Pondicherry is the ideal place for those who want to relax,  taste exotic French cuisine, and learn about typical  French architecture. It is also an ideal place for honeymooners. Other than Pondicherry, there can be no other place in India to experience the French culture with a  south Indian touch.  Pondicherry is a  3-4 hrs drive from the Chennai Airport. Experience Pondicherry this summer and feel one of the best touristic & charming places in India.

Fondly called Pondy, this “French Riviera of the East” is known for its brightly painted houses with high compound walls laden with bougainvillea, clean, well-laid streets with French nameplates, colonial buildings, gothic churches, classic heritage monuments, large boulevards, pristine beaches, serene backwaters, expansive gardens.

HOT & HUMID WEATHER WITH A TRAIL OF COOL SEA BREEZE

Weather in Pondicherry is hot and humid for the most part of the year but during late evenings & night, it gets cooler because of the sea breeze. It is always recommendable to carry an umbrella and a pair of sunglasses. Also, apply sunscreen lotions before traveling out during afternoons.

BEAUTIFUL & CLEAN BEACHES WITH AN ALL-NEW EXPERIENCE

The 1.5 km long promenade running along the beach is

Promenade Beach

One can relax or take a stroll at any time of the day, though the best time would be early in the mornings and late evenings when the road is closed to vehicular traffic. This ensures that kids can run amok and people can enjoy the ambiance without pollution and fear of speeding vehicles.

Paradise Beach

Whether it is a couple of hours or the entire day Paradise Beach is a must-do during your trip to Pondy. Located just 8 km. from the town, along the Cuddalore Main Road this beach can be accessed only from the Chunnambar Resort via boats.  Try the local Fish curry with Rice & Chicken 65 inside the resort. Have chilled Coconut water on the beach and try some exciting water sports.

THERE IS NO TRIP TO PONDICHERRY WITHOUT THE TASTE OF ITS AMAZING CAFES &  CUISINES

LE CAFÉ  is famous for its food and the great views from the café. You just can’t afford to go to Le Café and it is also famous for its coffee.

THE INDIAN KAFFE EXPRESS

This is a heaven for food lovers – the meat is succulent and well-cooked served along the parantha. Waffles & Sandwiches were delicious. They also serve a good variety of mocktails, cold coffees, and fruit juices.

LE CLUB is a great restaurant and one of the oldest. It is a part of Hotel de Pondicherry. Their specialty is the earthen fire-cooked cheese Margaretta pizza. They serve French cuisine along with Italian & Indian.

CAFÉ DE FLORE is a part of the Alliance Francais area and serves an excellent variety of coffees and has the best pasta in the whole Pondicherry. It is a very relaxing place full of green lush garden just next to the beach.

SURGURU serves the best South Indian thalis in the whole Pondicherry. The thali is mouth-watering and contains a wide variety of vegetables, curries, rice, papad, curd, pickle.

Other Restaurants to try are Spice Route,  Palais de Mahe, Villa Shanti,  Asians House, Seagulls Restaurant.

EXPERIENCE THE DIVINE & SPIRITUALISM

 Auroville

Architecturally speaking, the buildings are a combination of modern western and traditional Indian elements, set in a rural landscape of deep red earth and widespread forestation, with narrow earth roads linking the settlements. The residents are involved in agriculture, administration, commerce and handicrafts, alternative technology, education, healthcare, and development projects, the latter including Aurore Systems, an international award-winning unit involved in solar photovoltaic and thermal systems.

The central Matrimandir, which is not a temple but a place for individual silent concentration, is set in an area of 62 acres at the center of the emerging township and is seen as “a symbol of the Divine’s answer to man’s aspiration for perfection and as a Union with the Divine manifesting in a progressive human unity.

Shri Aurobindo Ashram

The Ashram’s influence can be felt in most of Puducherry. The main Ashram building is where the mortal remains of Aurobindo and the Mother are kept. Their ‘Samadhi’ or mausoleum, which is generally surrounded by supplicating devotees, is in the central courtyard under a frangipani tree and is covered daily with flowers.

TRADITIONAL & MAGNIFICENT CHURCHES

 THE BASILICA OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS

This 100 years old historical church is 50mts. long 48mts. wide and 18mts. high with Latin rite cross shape in aerial view is in Gothic style. 24 main columns hold the structure. A biblical verse from 2nd Chronicles 7:16 is written above the entrance door in Latin “sanctificavi locum istum, ut sit nomen meum ibi” which means “I have consecrated this house, that my name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there forever.”

EGLISE DE NOTRE DAME DES ANGES

The church of Our Lady of Angels is the only church in Pondicherry where mass is celebrated every Sunday, in all the three languages of the city: French, English, and Tamil.

BEST OF BACKWATERS, LAKES, GARDENS

Chunnambar is situated 8 km from Puducherry, along the Cuddalore Main Road. This tropical paradise is flanked by a quiet-flowing creek on one side. You can sail downstream to the sands and pitch up a cozy seaside tent for yourself. Overnighting within the tree-houses on the backwater provides a relishing experience of the great outdoors.

The Botanical Gardens add great educational and recreational value to Puducherry. The gate leading to the garden is reminiscent of French architecture and it stands out from its immediate surroundings because it is smack in the middle of the old Tamil town. The Botanical Gardens were laid out in 1826 in the ornate French style, with pruned trees, beautiful flower beds and gravel lined paths and fountains.

Best Hotels in Pondicherry are Hotel de Pondicherry that is the most centrally located and has the best location next to the beach.  Palais de Mahe is a deluxe hotel and a great place to stay with a classic touch of typical french architecture.

Other good properties are Windflower resort, Le Pondy, The Promenade.