Pondicherry (or Puducherry), a French colonial settlement in India until 1954, is now a Union Territory town bounded by the southeastern Tamil Nadu state. Often referred to as the ‘French Capital of India’, Pondicherry is a vibrant city located on the south-eastern coast of India. Brimming with unspoiled beaches, heritage buildings, French and Tamil quarters, ancient temples and churches and a colonial ambience, this French Colony has a plethora of things to do and see.
WHAT TO DO IN PONDICHERRY
* Soak up the sun and salt at the beach
Pondicherry boasts unblemished, serene beaches, where beach lovers can kick back, relax, soak up the sun and sand and watch the world go by. One of the longest beaches in Pondy is Promenade Beach, where taking a long walk is an absolute dream. Plus, watching the sunset at this beach is heavenly, when glorious orange and pink hues reflect the turquoise waters.
* Go scuba diving
Pondy boasts impressive water clarity and a wide range of marine life, which makes it one of the best locations in the country for scuba diving. Plunging to depths of five to 40 metres, the diving sites in the city are perfect for both novices and pros. Divers can come face-to-face with some of the finest sea creatures, including sea snakes, corals, moray eels, triggerfish, manta rays, lionfish, angelfish, parrotfish, kingfish and other aquatic creatures.
* Enjoy the sunset at Ousteri Lake
One of the best spots in Pondy to enjoy the soothing sunset is Ousteri Lake, a man-made lake characterized by mudflats and marshy lands. In addition, the lake is populated with a wide variety of residential and migratory birds, which makes it a paradise for bird lovers. Keep your eyes peeled for golden orioles, egrets, white ibises, openbill storks, greater flamingos and white
* Explore the French Colony on two wheels
Hopping on two wheels is one of the best ways to explore Pondy. This journey shows you its diversity and rich cultural heritage and cycles through the Tamil quarters, the French colonies and the Green quarters (also called Muslim quarters), followed by various historical and cultural places. The best-guided bicycle tours in Pondy include the Pondy Cycle Tour and Sita Cultural Center. If you prefer walking tours, opt for Heritage Walking Tour, which is given by French and English-speaking guides.
Visit the Pondicherry Botanical Garden
Architecture and horticulture buffs must definitely visit the Botanical Garden, built in an ornate French style and housing stunning flower beds, pruned
*Visit the Pondicherry Botanical Garden
Architecture and horticulture buffs must definitely visit the Botanical Garden, built in an ornate French style and housing stunning flower beds, pruned trees, fountains, toy train rides, an aquarium and a Japanese rock structure. Covering some 22 acres, the garden comprises 1,500 plant species from across the world. Another highlight is the musical fountain show held every weekend – times vary depending on the season.
*Pay homage to the valiant soldiers at the French War Memorial
Built in 1971, the French War Memorial is a tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives in World War I. Every year, on July 14, an annual remembrance is organized to honour the Bravehearts. It is one of the most impressive war memorials in the country.
Savour the local cuisine
Pondy is one of the best places for food lovers. Its food scene is varied, with influences from French, South Indian, European and several other Western cuisines. And, a trip to Pondy is incomplete without trying its traditional South Indian fare and French cuisine. Some of the best places to dine at include Surguru for traditional South Indian cuisine; Le Cafe, Le Club and Mango Hill for French fare; La Pasta for Italian and Carte Blanche for Creole cuisine, to name a few.
* Explore Auroville
Located about nine miles from Pondy lies the ‘City of Dawn’, Auroville. It’s a universal town where people from across the world, irrespective of caste, creed, culture or country, live and work together in harmony and peace. This township is the perfect example of ‘unity in diversity’. The town is divided into several zones and the major ones include the Peace Zone, the International Zone and the Residential Zone. The highlight of the Peace Zone is the Matrimandir, where devotees meditate; the Residential Zone is where you can stay among the Aurovillians and the International Zone is comprised of community halls where several events are held on a regular basis. Just spend a day here and soak up the local atmosphere!
Peak Season
Although Pondicherry has a warm climate, October to March can be considered as an ideal time to visit. However, the town has different charms in different seasons.
HOW TO REACH PONDICHERRY
*Chennai is the closest and most convenient travel base to reach Pondicherry. *Chennai is well connected to all major cities of India.
* There are several train services available to reach Villipuram which is 35km away from Pondicherry.
*However, the best way to reach Pondicherry is by road via bus or taxi.
By Train
*Villupuram, the nearest railway station, is 35 km away. -*Villupuram is connected to Trichy (Tiruchirappalli), Madurai and Chennai by regular train services. *Taxi services are available from Villupuram to Puducherry.
By Road
*Pondicherry is best accessible by road, either by bus or by taxi. *There are frequent buses, almost every 15 minutes from Koyembedu in Chennai.
* Express buses take three-and-half-hours to reach Pondicherry.
SHOPPING
* Serenity beach Bazaar
Location: Serenity Beach, Kottakuppam, Pondicherry
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM (Saturday & Sunday)
Open Days: Open all days
* Casablanca
The crazy international collection of perfumes will keep your eyes glued. Apart from this, there is a large pottery section all decked up with art and craft.
