Weekend Getaways From Pondicherry That You Will Simply Love

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OYO Rooms
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YOU CANT AFFORD TO MISS THESE PLACES IN YOUR
VISIT TO PONDICHERRY
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• The union territory of Pondicherry, or
  Puducherry, is a celebrated tourist destination
  in India situated along the cost of Bay of
  Bengal. Once a French colony, a well preserved
  colonial ambiance in Pondicherry is evident even
  today through its historical monuments, temples,
  churches, statues, and town planning. Once you
  have explored the many popular places to visit in
  Pondicherry, head to the nearby tourist
  destinations over a weekend.
• Top 13 Exciting Weekend Getaways from Pondicherry
  
• Yercaud
• Tharangambadi (Tranquebar)
• Mahabalipuram
• Pulicat Lake
• Thanjavur
• Tirupati
• Tiruvannamalai
• Vellore
• Kanchipuram
• Chidambaram
• Namakkal
• Thiruchapalli
• Chennai

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1. Yercaud (238km from Pondicherry)

• Nestled in the Shevaroy hill range of Tamil Nadu,
  the hill station of Yercaud is dotted with coffee
  plantations. Boating at the famous Emerald Lake,
  and relaxing at the lakeside Anna Park makes for
  an ideal picnic spot near Pondicherry. The
  hilltop Shevaroy temple is the highest point in
  Yercaud. A popular attraction is the Bears Cave,
  once believed to be inhabited by bears. The best
  time to visit the spectacular Killiyur falls is
  right after the monsoons. Wildlife enthusiasts
  and nature lovers can delight at Kurumbapatti
  Zoological Park, and National Orchidarium and
  Botanical Garden. Silk World, once a 6-acre
  model farm with mulberry cultivation, is now a
  seri-tourism centre.Once the central attraction
  of Pondicherry, today the beach is just a shadow
  of itself but nevertheless attracts a lot of
  people. It is a thin strip of land where people
  come out to stroll in large numbers in the
  evenings. Probably keeping in mind the narrowness
  of the land, vehicular movement is banned here in
  the evenings. This is a nice place to wander
  around or simply do nothing in the evenings while
  taking in the views of the nearby Mahatma Gandhi
  statue and the statue of Dupleix, a statue built
  in honour of General Francois Dupleix who was
  Governor General of Pondicherry from 1742 to
  1754.  The statue to honour him was built in
  1870.
• Visitor timings 247
• Entry fees Not needed

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2. Tharangambadi (Tranquebar) (119km from
Pondicherry)
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Situated along the Coromandel coast in Tamil
Nadu, the town of Tharangambadi was where the
first Danish trading post was established in
India in 1620. It is home to Fort Dansborg, the
second biggest Danish fort ever built. The
Tranquebar Museum showcases antiquities from the
Vijayanagara, Thanjavurand Danish empire. Built
in 1701, the Zion church is the oldest Protestant
church in India. The buildings of New Jerusalem
Church and Brethrens Garden stand testimony to
the prevalence of Christian missionaries. The
Subrahmanya temple on the town outskirts is a
renowned Murugan temple. The oldest monument in
Tharangambadi is the enchanting ruin of
Masilamani Nathar temple situated on the coastal
shore.
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3. Mahabalipuram (96km from Pondicherry)
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Most popular weekend getaways from Pondicherry
include a visit to the historic town of
Mahabalipuram along the Coromandel coast of Tamil
Nadu. Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO world heritage
site for its ancient Group of Monuments. The site
hosts a collection of almost 40 monuments
categorized as chariot-shaped temples (Rathas),
cave temples (Mandapas), rock reliefs, structural
temples, and excavations. The Descent of the
Ganges or Arjunas Penance is the worlds
largest open-air rock reliefs. The Shore Temple
overlooking the Bay of Bengal is South Indias
oldest structural stone temple. Other attractions
include the Pancha Rathas, Krishnas Butterball,
and Light House. The India Seashell Museum is
renowned for its vast collection of over 40,000
seashells and marine fossils from world over.
History buffs can revel in the impressive display
of mythological and historical collection of
sculptures at the open-air Sculpture Museum.
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4. Pulicat Lake (185km from Pondicherry)
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Situated along the Coromandel coast in Andhra
Pradesh, Pulicat Lagoon is Indias second largest
brackish water lagoon. The lake is surrounded by
many fishermen villages and beautiful island
villages like Irrukam. A boat ride by a fisherman
is the best way to explore the wilderness and
natural beauty around. The Pulicat Lake Bird
Sanctuary is famous for visitations by migratory
birds, especially the Greater Flamingo. As
pelicans, kingfishers, herons, painted storks,
spoonbills and ducks throng the lake the grand
spectacle makes it amongst the best weekend
getaways from Pondicherry for birdwatchers. The
historic Fort Geldria was the seat of Dutch
Republics first settlement in India. A 16th
century old Dutch cemetery houses ancient
tombstones, some with even Tamil inscriptions.
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5. Thanjavur (169km from Pondicherry)
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• The historic city of Thanjavur, also called the
  Rice bowl of Tamil Nadu, offers one of the best
  weekend trips from Pondicherry. It is home to a
  UNESCO World Heritage Monuments site the Great
  Living Chola Temples. Located in the heart of the
  city, the main temple of Brihadishvara (Big
  Temple) is an exemplary display of Dravidian
  architecture. Other popular attractions in the
  complex include the Gangaikonda Cholapuram,
  Airavatesvara temple, Nandi bull statue, and
  adjoining Sivaganga Park. The 17th century
  Thanjavur Maratha palace is now the official
  residence of the descendants of Bhonsle family,
  once the rulers of Thanjavur region. Saraswathi
  Mahal Library, situated in the palace complex,
  consists of over 30,000 Indian and European
  manuscripts handwritten on palm leaf and paper.
  Traditional Tanjore paintings are exhibited at
  many art galleries and museums like the famous
  Rajarajan Manimandapam.

