Pondicherry

Pondicherry is just three-hour drive away from Chennai. The city has a mix of Indian and French colonial heritage which shows in all its attractions, festivals, cultures and history. Visiting Pondicherry is like visiting two different worlds at the same time.

People & Culture of Pondicherry
People here are multi-national and multi-ethnic. They can be seen dressed in traditional clothes. Music and dance play a major role in the festivals of Pondicherry. Some of the most popular forms of dance here are Yakshgana, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Chau, Mohininattam, etc. The city is also known for its traditional and contemporary crafts. Do not miss a chance to buy locally made handmade dolls apart from hand embroidered and painted fabrics.

Nature in Pondicherry
Pondicherry's nature is impressive. The Botanical Garden here comprises of six spectacular fountains, a big aquarium with ornamental fish and a stunning children's train. Walk around the garden to explore its 1500 species. The Promenade is another abode of Mother Nature here where you can visit for a day full of relaxation. Visitors also flock at the beautiful Ousteri Lake from where sunset seems even more gorgeous. Pondicherry also has some impressive beaches like Paradise Beach and Serenity Beach where you can take nature walks while cherishing warm sea waters.

Wildlife in Pondicherry
Pondicherry is a great hub for wildlife devotees as well. The Ousteri Wildlife Sanctuary here is home to 160 species of birds, 60 species of butterflies and 25 species of fish. There is also a seasonal Bahour Lake where many local and migratory birds can be spotted.

Adventure in Pondicherry
As Pondicherry is blessed with beaches, one can enjoy some exciting water sports adventure activities here. Scuba diving is available at Paradise Beach and Karaikal Beach. Travellers can also partake in boating, jet skiing, canoeing, kayaking as well as backwater sailing.

Religious Destinations in Pondicherry
Pondicherry treats you with diverse religious places. Manakkula Vinayakar Temple remains the most popular one here due to its historical importance and incarnations of Ganesha carved on its walls. Thirunallur Temple, dedicated to Lord Saneeswaran, also brings many locals and travellers. Importance of the Sri Gokilambal Thriukameswara Temple is also unmatched due to a ten day long festival celebrated here. Apart from temples, travellers must also visit the church Eglise de Sacre Coeur de Jesus known for its Gothic charm.

Shopping in Pondicherry
Pondicherry is an easy going destination when it comes to shopping. Stroll around the Auroville shops and boutiques selling artistic handicrafts. Southern silks and fabrics are also very popular here and are bought by every traveller.

Food in Pondicherry
Food of Pondicherry has a French touch to it. Here you can buy French baguettes, brioches as well as pastries from here. French dishes like Salad Ni'oise, Quiche, Coq Au Vin, Sole Meuni're and Croque Monsieur are served in all local cafes. Apart from this, you can also taste Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Bengali, Gujarati and Punjabi cuisines here.

Fairs & Festivals in Pondicherry
Pondicherry has so many fairs and festivals underlining the cultures and heritage of the place. Pongal is a popular festival here. MasiMagam is another popular Tamil Hindu festival where a huge procession is organised to carry idols of god to the water body. Other popular festivals of Pondicherry include Veerampattinam Festival, Car Festival, Fete De Puducherry and the most famous of all, French Food Festival.

Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Pondicherry is between October and February. Temperature remains pleasant during these months with lovely winds blowing. May and June are harsh months due to hot summers.

How to Reach Pondicherry
The nearest airport to reach Pondicherry is in Chennai. The city has rail connections as well with nearby cities like Chennai, Trichy and Villupuram. Bus services are available too.