Pondicherry
A love child of the French and Indian cultures, Pondicherry (Pudducherry) is a beach-side union territory located in Tamil Nadu. Previously until 1954, Pondicherry was French settlement. Now the old Bouganvellia-draped French-style houses, churches and even the newly built French-style shops, bright coloured cafes and restaurants give Pondicherry an exotic character to it.
This French capital of India will definitely make you feel like you are someplace out of India when you visit places like the Rock Beach, Pondicherry Beach, Serenity Beach or the Botanical Gardens. And the best place to see Pondicherry with the same notion is to visit Auroville and Sri Aurobindo Ashram where people from all over the world come to seek spirituality through yoga and meditation.
Pondicherry is such a place, which will never cease to surprise you with its unique style. There are several cafes and restaurants that serve impeccable French cuisine along with some lip-smacking international cuisines as well. As a popular beach-town, Pondicherry also offers you with the amazing nightlife through numerous clubs and beach-parties offering great music and delicious cocktails. There is so much to do and explore here, that you will not want to go back and experience more and more of this quaint French town of India.
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Pondicherry FAQ's
What are the different things and activities to do in Pondicherry?
You will be surprised by the array of activities to do in Pondicherry, wanting you to extend your trip a bit more, Below mentioned are some of the best things to do in Pondicherry
1. Scuba Diving
2. Surfing at Serenity Beach
3. Visit Auroville
4. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram
5. Explore Rock Beach
6. Visit Pondicherry Museum
7. Water activities at Karaikal beach
Which are the best resorts to stay in Pondicherry?
Being a popular tourist destination, there are numerous stunning resorts in Pondicherry. a popular tourist destination. However, there are some that are a class above the rest and cater effortlessly to today’s discerning traveller. Have a look.
1. Gate House2. La Maison Tamoule
3. CGH Earth Hotel Maison Perumal
4. LeDupleix
5. Hotel Du Parc
What are the best Pondicherry tour packages?
- Pondicherry Tour Packages from Bangalore
- Pondicherry Tour Packages from Delhi
- Pondicherry Tour Packages from Mumbai
- Pondicherry Tour Packages from Chennai
- Pondicherry Tour Packages from Kolkata
- Pondicherry Tour Packages from Hyderabad
- Pondicherry Tour Packages from Pune
- Pondicherry Tour Packages from Ahmedabad
- Pondicherry Tour Packages from Kerala
- Pondicherry Tour Packages from Coimbatore
When is the best time to visit Pondicherry?
The best time to visit Pondicherry is from October to February. This is the winter time when temperatures range between 22 degree celsius to 32 degree celsius.
Summers: One can also visit during summers if he/she does not mind some sun. During this time, the temperatures range from 26 degree celsius to 42 degree celsius.
Monsoons: Monsoons can be a little unpredictable but it adds to the natural beauty of the place. Temperature ranges from 25 degree celsius to 35 degree celsius during these months.
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Drinking Laws
The legal age for drinking is above 18 years in this autonomous Union territory, Pondicherry. You cannot carry liquor from Pondicherry to any other state.
Tipping
You can give a tip of 10% of the bill, as this is also followed as a standard tipping etiquette in Pondicherry restaurants. For porters, you can give a tip of 20 to 25 INR per bag. Auto drivers are also likely to ask you a tip if you are travelling long distances.
What would you like there?
Our Recommendation: What You Can’t Afford to Miss?
How to reach Pondicherry?
Pondicherry is well connected by Road, Rail and Air.
By Air
Pondicherry has a Domestic airport that is well connected to Bengaluru through regular flights. Also for international travellers, one can travel to Chennai and Trichy and travel onwards to Pondicherry which is a few hours from either places by road besides flying in from Bengaluru.
By Rail
Nearest station to Pondicherry is Villupuram. The station is linked to major cities such as New Delhi, Kolkata, Mangalore, Mumbai, Bhubaneshwar, Chennai, Bengaluru. Nagarcoli Express and Pondicherry Express are two of the most popular trains travelling to Pondicherry.
By Road Pondicherry is well connected by road with cities like Chennai and Bengaluru. One can take an overnight bus to reach the destination by road or book a taxi to the destination from Chennai or Bengaluru.
Which are best places to stay near Pondicherry Airport?
If you have an early flight home, it makes sense to stay close to Pondicherry Airport. There are several good hotels you can choose from that are located about 15-20 drive away. Take your pick from these 5 popular choices –
1. Hotel Atithi
2. Shenbaga Hotel & Convention Centre
3. Hotel Bon Sejour
4. Ginger Hotel
5. Hotel Annamalai International
Which are the best homestays in Pondicherry?
Get up close and personal with Pondicherry’s culture and make new connections with locals by opting for a homestay. Tastefully decorated with a homely feel, these 5 options are among the most popular.
1. Gratitude Heritage
2. Les Hibiscus
3. Nila Home Stay
4. Dumas Guest House
5. Vatika Guest Home
What are the best romantic resorts in Pondicherry for couples?
Couples looking to get away from it all and spend time in each other’s company will find terrific romantic resorts in Pondicherry. French colonial architecture with hints of Indian elements and unmatched hospitality and service await you at these charming resorts:
1. Palais de Mahe
2. Villa Shanti
3. La Villa Pondicherry
4. Grand Serenaa Hotel & Resorts
Which are the best hubs for shopping in Pondicherry?
Pondicherry offers a range of items that tourists would love to take back with them besides of course unforgettable memories. A few places for every shopper are:
1. Casablanca
2. Muthu Silk Plaza
3. Mission Street
4. Serenity Beach Bazaar
What is the best local cuisine out here? Where can I get to try it out?
Pondicherry is famous for its French, Italian and South Indian delicacies. One should definitely try the bakery products on Baker’s street, try the Chettinad chicken at Appachi and pizza at Tanto Pizerria. A few other important eating joints where one can find local cuisine are:
1. Cafe des Arts
2. Le Cafe
3. Cafe Artrika
4. Carte Blanche at De’Lorient
5. La Maison Rose
Which are the famous spiritual centers in Pondicherry?
Pondicherry is famous for its spiritual centres which attract people from the world over. Few of the most famous centres are:
- Shri Aurobindo Ashram
- Auroville
- Manakula Vinayagar Temple
- Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Where can one enjoy boating in Pondicherry?
One can enjoy boating in the Chunnambar boathouse.
Which are the best beaches for surfing in Pondicherry?
Pondicherry sees a lot of tourists surfing on its picturesque beaches. Few of the popular beaches for surfing are:
- Serenity Beach
- Auroville Beach
Where can i enjoy Kayaking in Pondicherry?
The most popular kayaking destination in Pondicherry is Karaikal beach. Kayaking and Canoeing is a much popular water sport there.
Where can i enjoy scuba diving in Pondicherry?
Scuba Diving is one of a kind experience. It opens one up to the marvels of the underwater world. The coral reefs and mosaic of different coloured fishes makes the visual experience almost surreal. It is definitely a high priority activity for any tourist who intends to make the trip to Pondicherry worth every penny. The most famous Scuba Diving spots in Pondicherry are:
- Temple Reef
- 4 corners
- Coral Shark Reef
- Ravines
- Aravind’s Wall
- Padi Dive Center
- The Hole
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