Hitting the road from Chennai to Pondicherry for an amazing trip? Making the best road trip requires careful planning from beginning to end. Whether you’re all about adventure or craving a peaceful escape, the journey to Pondicherry is full of amazing things.
Here’s a detailed guide for your Chennai to Pondicherry road trip.
Chennai to Pondicherry Road Trip Total Distance
The total distance from Chennai to Pondicherry is approximately 150.8 kilometers, and it usually takes around 3 hours and 13 minutes to travel this distance.
Chennai to Pondicherry Road Trip All Route
- 1st Route (The Best Route): Take the East Coast Road (ECR) spanning around 150 kilometers. You’ll be captivated by the stunning coastal views along the way, making your journey a scenic delight.
- 2nd Route: Consider the Chennai-Villupuram-Trichy Highway (NH32), covering roughly 170 kilometers. This highway offers diverse landscapes, allowing you to experience various terrains as you progress toward your destination.
Which is the best way to go to Pondicherry from Chennai?
The top road trip route from Chennai to Pondicherry is through the East Coast Road (ECR). It’s not just the shortest but also the quickest route. The total distance is 150.8 kilometers, and it typically takes around 3 hours and 13 minutes to complete the journey.
Step-by-step directions from Chennai to Pondicherry via an ECR:
Here’s the route from Raja Muthiah Road in Chennai to Pondicherry, described in a more conversational and friendly tone, with some additional details:
| Directions | Description |
| Start at Raja Muthiah Road in Chennai. | Get going from Raja Muthiah Road, heading north. |
| Take a left before National Durbar Restaurant. | Make a left turn just before you reach the National Durbar Restaurant. |
| Continue on Grand Southern Trunk Road. | Keep moving forward onto Grand Southern Trunk Road. |
| Carry on onto General Hospital Road. | Continue along General Hospital Road. |
| Turn right onto Muthuswamy Road/Muthuswamy Bridge. | Take a right onto Muthuswamy Road or Muthuswamy Bridge. |
| Proceed onto Flag Staff Road. | Follow the road onto Flag Staff Road. |
| Stay to the right to continue on Flag Staff Road. | Keep on the right lane to stay on Flag Staff Road. |
| At the roundabout, take the second exit onto Kamarajar Promenade. | When you reach the roundabout, take the second exit onto Kamarajar Promenade. |
| Pass by Kannagi Statue. | You’ll pass by the Kannagi Statue along the way. |
| Continue onto Kamarajar Salai/Santhome High Road. | Keep following the road onto Kamarajar Salai or Santhome High Road. |
| Keep going onto Dr DGS Dhinakaran Salai/Greenways Road. | Stay on the path onto Dr DGS Dhinakaran Salai or Greenways Road. |
| Continue straight onto Durgabai Deshmukh Road/Greenways Road. | Keep going straight onto Durgabai Deshmukh Road or Greenways Road. |
| Keep straight onto Durgabai Deshmukh Road. | Stay on Durgabai Deshmukh Road. |
| Make a slight left onto Sardar Vallabhai Patel Flyover. | Take a gentle left turn onto Sardar Vallabhai Patel Flyover. |
| Merge onto Lattice Bridge Road. | Join Lattice Bridge Road. |
| Keep straight onto Dr MuthuLakshmi Road/Lattice Bridge Road. | Continue ahead on Dr MuthuLakshmi Road or Lattice Bridge Road. |
| Turn left after Sakthi Guest House. | Make a left turn after passing Sakthi Guest House. |
| Continue straight past Canara Bank ATM to stay on W Ave Road/East Coast Road. | Keep going straight past Canara Bank ATM to stay on W Ave Road or East Coast Road. |
| Continue straight onto East Coast Road/Reddikuppam Main Road. | Keep moving forward onto East Coast Road or Reddikuppam Main Road. |
| Continue straight onto East Coast Road/Kovalam Road. | Stay on the path onto East Coast Road or Kovalam Road. |
| Make a slight left at MS. KRITHYASRI CRANE SERVICE onto NH 332A. | Take a small left turn at MS. KRITHYASRI CRANE SERVICE onto NH 332A. |
| Take a slight right at V NARESHKUMAR Tata aia Life insurance advisor. | Take a slight right at V NARESHKUMAR Tata aia Life insurance advisor. |
| At the roundabout, take the first exit onto 332A (NH). | When you come across a roundabout, take the first exit onto 332A (NH). |
| At the roundabout, take the second exit and continue on NH 332A. | At another roundabout, take the second exit to stay on NH 332A. |
| At the roundabout, take the second exit to stay on NH 332A. | At yet another roundabout, take the second exit to remain on NH 332A. |
| Congratulations! We’ve reached Pondicherry in about 3 hours and 13 minutes. Cheers! 🎉 | And there you have it! We arrived at Pondicherry after approximately 3 hours and 13 minutes. Celebrate! 🎉 |
Please note: The table provides a more engaging format to present the directions and includes additional descriptions for clarity and a conversational tone.
