I am going to Pondicherry for a week and plan to extend my stay there for about 4 days, so I can visit some other places there. Now what I need is help from forum members to find out what places to visit near Pondicherry.
There are a couple of places which you can visit that are near Pondicherry which range from a distance of 50km to 150km. Gangaikondacholapuram Gangaikonacholapuram is 100km away from Pondicherry which would take around a 2-hour drive. Gangaikonacholapuram is a temple of Lord Shiva. The temple comes in the top list of architectural buildings. One of the fascinating things about this temple is that its shadow never falls on the ground at any time of the year. Chidambaram Chidambaram is a town full of history and temples and one of the famous temples there is the Nataraja Temple. There is an annual chariot festival which is held from the month of December to January. It is 100km from the north of Pondicherry. Gingee Gingee is famous for its Gingee which is a large area full of ruins of a temple, palace, mosque, granary and an auditorium. It is covered over three large hills and for history lovers, this is an ideal place to visit. From Pondicherry, this is at a distance of 70km which is roughly a 1 hour and 30-minute drive. Mandagapattu Mandagapattu is 57km away from Pondicherry and is famous for the 7th century Mandagapattu Tirumurti temple. This temple is famous because it has been cut from rock and it is believed to be one of the oldest stone Hindu Shrines.
Here are some of the best places to visit near Pondicherry: Auroville: Auroville is a spiritual community located about 10 km from Pondicherry. It was founded in 1968 by a group of people from all over the world who were seeking a more peaceful and harmonious way of life. Auroville is a fascinating place to visit, and there are many things to see and do, including visiting the Matrimandir, a large white dome that is said to represent the soul of Auroville; taking a walk in the Auroville Botanical Garden; or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the community. Arikamedu: Arikamedu is an archaeological site located about 20 km from Pondicherry. It was once an important trading port during the Roman Empire, and excavations have unearthed a number of artifacts from this period, including pottery, coins, and jewelry. Arikamedu is a fascinating place to visit for anyone interested in history and archaeology. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary: Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is located about 40 km from Pondicherry. It is one of the most important bird sanctuaries in India, and it is home to over 200 species of birds, including pelicans, flamingos, and egrets. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is a great place to go birdwatching, and it is also a popular spot for picnics and nature walks. Mahabalipuram: Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 60 km from Pondicherry. It is famous for its many temples and rock sculptures, which were built during the Pallava dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries. Mahabalipuram is a great place to go for a day trip from Pondicherry, and it is also a popular spot for surfing and swimming. Chingleput Fort: Chingleput Fort is located about 70 km from Pondicherry. It was built by the Vijayanagara Empire in the 16th century, and it is now a museum that houses a collection of artifacts from the region. Chingleput Fort is a great place to learn about the history of the region, and it is also a popular spot for picnics and nature walks.
