Which route from Chennai to Pondicherry and back?

mosaic · Apr 6th, 2008, 12:54

Hi,
We have 3 days/2 nights to travel around from Chennai. Am thinking about doing a round trip to Pondicherry by private car so there will be flexibility, but am not sure about which routes to take. Would going via Mahabalipuram on the way down and Kanchipuram on the way up be best to cover a range of sights? Which locations would be best to stay overnight at so that it can be at a fairly leisurely pace?

Thanks for any suggestions!

Scandojazzbuff · Apr 6th, 2008, 13:05

I would go to Kanchipuram from Chennai and spend a few hours going to the main temples there. I think there are 3 worth seeing. And, then continue on to Mammalapuram and spend the night there. On arrival you can see Arjuna's Penance and maybe the 5 Rathas. In the morning, you can see the Shore Temple which was a bit disappointing for me. Then drive to Pondi and spend the evening. On the way back, you can revisit anything you want to have another look at.

Mamalla is the most interesting of these places. Laid back with 2 great Pallava sites to explore with good restaurants and cheap prices. Pondi is different. Dominated by Aurobindoitis and some French Heritage buildings. Good for 1 day, IMO.

mairangi_vice · Apr 6th, 2008, 13:08

at most, its only a 3 hour drive to pondy, so its possible to go via mahabalipuram and on to pondy in the same day.

Nick-H · Apr 6th, 2008, 15:05

There's quite a bit to see in Mahabalipuram. Pondicherry is not so much about seeing stuff as experiencing a different culture/architecture; I think it is a nice place to relax, but then I can manage that in most places!

If temples is your thing, then prioritise Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. I haven't been to Kanchi for ten years, but it used to be said that there wasn't anywhere much decent to stay there, most people doing it in a day, or half day even, from Chennai.

mosaic · Apr 7th, 2008, 17:27

Thanks for all the replies. Looking forward to the trip!

Apr 6th, 2008, 12:54	#1
mosaic Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Aus Posts: 2	Which route from Chennai to Pondicherry and back? Hi, We have 3 days/2 nights to travel around from Chennai. Am thinking about doing a round trip to Pondicherry by private car so there will be flexibility, but am not sure about which routes to take. Would going via Mahabalipuram on the way down and Kanchipuram on the way up be best to cover a range of sights? Which locations would be best to stay overnight at so that it can be at a fairly leisurely pace? Thanks for any suggestions!

Apr 6th, 2008, 13:05	#2
Scandojazzbuff Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bangkok Posts: 309	I would go to Kanchipuram from Chennai and spend a few hours going to the main temples there. I think there are 3 worth seeing. And, then continue on to Mammalapuram and spend the night there. On arrival you can see Arjuna's Penance and maybe the 5 Rathas. In the morning, you can see the Shore Temple which was a bit disappointing for me. Then drive to Pondi and spend the evening. On the way back, you can revisit anything you want to have another look at. Mamalla is the most interesting of these places. Laid back with 2 great Pallava sites to explore with good restaurants and cheap prices. Pondi is different. Dominated by Aurobindoitis and some French Heritage buildings. Good for 1 day, IMO. Last edited by Nick-H : Apr 6th, 2008 at 14:56. Reason: No need to quote a preceding post

Apr 6th, 2008, 15:05	#4
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 25,831	There's quite a bit to see in Mahabalipuram. Pondicherry is not so much about seeing stuff as experiencing a different culture/architecture; I think it is a nice place to relax, but then I can manage that in most places! If temples is your thing, then prioritise Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. I haven't been to Kanchi for ten years, but it used to be said that there wasn't anywhere much decent to stay there, most people doing it in a day, or half day even, from Chennai. __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

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Apr 6th, 2008, 13:08	#3
mairangi_vice Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: New Zealand Posts: 268	at most, its only a 3 hour drive to pondy, so its possible to go via mahabalipuram and on to pondy in the same day.

Apr 7th, 2008, 17:27	#5
mosaic Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Aus Posts: 2	Thanks for all the replies. Looking forward to the trip!

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