The charm of the French colonial meeting the exotic sea life in the southern part of India screams uniqueness like no other. Pondicherry tourism is growing in leaps and bounds, with travellers choosing to ditch conventional places and soak up all that that Pondicherry has to offer, such as bustling boulevards, the quietude of alleyways, a picturesque coastline and an amalgamation of Tamil and French cuisines, to name a few. Rest be assured when in this picturesque Union territory, you will engage in the best things to do in Pondicherry that will enhance your trip to a unique experience.
How to Reach Pondicherry
By Air – Pondicherry airport is small and only allows small flights coming in from Bangalore and Hyderabad. The nearest large airport to Pondicherry is Chennai, located at a distance of 135 km from the town.
By Road – From Chennai airport, you can take buses, taxis and private cars on hire to reach within 5-6 hours on a smooth highway.
By Rail – Closest train station to Pondicherry is Villupuram, situated around 35 km from the centre.
Best time to visit Pondicherry
Pondicherry tourism sees a rather larger demand during the months of October – March as the climatic conditions during these months are the most favourable. Summers are hot, with temperatures soaring to 41 degrees Celcius, and monsoons can be cumbersome for those who want to frolic about all day long.
Best Places to Visit in Pondicherry
1. Auroville
Find serenity in this experimental township called Auroville that welcomes people from all castes and religions. The Aurobindo ashram there encourages tranquillity and peace of mind, giving you time to stop the busy life you lead and enjoy inner peace. It is only a 15-minute drive from French town.
2. French Town
Take in the French colonial settlements of White town, an area of Pondicherry that has some of the most amazing stores, houses, eateries, cafes, and some of the best restaurants in Pondicherry. You will feel like you are walking the streets of Paris amidst this bustling locality in South India.
3. Paradise Beach
Also known as Plage Paradiso, Paradise beach is a small isolated beach with shimmering golden sand and crystal clear waters. Getting to this beach is also an exotic experience as you have to take a ferry along the backwaters to get there. However, there are a few shacks there where you can replenish yourselves after taking a dip in the ocean.
4. Arkimedu
This place has historic pertinence in which you will witness ancient ruins that have carried forward the remnants of all Roman trades that used to take place back in the day in India. Recent discoveries and excavations have given rise to coins and wine jars, adding further light to the history of the town. Pondicherry tourism companies add this little gem to their itineraries for the history buffs.
5. The Basilica of Sacred Heart of Jesus
This is a beautiful church in the heart of the town on MG road. This religious establishment is popular amongst tourists. It is intricately carved and carries an aura of peace and serenity. It welcomes people of all religions and is close to all the good resorts in Pondicherry, allows you to get there within walking distance.