Pondicherry: The Paris of the East

Asha is planning a short break to dump her stress but she is not able to understand which spot she should visit which has beaches as well the other places for perfect peace. After researching a lot about where she would like to consume her free time.

She chooses Pondicherry as her perfect destination.

So without any further do, pack your bag and explore Pondicherry!

Brief History

The well-known Pondicherry is a capital city of union territory Puducherry in India. It is enclosed by the state of Tamil Nadu with which it shares most of its culture and language. This city was highly corrupted due to its French, Portugal and other countries cultures. They turned this beautiful city into a grand port city.
The foundation of Pondicherry was laid in the year 1673 after the “La Compagnie française des Indes Orientales” was successfully obtained a firman from the Qiladar of Valikondapurarm under the Sultan of Bijapur. On 4th February 1673, a French Company Official by name Bellanger took up residence in the Danish Lodge in Pondicherry.

State/District/Capital

Puducherry , is also known as Pondicherry , it is a city , capital of Puducherry union territory , southeastern India .

Connectivity

By Air

The airport at Pondicherry can accommodate the landing of a small aircraft only and has flights coming in from Bangalore and Hyderabad. However, you can get a connecting flight if you are coming from Delhi, Kochi, Kolkata and Mumbai. Chennai is the second nearest domestic as well as international airport which is approximately 135 kilometres away from Pondicherry. The Chennai airport is well connected to all major cities across the globe. Once you reach the airport, you can hire a private taxi to reach Pondicherry.

By Train

The nearest rail station from Pondicherry is Villupuram, which is about 35 kilometres away from the town. The railhead is well-connected to cities like New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, and Trivandrum. Two of the most popular trains are New Delhi Pondicherry Express and Nagarcoli Express. Once you reach the station, you can hire a taxi that will drive you to the city.

By Road

Several buses ply frequently from Chennai, Thanjaur, Trichy, Coimbatore, Bangalore and Madurai to Pondicherry. Both private and state-owned buses are available. The bus fare will depend upon the distance covered.

When to visit

The best time to visit Pondicherry is from October to March as the weather is suitable for sightseeing .

Official Languages

The official languages Pondicherry peoples converse in four main languages that is Tamil , Malayalam ,Telugu and English .

Weather

Pondicherry has a tropical climate . In winter , there is much less rainfall than in summer.

Fairs & Festivals

Pondicherry celebrates all South Indian festival like Pongal , Masi Magam , Tamil New Year etc.

Transportation/Stay to prefer

There are five best Hotel in Pondicherry , you can stay to prefer!

The Promenade Hotel at Groubert Avenue, White Town.
Palais De Mahe at white Town.
The Residency Towers at Anna Salai Pondicherry.
La Closerie – Bay of Bengal at Dumas Street, White Town.
Villa Du Ocean at Romain Rolland Street, White Town.

Top places to visit

“If Music is a Place — then Jazz is the City, Folk is the Wilderness, Rock is the Road, Classical is a Temple.”

Surround with lakes, beaches, church and another beautiful charm, Pondicherry has managed to lend a place to religious temples for the Indian gods too.

Temples

If you ever arrive at Pondicherry do tour these temples for peace mind.

Arulmiga Manakula Vinayagar Temple

With its colourful eye-catching interior, it deliberately entices the devotee. The temple is earmarked to Lord Ganesha, however, due to its locale near pond it came in presence with the name ” Arulmiga Manakul Vinayagar Temple “. Situated in Manakula Vinayagar Koil street, the white town is available from 5 am to 12:30 pm and also at 4 pm to 9:30 pm every day for the devotees.

Vedapureeswarer Temple

Lord Shiva is a much-loved god who is dedicated ardently in this temple city. The Vedapureeswarar Temple exists as an example of this. Deemed to be
the broadly notable one among the Shiva temples in Pondicherry, this place of worship was completely detonated in 1748 by the French armies. It was reconstructed in 1788 and since then, it has become one of the landmark places to visit in Pondicherry. located in
Mahatma Gandhi road heritage town it is open from 6am to 12:30 pm and 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm every day

Varadaraja Temple

The temple is located in the same location as Vedapureeswarer Temple, is devoted to Lord Vishnu.The temple was built by Chola dynasty ruler in 11th century and the oldest temple in Pondicherry.
Considering the architecture it is quite similar to Dravidian style south architecture.

