One of India‘s seven Union Territories, Pondicherry—officially called Puducherry, but more often just called Pondy—is bordered by the southern state of Tamil Nadu. This former French colony offers a wonderful getaway that combines the best of both worlds, perfectly blending traditional Indian sensibilities with French architecture.
The streets of Pondicherry’s French Quarter, or White Town as it is commonly called, are lined with quaint colonial buildings with walls covered in bougainvillea, that are mustard yellow. These are dotted with stylish shops and cozy cafés that serve mouthwatering French food and drinks. Just taking a leisurely walk along these streets can provide a glimpse into Pondicherry’s fanciful beauty.
Discover Pondicherry’s boulevards and rues, which are the French for streets. These will lead you to the stunning waterfront promenade, where you can see the Bay of Bengal frolicking off the renowned Rock beach.
Places To Visit In Pondicherry
1. Paradise Beach, Pondicherry
Paradise Beach, also known as Plage Paradiso, is located in Chunnambar, near the city of Pondicherry. This special beach is adorned with golden sand. To reach here, you need to take a ferry from the inland waterway and this journey takes 20-30 minutes. There are several bars near the main entrance of the beach and you can get delicious coconut water and snacks, but don’t expect fancy street food.
One of the joys of reaching the beach is to take a nice boat ride; The backwater on the way to the beach is green and has large mangrove forests. Especially after rains, inland waters are fresh and green. You can see many birds on your walk, and photography enthusiasts will want the opportunity to take beautiful photos here.
2. Aurobindo Ashram
Sri Aurobindo Ghosh is the creator of the Aurobindo Ashram, which is situated in Pondicherry’s White Town. On November 24, 1926, with his disciples gathered around him, the ashram’s foundation was laid. He had retired from politics and taken up residence in Pondicherry.
The purpose of this ashram is to assist individuals in achieving moksha and inner tranquility. The ashram welcomes thousands of visitors from across the nation who come to experience and acquire spiritual knowledge. The ashram is among the richest ashrams globally, without a doubt. Furthermore, the ashram is located only in Pondicherry and has no branches.
Some of the Ashram’s facilities, including the library and main building, can be accessed by obtaining an entry form from the main office or the Ashram guest houses. The ashram also has a spiritual center consisting of four houses where the Mother and Sri Aurobindo lived at different times. There is also a samadhi in the courtyard under the frangipani tree where the remains of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo are buried. People come every day to pay their respects by leaving flowers.
3. Auroville
Auroville, in Tamil Nadu, is about 15 kilometers from Pondicherry. It was established in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, an Aurobindo disciple who is cherished as the “Mother” of the Sri Aurobindo Society. This location is the definition of peace, making it the ideal getaway for anyone seeking it. Sitting in one of the cafés and conversing with the locals about their experiences of city life is the greatest way to truly get a taste of Auroville Ashram.
4. Scuba Diving in Pondicherry
Pondicherry is full of fascinating marine life and offers great diving opportunities off the coast of the country. Diving into the sea allows you to explore beautiful coral reefs and the rich life of other exotic creatures such as manta rays, kingfish, sea snakes, lions, butterflies, crustaceans, moray eels, and much more. If you’re lucky, you may also see sea turtles, dolphins, and turtles, as well as whales. You also have the opportunity to enjoy dives at Artisan Field and experience the excitement of activities that make Pondicherry a non-diving destination.
5. Arikamedu
Situated within a half-hour drive of the French colonial town of Pondicherry, Arikamedu is an ancient Roman trade center hidden from the eyes and ears of the commonplace Tamil tourism. Its name has been taken from the Tamil word– ‘Arikanmedu’ which means ‘eroding mount’. Very little is known about any Indo-Roman ties in the Before Christ era, but with the discovery and excavation of Arikamedu, extensive proofs were unearthed. This port town was occupied by the people of Rome, Cholas, and the French serving as a very famous maritime center from the 1st century BC to the 2nd century AD. The glass bead manufacturing factory of Arikamedu is called the mother of all bead centers in the entire world.
The first excavations in Archimedes were carried out in 1940 and excavations have continued since then. Of these, Sir Mortimer Wheeler’s firm was the most influential. Currently, the town has no more than two vertical walls, opened by 18th-century French Jesuit missionaries, and you can also find mango trees and coconut trees in this area. The site consists of amphorae bearing the markings of the Roman school, including VIBII, Camuri, and IITA.
6. Cafes in Pondicherry
Famous for its French architecture, churches, immaculately tidy streets, and beaches, Pondicherry, often known as Pondy, is a destination worth visiting. Some people also refer to it as “Mini Goa.” We now refer to this tiny Indian Union Territory as Puducherry. In addition to being a fantastic tourist destination, it is well-known for its inexpensive alcohol. But, because it offers a large selection of gourmet food, it’s a great spot for you to visit if you’re a connoisseur.
7. Seaside Promenade
The stunning Seaside Promenade of Pondicherry is one of the things that truly honors the town’s French heritage. While enjoying a cooler at one of the many cafes along the promenade, you can feel the foam spray hitting your face. The area is kept up, tidy, and lovely. The Seaside Promenade is just as enjoyable whether you visit on a sunny day or a starry night.
Popular Packages for Pondicherry
| Packages | Price | Days | Inclusion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pondicherry | ₹ 7,200* | 2 Nights / 3 Days | Hotels, Car, Sightseeing, Meals |
| Chennai, Pondicherry, Mahabalipuram | ₹ 8,000* | 3 Nights / 4 Days | Hotels, Sightseeing, Meals |
| Pondicherry | ₹ 13,287* | 4 Nights / 5 Days | Hotels, Car, Sightseeing, Meals |
| Chennai, Pondicherry, Tirupati | ₹ 15,499* | 5 Nights / 6 Days | |
| Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Vailankanni, Tanjore, Tiruchi, Madurai | ₹ 39,000* | 8 Nights / 9 Days | Hotels, Car, Sightseeing, Meals |
The Ideal Time To Go To Pondicherry
October through March are the ideal months to visit Pondicherry because of the lovely weather that makes for sightseeing during this time. Typically, the temperature during this period is between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius. In Pondicherry, the summer months of April through June are quite hot, with highs of 40 degrees Celsius. Despite the rain, the monsoon season (July through September) is a little better time to visit Pondicherry. That being said, given the area changes with the seasons and hosts several popular festivals, the ideal time to visit Pondicherry depends on the individual.
