3 Best Routes for Bengaluru to Pondicherry Trip
Pondicherry is the largest French colonial city in India. It boasts multiple colonial style buildings, churches, memorials, and statues which are excellently preserved and once in Pondicherry, you lose yourself in its quaint and old time ambience.
The city is historically rich in terms of trade and war. It is well-known for its slow pace and relaxed vibe. The most visited spots in Pondicherry include Ousteri Lake, Botanical Gardens, Paradise Beach, Promenade Beach, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the town of Auroville, Shri Aurobindo Ashram, and more.
Best Time To Visit
Pondicherry in summer is more or less a no-go zone, especially on a road trip as the weather gets too hot and humid. However, October to March are usually considered the best time to visit Pondicherry. The temperature is on the cooler side and travelling through town and engaging in outdoor activities is easier.
Even monsoons are a good time to take a road trip as it gives the route and the destination a fresh new rain-soaked look.
How To Get There
The shortest route from Bangalore to Pondicherry is around 320 kilometers that takes roughly 6 hours and 30 minutes. It is quite convenient to take a road trip in your own car to hire a self-drive car online.
You can also book a cab with a driver and enjoy the sights along the way without the hassle of driving. You can go by bus and pick from multiple private bus operators, with tickets starting from Rs. 500 onwards.
Route Options
There are three great routes you can pick for your road trip. All are mentioned below.
Route 1: The Tiruvannamalai Route
Route Map
Bangalore → Hosur → Krishnagiri → Chengam → Tiruvannamalai → Tindivanam → Pondicherry
This is the shortest route that runs through NH 77 and covers a distance of approximately 320 kilometres in 6 hours and 30 minutes, gives or take a few hours, depending on how many stops you make.
Popular Stopovers on the Bangalore to Pondicherry Road Trip
- Chandira Choodeswarar Temple: Stop at Hosur to check out this colourful temple overlooking the town and enjoy the view.
- Krishnagiri Dam: Located a few kilometres from the town of Krishnagiri, this dam makes for a good picnic break on your road trip. Ideal for those on a bike trip.
- Krishnagiri Fort: You can skip the dam and go for a trek atop a hillock to Krishnagiri Fort and enjoy the historical heritage of the town.
- Sri Ramana Ashram: In Tiruvannamalai, stop over at this peaceful ashram which was founded by the legendary Sri Maharshi Ramana.
- Arunachaleshwara Temple: Also a top attraction in Tiruvannamalai, visit this famous temple on the foothills of Annamalai Hills.
- Gingee Fort: Before reaching Pondicherry, make sure to check out this impregnable fort which was also called ‘Troy of the East’.
Route 2: The Vellore-Arcot Route
Route Map
Bangalore → Hosur → Ambur → Vellore → Arcot → Tindivanam → Pondicherry
This is also a scenic and interesting route to take on your road trip to Pondicherry. It passes through NH 48 and takes around 7 hours across 380 kilometres.
Popular Stopovers on the Bangalore to Pondicherry Road Trip
- Jawadhu Hills: The bountiful green landscape and Bheema Falls will make it a worthwhile detour.
- Vellore Fort: Located in the middle of the city, this fort is spacious, architecturally grand, surrounded by greenery and water bodies.
- Palamathi Hills: These hills make a good stop for a short trek up to a temple, surrounded by eastern ghat hills. Good on a bike trip.
Route 3: The Chittoor-Mahabalipuram Route
Route Map
Bangalore → Hoskote → Kolar → Chittoor → Kanchipuram → Mahabalipuram → Pondicherry
This route to Pondicherry from Bangalore is comparatively longer through NH75 and NH206. It takes around 9 hours across 440 kilometres. But the sights enroute are extraordinary.
Popular Stopovers on the Bangalore to Pondicherry Road Trip
- Antharagange Caves: This is a great spot near Kolar to kickstart your road trip. Ideal for trekkers looking for a minor trek amidst boulders.
- Kaigal Falls: After leaving Kolar and before reaching Chittoor, take a slight detour to enjoy these lush waterfalls, best visited during monsoons.
- Kailasanatha and Ekambareshwar Temples: In the historical city of Kanchipuram also known as the city of temples, visit these two temples renowned for their intricate and imposing architecture.
- Mahabalipuram carvings: Fantastic ancient ruins of Mahabalipuram are a UNESCO heritage site and a delight.
Safety Measures
- The Tiruvannamalai route is the shortest, but not in ideal conditions, owing to traffic and intermittent bad patches. The best option if you want to spend less time enroute and more time in Pondicherry.
- On the Vellore route, the conditions up until Arcot are excellent to drive on, except the wait at toll booths.
- Even past Arcot, roads are pretty much manageable though may be narrower.
- The Chittoor route is also good to drive on, except the roads may get narrower approaching Ranipet. Overspeeding is not a good idea.
- Eateries abound on all routes, including highway joints with snacks and authentic cuisines.
- Hoskote, Krishnagiri, Hosur are a good place for a short refreshment break.
- Be sure to follow Google Maps or a routeing app to make your trip more convenient and safe.
Whether you travel by bike or car, all roads leading to Pondicherry promise an exciting journey with spectacular stops to blow your mind. So pack up your bags, get your engines roaring and set off on a road trip to remember.
Written By – Kenneth, Source – Treebo.