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8. Chunnambar Boat House
If you feel that you have seen enough of
monuments, this destination will reveal a
different side of the tourist places in
Pondicherry. This is a place that is not on the
list of popular places to visit for every tourist
but has become popular of late. The Chunnambar
Boat House is 8 kilometres away from the main
city and here one can take a motorboat and go to
Paradise Beach, which is an island where you can
enjoy a leisurely picnic with the waters of the
Bay of Bengal stretching into the distance.
Chunnambar also has tree houses for overnight
stays. You can also fish, swim, trek, watch birds
or simply do nothing and watch the sun set. True
to its name, this is one paradise that you will
not want to leave once you are there. On the
flipside, look out for weekend crowds as this
place can get crowded on weekends with locals as
well as tourists. Visitor timings 930 am to
500 pm Entry fees  Boat trip costs INR 300 per
adult, INR 150 per child (10 years and below)
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6. Tirupati (232km from Pondicherry)
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• The heritage city of Tirupati, also called the
  spiritual capital of Andhra Pradesh, is one of
  the perfect weekend trips from Pondicherry for
  religious tourists. Tirupati is regarded amongst
  the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destination for its
  distinguished Tirumala Venkateswara temple.
  Situated on the on the Tirumala hills, it is one
  of the worlds richest temple. Kapila Theertham
  is another magnificent temple located inside a
  mountain cave with the mountain stream falling
  directly into the temple reservoir. The 11th
  century Chandragiri fort features detailed
  Indo-Sarcen architecture. It also hosts an
  archaeological museum, and a light and sound
  show. The geological wonder of Silathoranam
  Natural Arch is declared as a National
  Geo-heritage monument. Wildlife enthusiasts can
  enjoy a lion safari at the Sri Venkateswara
  Zoological Park which is Asias second largest
  zoo park.

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7. Tiruvannamalai (106km from Pondicherry)

• Tiruvannamalai is a pilgrimage town in Tamil Nadu
  home to the sacred Arunachala hills. The historic
  Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar temple located at the
  foothill, is one of Indias largest temple. The
  town also attracts devotees of sage Ramana
  Maharshi to the Sri Ramana Ashram which used to
  be his home and now the location of his shrine.
  The temple and cave complex of Tirumalai contains
  the tallest Jain sculpture in Tamil Nadu. The
  Virupaksha caves are popular for their
  resemblance with the symbol Om. The giant
  Sathanurdam on the Thenpennai River is surrounded
  by a park providing a perfect picnic spot near
  Pondicherry. In the vicinity of the dam is a fish
  grotto and crocodile farm.

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8. Vellore (153km from Pondicherry)

• Exploring the city of Vellore along the banks of
  Palar River in Tamil Nadu can be amongst the most
  fulfilling weekend trips from Pondicherry. The
  historic Vellore Fort is credited for one of the
  best military architecture in Southern India. It
  was the site of Vellore Mutiny, the first
  military rebellion against the British in 1806.
  Two separate palaces inside the fort, the Tipu
  Mahal and Hyder Mahal, stand testimony to the
  luxurious lifestyle of royalties. They were once
  the respective residences of Tipu Sultan and
  Hyder Ali. Built in the middle of a water tank,
  the Jalakanteshwara temple manifests exemplary
  Vijayanagaram architecture. The fort complex also
  houses the tombs of Tipu Sultans family, St.
  Johns Church, Nawab Chanda Sahib Mosque, and the
  State Government Museum. The one of a kind Golden
  Templeis located inside the Sripuram spiritual
  park. Its towers (Vimanam) and pavilion
  (ArdhaMandapam) are gilded with pure gold. The
  Amirthi Zoological Park is partly developed as a
  tourist spot and partly as a wildlife sanctuary.
  The astronomical Vainu Bappu Observatory is
  equipped with the powerful Vainu Bappu Telescope,
  which until recently was Asias largest
  telescope. For a relaxing time, head to the
  scenic hill station of Yelagiri.

