The French Riviera of the East” Pondicherry with its hotels, restaurants and shops sells a seductive vision of the French continental aesthetic enhanced by its Indian artists and designers.
Streets that jostle with festivities and the petite cafes that spot the bougainvillaea-d boulevards come together to create an enthralling ambience. Pondicherry's calm has resonated with legions of tourists. Much of its quietude is foretold by Auroville and The Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Not far behind are its beaches and the plethora of monuments with a French sheen which isn't just a peel-away layer. Pondy has evolved with the epoch but has acquiesced with its past most faithfully. You can enjoy fabulous shopping, French food, beer, plenty of yoga and meditation while you're here and experience the lifestyle of the natives.
Must VisitAuroville tops the list of must-visits. Explore the White Town on foot and see Goubert Avenue and Rock Beach. Try scuba diving at The Chunnambar Boat House and The Karaikal Beach. Visit La Boutique d' Auroville, Mirra Boutique, and Kalki Boutique to pick up some home décor items and feast on a French breakfast followed by a hearty south Indian lunch.
Best time to visitDecember to March is an ideal time to visit Pondicherry because of all the festivities, including Christmas and New Year. The Aurobindo Ashram celebrates the birthday of Mirra Alfassa, the foundress of Auroville, and the International Yoga Festival is observed from the 4th of January to the 7th. The vibrancy of Pongal, celebrated during winter is a brilliant treat to the senses.
TriviaThe Governor of the French East India Company established a commercial centre in Pondicherry in 1674, making it the principal French base in India.
InterestFrench colonial heritage and a unique blend of Indian and European influences make Puducherry a vibrant display of culture. It features charming French-style architecture, colourful streets, and landmarks like the Sri Aurobindo Ashram along with a lively local art scene.
Puducherry is a wellness sanctuary. Aurobindo Ashram's Integral Yoga Center, various Ayurvedic spas, holistic treatments, and wellness-focused resorts ensure a relaxing experience while providing the rejuvenation your body needs in a serene coastal setting.
Relax on serene sands with a charming coastal atmosphere
A pristine retreat with golden sands and crystal-clear waters
A haven for birdwatching and serene nature walks
Stroll along the waterfront with resplendent ocean views
A tribute to valour with historic elegance
Historic monument honouring the French colonial governor
A stunning church with Gothic architecture
A serene, historic church with stunning stained-glass panels
Elegant cathedral with architectural grandeur
Spiritual retreat offering peace and reflection
An international community striving for unity and sustainable living
Unique crafts and eco-friendly products from Auroville
Take a scenic boat ride through lush backwaters for a tranquil experience
The Governor's residence with colonial charm
Digha, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, West Bengal 721428
Digha is a small coastal hamlet, covered by the sands of the shore almost completely. The New Digha beach is one of its attractions, found after a quick stroll through the town. Enjoy the large waves rushing past each other on the water on their way to meet the powdery sands.
Chandpur Sea Beach, Chandapur, West Bengal 721423
While the traditional beach invokes the image of blue waves on ochre sands, Chandpur Beach creates an illustration of the passage of time. It invites all those looking to spend quiet moments amidst the myriad shades of nature.
Digha, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, West Bengal 721428
Digha is a small coastal hamlet, covered by the sands of the shore almost completely. The New Digha beach is one of its attractions, found after a quick stroll through the town. Enjoy the large waves rushing past each other on the water on their way to meet the powdery sands.
Chandpur Sea Beach, Chandapur, West Bengal 721423
While the traditional beach invokes the image of blue waves on ochre sands, Chandpur Beach creates an illustration of the passage of time. It invites all those looking to spend quiet moments amidst the myriad shades of nature.
Digha, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, West Bengal 721428
Digha is a small coastal hamlet, covered by the sands of the shore almost completely. The New Digha beach is one of its attractions, found after a quick stroll through the town. Enjoy the large waves rushing past each other on the water on their way to meet the powdery sands.
Chandpur Sea Beach, Chandapur, West Bengal 721423
While the traditional beach invokes the image of blue waves on ochre sands, Chandpur Beach creates an illustration of the passage of time. It invites all those looking to spend quiet moments amidst the myriad shades of nature.