Kamakshi Amman Temple

Durga is worshipped by the Hindus in many forms. And one such form is Kamakshi and the Kamakshi Amman Temple in Pondicherry is dedicated to this incarnation of the goddess. One of the most venerate temples in the town, this ancient shrine is believed to be more than 500 years old. It is built in typical Tamil architectural style and has a large,
decorated gopuram at its entrance. The timing to visit this shrine is from 6 am to 12 noon and 5 pm to 9 am.

Sri Gokilambal Thirukameshwar Temple

One of the famous temples in Pondicherry is Sri Gokilambal Thirukameshwar Temple also known as Villianur Temple. This temple was built in 1the 2th century under the Chola dynasty. The shrine is of Lord Shiva one of its called Thirukameshwar.
It is not a religious destination but has become a tourists attraction in the period. The shrine is said to have best-carved pillars, Beautiful Gopuram and inside the
the the architecture Located at E-Car Street Villianpur, you can visit in the the the early morning from 5 am to noon from midnight also in evening 4 pm to 9 pm.

Museum

Before we move further the places are divided into categories for your convenience to navigate also to
make a list in favourites.

It’s not a museum. It’s not a place of artefacts; it’s a place of ideas “
– Jeanie Kahnke

Well through the museum you can know about any places in detail. so to let you know more about it we have listed the top three Museum for you!

Jawahar Toy Museum

Do you know India has got its first Toys Museum known as Jawahar Toys Museum located near the old lighthouse? Popular for its beautiful collection of toys from different regions of India. It is a place which is top on the list for kids but for adults as well. The museum has a wide range of dolls from different states and dressed too. That will not only tell you about the dolls but other cultures too. Timing for visit is 10 am to 5 pm.

Note – fees is 10rs for adult and 5rs for kids

French War Memorial

If you come to Pondicherry and didn’t visit this memorial then what you see? Situated in Gourbet Avenue, French War Memorial is a place to showcase the matter of Indian residents lost their lives in first french wars. On 14th July every year, on the occasion of Bastille Day (French National Day), the memorial is decorated with lights and locals and tourists gather here to pay their respect. The memorial is truly devoted to architectural magnificence and stands tall telling untold stories of the war.

Best time to visit: Around 10 am to 5 pm.

The Pondicherry Museum

located on Saint Louis Street and is open on all days except Mondays and national holidays between 10:00-17:00 hrs. The museum is famous for its Bronze and Stone sculptures from Chola and Pallava dynasty also the rare artefacts excavated from Arikamedu.

The museum consists of Pre Christian relics as well like Roman and Greek Jars, pieces from Tsung period in china, made from beads and precious stones excavated from Arikamedu site.

Beaches/Lake

To get solace from the stressful day in Pondicherry is to relish some nature time on the beaches. Pack your swimwear and other stuff & let swims in exploring beaches.

“Happiness is a day at the beach.”

Do carry your belonging where ever it is necessary when you are going to the beach.
Be safe when you are going some beaches where high tides are there.

Paradise Beach

Popularly known as Chunambar, the paradise beach is one of the best beaches for the tourist to visit. The name paradise was named because of its reposeful and peaceful setting that perfectly depicts the meaning of its name. Also beside why it is named as Paradise, it is said that one has to do boat ride to reach there. You can enjoy seafood or snacks in nearby restaurants there. You can also try hands at fishing.

You are not allowed to swim and have alcohol there as it is prohibited.

Serenity Beach

If you are looking for adventures then serene beach should not be missed. Famous for its photography, surfing, sunbathing, shopping and others. One must visit here to enjoy the real beach experience. It’s just like fairy beach we had watched in movies, walking in sands, relaxing on water waves and enjoying the view! You can also taste the delicious food especially local and seafood around the beach.

Rock Beach

Rock beach which is also known as Promenade or Pondicherry beach by people is the best place to hang out. Situated in White Town, the beach in front of the sidewalk road filled with many cafe restaurants etc. acts as a coupon for tourists. The promenade beach is joined with the Bay of Bengal and it gives sort of Juhu vibes as it has big rocks pieces lied in the alone beach.

Most of the tourists come to this beach for jogging, morning walk and hangout.

Auroville Beach

Auroville Beach is a prominent beach, situated near to Auroville in Pondicherry. Located at about 12 km from Pondicherry, it is an ideal place for weekend getaways. Popularly known among the locals as Auro Beach, it offers a picturesque landscape with the crystal blue waters and the phenomenal sunrise and sunset. The beach is perfect for surfing so don’t forget to come here and do some adventures and especially in summer.
The beach is not much safe because of high tides.

