Pondicherry, a charming coastal town in Tamil Nadu, is an eclectic fusion of Indian and French cultures. Its serene beaches, French colonial architecture, delectable cuisine, and friendly people make it a must-visit destination for travellers from around the world.
However, the trick to a successful trip resides in planning, especially when visiting a place as diverse and vibrant as Pondicherry. If you’re a first-time visitor, consider this guide as your go-to resource for organizing your trip. It provides a comprehensive breakdown of the costs involved, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your Pondicherry adventure.
Getting There
The first expense of the Pondicherry trip cost is travel expenses. The most convenient way to reach Pondicherry is to take a flight to Chennai airport and, from there, travel to Pondicherry via bus. A round-trip flight from major Indian cities to Chennai costs INR 5000 to 20000, depending upon the city and how soon you book.
After reaching Chennai airport, if you want to take a bus to Pondicherry, you’ll have to travel to the Koyembedu bus terminal (CMBT) for a PRTC bus. The metro ticket to CMBT from Chennai airport costs INR 45, while a taxi costs around INR 400. A round-trip PRTC bus ticket will cost around INR 200. You can also take a cab to Pondicherry from Chennai. The one-way charges for a private cab are INR 2000 to 4000.
You can also travel to Pondicherry by road from the nearby major cities of Bangalore, Coimbatore, and Mahabalipuram. Cab charges depend on the distance, type of service, and car. For example, Bangalore, which is 375 km from Pondicherry, has an average one-way cab charge of around INR 5000.
Where to Stay
Accommodation accounts for a major share of Pondicherry travel costs. Different types of accommodation options are available in Pondicherry and are suitable for a wide variety of travellers. The available options with average prices are as follows:
- Budget options: These include guesthouses, hostels, and dorms suitable for solo travellers looking for just a place to stay during their trip. The average cost per night ranges from INR 500 to 1000. The level of facilities and privacy is generally low. Before booking these types of accommodations, consider past travellers’ reviews.
- Mid-range options: These include three and four-star hotels and are suitable for families and couples looking for more privacy and comfort. Facilities like wi-fi, complimentary breakfast, and room service are generally provided. The average price ranges from INR 1000 to 2000 per night.
- Luxury options: These include heritage hotels and resorts, which provide lavish rooms, top-class facilities, a taste of unique French culture, and premium services. The average price ranges from INR 5000 and above per night.
Choose your accommodation in the White Town area or Auroville (experimental township) to experience the authentic Pondicherry culture and vibe. Confirm your bookings in advance to avoid last-minute check-in hassles and room scarcities.
How to Move Around
After you’ve settled in, it’s time to explore Pondicherry. Hence, next in the Pondicherry trip budget, we consider the cost of moving around in the city. The available options include:
- Walking: Pondicherry’s charm is found in its streets, cafes, and local markets. The heart of Pondicherry, White Town, with its tree-lined avenues and colonial architecture, is best explored on foot at no extra Pondicherry trip cost.
- Cycling: Cycling is a more adventurous mode of travel in Pondicherry. You can rent a bicycle for INR 50-100 per day and pedal around the streets, savouring the general atmosphere.
- Scooter rentals: If you want to cover more ground, consider renting a scooter. The average rental price is around INR 300 per day, excluding fuel. With a scooter, you can easily explore areas such as Serenity Beach and Auroville.
- Auto-rickshaws: Metered auto-rickshaws are available in Pondicherry. The average price for short distances is around INR 50 to 100. Remember to negotiate the price for longer distances or go for shared auto options to save money.
Where to Eat
Next, in the budget for Pondicherry trip, we consider food costs. The cuisine of Pondicherry is a fusion of Tamil and French cuisines and is uniquely flavourful. The available options, along with average prices, are as follows:
- Street food, bakeries, and cafes: The unique gems of Pondicherry cuisine are available in the local street food outlets, bakeries, and cafes. The pricing is affordable, with meals costing INR 50 to 200.
- Local restaurants: You can have a sit-down meal in local restaurants, which offer more variety and cost around INR 200 to 500 per person.
- Fine dining: For French and international cuisines, you can consider fine dining at upscale restaurants at around INR 1000+ per person.
What to Do
Lastly, we consider activities and sightseeing costs in Pondicherry trip expenses. Pondicherry is chock full of activities and attractions. Depending upon cost, the activities can be divided into four categories as follows:
- Free: Explore the city on foot, relax on the beaches, and visit the ashrams.
- Low cost: Visit the Auroville Botanical Garden (INR 20) and various museums (INR 20-50).
- Mid-range: Go on a boat tour or a day trip to nearby places. Average cost INR 1000 to 2000.
- Luxury: Take spa treatments, private yoga classes, or cooking classes for INR 1000+ per person.
Closing Thoughts
This concludes the breakdown of the cost of the Pondicherry trip. With its French and Indian roots, Pondicherry is a travel destination like no other. If you plan to visit Pondicherry, you can use the guide here to organize your trip financially.
The question of funding will arise after you estimate the cost of the trip to Pondicherry. A trip to a vibrant place like Pondicherry can be expensive and dent your savings. Keep your savings for your future and consider travel loans. For a reliable lender, look no further than Tata Capital.
Tata Capital provides a trip loan with minimal paperwork at attractive interest rates. Moreover, with Tata Capital’s flexible repayment plan, you have complete control over your finances. What are you waiting for? Apply for a trip loan with Tata Capital and convert your dream of travelling to Pondicherry into reality now!
FAQs
The cheapest way to reach Pondicherry is via bus from Chennai.
Pondicherry and Goa travel costs are comparable for a trip of the same duration.
16 December 2024
5 mins read
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