found an out-of-the-way place to stay and was just having a respite from a several-month trip. M'puram isn't well connected so although I don't know, I'm not surprised if main traffic would go over Chennai. That's how I got around there. ps Friends of mine stayed at Pondy at the time and loved it. It just wasn't my thing so I never tried. They liked it for the odd French atmosphere though, I think I can relate having seen post-Portuguese influences in Gujarat.

Jun 26th, 2007, 11:12	#12
tasuray Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kolkata Posts: 310	Lot of trains passes over Vellupuram from Egmore Station of Chennai viz. Kanyakumari Express etc.It is also the nearest railway station of Pondichery.No problem to reach there from Chennai.

Jun 26th, 2007, 11:41	#14
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 10,581	Umm, well, whip out your guidebook and there's a number of famous temple towns close by. Sorry, I don't have mine with me. Places like Kanchipuram, Chidambaram and a host of others, Tamil Nadu is filled with them.

Jun 26th, 2007, 11:50	#15
TracyB Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Edmonton, Canada Posts: 342	Funny, i was just reading about Kanchipuram and it looks like something we would like...

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