I was visiting Chennai on business and felt I was missing what the city had to offer because of my daily shuttle between the hotel and work. I was going to rent a motorcycle from a nearby shop, but decided a guide would be even better. A quick search helped me find the rental shop. It was pretty last minute, but they were able to build me a day trip that fit my needs. I was a little concerned about some itinerary items, thinking I would not be interested, but they turned out to be exactly what I needed. Safety was also a concern as I had no gear. The rental shop reached out to ask my helmet size and purchased a brand new helmet just for me. What a kind gesture. During the ride, the guide used hand gestures throughout to ensure my safety. We only had one day and Chennai is massive, but the guide provided a mix of backcountry and highway routes and returned us on time. With more time, I am sure there would be additional gems to find. I really appreciated the local filter coffee, roadside coconut water, incredible dosa, and mushroom 65 for lunch. The paper factory tour and rickshaw ride were also a bonus. It helped me slow down and see what Pondicherry had to offer from the heart. For my next visit, I will try to plan better so we can get further out of the hustle. Many thanks for the genuine kindness and hospitality. Until my next visit, my friends.
Justin WAug. 9, 2026