Digha, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, West Bengal 721428
Digha is a small coastal hamlet, covered by the sands of the shore almost completely. The New Digha beach is one of its attractions, found after a quick stroll through the town. Enjoy the large waves rushing past each other on the water on their way to meet the powdery sands.
Chandpur Sea Beach, Chandapur, West Bengal 721423
While the traditional beach invokes the image of blue waves on ochre sands, Chandpur Beach creates an illustration of the passage of time. It invites all those looking to spend quiet moments amidst the myriad shades of nature.
Digha, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, West Bengal 721428
Digha is a small coastal hamlet, covered by the sands of the shore almost completely. The New Digha beach is one of its attractions, found after a quick stroll through the town. Enjoy the large waves rushing past each other on the water on their way to meet the powdery sands.
Chandpur Sea Beach, Chandapur, West Bengal 721423
While the traditional beach invokes the image of blue waves on ochre sands, Chandpur Beach creates an illustration of the passage of time. It invites all those looking to spend quiet moments amidst the myriad shades of nature.
Digha, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, West Bengal 721428
Digha is a small coastal hamlet, covered by the sands of the shore almost completely. The New Digha beach is one of its attractions, found after a quick stroll through the town. Enjoy the large waves rushing past each other on the water on their way to meet the powdery sands.
Chandpur Sea Beach, Chandapur, West Bengal 721423
While the traditional beach invokes the image of blue waves on ochre sands, Chandpur Beach creates an illustration of the passage of time. It invites all those looking to spend quiet moments amidst the myriad shades of nature.
Digha, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, West Bengal 721428
Digha is a small coastal hamlet, covered by the sands of the shore almost completely. The New Digha beach is one of its attractions, found after a quick stroll through the town. Enjoy the large waves rushing past each other on the water on their way to meet the powdery sands.
Chandpur Sea Beach, Chandapur, West Bengal 721423
While the traditional beach invokes the image of blue waves on ochre sands, Chandpur Beach creates an illustration of the passage of time. It invites all those looking to spend quiet moments amidst the myriad shades of nature.
White Town, Pondicherry 605001
Hailed for its naturally occurring promenades, the shoreline of Rock Beach is nothing less than a majestic accouterment. The cyanic waves, the clear blue skies and the darkening rocks paint a picture as exquisite as the Promised Land. It is the perfect destination for walking along at dusk with the sun setting over you gently.
Manaveli Rd, Chinna Veerampattinam, Pudukuppam, Puducherry 605007
Chunnambar Beach is now popularly known as Paradise Beach for its beauty is nothing less than paradisiacal. The beach is away from the mainland and the only way to access it is via the ferry from the Chunnambar Boat House. This journey is speckled by palm trees and luxuriant mangroves. The beach and its concomitant journey is a treasure trove of delights much unlike anything in Pondicherry.
Pondicherry Villupuram Road, Pondicherry Ho, Pondicherry 605001
Colloquially called Osudu Lake, the national park was built around a century ago. Together they sustain avifauna and house numerous species of plants and trees. Due to its diverse flora and fauna, Osudu Lake is reckoned one of the most important wetlands in Asia. The atmosphere of the place is still and soft. You feel closest to its nature when you venture around it on a boat.
Beach Road, Puducherry, 605001
You can easily perceive the unmistakable French influence on this promenade as you wander along the impeccably clean beach. Whether it is a cloud-covered overhead sky or a beautiful starry night that reminds you of the painting and the song, you can enjoy the beach regardless of all impediments. It is perfect for a romantic night out.
Mahe de Labourdonnais St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001
Located close to the Pondicherry beach, the French War Memorial is dedicated to the soldiers who were martyred during World War One and belongs to the French government. A plaque commemorating their names rests above it. The monument comprises four pillars enclosing the statue of a soldier poised with his gun. Situated behind the memorial, is a bronze structure marking Joseph Francois Dupleix’s (a former Governor General of Dutch India) arrival in Pondicherry.
Beach Road, Pondicherry Ho, Pondicherry 605001 (Goubert Avenue)
In 1742, Joseph François Dupleix became the Governor General of all the French colonies in India. In recognition of his contributions, a statue in his honour was commissioned in 1870. You will come across this statue at Place du Republique, Goubert Avenue. It is not far away from the Rock Beach and overlooks a children’s park on one end. The 3m high statue stands atop a skilfully carved granite column with admirable geometric specificity.
