Perfect Travel Plan from Chennai | Timings | Entry Fees | Foreign Tourist Info
Pondicherry (Puducherry) is one of the most beautiful and peaceful coastal cities in South India, famous for its French-style architecture, clean beaches, spiritual centers, and heritage streets. Just a short drive from Chennai, it is one of the most preferred weekend and one-day getaway destinations for families, friends, couples, and solo travelers.
Distance From Chennai to Pondicherry
| Route | Approx Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai → Pondicherry via ECR (East Coast Road) | 150 km | 3 – 3.5 Hours |
| Chennai → Pondicherry via GST / NH-32 | 180 km | 3.5 – 4 Hours |
Tip: Choose ECR for scenic ocean views, sunrise drives & photography spots.
Top Sightseeing Places in Pondicherry
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
A peaceful spiritual center where visitors meditate and experience silence, discipline and calmness.
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Time Required: 1 to 2 Hours
- Foreign Entry Fee: No separate charges
- Highlights: Meditation hall, library, lotus pond
Promenade / Rock Beach
A picturesque rocky shoreline stretch perfect for a walk, sunrise view or relaxing in the evening wind.
- Best Time to Visit: 5:30 AM – 8:00 AM (sunrise) & 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Time Required: 1 – 2 Hours
- Must Do: Street snacks, sea photography, sunrise coffee
Paradise Beach (Chunnambar Boat House)
A clean and beautiful golden-sand beach accessible only by boat.
- Location: 8–10 km from main Pondicherry city
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Boat Ticket Price: approx ₹30 – ₹50 per person (to & fro)
- Beach Entry Fee: ₹10 – ₹20 per person
- Time Required: 2 – 3 Hours
- Foreign Tourist Fee: Same as Indian visitors
- Activities: Beach relaxation, swimming (safe zone only), water sports (seasonal)
Botanical Garden
A peaceful green zone with rare plants, fish aquariums and kids’ entertainment.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Adults – ₹20 | Kids – ₹10
- Time Required: 1 Hour
- Foreign Entry Fee: Same as Indian visitors
- Special Attraction: Musical fountain (seasonal weekends)
Auroville & Matrimandir View Point
An experimental global township promoting unity, sustainable living and spiritual well-being.
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Time Required: 1 – 2 Hours
- Inner Chamber Meditation: Free, but advance booking required at Visitor Centre
- Speciality: Giant golden meditation dome, nature walks, international community
Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
A stunning 117-year-old Gothic-style Roman Catholic church located near the Pondicherry railway station. Famous for its tall spires, stained glass art depicting Christ’s life, and peaceful prayer ambience.
- Why Visit: Beautiful European architecture & photography spot
- Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Time Required: 30 – 45 mins
- Special Note: Illuminated lighting looks gorgeous at night
French War Memorial
A historical landmark located on the Promenade Beach road, built to honour soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. Lit beautifully every year on July 14th (Bastille Day).
- Why Visit: Experience Pondicherry’s French heritage & history
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Time Required: 20 mins
- Nearby: Gandhi Statue, Promenade, Le Cafe
Manakula Vinayagar Temple
A 500-year-old Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha located near Aurobindo Ashram. It is famous for its golden chariot, temple elephant “Lakshmi”, and ancient spiritual importance.
- Why Visit: Oldest heritage temple & divine atmosphere
- Timings: 5:45 AM – 12:30 PM & 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Time Required: 40 mins
- Speciality: Daily elephant blessings & special pooja options
White Town (French Quarter)
The heart of Pondicherry’s colonial heritage. Known for colourful French-style buildings, clean streets, cafes, heritage hotels, and artistic photo locations.
- Why Visit: Street photography, café hopping & architecture walk
- Timings: Open all day
- Entry Fee: Free
- Time Required: 1 – 2 hours
- Popular Spots: Coromandel Café, Le Dupleix, French Consulate, Old Lighthouse
Pondicherry Museum
A wonderful place to understand Pondicherry’s past through exhibits of French colonial furniture, coins, ancient sculptures, and archeological collections.
- Why Visit: History, heritage & educational experience
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- Entry Fee: Adults ₹10 | Children ₹5 | Foreigners ₹50
- Time Required: 45 mins
- Highlights: Chola bronze idols & fossil collections
Travel Tips
- Start early from Chennai to avoid city traffic
- Carry sunglasses, sunscreen & water
- Weekends are busy — book hotels and boat tickets early
- Beaches close early during monsoon or high-tide days
Best Way to Explore These Spots
Most places are located within 1–2 km radius around Promenade Beach, so you can:
- Walk or rent a bicycle/scooter
- Take a local auto
- Or travel by car if part of a Chennai–Pondicherry sightseeing package
Estimated Travel Budget
| Expense Category | Approx Cost |
|---|---|
| Chennai to Pondicherry Cab (Round-Trip) | ₹5,500 – ₹7,500 |
| Food per person | ₹300 – ₹800 |
| Entry Tickets & Boat Ride | ₹50 – ₹150 |
| Shopping / Extras | Optional |
Sample 1-Day Itinerary From Chennai to Pondicherry by Car
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5:30 AM | Start from Chennai via ECR |
| 8:30 AM | Reach Pondicherry |
| 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram |
| 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM | Explore White Town walking streets |
| 11:45 AM – 1:30 PM | Boat ride & Paradise Beach |
| 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Lunch at local French/seafood café |
| 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM | Botanical Garden |
| 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Auroville & Matrimandir Viewpoint |
| 5:45 PM – 6:30 PM | Evening at Promenade Beach |
| 6:45 PM | Start return to Chennai |
| 9:30 PM | Arrival in Chennai |
Final Thoughts
Pondicherry is a compact coastal paradise where you can experience peace, culture, nature and delicious food all in one trip. From relaxing beaches to spiritual spaces and French-heritage streets, it offers something for every traveler. A perfect destination for a quick weekend break from Chennai.’
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