Explore Pondicherry: A French Colonial Settlement In India!

Pondicherry is a small-town neighboring Tamil Nadu but happens to be a major crowd-puller when it comes to travel. This small Union Territory of India is an instinctive French colony with appealing villas that spellbind tourists with their architecture and is also represented as the French Capital of India.

Situated along the Bay of Bengal, Pondicherry is lined with spectacular beaches. It is officially better known as Puducherry and locally signifies Pondy. It is a musical amalgamation of Tamil, French, and English cultures, captivating the beauty and values of each of them.

The age-old culture and architecture of the town determine a masterpiece to be exposed to. A predominant destination among backpackers, Pondicherry is an attractive location with dissimilar hidden gems to be traveled slowly over months.

Pondicherry has all the elements for your daydream vacation. Sun-kissed beaches, unsuitable ashrams, elaborate museums, plush family parks, and chic clubs suggest to you an experience of a lifetime. You can delight in staying in comfortable resorts or indulging through the night.

Among the predominant activities in Pondicherry are water sports to get your adrenaline flowing, gorging on delicious local food, and shopping for bohemian stuff. Here is a list of the places, which you should not omit while traveling to Pondicherry.

Auroville Beach

Auroville Beach, also better known as Auro Beach is situated in Pondicherry. It is a part of the Auroville Ashram and is located about 10 kilometers away. The beach is about 12 kilometers away from Pondicherry and deceits on the right-hand side of East Coast Road.

Auro Beach is one of the most prevalent beaches in Pondicherry. It fascinates a lot of tourists and locals. The beach stays true to its form and doesn’t have a lot of establishments that deliver food or snacks. The Ashram has maintained its peacefulness and ensured that it is not interfered with or changed a lot owing to human encroachment.

Serenity Beach

For those looking for a day filled with tranquillity, serenity beach is an enthralling visit to Pondicherry sightseeing for all tourists. It boasts of the resplendent beauty of nature with its golden sands and blue waters that greet visitors with a bird’s-eye view.

The attractive beach proposes surfing and serves as a great spot to laze across under the shade with your book or just celebrate the company of your loved ones with a stimulating day in Pondicherry. 

Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach, also better known as Plage Paradiso, is located in Chunnambar, close to Pondicherry town. Adorned with golden sand, this is a little-isolated beach. To reach here, you have to take a ferry around the backwaters, which takes nearly 20-30 minutes.

There are a few shacks along the major entrance to the beach, and you can get a fresh coconut water and some simple snacks – don’t predict any fancy street food though.

Part of the fun in arriving at the beach is the attractive ferry from the boathouse – the backwaters on the way to the beach are green and have thick mangrove forests. Particularly after the monsoons, the backwaters are fresh and green. You can spot a lot of birds while on the ride – and photography fanatics would celebrate the opportunity to get some great images here. 

Head to the Paradise Beach, unwind in its tranquil ambience, and recharge your spirits. #Puducherry #ThursdayThoughts @pondytourism pic.twitter.com/7vPJlMzDNp

— Incredible!ndia (@incredibleindia) July 27, 2017

The currents in the water are high, so it is prudent to not go deep in the water. Paradise beach is an inordinate spot to reach early morning and get a sight of the sunrise on the eastern coast. A diversity of water sports facilities is accessible here as well. Travelers can try fishing as well: fishing rods and nets are effortlessly available for rent.

Promenade

Pondicherry has a certainly formed rocky promenade that has become one of the most sought-after places to visit in Pondicherry by snappers. This naturally picturesque place with a refreshing cool sea breeze is accurate for long strolls and fun-filled gala time with your treasured ones.

There are different restaurants around this posh area proposing a culinary feast. You can also find pushers selling peanuts and cotton sweeties by the promenade. If one image has to mark your existence in Pondicherry, then a picture at the Promenade Pondicherry does the job accurately well!

Auroville Pondicherry

The list of places to visit in Pondicherry is imperfect without marking Auroville in it. Nestled between Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, Auroville -the universal town of south India focuses to create a broad-minded space where men and women of all regions can live together in peace and harmony.

Such a moral thought behind this picturesque establishment makes Auroville one of the must-visit places in India. Also better known as the City of Dawn, Auroville is the greatest spiritual paradise in the world.

Mahatma Gandhi Statue

Situated around the street from the Jawaharlal Nehru statue, the Mahatma Gandhi statue is a well-known tourist place for history buffs in Pondicherry. The prevalent statue is surrounded by eight granite pillars that are supposed to be bought from Gingee which is a fort situated 70 kilometers away from the city of Pondicherry.

Incorporated by a garden, it is a stimulating point of interest for many individuals in Pondicherry Tourist Places. 

Chunnamber Boathouse

Chamber is a picturesque little hamlet along Cuddalore Main Road, nearly 8 km from Pondicherry. Tourists visit this tranquil town for its beach, which is better known as Paradise Beach, located near the mouth of the backwater. With primeval sand and crystallized water, it is an accurate place for one to spend a day out playing water sports and bathing in the sun.

A short cruise is also prearranged for the visitors which carries them a fantastic complete view of the serene beauty of the waters. One can also spot dolphins playing across in the water making it a must-visit for nature paramours.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

One of the most nonviolent and spiritual Tourist Places to visit in Pondicherry, Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry is better known around the world and was founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo. The ashram is extensive and has libraries. It hosts different physical education activities such as sports, asanas, forte training, and swimming.