Pondicherry to Chennai Tourist Places
Pondicherry to Chennai boasts scenic spots and cultural wonders. Visit Pondicherry for its serene beaches and French architecture. In Chennai, explore historic sites like Marina Beach and vibrant markets. Both cities offer a mix of history and beauty, perfect for a memorable trip.
Read also: How to Visit Vatican Museums
Departure from Chennai
Begin your road trip in Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu.
Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)
- Distance from Chennai: Around 56 kilometers
- Attractions: Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Krishna’s Butter Ball, Arjuna’s Penance, Mahabalipuram Beach
Sadras
- Distance from Mahabalipuram: Roughly 18 kilometers.
- Attractions: Sadras Dutch Fort and Sadras Beach.
- Explore the historic Dutch fort and unwind at the peaceful beach.
Marakkanam
- Distance from Sadras: Around 20 kilometers
- Attractions: There are no specific tourist attractions in this area, folks.
Kalpakkam
- Distance from Marakkanam: Roughly 31 kilometers
- Attractions: There aren’t any significant tourist attractions here, but you could consider taking a break if necessary.
Pondicherry (Puducherry)
- Distance from Kalpakkam: Around 68 kilometers
- Attractions: Promenade Beach, Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville, French Quarter, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Which is the best route to go to Pondicherry from Chennai?
The East Coast Road (ECR) covers nearly 150 kilometers and captivates travelers with its stunning panoramic coastal views. The total distance is 150 kilometers, and it usually takes about 3.5 hours to complete the journey.
Packing Essentials
Make sure to bring along your essentials for this unforgettable journey. Don’t forget your valid driver’s license and vehicle documents. Also, pack a toolkit, water bottles, some healthy snacks, a navigation tool (like a map or GPS device), a dependable mobile charger, and any personal items you might need.
Navigation
Set up your GPS or navigation system for accurate guidance during your trip. Consider using Google Maps, a recommended choice by the trip guide, for reliable navigation assistance.
Departure
Begin your adventure by starting early in the morning. Before you leave, inform a trusted person about your travel plans and share your detailed itinerary with them.
Driving Etiquette
Follow traffic regulations and speed limits carefully. Stay alert, and avoid using your mobile phone while driving. Take regular breaks every few hours to relax and stretch.
Fuel and Refreshment
Plan your fuel stops strategically along the route. Both routes have several fuel stations for refueling. Use these stops not just for fuel but also to freshen up, use restrooms, and grab a quick, satisfying snack.
Embrace the Journey
Enjoy the stunning landscapes along the way, especially on the ECR route. Take breaks at scenic viewpoints and peaceful beaches to relax and admire the breathtaking scenery.
Arrival at Enchanting Pondicherry
Upon reaching your destination, Pondicherry,
Answer to the key question
Is Pondicherry worth visiting?
Yes, Pondicherry’s cultural blend and serene charm make it worth visiting.
Are cars allowed in Pondicherry?
Yes, cars are allowed in Pondicherry.
Which is the best way to go to Pondicherry from Chennai?
The optimal road trip route from Chennai to Pondicherry is via the East Coast Road (ECR). It’s not only the shortest but also the quickest route, covering a total distance of 150.8 kilometers and typically taking around 3 hours and 13 minutes to complete.
How far is Pondicherry from Chennai by car?
Pondicherry is approximately 160 kilometers away from Chennai by car.
When is the best time to visit Pondicherry?
The best time to visit Pondicherry is between October and March for pleasant weather.
Conclusion for Chennai to Pondicherry Road Trip
Planning a successful road trip to Pondicherry relies on careful planning and sticking to important guidelines. The route you pick and your mindset during the journey will create memories that shape the entire experience.
Follow these steps attentively to embark on an unforgettable road trip.
Hey everyone, in this post, “Chennai to Pondicherry Road Trip,” I’ll provide a complete step-by-step guide.
I’m Dariel Campbell, the architect of unforgettable journeys at “Trip Traveling Guides.” Drawing on a palette of diverse experiences, I’ll design a travel canvas tailored to your desires. Let’s embark on a personalized adventure, where every step tells a story.