Door No, 132, South Boulevard, near Railway Station, MG Road Area, Puducherry, 605001
The grotto of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the church premises leads one into the church. A total of 24 columns support the interior of the church that presents an extraordinary blend of typical French and generic south-Indian architecture. The stained-glass panels within illustrate significant events from Jesus’ life and the patron saints associated with the Sacred Heart. Chandeliers light up the inside of this spacious church with an ethereal glow.
Rue, Dumas St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001
This church is more than its opulent white and golden interiors. The Capuchins of the Franciscan order established three churches within the same area since 1674 as all the extinct edifices were wrecked by decay or British extremism. Architecturally, the church blends harmoniously with its landscape. The front façade is a salmon/yellow affair, the polygonal dome and the two bell towers appear as a triangle atop the church- corpus.
204, Mission St, MG Road Area, Puducherry, 605001
The accents of blue and gold on the Herrerian style, white edifice is a reminder of Pondicherry’s colonial past. Established by the Jesuits, this church has had its fair share of desecration in the hands of contending colonial powers- the Dutch and the British. Today the church stands in unabashed glory. The verdure, the statuettes, grottos, murals etcetera herald the most peaceful ambience.
No. 9, White Town, Puducherry, Marine Street, White Town, Pondicherry 605001
In 1926 with the help of his spiritual mentor, MirraAlfassa, better known as The Mother, Sri Aurobindo established the ashram that would become the epicentre of spirituality in Pondicherry. The ashram and the legions of followers affirm the beliefs of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. The ashram also houses their samadhis. The Aurobindo ashram is a tight-knit community that is welcoming to all who wish to learn their theories and practices.
Auroville Rd, Auroville, Puducherry, 605101
The “City of Dawn” was inaugurated by The Mother in 1968 to foster spirituality, sustainability and self-sufficiency. At the centre of this township of 3930 acres is the Matrimandir, an ornate geodesic dorm and an architectural masterpiece that honour the universal mother figure. Auroville’s magnitude and magnanimity can be felt in its verdure, hotels, restaurants and cafes. The services offered by this community include workshops, retreats and even internships.
No. 38, Jawaharlal Nehru St, MG Road Area, Puducherry, 605001
Here, you will find kurtis, scarves, stoles, an expansive collection of handbags and purses and childrens' clothes. You’ll come across some exciting home décor and kitchen essentials- like spices, jams and pickles and even crockery. Handmade notebooks, candles and perfumes on display are the perfect memorabilia. The most interesting finds are various musical instruments that you may have encountered in the galleries of Auroville.
Chunnambar River, Nonankuppam, Puducherry 605007
The Chunnambar Beach and Backwater Resort, an undertaking of The Pondicherry government, offers an experience like no other tourist destination in Pondicherry. The cruise leads to Paradise Beach where there is a multiplicity of water-sports to enthral you. The cruise to PlageParadiso is enticing to all the nature and wildlife aficionados as one can spot exotic birds, and even dolphins.
4, St Martin St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001
Raj Niwas presents a fascinating conglomeration of Indian and French architecture. It is the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Pondicherry. This heritage building has become accessible to tourists only recently. The police with their red kepis on stand their guard outside the grandiloquent structure making it a peculiar yet captivating sight to behold.
Spring is a blend of the cool and the warm and therefore presents a pleasant weather to enjoy the beaches and all its shenanigans. There’s greenery all around to complement the blue waters and the flowers are in bloom.
Scorched by the intractable sun rays, the Pondy summer days experience temperatures as high as 41°C. The lowest the temperatures dip to is 26°C and the humidity sometimes hovers at 93%. You might have to calm yourself with curd rice and coconut water while exploring.
Pondicherry in view of its coastal location is among the first places in India to receive rainfall. The billowing clouds and the leaden skies precipitate into a weather with high humidity and an average temperature of 30°C. Tickets and accommodation tend to be cheaper as the monsoons are off-season.
Autumn feels the impact of the heavy monsoons and the oncoming chilly winds of winter positing the perfect weather to revel in the beachfront and relish the water sports while also going around discovering all the nearby attractions.