Location: 165 R D Mission Street, Heritage Town, Pondicherry
Timings: 10 AM to 10 PM
Open Days: Open all days
* SUND'art
Everything is handmade, and a wide range of clothes for adult to children can be found. Colourful wallets with the trendiest looks, cool handbags and stuffed toys are all in plenty.
Location: 44 Rue Aurobindo Street, Pondicherry
Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM
Open Days: Open all days
* Anokhi
You can find cotton wear, both for men and women, all with an ethnic look. The designs are subtle and straightforward good for summer and beach, too. Anokhi helps you shop at an affordable price.
Location: 1, Caserne Street, Pondicherry
Timings: 10 AM to 8 PM
Open Days: Open all days
* Via Pondicherry
Outside view of Via Pondichery
If you are a bag lover and want to add something new to your collection from Pondicherry, visit Via Pondicherry.
Location: 22, Romain Rolland Street, Pondicherry
Timings: 9 AM to 8 PM
Open Days: Open all days
* Auro Woodworks
You can take tokens for your home from this place which specializes in wooden amenities. Woods like oak, teak, Portia and jack are mostly used. One best thing while shopping in Pondicherry's Auro wood Work is that you can undoubtedly customize your product. Auro mainly focuses on the minimalistic approach, and time may vary from days to months. Your product will also be shipped in any part of the country.
Location: 44, M.G road, Kottakuppam, Auroville way, Pondicherry
Timings: 10 AM to 8 PM
Open Days: Open all days
* Kalki
A paradise for women in Pondicherry, surely, is Kalki. Anything that a woman's soul asks for is what Kalki is all about. The fluorescent candles, the mesmerizing accessories that portray the real spirit of Pondicherry can be seen here. If you want to keep the feel of Pondy with yourself, buy any stuff from Kalki. Janaki started their brand named MAROMA ( Ma - mother & Aroma - Fragrance) for their home fragrances. So every shop-o-holic must go for this shopping in Pondicherry here.
Location: 134, Mission Street, Pondicherry
Timings: 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Open Days: Open all days
* Janaki
When the entire world is leading towards environmental hazards, Janaki in Pondicherry has taken a step towards sustainable development long back. Shopping in Pondicherry is incomplete without visiting Janaki that exhibits products that are all eco-friendly. visit this eco-friendly shop and make your own experiences.
Location: 30 Romain Rolland Street, Pondicherry
Timings: 10 AM to 8:30 PM
Open Days: Open all days
* La boutique D'Aurovilli
At the end of your trip to Pondicherry, do you wish to take some gifts from Pondy? If it is a yes, then the last resort of shopping in Pondicherry will be to go to La boutique D'Auroville. There are many gift items available for you to gift your people as a piece of love. Be it palazzo, tops, kurta, ethnic wear or jewellery- everything is on par with quality. There are little gift boxes available too, either you can gift yourself or anybody you want to.
Location: Jawaharlal Nehru Street, M G Road area, Pondicherry
Timings: 9:30 AM to 8:30 PM
Open Days: Open all days
* Cluny Embroidery Center
For all the ladies who love embroidery work on their clothes, this is the perfect place for you. It is lovely watching all the ladies engraving miracles from their fingers.
Location: White Town, Puducherry, 605001
Timings: 8:30 am to 5 pm
Open Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
* Sri Aurobindo Handmade Paper Factory
Sri Aurobindo Paper factory produces a fine quality of handmade paper from cotton rag pulp. Along with this, they also use jute, cotton, bamboo etc., to give different textures to the paper. They make creative papers, pen stands, origami, files, table mats, greeting cards etc. which you can purchase from them at a reasonable rate.
Location: 50, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Salai, Kuruchikuppam, Puducherry, 605001
Timings: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm; 10 am to 1 pm
Open Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday; Sunday
* Nehru Street Market
Why waste your time if all the things are found in one place? Nehru street is one of such places in Pondicherry. This place is often tagged as one of the best shopping places in Pondicherry. From small hand cart vendors to lavish shops, Nehru Street Market has it all. From small household products to clothing, everything is available here.
Location: JN Street, opposite to Police Station, MG Road Area, Puducherry, 605001
Timings: 24 hours open
Open Days: All days
* Saram China Market
Saram China Market is for people who are very fond of home decor products. This place is famous for its A- grade China products. From clothes to incense sticks, from handicrafts to home decor products, you can get everything here.
Location: Sundara Mesthri Street, Saram China Market, Kosapalayam, Puducherry, Puducherry, 605013
Timings: 9:30 am to 9:30 pm
Open Days: All days
* The Cotton House
One can get a great variety of bed sheets, curtains, pillow covers, cushion covers, sofa covers, table covers, mats etc. made of cotton.
Location: 27, Vysial St, Heritage Town, Puducherry, 605001
Timings: 9:30 am to 8:45 pm
Open Days: All days
* Ma Pondy Cherie
For all the book lovers, this is the right place for you.
Location: 44, Vysial St, Heritage Town, Puducherry, 605001
Timings: 9 am to 7:30 pm
Open Days: All days
* Providence Mall
One destination for fashion, fun, entertainment and food. You have to pay INR 20 for the parking area (for 2 to 3 hours) and the addition of INR 10 every hour.
Location: Cuddalore Road, Ambedkar Nagar, Orleanpet, Puducherry, 605001
Timings: 10 am to 10 pm
Open Days: All days
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