Welcome to the French Riviera of the East! Age-old churches and 18th-century colonial buildings tell many stories about this former French capital of India. But, the grand Indian festivals, celebrated here throughout the year, keep reminding us that this city has as many Indian colours as French. Adding more vibrance to the colours of the city are the long stretches of sandy beaches and the abundance of bougainvillaeas growing here and there!
Today, we will explore the many colours of Pondicherry or Puducherry or Pondu (whatever you prefer to call it). Be it how you can reach the city, when the city is at its best, the beautiful tourist places you can visit or the exciting activities you can take part in, on our travel guide to Pondicherry, you will get all the answers!
The first step of sorting this Pondicherry travel guide is to see how we can reach the city. And the answer is via airways, railways as well as roadways! You can take a flight to Pondicherry. The city has its own railway station too. And in case you are travelling via road, East Coast Road, National Highway 32 and Grand Southern Trunk Road connect Pondicherry to major Indian stations.
You can visit Pondicherry any time in the year, but you must know a few things before you make your travel plans. The winter season, i.e., the months between October and February, is the best time to visit Pondicherry. The reason is obviously the pleasant weather. Talking about summer, i.e., March to June, it can be a little tricky. Some days are nice, but some can be quite hot and dry. Finally comes the monsoon (from July to September). Well, Pondicherry is greener and looks fresher during the monsoon, but heavy rainfall can interfere with your sightseeing!
The list of places to visit in Pondicherry is a long one. But don’t worry, we have jotted down the must-visit ones among the Pondicherry tourist spots. Read on!
Pondicherry is famous for its churches, so why don’t you start your sightseeing trip with a visit to this basilica. The spiritual aura and the tranquillity that engulf the church and its premises are phenomenal. And the moment you enter the church, you will feel a sense of calm. Another aspect of the church that pulls visitors all around the country is its Gothic architecture. The entrance engraved with Biblical words and the images of Mother Mary and Jesus coupled with the stained glass narrating the lives of Christ is also something that will please your eyes.
One of the major tourist attractions in Pondicherry is this ashram. Some followers of Shri Aurobindo built this ashram in 1910 and since then, it has been the centre of spirituality and tranquillity. The initial aim behind this ashram was to help people find inner peace. Needless to say, this ashram continues to do so even today. Trust us and pay a visit. You will surely get some moments of peace!
Take a boat ride from the town of Pondicherry and you will reach paradise, we mean Paradise Beach, one of the major Pondicherry attractions. When you reach the beach, the green colour of the backwaters here will definitely catch your attention. We know the question might come to your mind and here’s the answer! The lush mangrove forest around the beach reflects in the water, making the water look green. Enjoy the waters, rest on the shore and drink fresh coconut water from the nearby stalls.
This one on our list of best Pondicherry places to visit is for nature lovers! This well-maintained garden in Pondicherry is home to more than 1500 species of plants, including some that French colonists brought to this country. Don’t worry if some of the plants seem unknown to you. There are placards with names and additional information in front of each plant. After watching the plants, go to the aquarium built inside the garden, where many aquatic animals will welcome you.
Yes, an offbeat destination but definitely one of the must visit places in Pondicherry! A white structure amid green plants and surrounded by blue railings pays homage to the many soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War l. People visit this place with candles and flowers, especially on July 14, French National Day. You can also visit this place during your Pondicherry trip and pay your respect. We are sure, you will return mesmerised by its architectural beauty and peaceful ambience.
Much like the many places to visit in Pondicherry, there are fun things to do in Pondicherry. Here are some activities that are must-do!
We have already covered the places to visit in Pondicherry, but do you know which is the best way to explore the nook and corner in the city? By cycling! Take a cycle on rent and hit the roads. When you paddle down the streets in the French Quarter, you will feel like a scene straight out of a film! What’s more, you can make the most of street shopping! Not to forget, in between cycling, you can stop by some of the many popular cafes in Pondicherry located in the French Quarter and get some delicious bites
Imagine boating on the serene Chunnambar Backwater! Seems delightful? Well, you must go boating in this backwater when you are in Pondicherry. You will get to soak in the natural beauty and see many exotic birds as well. And if you are lucky, you can even spot dolphins!
Ask the adventure-lover in you to get ready for some adventurous time in the water. Because we are going scuba diving. Where? 4 Corners, Aravind’s Wall, Coral Shark Reef, The Hole and Temple Reef, there are many amazing scuba diving spots. Select any one of them. And here are what you can expect to see while scuba diving. Sea snakes, moray eels, corals, triggerfish, lionfish, manta rays, angelfish, kingfish and parrotfish!
Now comes the final step of planning your trip to Pondocherry. Booking a place to stay during your trip. It is going to be quite easy since there are many resorts and hotels in Pondicherry that you can choose from. Whether you want a luxurious villa, a rustic inn or a hotel with great views, you will get the perfect place. And to make things a little easier for you, here are our top picks! The Promenade, La Villa, La Closerie Bay of Bengal, Palais De Mahe and The Richmond Hotel.
Your travel guide to Pondocherry is ready! All you gotta do is pack your bags and head towards Pondicherry. Happy travels!
