Are you planning to visit Pondicherry? This French town with its yellow walls has stolen my heart and so will yours. What if you want to go further than Pondicherry for a day? Then these 4 places should definitely be on your list!
What to expect in this article
Chidambaram temple
The Temple of Chidambaram is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Did you know that the Temple’s architecture represents the link between arts and spirituality and it was constructed during the 10th Century?
It has five main Halls, named the Kanaka Sabha, the Cit Sabha, Nritta Sabha, Deva Sabha and Raja Sabha. They all look a bit different.
We visited this place early in the morning (9am) and it was not crowded yet. I loved that there were many locals and the area around the water was stunning. People plucking fruits from the trees, an old lady bathing in the water, a man praying.


When we visited this place, we did not know that my grandmother, whom passed away a long time ago, had always told my uncles that ‘it’s one of the most beautiful places in India’ and ‘only if you are lucky, you can visit Chidambaram.’
I felt this place was amazing, but now it even has a more special place in my heart
It is located 78km south of Pondicherry. By car it will take around 2 hours to reach this destination.
Auroville
Now, Auroville is a special case and very different as the other places in this article.
Auroville basically wants to be a universal town where women and men of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities.
It is not easy to enter the Matrimandir, which is the center of Auroville.
But the town around it has many cool cafeterias (like Hope cafe and Bread & Chocolate) and beautiful nature. As it is only 20km from Pondicherry, so you should definitely visit it at least once.

We had the chance to visit the Matrimandir, but like I said, is it not easy to gain access. You have to know someone from the community, then send them a text why you would like to visit and then wait if you are allowed to visit.
Lately many have been refused, which is funny for a town that states to be a ‘universal town for everyone…’
Auroville is located 20km from Pondicherry. By bike you can reach within 20-30 minutes.
Do you want more tips on fun cafeterias or activities in Pondicherry? Make sure you read the articles below.


Want to read more about India?

9 cool cafés in Pondicherry for food lovers (India)
Pondicherry is a mix of Indian Tamil and French influences; You can see this resonate in the food. Street food or going to a cafeteria is both delicious (if you

A must-do: Bicycle tour in Pondicherry (India)
Ever thought about cycling in India? No, me neither, but it is actually super fun to do! In this article I will tell you everything about my experience of cycling in
Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram is a place famous for its temples and monuments.
The Shore Temple is one of the most famous one, also listed on the UNESCO Heritage list, which consists of three temples.
Nevertheless, Mahabalipuram is not just a must-visit for its ancient temples, but also because of the sandy white beaches. Next to that, because the sea is close by, restaurants are filled with delicious seafood.

We really wanted to see the lighthouse, if you climb some rocks you will have an incredible view over the sea and lighthouse. Unfortunately, we were not able to do this. Reason for this being the heat.
In July we visited Mahabalipuram, while it was scorching hot and I still had to get used to Indian summers. If you look at the photo below you can even see the humidity affecting my camera’s lens.
My tip will be to not visit in the summer, as most places are not shaded. But if you are in Tamil Nadu, make sure you visit this unique place.
Mahabalipuram is located 95km from Pondicherry, which means it is a 3-hour car ride.


Pichavaram Mangrove Forest
Pichavaram is the second largest Mangrove forest in the world, with 1100 hectare area.
You have to go here and enjoy a boat ride, through the narrow canals and hoping you get to see some wildlife. We did see a few birds, which was very special.
India is India, which means that if you want to go through the narrow canals, you will need to pay a bit more to your driver (next to the official entre fee).

As this place is very different as the other 3 mentioned above, it should be on your list. This activity is also very welcome on a hot day.
Pichavaram is located 65km(2h ride) from Pondicherry and 15km (20min ride) from Chidambaram. I would advise you to visit both Chidambaram and Pichavaram in 1 day if possible.

How many of these places have you visited or are you planning to visit? Or do you have any places you would like me to add? Let me know on Instagram!
Interested in reading more?

