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Places to Visit Near Pondicherry

Tiruchirappalli, popularly known as Trichy is situated on the banks of the Kaveri river, having plenty of spots around. The city has a rich history attached to it, which is evident in its architecture, culture and even its food. It was ruled by several different kingdoms, tracing back to the Chola Dynasty, it flourished during the Nayak reign, up until the British acquired power.

Trichy has numerous ancient temples and forts that are reminiscent of the city’s history. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple and The Rock Fort and Temple, also famous as a sunrise/sunset spots, are worth a mention. There are also a few Museums preserving the colourful history of the place for exploration. Apart from the beautiful architecture, you should spoil yourself with shopping at Sarnath’s (largest textile showroom) and gorge on delicious food at Vasant Bhavan.

Other places to visit: Kallanai Dam, Puliancholai waterfalls, Srirangam Island, Samayapuram Amman Temple, Vekkali Annam Temple, Jambukeshwara Temple, St. Joseph church, St. Johns church, Art Museum, and Rani Mangammal Mahal.

Best Time to Visit: November - March.

Distance from Pondicherry: 200 kilometres.

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Madurai is one of our recommendations of places to visit near Pondicherry. An ancient city famous for the skyscraper-isque Meenakshi Annam Temple and other Dravidian-style structures is a southern pilgrimage city. Madurai too flourished under the rule of the Nayak dynasty. Dive into the spiritual and historical magnificence that the place offers by visiting Algar Koil, Thirumalai Nayak Mahal and Gandhi Memorial Museum.

Another impressive sight is the mountains surrounding Madurai, Meghamalai, Nagamalai, Yanaimalai and Samanarmalai are to name a few. The city is huge on culture and art and has a mix of it from all of South. It is also great for shopping for local crafts and traditional jewellery and going to Bullion Bazaar or Puttu Mandap to splurge.

Other Places to visit: Vaigai Dam, Koodal Azhagar Temple, Mariamman Teppakulam, Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Karuppasamy temple and Jain caves, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Temple Art Museum, Madurai Government Museum, Chithirai Festival and Teppam festival.

Best Time to Visit: October - March.

Distance from Pondicherry: 150+ kilometres.

Yercaud in Salem district lies in the Shevaroy hills is a quaint hill-station. It is still the less explored region but is one of the places around Pondicherry that should have your attention. This town is proposing with orange groves, and Coffee and spice plantations.

The Emerald lake of Yercaud is surreal; it also has a boathouse and is surrounded by gardens. The town has plentiful local plants displayed at Anna Park and bonsai at the Japanese garden. A stunning vantage point of the hills and Salem from Lady’s seat, it has a watchtower and a telescope as well. It would be best if you also went on a drive on 32-km Loop Road, covered in trees. It is like a movie scene. Pagoda Point, Killiyur Falls and Tipperary Viewpoint are places to soak in all the natural beauty around.

Other places to visit: Bear’s Cave, Deer Park, Kottachedu Teak Forest, Karadiyur Viewpoint, Annamalaiyar Temple Viewpoint, Shevaroy Temple and Raja Rajeshwari Temple.

Best Time to Visit: October - March.

Distance from Pondicherry: 230+ kilometres.

A pilgrimage spot for Lord Shiva devotees, it houses the Nataraja Temple among many others. Chidambaram also known as Thillai (the area was a mangrove forest in the olden days and got the name) still has Pichavaram Mangrove Forest and comes as one of the places to visit near Pondicherry.

The temple town was ruled by the Chola dynasty, traces of which can be seen at Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Much like all of South, Chidambaram has a rich history with the reign of multiple kingdoms and mention in mythological tales as well. Poompuhar Beach is the ideal spot for all the water babies.

Other places to visit: Thirrukadiyar, Vaitheeswaran Koli, Sirkhazi, Kali Temple, Sivakami Amman Temple, Govindaraja Perumal Temple and Tirunallurpperumanam Temple.

Some of the famous festivals to attend are: Brahmotsavam, Ani Thirumanjanam, Thai Poosam, and Arudra Darshan are temple festivals, while Natyanjali is a dance festival.

Best Time to Visit: October - March.

Distance from Pondicherry: 60+ kilometres.

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Mamallapuram (also known as Mahabalipuram) is a coastal city, some 60km off Chennai on the Bay of Bengal. The historic town is also a UNESCO World Heritage site for its stone carvings and ancient monuments such as the Arjuna’s Penance, Shore Temple and Five Rathas.

Surrounded by water on three sides, Mamallapuram Beach and Pallava Beach are the two rugged coastlines, hosting fun activities such as fishing, surfing lessons, boating etc. A popular stopover, it is also one of the places to visit near Pondicherry.

