One of the most popular and often visited places in India, Puducherry is crowded by both national and international tourists. Sri Aurobindo Ashram is the most sought-after religious site for people looking for mental peace and tranquility. Pondicherry is famous for unique temples, churches, mosques, ports and monuments that are one of its kind in the country. Often regarded as "Pondicherry" or "Pondi" it is one of the 8 Union Territories of the country and popular for the rare serene beaches and seashores. Exploring the French colonies of the city, scuba diving in the backwaters, posing in the city lanes in cotton breezy clothes and rust jewelleries while riding a never-ending road on bicycles is something not to miss for life. 

Pondicherry's French Heritage

Historically being one of the headquarters of the French, Pondicherry has adopted Western French culture and serves as a heritage town of definite French charisma. The bright yellow houses present in line in the White Town give sparks of the old French colony era. The colour and architecture of the planned city takes you out of India where no crowd or traffic is seen. The shops, houses, authentic cafes and costly restaurants in this area are eye-catching and a must visit in a trip to Pondicherry. 

Things to do in Puducherry

Pondicherry is one of the coastal areas that is always bustling with local and international crowds. Be it an adult, child or elder, everyone enjoys walking on the golden sands of Paradise Beach, eating seafood from local vendors by the sea, and playing beach sports such as football, volleyball, and badminton. Pondi is a land of various water adventures. Canoeing, Kayaking, Swimming, Jet Skiing, Boating, Ferry Riding, Fishing, everything can be done by the tourists in the city. 

As the city gives a plethora of viewpoints and picturesque spots, this has proved to be a heaven for nature lovers and photographers. If you want your Instagram feed to be classy and funky, Pondicherry is the place! 

Pondicherry has some of the best roadside stalls and restaurants that serve delicious seafood. Variety of fishes are available and hot bhajjis near Promenade Beach are a must. 

Shopping here…

Pondicherry serves as one of the shopping destinations of the country and a paradise for the shopaholics. The speciality of Puducherry are incense and scented candles that are available at Aurobindo Ashram. Dreamcatchers, hammocks, stone idols, metal and brass statues, and other classy home decors are easily accessible from the local shops here and are best for gifting. Casablanca is the most preferred boutique shopping in the city where one can find finest home decors and exclusive leather goods. Goubert Market is one of the busiest markets that sell fish, fruits and vegetables, groceries. Serenity Beach Bazaar is another bustling shopping point where crafted goods and food stalls can be found welcoming the tourists. 

How to reach the city

Puducherry is one among the popular tourist places in the country and hence well connected to other major cities of India.

1. Airways: 

Puducherry Airport and Karaikal Airport are the airports that connect several flights to the city.

2. Roadways: 

Both private and government bus services are available to reach the union territory from neighbouring states. PRTC buses play an important role in road transport. 

3. Railways: 

Karaikal and Mahe railway stations are here to connect hundreds of trains to major cities of India. 

Places to visit 

1. Paradise Beach:

Paradise Beach is one of the most sought-after places to visit in Pondicherry. It is located at Chunnambar and ferries are available to take you to the place. Boating in the backwaters and bird watching while drinking coconut water is a bliss. It is also known as "The Plage Paradiso". 

2. Aurobindo Ashram:

Aurobindo Ashram is named after Sri Aurobindo and is located in the White Town of Pondicherry. Devotees across the planet surround here with the aim of achieving salvation and inner peace. 

3. Auroville:

Auroville has its name marked in the global map as people throughout the world gather here in search of peace and tranquility. It is located 15 km from the city centre, founded by Mirra Alfassa, a disciple of Aurobindo. The sunset from Auroville Beach is astounding and this is also named as "The City of Dawn". 

4. Promenade Beach:

Promenade Beach is popular among tourists as it is nearer to the other sites like Mahatma Gandhi Statue, War memorial, Old lighthouse, etc. The beach is a 1.2 km stretch with rocky shore and local mouthwatering seafoods can be enjoyed from the restaurants beside it. 

5. Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus:

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is the must-visit site in Pondicherry, located at 2.5 km from the busstand. It is the oldest and only Basilica in the city and is designed in Gothic architecture. New year, Christmas are observed with great deal here. 

6. Pondicherry Lighthouse:

The lighthouse of Pondicherry is the topmost attraction point of the visitors as it serves an amazing bird's eye view of the coastal city. The lighthouse is 157ft and a picturesque spot for your Instagram worthy pictures. Various events and fests are held here to attract tourism.

7. Pondicherry Museum:

The Pondicherry Museum is one of the popular places among travellers who want to explore the city and its history. It is situated in the Bharathi Park and contains artefacts such as stones, jewellery, coins from the Cholas and French, bronze statues from the Pallava Dynasty. It costs 10 rs for the adults and 5 rs for the kids to enter.

8. Meeran Mosque:

Meeran Mosque is one of the most sought religious places by Muslims and the oldest mosque in Pondicherry. The 4 pillars surrounding the dome are made in Gothic Islamic style and the architecture is something to stop and stare at. 

9. Mahatma Gandhi Statue:

The statue of Mahatma Gandhi is located on the Seaside Promenade as a tribute to the father of the nation. This is Asia's tallest statue of Gandhiji and visited by numerous people throughout the year. The pillars were brought from Gingee Fort and it took a year to construct the statue.

10. Yanam Beach:

Yanam Beach is situated at the town Yanam and is a perfect getaway for those who seek serenity and calm. Most families refer to this place as their weekend picnic spot to enjoy the views and spend quality times away from the crowd. It is also known as "The Rajiv Gandhi Beach". 

11. White Town:

White Town is famous for the houses, hotels and restaurants, bars and boutiques, cafes and art galleries that represent French culture. The street is colourful and vibrant with mustard yellow and you can see bougainvilleas blossoming in the lanes. It is also called ``The French colony of Pondicherry ''. 

Best time to visit 

Puducherry falls under the south coastal area of the Indian subcontinent and hence it is not too hot and not too cold.

1. Summer- March to June- 28°C to 37°C (very hot)

2. Rainy- July to October- 25°C to 35°C (heavy rainfall)

3. Winter- December to February- 23°C to 32°C (comfortable weather)