1. Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry)
#1 of 25 Cheap Places to Visit in India
A slice of France in Indian heartland, Puducherry is all about pristine beaches, cobblestoned streets dotted with colonial buildings and relaxing cafes offering some of the best French food in India. Puducherry has a lot to offer to peace and tranquillity seekers as well. Long walks along the Bay of Bengal, yoga and meditation sessions at Sri Aurobindo Ashram, or a short visit to Auroville—the choice is yours.
- Best time to visit – October to March
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: The nearest is Chennai International Airport (144 km).
- By Train: Puducherry Railway Station can be reached easily from Chennai, Trichy, Madurai and other major South Indian cities.
- By Road: Puducherry is well-connected with all major cities by road. East Coast Road (ECR) offers a scenic three-hour drive from Chennai to Puducherry.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 1000/day approx.