Urban Elegance: Stockholm’s Most Beautiful Metro Stations (Sweden)
Are you planning to visit Stockholm and want to do something different than always? Go hunt for the most beautiful

Is Climbing Sigiriya Rock in Sri Lanka a Challenging Adventure?
In June I visited the birth place of my father, Sri Lanka. We did a whole tour around the island

Discover Berlin’s Vegan Paradise: Lidian’s 8 Favorite Restaurants
A vegan Walhalla, that is what my friend Lidian calls Berlin. She and her fiance, love to visit Berlin. Not

Chinese Tea Ceremony at Moychay: Amsterdam’s Authentic Experience
Have you ever done a Chinese tea ceremony or would you like to participate at Moychay in Amsterdam? If you

My top 10 places on my travel bucket list – 2023
Since I visited many places that were written on my old travel bucket list, I have to make a new

Budget-friendly Barcelona: 15 Fun free things to do!
Are you not sure if you should put Barcelona on your list, because it might be too expensive? You should!

Spotting elephants in Udawalawe National Park (Sri Lanka)
If you want to go on a safari in Sri Lanka, Udawalawe National Park is a good choice. We saw

Pondicherry Guide
Do you want to have the best tips about Pondicherry? Are you planning to visit Pondicherry soon and do you

6 Reasons why you have to add Nuwara Eliya to your Sri Lanka itinerary!
Nuwara Eliya is one of my favorite places in Sri Lanka! It has incredible nature, friendly people and an amazing

Discover Lisbon’s 9 Best Spots!
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. Lately I have had a

Saudi Arabia to USA: An Inspiring Education Journey
Hi! I am Ossama, a student to become a Engineer surveyor. I studied in the USA, but I am originally

Slovenia’s Must-See Attractions: Vintgar Gorge, Bled, and Lake Bohinj in One Day
Last April we had the chance to visit amazing Slovenia. We only had a couple of days, and we really

12-day itinerary through Croatia and Slovenia
Last April we only had a 12-day holiday and we wanted to visit Croatia and Slovenia. But what can you

August in Thailand: Should I go during the rain season?
One question that is being asked most is ‘Should I visit Thailand in August, during the rain season?’ – Here

8 things I don’t like about India
After 2.5 months in India, I know what I like and do not like about this immense country. I feel

Sleeping safely (female- friendly) & comfortable at the airport of Kuala Lumpur
Are you considering a stay over on the airport of Kuala Lumpur? Then don’t worry because there is a place

Travel plans for 2023 (a girl can dream, right?)
With 2023 coming closer and closer (only 1 month away!), I am starting to wonder about what that year will

What’s it like to live & work in The Netherlands as a Spaniard?
Hi! I am Marta Rubio, a 36 year old Spanish girl living in The Netherlands, since 14 years. Find me

Top 14 best Instagram spots of Sevilla (Spain) – 2023
I have lived one year in Sevilla and it for sure is one of my favorite places in Europe! I

Food Guide Barcelona
Do you want to have the best tips about Barcelona? Are you planning to visit Barcelona soon and do you

What’s in my backpack? (Travelling in Asia for 4 months)
Woohoo you are going to travel for some time and planning to take your backpack. The next question is; what

10+ Tips for travelling in Asia for 4 months
Woohoo you are going to travel for some time through Asia. How fun and lucky you are! In this article

What to wear at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi?
Are you planning to visit the grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi? Lucky you! It is one of the most stunning

Angkor Wat (Cambodia): Costs and 7 amazing temples you can’t miss!
If you ever get the chance to visit Angkor Wat, please do! It’s one of the most amazing sites I

Internal turmoil: Life, travel and work
This time I am sharing a bit more of a personal blog, about a topic we all find interesting: life.

Culture shock: Moving from Thailand to Netherlands as a teenager
Hi, I am Kesini! I am 23 years old, and I am originally from Thailand. I moved to the Netherlands

Bicycle tour in buzzing Bangkok with Co van Kessel
Ever thought about cycling in crowded Bangkok (Thailand)? No, me neither, but it is actually super fun to do! In this

FAQ about Jordan: Transport, tours, costs, taxis and safety.
Lately I have been receiving a lot of questions about Jordan. Beautiful Jordan… it really is a country you have

9 cool cafés in Pondicherry for food lovers (India)
Pondicherry is a mix of Indian Tamil and French influences; You can see this resonate in the food. Street food

Hoe vraag ik een visum aan voor India? Alles over reizen naar India.
Hallo, vanakam, hello vanuit Pondicherry, India! Dus jij bent van plan om naar India te reizen? Wat gaaf! Ik zeg