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Pondicherry is on the must-visit list of many travelers, and if you are one of them, the next time you pay a visit to the land, you can also explore many hidden gems as well as popular locations near Pondicherry.
Places near Pondicherry offers something for everyone. These places are a perfect mixture of hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, trekking spots and much more. Be it the adventurous travel-junkie in you or the enthusiastic photographer- just within a radius of 150 km, you would find a home away from home.
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Auroville, also known as the “Universal Town” is an experimental township where people from over 195 different nationalities live under the ‘official resident’ label. This universal township was inaugurated on 28 February 1968 with the agenda that it will be a place built on the principles of tranquillity, progress, and education- irrespective of creed, caste, nationality or race. Auroville is the perfect place for you if you want to discover something new, something unique and an opportunity to connect with yourself.
Distance from Pondicherry: 10 km
Places to visit in Auroville
Matrimandir, Adishakti Theatre, Quiet Healing Centre, Youth Centre, Auroville Beach
How to reach from Pondicherry:
From the East Coast Road (ECR) junction
Take an Auto or call an Auroville Taxi
From Bus Station
Buses run from the Pondicherry bus stand to the Auroville Visitor’s Centre at 7:30 am 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm.
Buses return to Pondicherry at 8:15 am 2:15 pm and 5:15 pm.
From Railway Station
Take an Auto or call STS for an Auroville Taxi
Lying close to Mahabalipuram is Vedanthangal, best known for its bird sanctuary. The sanctuary attracts multitudes of birds, starting with herons, spoonbills, storks, ibises and egrets in the season. It is the oldest water bird sanctuary in the country. The sanctuary is worth a visit when one is in Pondicherry and is looking for tourist spots nearby. It introduces you to the culture of the locals and presents you with breath-taking sights during the peak migratory months.
Distance from Pondicherry: 69 km
Places to visit in Vedanthangal: Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Karikili Bird Sanctuary
How to reach from Pondicherry:
Cheapest way: Take a bus to Tindivaram, that leaves every 30 minutes. From there, book a taxi to reach Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary.
Timing: 6:00 AM-6:00 PM
Entry Fee:Adults: Rs 25
Parking: Rs 10
Still cameras: Rs 25
Tranquebar, also known as the “Land of the Singing Waves” is a tiny beach town that dates back to the 14th century with the establishment of the Masilamani Nathar (Shiva) Temple built-in 1306. As it is placed at a confluence of the Kaveri River and the Bay of Bengal, the scenic beauty is just awe-inspiring and transcends you into another reality. Tranquebar seems like a place that is untouched by time and exists in a different realm. It is a must-visit destination if you are nearby and want to spend time at a place known for its tranquillity.
Distance from Pondicherry: 98 km
Places to visit in Tranquebar: Fort Dansborg, The town gate, Old Danish Cemetery, The Zion Church, The Masilamani Nathar Temple, The Zieganbalg Museum Complex
How to reach from Pondicherry
By Bus: It is comfortable and easy to travel by bus as there are many buses available for travellers.
By Train: You will reach in 2 hours from Pondicherry to Tranquebar by train. Karaikal is the nearest railway station. It is about 12 kms from Tiruchirapalli airport.
By Car: The cost of cab ranges from INR 5 per kilometer, depending upon the type of car. Additionally, you have to pay toll tax. It is suitable for families traveling with kids and groups.
By Air: A number of flights fly directly between Pondicherry to Tranquebar. It takes 1 hour to reach by flight. You can book prepaid cabs from the airport to reach your destination in Tranquebar. Tiruchirapalli Airport is the nearest airport near Tranquebar. It is about 128 km from Tiruchirapalli airport to Tranquebar.
Formerly known as Madras, Chennai is the fourth largest city in the country, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in South India. Chennai is home to the second largest beach in the world, the Marina Beach, which is one of the most happening spots in the city. It is also home to some of the oldest temples in the country, such as the Parthasarathy Temple and the Kapaleeshwarar Temple. If you want to visit a modern city and experience its unique culture, then you should drop by Chennai.
Distance from Pondicherry: 136 kms
Places to visit in Chennai: Marina Beach, Breezy Beach, MGR Film City, Valluvar Kottam, Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Marundeeswarar Temple
How to reach from Pondicherry
By Train: Chennai to Pondicherry train takes approximately 4 h 05 m. You can catch a train from Chennai and get down at Pondicherry. The price of the train ticket is approximately Rs. 152.
By Bus: The total journey between Chennai & Pondicherry takes around 3 h 43 m in a bus. The bus ticket price for the journey is approximately Rs.291.
Kanchipuram attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world who are interested in Hinduism or just want to enjoy the marvel of South Indian architecture and grandeur. Alternatively known as the ‘golden city of a thousand temples’- the highest, largest and most magnificent temple in the town, spanning 40 acres and dating back to the Pallava period is the Ekambeshwarar Temple.
You should definitely drop by Kanchipuram to get a taste of the unique South-Indian culture.
Distance from Pondicherry: 105 kms
Places to visit in Kanchipuram: Kamakshi Amman Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Kachi Kushil, Devarajaswami Temple, Kailasanathar Temple
How to reach from Pondicherry
There are no direct flights or trains or buses between the two locations. The most convenient and fastest way to reach Kanchipuram from Puducherry is to take India. The cheapest way to reach Kanchipuram is to take the Pay Bbs Express from Puducherry to Chengalpattu and a taxy from there, to Kanchipuram.
Just like Pondicherry has a lot to offer to its visitors, its neighboring destinations also have surprises stored for everyone. So, this time when you pay a visit to Pondicherry, do not forget to check out these locations and many more!
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April 15, 2024 