At the center of the ashram is the Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo under a frangipani tree. If you have a proclivity towards spirituality, yoga, and meditation, this ashram is one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry to establish your inner self.

Rock Beach Pondicherry

Showcasing the beauty of rocks residing against the nonviolent waters this enthralling island is a gateway to prevalent places to discover in Pondicherry.

Whether you are interested in an agreeable stroll with your partner or grabbing the local delicacies, this Rock Beach is an accurate place to have unhurried hours at your own pace. This is one of the most astonishing places to visit in Pondicherry.

The Pondicherry Botanical Garden

Spread around 22 acres of land, The Pondicherry Botanical Garden is one of the no-miss Pondicherry exploration places. This lush green garden was constructed by the French colonists who brought striking plant species from all across the world and nurtured them here.

Today, the garden boasts 1500 species of plants and there are placards that designate the species’ names and their common name. Supplementary information such as the uses of the tree, the amount of oxygen created and its medicinal value make this outsmart other Tourist Places to visit in Pondicherry. The main entrance of the garden characterizes French architecture.

Scuba Diving In Pondicherry

Packed with captivating marine life, Pondicherry proposes an astonishing adventure of scuba diving off the country’s East Coast. A dump into the sea will let you discover the rich life entailing attractive natural coral reefs and other exotic creatures likewise manta rays, kingfish, sea snakes, butterflies, lionfish, crustaceans, moray eels, and many others.

Apart from that, if it is your lucky day, you might even spot even sharks, whale sharks, dolphins, and turtles. You also have a selection to enjoy the dive at an artificial reef and experience the excitement of the activity making Pondicherry a desirable diving destination.

French War Memorial

French War Memorial is a fashionable structure situated on Goubert Avenue and is enthusiastic to the soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War.

On the 14th of July every year, an annual commemoration ceremony is held here throughout which the monument is attractively illuminated. This memorial proposes a pleasant experience for all visitors.

Pondicherry Museum

Situated in Bharathi Park, the Pondicherry Museum houses an eccentric assortment of sculptures. It has the remains of the archeological findings from the Arikamedu Roman clearance.

Bronze sculptures of gods and goddesses, a broad meeting of temple lamps, handicrafts, and art are also kept here. Some specimens of Chola and Pallava art from Pondicherry and Karaikal are shown in the sculpture gallery.

Arikamedu

Situated on the banks of the Ariyankuppam River, Arikamedu is a well-known Indo-Roman archaeological site. It is among the better-known tourist places nearby Pondicherry. Inhabited by Romans, French, and Cholas centuries ago, the town was once a prevalent trade center of the region.

Excavation of the site was started in 1940 and since then stimulating details have been unearthed. The site has been attained by the Archaeological Survey of India for its cultural importance as the only enduring place with remnants of Roman existence in India from 300 BC – 1800 AD.

Valuable artifacts and relics excavated from the site are conserved in the Pondicherry Museum. They carry visitors’ envision into the history and culture of Arikamedu. The overwhelming ruins lure antiquity buffs and photographers. A walk along the trails takes you back to the opulent era of trade and exchange during the 1st century BC.

Best Time To Visit Pondicherry

The union territory of Pondicherry which lies across the southern part of India has a tropical climate. However, there are convinced months when the temperature drops down a few degrees. Notwithstanding the seasons though, you can visit it during the year, as each season brings with it its own appeal.

SUMMER: Pondicherry experiences three foremost seasons, namely, summer, monsoon, and winter. The summer season lasts from March to June, with the average temperature being 41°C. One benefit of visiting it throughout this time is the fewer crowds, thus enabling you to explore and celebrate without the usual rush. The summer season in Pondicherry is also the best time for enjoying different water activities at the beach.

MONSOON: The monsoon season lasts from July to September, and throughout this time, this city obtains light to heavy rainfall. The temperature throughout this time is between 28°C and 34°C. After the monsoon showers, the complete city wears a refreshed look. During the month of August during monsoon, the whole city comes together to celebrate Sri Aurobindo’s birthday.

WINTER: Pondicherry attains its winter season from October to February, with the average temperature vacillating between 17°C and 22°C. The cool weather generates the perfect conditions for sightseeing and exploration. From celebrating a day on the beaches to visiting its different parks and museums, any activity becomes enjoyable throughout this time.

How To Reach Pondicherry?

Pondicherry is accessible via train, road, and flight from different cities in India.

Via Air: Chennai International Airport situated at a distance of 125km is the closest airport and you can book a private cab from here to arrive at Pondicherry.

Via Rail: The closest railway station to Pondicherry is the Villupuram Railway Junction which is located at a distance of 37km from the city. From here you can again take a private cab to arrive at your destination.

Via Road: It is the most prevalent and convenient manner to arrive at Pondicherry. You can take a bus from different southern cities such as Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore etc, and celebrate the alluring vistas via road.

Conclusion 

Pondicherry proposes its visitors the best of both worlds. The city has the old-world charm of the French era and a swanky up-to-date vibe. While it has a horde of pristine locations tucked away in every corner, it also proposes the best of modish party scenes. The assorted experiences, architectural marvels, and natural abundance make it a traveler’s heaven.

The complete city is strewn with photogenic spots and monuments. From Ashram buildings to high-end resorts and from nature reserves to tranquil beaches, photographers can seizure innumerable memories of the town. The little city boasts tourist attractions and activities appropriate for all types of travelers and it is best discovered over a relaxing long vacation.

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