The Sights
Auroville, just 12 km north of Pondicherry, is an international community that was founded by The Mother in 1968. She stated that, "Auroville is meant to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. The purpose of Auroville is to realize human unity." Tourists and locals visit to learn more about The Mother's philosophies. Auroville produces many fine handicrafts that can be purchased as souvenirs as well.
Gingee is most famous for Gingee Fort, a structure that may take you nearly half the day to climb up to but the sites are worth it. It's only 67 km from Pondicherry, making it an easy day trip as well. (photo below on the left)
Gingee is most famous for Gingee Fort, a structure that may take you nearly half the day to climb up to but the sites are worth it. It's only 67 km from Pondicherry, making it an easy day trip as well. (photo below on the left)
Mamallapuram contains a collection of monuments that have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This small town that dates back to the 7th century boasts temples and sculptures that will bring you back in time. An easy day trip from Pondicherry, we can help your rent a taxi or you can take the 2 hour bus trip. (photo on the right above)
Chennai, India's sixth largest city with a population of more than 4.6 million residents. While the city can leave a bad impression if you have just stumbled off of your late night international flight, those who take the time to explore Chennai are not disappointed. The city sprawls out along the Bay of Bengal, with plenty of sea views, temples, museums, and other historically significant building to keep visitors busy. Chennai is a big city, but it brings with it all the luxuries of big city living. Chennai is approximately 3 hours north of Pondicherry.
Tiruchirappalli more fondly known as Trichy, is the home to the largest temple in India, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. Also in Trichy, Rock Fort Temple is situated on a large rock 83m above the ground. These impressive temple and other sites in Trichy are only 5 hours (by bus) from Pondicherry making it a pleasant weekend trip.
Chennai, India's sixth largest city with a population of more than 4.6 million residents. While the city can leave a bad impression if you have just stumbled off of your late night international flight, those who take the time to explore Chennai are not disappointed. The city sprawls out along the Bay of Bengal, with plenty of sea views, temples, museums, and other historically significant building to keep visitors busy. Chennai is a big city, but it brings with it all the luxuries of big city living. Chennai is approximately 3 hours north of Pondicherry.
Tiruchirappalli more fondly known as Trichy, is the home to the largest temple in India, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. Also in Trichy, Rock Fort Temple is situated on a large rock 83m above the ground. These impressive temple and other sites in Trichy are only 5 hours (by bus) from Pondicherry making it a pleasant weekend trip.
Madurai is an ancient city with a booming population. This southern city houses one of the most impressive and important temples in south India - Mennakshi Temple. Madurai is a charming city as it offers a glimpse into true Southern Indian life in a city that claims to be one of the nations oldest. Madurai is an 8 hour bus ride from Pondicherry, but if you combine a trip to Trichy and Madurai in the same long weekend it's a reasonable journey.
Kerala, the neighboring state is a vacation hotspot for international travelers and Indian travelers alike. Kerala has it all, misty mountains with gorgeous tea plantations and the smell of spices in the air, backwater tours on luxurious houseboats, and beaches to make you forget it all. Many volunteers choose to spend one week "vacationing" in Kerala as the sights are simply too good to miss. Kerala does require more time to travel to, and many choose to take the train from Chennai and travel west to Kerala. There are many ways to travel to and through Kerala - a flight from Chennai to Kochi, Kerala can cost less than 3,000 Rs and takes 1 hour or a train will take 12 hours. Kochi is on the complete opposite side of India from Chennai and it will put you in a good spot to explore the rest of Kerala. (photos of Kerala below)
Kerala, the neighboring state is a vacation hotspot for international travelers and Indian travelers alike. Kerala has it all, misty mountains with gorgeous tea plantations and the smell of spices in the air, backwater tours on luxurious houseboats, and beaches to make you forget it all. Many volunteers choose to spend one week "vacationing" in Kerala as the sights are simply too good to miss. Kerala does require more time to travel to, and many choose to take the train from Chennai and travel west to Kerala. There are many ways to travel to and through Kerala - a flight from Chennai to Kochi, Kerala can cost less than 3,000 Rs and takes 1 hour or a train will take 12 hours. Kochi is on the complete opposite side of India from Chennai and it will put you in a good spot to explore the rest of Kerala. (photos of Kerala below)
