From the hues of the French colony to the spiritual aura aerating within the ancient Hindu Temples and old churches and from the tranquility of virgin beaches to the blend of a unique cosmopolitan flair, Pondicherry is one of the busiest tourist destinations both for domestic travellers and inbound.
Pondicherry Beach is a paradise for all beach lovers and tourists. It is flanked by a flowing creek on one side and is also known for its tree houses, which are located on the backwaters. The beach is a budget one in South India as it is cheaper to access and accommodation in Puducherry is lesser when compared to other beaches and their resorts or hotels in the country.
The seashore is also known for organising a wide range of activities including cruises in the backwaters, trekking, beach volleyball, chess, picnic, themed events, table tennis, and catamaran rides for travellers. All these activities along with the beautiful surroundings, waters and golden sands is what makes this beach perfect for a holiday.
The Promenade, also known as the Goubert Avenue is one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry. Designed in a French style, it has boulevards and swaying palm trees all around. The seafront is best when visited in the early morning, when you can enjoy calm and tranquil nature and refresh yourself with a morning walk. This is also great for those who wish to socialize with locals and other joggers.
After the jogging or morning walk, make sure that you try tea stalls and coffee stalls here. The place is great for enjoying the sound and mist of sea breeze. It is also known for its bustling bazaars in the evening. If you love the bustle, then evening is the time to visit. But if you favour serenity, make sure you visit it during the morning hours.
Another tourist places in Pondicherry Park Monument is Park Monument. It is an attractive, alluring destination that is located in the picturesque area of Government Park. Built during the period of Napoleon-III during the 16th century, this is a place that will transport you to the era gone by.
Aayi
Currently, it is referred to by the name of Aayi, who was once a renowned courtesan. If the local stories are to be believed, Aayi destroyed her home and made a water tank instead of it. The king then believed that the candle lit house was a sacred place. It is widely believed that the tank was responsible for serving and bringing water from town to French engineers. This hassle free destination offers an insight into the lives and times of people in 16th century.
Bharati Government Park is one of the most organised parks in the country. This important place to visit in Pondicherry is designed in such a way that it serves as its green centre. Considered to be a French Town, this park is now an area that bustles with life, thanks to a number of locals and travellers who visit here with their families and kids. The park features a beautiful pond and a local museum.
Chunnambar River is widely popular for its backwaters, which offers travellers the opportunity to enjoy picnicking with their families and children. Among the tourist places to visit in Pondicherry, this boathouse not only allows one to stay in a luxurious manner, but also ensures that travellers enjoy the trip of a lifetime amidst nature and greenery.
Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, situated on the south boulevard, is an oriental specimen of Gothic architecture. It contains rare stained glass panels depicting events from the life of Christ.[24] This church was supposed to have been erected in the 18th century by French Missionaries. Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a Catholic church and is a white-and-brown structure.
The Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges (The Church of Our Lady of Angels), in Rue Dumas, is notable for its masonry – which uses the finest of limestone mixed with white of the egg – making for a texture identical to that of white marble. It is modelled on the Basilica at Lourdes, in southern France. The imposing facade presents paired Doric columns below and ionic above.
Meeran mosque is the oldest mosque in Pondicherry, built over 350 years ago. It has the old gothic Islamic architecture in it.
Auroville (City of Dawn) is an experimental township which is situated 8 km north-west of Pondicherry in East Coast Road. Auroville is meant to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. The purpose of Auroville is to realize human unity.
Although originally intended to house 50,000, the actual population today is 2,007 (1,553 adults and 454 minors), coming from 44 nationalities, 836 of whom are of Indian origin.
The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a well-known spiritual ashram in India, with devotees and seekers from India and all over the world flocking to it for spiritual salvation. Its spiritual tenets represent a synthesis of yoga and modern science. The Ashram was founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo Ghose, an Indian freedom fighter, poet, philosopher, and yogi.
One and may discover that the city holds a hot and humid climate throughout the year.
From October to November, just after the monsoon, the evenings are cool and are ideal for all types of activities. The weather in Pondicherry cuddles to be pleasant between December and February which makes it perfect for sightseeing whereas one can indulge in water sports during October to May.
The weather in Pondicherry during the summers is generally hot and humid. The temperature scorches in between 35 degrees and 42 degrees with maximum humidity of 93%. The temperature in April and May ranges from a minimum of 32 degrees and 42 degrees whereas after little shower the temperature in June drops to a minimum of 27 degree and roves in between 30 degrees and 32 degrees.
From July to September that is during the monsoon, the climate in Pondicherry is mild but one can expect torrential rainfall during this time of the year. The temperature in Pondicherry in July, August and September ranges in between 25 degrees and 33 degrees.
During the winters, the temperature generally nestles a mild climate. In October and November, the temperature in Pondicherry roves at 20 degrees and 27 degrees and it drops down to a minimum of 15 degrees and to a maximum of 20 degrees from December to February.
Undoubtedly, you’ll have the best time in Pondicherry, because gorgeous places never disappoint, do they?