Apart from the pristine beaches and historical monuments, Malappuram also houses several temples and is regarded as an essential sacred destination; Krishna Cave Temple, Varaha Cave Temple, Ganesh Rath Temple are to name a few. Mamallapuram also hosts a Dance Festival annually in the months of December-January.

Other places to visit: Krishna Butter Ball, Tiger Caves, Alamparai Fort, Trimurti Cave, Sthalasayana Perumal Temple, India Seashell Museum and Aquarium, Dakshinachitra Museum, Crocodile Farm and Lion Throne.
While here, go around town trying local delicacies and shopping.

Best Time to Visit: October - March.

Distance from Pondicherry: 95+ kilometres.

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Thanjavur (also known as Tanjore) is another one of the ancient cities holding historical significance amidst its architecture, culture and art. The Tanjore-style paintings and bobblehead dolls are especially famous, dating back centuries. The 11-century Brihadeeswara Temple is the highlight, built during the Chola dynasty era, having stunning architecture and frescoed interiors. The temple regularly organizes cultural events like Bharatanatyam recitals and Carnatic music concerts.

Other places to immerse yourself in and learn the history of Tanjore is the Thanjavur Maratha Palace which houses the centuries-old Saraswathi Mahal Library (the library has preserved palm-leaf manuscripts). The Thanjavur Art Gallery is here as well and displays bronze statues.

Tamil University Museum is one more place to go to; it displays coins, artefacts, musical instruments and more.

Other places to visit are: Vijayanagar Fort and Shiv Ganga Garden, Thanjai Mamani Koil, Alangudi Guru Temple, boat-ride in Sivagangai tank at Sivagangai Poonga, Maratha Palace, Schwartz Church, Swami Malai Temple, Take a tour of the doll making workshops and don't forget to try the traditional food!

Best Time to Visit: October - March.

Distance from Pondicherry: 160+ kilometres.

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Other places to visit: Velankudi, Mathur, Iraniyur, Ilayathangudi, Allapanga University, Thiruvila, annual temple festival, Karaikudi, Athangudi, Kandangi sarees and Chettinad cuisine.

Best Time to Visit: October - March.

Distance from Pondicherry: 200+ kilometres.

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Dindigul is an ancient city in the state of Tamil Nadu. Said to be a medieval city, it was once ruled by the Cholas, the Cheras, the Pallavas and the British among others. Thus giving the place a rich historical significance, the Dindigul fort is one such example.

It is evident in the astonishing architecture of the monuments and temples of an olden-era. Palani Murugan Temple, Sri Abirami Amman Temple are worth mentioning. Begumpur Mosque and St. Joseph’s church make for a tranquil visit too.Dindigul also has mountains, lakes and other natural places that would leave you stunned. The Sirumalai Hills, Berijam Lake, Coaker's walk are some of the.

Other places to visit: Silver Cascade Falls, Dolphin’s Nose, Palani, Guna Caves, Sirumalai Reserved Forest, Kurinji Andavar Temple, Sri Kottai Mariamman Kovil, Sendraya Perumal Temple, Soundararajaperumal Temple.

Best Time to Visit: October - March.

Distance from Pondicherry: 250+ kilometres.

Must Read: Places to visit in Pondicherry

Tiruvannamalai, an ancient city, is one of the pilgrimage sites in the Southern region. The city has been associated with many yogis and sages. It has also emerged as an international centre to study Spiritualism; you should head to Ramana Ashram for a peaceful experience. Tiruvannamalai gets its name from the holy mountain ‘Tiruvannan Malai’.

The city’s major tourist attractions are religion centric; the Girivalam, Arunachaleshwara Temple is situated at the foot of Mount Arunachal. This temple is a stunning example of Dravidian-style architecture. The Gingee Fort, Virupaksha Caves and the Tiru malai hill are perfect places for History enthusiasts, making Tiruvannamalai, one of the places to visit near Pondicherry.

Other places to visit: Annamalaiyar Temple, Padaveedu (temple village), Thirumeeyachur Lalithambigai Temple, Sri Seshadri Swamigal Ashram and Yogi Ram Surathkumar Ashram, Jadavu Hills, Sathanur Dam, Skandashramam, Agni; Varuna; Niruthi Lingams, Brahmotsavam is an unmissable festival (during November-December).

Best Time to Visit: October - March.

Distance from Pondicherry: 100+ kilometres.