Imbued by the warmth and vitality of the winter sun, Pondicherry is absolutely ethereal during these months. The average daily temperature of 24°C is conducive to vacationing. All the seasonal gardens bloom and the seas rest calmly.
Pondicherry can be accessed from other parts of India and of the world via the airport at Chennai. The Union territory's Lawspet airport only provides chartered flights. Spicejet has a daily flight plying between Hyderabad and Pondicherry under the Regional Connectivity scheme. Other distinguished airlines operating in Pondy include Air India, Jet Airways, and Indigo. International airways connecting Pondy to places like Dubai, London, and New York include Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways.
The Pondicherry railway station is one of the oldest in India and part of the Tiruchirapalli railway division. Lying very close to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the Lawspet airport, the railways take on a bulk of transportation. Consequently, Pondicherry is well connected to the metropolitan cities via the railway station at Villupuram. This is the busiest station in all of Pondicherry with tourists and locals plying in and out constantly. Daily trains link this union territory to the neighbouring city of Chennai besides facilitating inter-city travel.
Two national highways run through this union territory connecting its co-terminus capital with the southern parts of India. NH-45A links it to Villupuram, Cuddalore, Chidambaram and Nagapattinam while Nh-66 connects it to Tindivanam, Gingee, Thiruvannamalai and Krishnagiri. The ECR (East Coast Road) running through Pondy links Chennai with Cuddalore. All these roads with their perfect sceneries and motorable convenience are ideal for road-tripping. Besides there are buses provided by the Pondicherry and Tamil Nadu governments that ply between neighbouring cities and other destinations. This is a great option if you're on a tighter budget. These buses are safe, punctual and comfortable.
While in Pondy, you can avail of taxis, auto-rickshaws or rent cars from travel agencies to cover the tourist destinations. The local buses and the ones provided by the Pondicherry Tourism Development Corporation are also quite popular for their relative ease and connectivity. You can also rent scooters, bikes and cycles to explore the place on your own. These are usually available at cheap rates and are very pocket-friendly. However, the best way to navigate the French or Tamil quarters is on foot. The pastel houses with pretty overhanging flowers, cafes and restaurants are a becoming sight.
Pondicherry’s weather is mostly warm throughout the year. The summer months are tedious while the winters are comfortable and pleasant. The monsoon rains are quite the transitional period between these two prominent seasons. You don’t have to carry any warm clothes as such except for the stray stole or light cardigan. Keep your wardrobe cotton, light and breathable; and your sunscreens, sunglasses handy.
It all depends on how much you want to spend. Pondicherry can be as expensive or as cheap as you will it to be. Accommodation, food and travel are available at various price points. You can splurge or restrain yourself as much as you want.
Well, if you’re just going to hit the tourist destinations, 4 days should be enough. If you’re pressed for time, go to Auroville- an international township and the microcosm of Pondy. If you spare a week, you can wander off into the expanse of the land and traverse to quaint towns and villages.
The food in Pondy is delightful. You will come across an abundance of Tamil and French foods being sold at posh restaurants and street-side stalls. North Indian cuisine is also available in the cafes and other eateries that intersperse the expanse.
In Pondy you can stay at one of the French houses that have been converted hotels. Besides, there are hostels at comparatively lower prices perfect for a budget trip.
Yes! And at very cheap rates. Puducherry, being a union territory doesn’t levy GST on alcoholic beverages. However, drinking is not permissible in public places.
Pondicherry is safe for travellers and has great couple-friendly accommodations. Whether you’re a girl sauntering along the lanes or a family with kids, you can be at relative ease while touring. The local residents are accustomed to seeing tourists of all kinds. So, chances are nobody is going to bat an eyelid irrespective of how conventional or offbeat you are in your approach to Pondy.
Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. Carry linen and cotton clothes because of the temperature. However, wear something ethnic or traditionally Indian when you visit the mosques or temples.
Puducherry is a tureen of different flavours and food. It is home to Creole cuisine- a juxtaposition of Tamil and Fre...
Read More
In Puducherry you can find almost anything and everything you want. When here, you should indulge in buying textiles,...
Read More