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9. Kanchipuram (123km from Pondicherry)

• Situated on the banks of Vegavathy River,
  Kanchipuram, or the City of Thousand Temples,
  is regarded as one of the seven holiest Hindu
  cities in India. It is also renowned for its
  traditional Kanjeevaram silk sarees. The largest
  temple of Ekambareswarar, the oldest Pallava
  temple of Kailasanathar, and the ancient Vishnu
  temple of Varadharaja Perumal are some
  significant temples. Other important temples
  include the Kamakshi, Karchapeswarar,
  Karchapeswarar, Karchapeswarar, Kumarakottam,
  Vaikunta Perumaland TrilokyanathaJain temple. An
  ancient home now converted into the Kanchi Kudil
  Heritage museum showcases traditional Kanchipuram
  artefacts. The 7thcentury rock-cut cave temple in
  Mamandur village is considered a monument of
  national importance. The Perargnar Anna Memorial
  House is dedicated to noted scholar and politican
  Arignar Anna.

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9. Kanchipuram (123km from Pondicherry)

• Situated on the banks of Vegavathy River,
  Kanchipuram, or the City of Thousand Temples,
  is regarded as one of the seven holiest Hindu
  cities in India. It is also renowned for its
  traditional Kanjeevaram silk sarees. The largest
  temple of Ekambareswarar, the oldest Pallava
  temple of Kailasanathar, and the ancient Vishnu
  temple of Varadharaja Perumal are some
  significant temples. Other important temples
  include the Kamakshi, Karchapeswarar,
  Karchapeswarar, Karchapeswarar, Kumarakottam,
  Vaikunta Perumaland TrilokyanathaJain temple. An
  ancient home now converted into the Kanchi Kudil
  Heritage museum showcases traditional Kanchipuram
  artefacts. The 7thcentury rock-cut cave temple in
  Mamandur village is considered a monument of
  national importance. The Perargnar Anna Memorial
  House is dedicated to noted scholar and politican
  Arignar Anna.

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12. Thiruchapalli (204km from Pondicherry)

• The city of Tiruchirappalli, or Trichy, is called
  the Energy Equipment and Fabrication Capital of
  India. The most prominent landmark of the city
  is the historic fortification and temple complex
  of Tiruchirappalli Rockfort built on an ancient
  rock. The forts entrance, called the main guard
  gate, is the only remnant of the dilapidated
  fort. The Ganesh temple of Ucchi Pillayar and the
  rock-cut cave temples of Thayumanaswami are two
  famous temples located inside the fort. The
  17thcentury Rani Mangammal Mahal, formerly the
  Chokkanatha Nayak Palace, is now converted into a
  government museum. Srirangam, an island in
  Cauvery River, is amongst one of the worlds
  biggest religious complexes. It is home to the
  illustrious Ranganathaswamy and Jambukeswarar
  temple known for their stunning Dravidian style
  of architecture. The 9th century Erumbeeswarar
  temple on Cauvery river bank is declared a
  protected monument. The Nadir Shah Mosque is home
  to the shrine of Muslim saint Nadir Shah. A good
  example of Gothic Revival architecture is found
  in the Christ Church and Our Lady of Lourdes
  Church. The Grand Anicut, or Kallanaidam, on the
  Cauvery River is dated 2ndcentury AD. Inspired by
  its design, the Lower Anaicutdam was built in the
  19th century. The Railway Heritage Centre is a
  railway museum showcasing rare artefacts, vintage
  locomotive engines and a functional toy train.
  The World War I Memorial is dedicated to the
  martyred soldiers from Trichy who fought for the
  British Indian Army.

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13. Chennai (151km from Pondicherry)

• If you rather wish to experience the thrills of a
  fast-paced city life, head to the urban
  agglomeration of Chennai, the capital of Tamil
  Nadu. Situated along the Coromandel Coast,
  Chennai is home to Indias longest beach, the
  Marina beach. The iconic Fort St. George is
  Indias first English fortress. A museum in the
  fort has preserved the first ever Indian flag
  flown after independence. Indias oldest Anglican
  church, the St. Marys Church, is located inside
  the fort. The Ripon Building and Victoria Hall
  are historical monuments famous for their
  respective neoclassical and British architectural
  styles. Vivekanandar Illam and Valluvar Kottam
  are popular monuments dedicated to the Tamil poet
  Thiruvalluvar, and Swami Vivekananda
  respectively. The 18th century Government Museum
  and the National Art Gallery are amongst Indias
  oldest museum and art gallery. History buffs and
  art lovers will also enjoy the Chennai Rail
  Museum, Dakshina Chitra museum, Kalakshetra
  academy and Cholamandalam Artists Village.
  Explore the night sky through a virtual tour at
  the Science Birla Planetarium. The Arignar Anna
  Zoological Park, Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, and
  Guindy National Park are ideal for wildlife
  enthusiasts. Nature lovers will find solace at
  the Adyar Eco Park, Chetpet Lake, and Huddleston
  Gardens. Shopaholics rejoice at the numerous
  shopping malls, and markets of T. Nagar and
  George Town. Head to an amusement park for
  adventure, or explore the vibrant nightlife of
  Chennai at a popular nightclub.

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