15 days in Chennai & Pondicherry Itinerary

Chennai, a city hailed for its vibrant atmosphere and historic attractions, remains one of the most visited places in India.

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Monuments at Mahabalipuram and Shore Temple. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Chennai: Mahabalipuram (Pancha Rathas & The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology). And it doesn't end there: enjoy the sand and surf at Marina Beach, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Vadapalani Murugan Temple, get the lay of the land with Walking tours, and get in on the family fun at VGP Snow Kingdom.

To see reviews, ratings, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Chennai trip planner.

Washington, USA to Chennai is an approximately 25-hour flight. Traveling from Washington to Chennai, you'll lose 10.5 hours due to the time zone difference. In May, Chennai is warmer than Washington - with highs of 99°F and lows of 81°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Fri) early enough to drive to Pondicherry.

South Indian spiritualism meets French chic in Pondicherry, an interesting, unusual, and international destination on the Bay of Bengal.

Do some cultural sightseeing at Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple and Mailam Murugan Temple. Next up on the itinerary: kick back and relax at Paradise Beach, stroll through Sadhana Forest, take in the waterfront activity at Seaside Promenade, and pause for some serene contemplation at The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

For maps, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Pondicherry trip planning tool.

Traveling by car from Chennai to Pondicherry takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 26th (Wed) so you can travel back home.