[kaychaks]

Awesome travelogue, thanks for sharing. I'm planning to wander the same way as yours in April, will it be a sane decision? I reckon it would be hot & humid during that time. But will it be bearable enough with hats & sunscreens (asking on behalf of my wife). What the travel gods around here think?

Thanks in advance.

[mpksuhas]

Originally Posted by kaychaks

in April, will it be a sane decision? I reckon it would be hot & humid during that time.

Kaychaks, as you mentioned it will be insanely hot in summer. Even when we traveled in Feb mid it was starting to get hot. I would suggest you postpone the plan till after monsoon.

[MacSr]

Am planning to do Pondicherry to Bengaluru as one of the legs in my trip down South Pune - Goa - Kochi - Pondicherry - Bengaluru - Pune.
Would be grateful for your route advice on the Pondicherry to Bengaluru leg.

[ampere]

Originally Posted by MacSr

Am planning to do Pondicherry to Bengaluru as one of the legs in my trip down South Pune - Goa - Kochi - Pondicherry - Bengaluru - Pune.
Would be grateful for your route advice on the Pondicherry to Bengaluru leg.

Nothing new:

Pondicherry-Tindivanam-Vandavasi-Cheyyar-Arcot-Velloere-Krishnagiri-Bangalore

See the route link on how to get to the Chennai-Bangalore 4-lane at Arcot.
Do note how the route bypasses the towns.

Route Link

[Travelator]

Originally Posted by mpksuhas

Since Goa trip at start of November, all our trips were one day trips near Bangalore. Hence we were planning of going for a week long trip before summer sets.

The plans were big, drive down to Kutch or a week in Sikkim. However, getting leaves for all of us (8 people) in sync was easily said than done. Hence Pondicherry was planned as a feasible for all solution.

Nice trip mpksuhas and a beautiful pic-travelogue. The route that you took for your onward journey is indeed a charm with really well shielded roads.

This is in stark contrast to the Bang - Mysore highway which has "life" coming onto the roads from anywhere and everywhere with a mix of umpteen speed breakers.

Coming to Pondy, I was really disappointed with the place during my last visit a couple years back. Well, no one to blame other than me. I had thought of the place as a local "substitute" to Goa. With no interest in any kind of spirits, consumable or supernatural, I should have understood, this was not a good idea to spend four days in Pondy. We stayed HERE and it was a really decent place. The only things I cherished there was the drive, food and service of this place. Would not mind going back just for these.

[mpksuhas]

Originally Posted by Travelator

I should have understood, this was not a good idea to spend four days in Pondy. .

Thanks.
Yes, the GQ between Krishnagiri and Vellore is superb. However the Chennai and Bangalore ends of the same is still a work in progress.

Excatly, Pondi and Goa are two different type of destination. Two days is more than enough to see around Pondicherry.

[maltedvews]

Thank you so much @mpksuhas. Loved the details. I intend to implement them on 30th. It's amazing to get all this information from the team-bhp community. This will be my maiden trip, with no back up driver; travel companion is a trusted navigator. I will be driving a Hyundai Accent Viva (she's old but has stood in good stead). Is there anything the veterans might suggest that I ought to keep in mind?

[mpksuhas]

Originally Posted by maltedvews

I ought to keep in mind?

Thanks.
Incase you are having IND plates (with or without blue strips) do mask the same.

Not sure of the conditions now, however when we traveled they were fining those with IND plates.

For route updates you can check this thread.

[redcruiser]

Hi Suhas,
I am also planning for a trip to Pondi and Mahabalipuram this new year (4 days Thu-Sun).
I am planning for day-1 at Mahabalipuram i.e on Day 1( Thursday) and reach Pondicherry on Friday.
What are the must see places in Pondicherry?

[mpksuhas]

Originally Posted by redcruiser

What are the must see places in Pondicherry?

Do visit the following -
-Auroville
-Goubert avenue (and the buildings around) including Le Cafe in case time permits
-Bharathi Park
-Aurobindo Ashram

NB: Be prepared for new year madness and crowd all around.

[thirdmainroad]

I think it's extremely important to be extra cautious in and near Pondicherry on the road. Pondy has a major alcohol problem which really is getting only much worse as time passes. It is also very rare for police to check for drunken driving there and there are a lot of locals that get smashed and ride/drive.