Mahe Beach

Lined with plush green palm trees, Mahe Beach in Pondicherry is a virgin beach with a pristine shoreline. Mahe Beach is the best beach in Pondicherry for sunrise and is usually visited by peace seekers and photographers. It is one of the secluded and best beaches in Pondicherry to relax and capture stunning views of the ocean and sunset.

Must carry your food or snacks as there is no restaurant inside or nearby followed by carrying your towel in case you want to swim.

Quiet Beach

Listed in one of the cleanest beaches maps, Quiet beach is here to give you some calm and peace is located 8 km from the city. As the name suggests it is best for strolling near the shoreline in sunset and believed to be the best place lovers!

The plage paradisco Beach

This beach is ideal for spending some family time and relaxing amidst the serene atmosphere. The beautiful beach is isolated so you will have to take a ferry to reach this Pondicherry famous beach. The isolation will give
you a chance to unwind while listening to the soft sound of the waves crashing against the golden sand shoreline. Spot some birds and spend some time alone on this secluded beach, or enjoy the water sports available with your family and friends.

Do carry binoculars if you want to engage in bird watching activity.
You can do various sports activity like Jet skiing, Boating, Backwater Sailing, Canoeing, Kayaking.

Other attraction

Ousteri Park

Also known as Ousteri Wetland and National Park recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) as an important wetland of the country. The park stretch over 3 km sq on the border of Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, featuring a wide range of flora and fauna and migratory birds.

Best time to visit – October – March
Entry fee – Free (Camera and Guide are chargeable)
Visiting time – 09:00 am – 05:00 pm

Iskon Temple

The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his wife ‘Ashta Sakhi’. Having a unique architectural design and mesmerizing beauty of Krishna makes it a tourist spot. Tasty prasad, bhajans, kirtan makes the environment of temple soothing and vibrant. Several festivals and Sunday fests are celebrated with full enthusiasm by the devotees.

Morning time – 05:00 am – 01:00 pm
Evening time – 04:00 pm – 08:30 pm
Accommodation – Available

Sir Aurobindo Ashram

Founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo it is one of the oldest and wealthiest Ashram in India. If you are looking for a serene and peaceful spot in Pondicherry, Sri Aurobindo Ashram must be included in your bucket lists.
Also you can the samadhi of Aurobindo Which is situated in the centre. The Ashram offers Yoga, Meditation and sports activity for the tourists.

Arikamedu

Does historical sites fascinate you? If yes, then you should visit Arikamedu to explore the Arikamedu and Pondicherry for closely. Significant findings at Arikamedu include numerous Indo-Pacific beads, which facilitated fixing the period of its origin.

Red and black ceramics- Known as megalithic stones or Pandukal in Tamil meaning “old stones” and used to mark graves have existed at the site even before dates of the trading post, and also in later periods.

Timing to visit – 10 am to 4 pm
Fees: 5rs for kids
20rs for Adult
50rs for foreigners

Cuisines to taste in Pondicherry

“Sugar, spice, and everything nice.”

Pondicherry is not all about luxury beaches and all, but you can also try the delicacy of Pondicherry. Which are popular for its multi-cuisine!

Samosas near South Boulevard
Bondas on Mission Street
Masala Puri on Lenin Street
Sandwiches at Dhool
Mutton Rolls on Mission Street
Crab Masala Fry on Rangapillai Road
Khowsuey on Mission Street
Parotas at Hotel Rolex
Dosa at Annapoorna
Multani Paneer Tikka at Dilliwala6
Candy Floss ( in any beach )

Things to do

Pondicherry is cheerful and calamity. However if you visit Pondicherry don’t miss to do these things !

Scuba Diving at 4 corners, Temple Reef.
Go on a city tour and learn about the Pondicherry closely and you can borrow a bike to take tour of the whole city.
Relax at Lighthouse.
If you are a shopaholic you should definitely to tour and shop from their markets.
Exercise Yoga at Yoganjali Natyalam.

Souvenir to buy

Visit Auroshika which is a Perfumery Outlet of Shri Aurobindo Ashram (You will get handmade soaps, incense sticks, fragrance oil and many more).
For handicrafts items like Handbags, Jute bags, coffee tea mugs etc. visit the shopping complex opposite to Gandhi Statue in beach.

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