Hill & highway routeEast Coast Road (ECR / SH49)

Chennai to Pondicherry & Mahabalipuram Tempo Traveller Rental

Private Chennai to Pondicherry & Mahabalipuram tour in a 9 to 26 seater Tempo Traveller or Force Urbania, with a hill-certified chauffeur and Fastag toll clearance.

Distance one way165 km

Est. driving time3.5 Hours

Toll plazas3 approx.

Starting fare₹25 / km

Scenic Highway & Hill Route East Coast Road (ECR / SH49)

Chennai to Pondicherry & Mahabalipuram Tempo Traveller Rental

Distance165 KM

Est. Drive Time3.5 Hours

Highway Tolls3 Toll Gates

Suggested Van16-Seater Deluxe / Force Urbania 13

Route Topography & Departure Strategy

Recommended Departure Timing:

06:00 AM

Ghat & Vehicle Suitability Rule:

Flat coastal two-lane road throughout. No ghat sections, but the ECR is unlit in stretches and speed-governed at 80 km/h after dark.

Curated Itinerary Breakdown

06:00 AMStep 1

Doorstep pickup

Pickup across Chennai and onto the ECR at Thiruvanmiyur, ahead of the weekend beach-resort traffic.

07:45 AMStep 2

Mahabalipuram

Two hours at the UNESCO group of monuments — Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas and Krishna Butter Ball are within walking distance of the coach parking.

10:30 AMStep 3

Coastal drive

Continue south past the Kalpakkam and Marakkanam salt pans, with a coffee halt at one of the ECR roadside cafes.

12:30 PMStep 4

Puducherry entry

UT entry tax cleared at Kottakuppam, then into the French Quarter for lunch on Rue Suffren.

02:30 PMStep 5

Pondicherry sightseeing

Promenade Beach, Aurobindo Ashram, Basilica of the Sacred Heart and Paradise Beach jetty, with the van shuttling between stops.

05:30 PMStep 6

Auroville

Matrimandir viewing point and visitor centre before the return leg.

09:00 PMStep 7

Return drop

Return on the ECR at governed night speed and drop at your Chennai pickup point.

Key Trip Highlights

Mahabalipuram Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas en route Puducherry UT entry tax handled at the Kottakuppam checkpost French Quarter and Promenade Beach drop-off Auroville Matrimandir viewing point on the return

Instant Fare Calculator

Starting ₹22/km