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Kanchipuram (also known as Kanchi) is an ancient city that houses multiple temples. It is also one of our recommendations for places around Pondicherry. Kanchi is a Hindu pilgrimage city with many sites of religious importance.

The more renowned temples here are the iconic 8th-century Kailasanathar Temple, with sandstone carvings and the Ulagalanda Perumal Temple which has a Lord Vishnu statue. The Kanchi Kamakotti Peetham (one of the four seats of Sri Adi Shankaracharya, a Hindu sage) is another remarkable attraction situated here.

Kanchi has also been a centre for Tamil learning and culture, displaying the marvellous Dravidian heritage. Some of the more prominent festivals to attend are the Brahmothsavam, Garuda Utsavam, and Rath festivals, held in January, April, and May respectively.

Other places to visit: Kamakshi Annam Temple, Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Devarajaswami Temple, Kanchi KamakotiPeetam, Vaikunta Perumal Temple, Ekambarnath Temple, Thennangur Panduranga Temple, Jain Temple, Kailasakona Waterfalls and Mahabalipuram.

Best Time to Visit: September - March.

Distance from Pondicherry: 115+ kilometres.

Velankanni lies on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. It is a small settlement and is regarded as an essential pilgrim spot since Velankanni was declared a Holy City by the Vatican City. Although famous as a sacred town, Velankanni with its splendid beach, immaculate churches, and exciting markets is a must-visit destination for every traveller.

Velankanni is also famous for its exquisite handlooms and silk that would make for lovely souvenirs and gifts for family/friends on your way back.

Places to visit: Velankanni Church, Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, Morning Star Church, Velankanni Shrine/Church Museum, Velankanni Beach, Nagapattinam town is only a few kilometres away, Velankanni Festival is celebrated at the Velankanni church between August and September.

Best Time to Visit: October - March.

Distance from Pondicherry: 160+ kilometres.

A temple city within the Southern region, Kumbakonam will have a somewhat calming effect on you. It also comes in as one of the places around Pondicherry that you can visit. The city is also famous for the Mahamaham festival and receives thousands of people from all around the world.

It is also an ancient city and has some temples dating back centuries. Ramaswami Temple, Nageswaran Temple and Sarangapani temple are some exemplary names. Near Kumbakonam in Thirupudaimaruthur village is the Tiruvidaimarudur Conservation Reserve. It sprawls over 2.8 hectares and is surrounded by ancient trees. It is home to 400+ birds and is a welcome change of scenery.

Other places to visit: Kumbeshwar Temple, Gangaikondacholapuram Temple, Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Mahamaham Tank, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uppiliappan Temple, Suryanar Koil Temple (also known as Sri Suryanar Temple) and Kampaheswarar Temple (also known as Sarabeswarar Temple).

Best Time to Visit: November - March.

Distance from Pondicherry: 120+ kilometres.

Nagapattinam for the longest was part of Thanjavur district and was carved out as a separate city in 1991. It is also addressed as East Thanjavur. Nagapattinam lies on the Bay of Bengal, making it a port-city whose importance can be traced back to the Sangam Era of the Chola and the Pandyas. This quaint seaside town has a few beautiful places like the Dutch Fort, Archeological Museum and the Poompuhar Beach that would make your trip worthwhile. The festival of Pongal is a grand celebration here.

Other places to visit: Nagore (important Islamic Shrine), Velankanni, Ettukudi (Murugan Temple), Soundararajan Perumal Temple, Nellukadai Mariamman Koli, Sikkal Singaravelan Temple, Kayarohanaswami Temple and Kodikkarai Beach, Velankanni, Tranquebar (Tharangambadi), Kodiakkarai, Sikkal are close by cities.

Best Time to Visit: October - March.

Distance from Pondicherry: 130+ kilometres.

Dhanushkodi, a cyclone hit town, is one of its kind. An eerie ghost town now was once a flourishing port under the British Raj. The trails of which can be seen in the remains of the buildings here. Dhanshukodi is at the end of India and closest to Sri Lanka.

A fierce cyclone struck this port-town on 22, December 1964 which left the whole place inhabitable (declared by the Government) and a part of it even submerged under the sea. Before being an abandoned piece of land, Dhanushkodi was a thriving community that had its railway station, a customs office, post office, schools, hospital, church, hotels, and shops.

The Islandic town also has links to the Hindu mythological epic the Ramayana. In 2017 the government opened a road to the end land of Dhanushkodi at Arichal Munai, near Adam’s Bridge to encourage tourism.

Other places to visit: Dhanshukodi Beach, The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Pamban Island and Ramar Patham Temple.

Best Time to Visit: October - March.

Distance from Pondicherry: 400+ kilometres.