Puducherry

Earlier known as Pondicherry, the Union Territory of Puducherry consists of four unconnected districts having retained the borders of former French India. Having been a French colonial enclave, French remains an official language here. The streets are well organized in neat grid formation and bicycle and moped rentals are a popular transport solution for tourists here. The churches in Puducherry have helped in retaining its European charm. The Churches of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Our Lady of Angels, Sacred Heart and Basilica are famous.
The most popular of Puducherrys attractions is the Aurobindo Ashram set up by Shree Aurobindo and The Mother. At the Ashram residents continue to practice their teachings and occasionally host lectures, screen films and hold play performances at the educational centre. The best beaches are a little outside town called Serenity, Quiet and Reppo. Other places of interest are the Vinaynagar Manakula Temple, Drowpattiamman Temple, Mahatma Gandhi Statue and French World War I memorial at the town beach, a 150 year old Lighthouse, French Institute and the Romain Rolland Library, the Botanical Gardens, Aquarium, Pondicherry Museum and Jawahar Toy Museum. A river cruise or boating on the Chunambar River is a fun way to spend an evening.
For gourmet enthusiasts, it is possible to sample many different flavours and food in this town as it caters to an international crowd. Pondicherry is connected by rail to Chennai, Trichy and Villupuram and is accessible by excellent roads from Chennai where the nearest airport is situated.
Best Time to visit: October to February
Languages Spoken: Tamil
Climate: While the climate is hot and humid throughout the year, the rains bring some relief during July to September and winter months have pleasant evenings.
Holy places: Aurobindo Ashram, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Our Lady of Angels church, Sacred Heart Church, Basilica, Vinaynagar Manakula Temple, Drowpattiamman Temple
Landmarks: Mahatma Gandhi Statue and French World War I memorial at the town beach, Lighthouse, French Institute and the Romain Rolland Library
Fun places and Knowledge centres: Serenity Beach, Quiet Beach, Reppo Beach (near town), Botanical Gardens, Pondicherry Museum, Jawahar Toy Museum, river cruise or boating on the Chunambar River

Peaceful Pondicherry

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As we settled down into the night after a hearty dinner at the resort’s garden restaurant, the aura of the place engulfed us completely with the music of the waves getting louder every minute. We walked towards the back gate of the resort that was very close to our cottage to catch a glimpse of the inviting sea. But it was late at night so the gates were closed and we had to retire to our rooms. We decided to wake up at 5 in the morning to watch the sunrise.

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Pondy road(food) trip

Pondy road(food) trip

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Puducherry(Pondicherry) is a small heaven just south of Chennai. Puducherry means “New Village” which it really stood out for us, a bunch of frustated…

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Soak up Some Rain on the Beach – Bangalore Monsoon Getaways

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Pondicherry is a unique destination in so many ways. The Union Territory boasts an idyllic vibe when compared to its neighbouring states, and the French colonial influence has added to the aesthetics in every turn. The Rues of the French Quarters need a bit of exploring – hidden amongst them many heritage buildings, quaint bakeries and hotels.

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