A travel guide to Pondicherry.

Puducherry is a popular union territory situated in the southeast region of India. It was a French colonial settlement until 1954, when the French government finally handed it back to a free India. Since it was ruled by the French for more than 200 years, the remnants of it remain spread across the city. The vibrantly coloured colonial houses, tree-lined boulevards, sea-facing bustling promenades, and pristine beaches- everything will make you fall in love with this quaint scenic city.

The ideal time to visit Pondicherry would be from October to March when the weather is comparatively much more relaxed and cooler than other months. Keeping an umbrella handy is still advisable, as unexpected showers are inevitable.

You can plan for a family, friends, couples, or even a solo trip. Pondicherry is a women-traveller-friendly city; it is known for being an extremely safe tourist destination. You will get to experience some of the most vibrant, welcoming, and hospitable people of diverse ethnicities. Pondy is a slow-paced city that encourages you to be more laid-back. It makes you forget about the hustle culture, get lost in the picturesque lanes of White Town, and enjoy the nostalgia this historical town offers with a hot cup of cocoa.

Pondicherry is well connected by airways, railways, and roadways with all cities in India i.e. Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. The closest airport is in Chennai, which is around 135 km from Puducherry (approx. 2 ½ hrs. journey) after which you can take a cab or bus to arrive here. Puducherry Railway Station is situated in Puducherry, there is a direct train that runs between Dadar (Mumbai) to Puducherry on specific days.

Depending on your level of budget and preference you can choose from various accommodation options such as a European classical-style abode, a traditional South Indian-style home, an affordable hotel, or a nomad-style hostel.

Around 3-4 days are sufficient to explore this coastal city. You can easily commute around by renting cars, bikes, or bicycles. You can spend your days eating your way through this town’s wide variety of cuisines. One of the best ways to explore this town is to make a food trail of your liking. Pondicherry is famous for its fresh seafood, mouth-watering South Indian cuisine, authentic French dishes such as spinach crepes, and baked goods like croissants. Street food like Khow Suey is a must-try. Vegetarians do not be disheartened as there are pure veg and vegan restaurant options available all around the town.

The beaches over here are exceptionally clean. In fact, Eden Beach is one of the 12 blue flag beaches in India. Paradise Beach offers a scenic blue water view. It can be reached by a short ferry ride from the mainland. Scuba diving is another major water sport tourists wish to try here considering the visibility is good depending on the weather. You can try it for leisure and many schools are providing PADI certifications for various levels of scuba diving.

Serenity Beach, as the name implies, gives you a sense of serenity. If you plan to pick a new hobby on vacation, then do try your hand at surfing. It is an exhilarating experience!

Another popular attraction here is Auroville Township. It is an experimental township situated on a half-hour ride from the city. Auroville aspires to be a global community where people of all genders, political persuasions, and ethnicities can coexist in progressive love and peace.

Matrimandir is an iconic piece of architecture and for a spiritually uplifting experience, you can request a meditation session here. You can also book a stay inside the township hotels, volunteer, and soak in the positivity of this serene place. You must visit the Auroville bakery to try their lip-smacking menu. It is always best to check Auroville.org for updated information about this place.

Some more popular attractions also include Rock and Promenade Beach, Sir Aurobindo Ashram, French War Memorial, The Sacred Heart Basilica, Our Lady of Angels Church, Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar. You can shop at the local shops and street vendors for souvenirs like sarees and handicrafts. If clubbing is on your agenda, there are options available for that too.

For a road less travelled, you can visit Pichavaram Mangrove Forest.

Overall, Puducherry has a lot to offer you, all you need to do is walk around the rustic lanes drenched in our history. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry and scenic beauty that define this enchanting Indian destination.