A colonial touch blended with the robust Tamil culture, Pondicherry is just a two-hour picturesque drive away from Chennai. Visit here for the cobblestone cycling-friendly streets, the rich history of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, and some of the best cafes in which to hang out. A place where lethargy is a virtue, enjoy the sun rise at the widely used beachfront. The same place converts into a local hangout at night when traffic is stopped and post-dinner walkers turn out for ice cream.