Pondicherry, a coastal town blends with the cultural richness and the natural beauty. The unique destination filled with serene beaches, temples, churches, colonial French quarters and the spiritual retreat from hustle bustle life. In this blog, will discuss the top 10 best places to visit in Pondicherry, the budget friendly hotels, places to eat in Pondicherry, and the best month to explore the coastal town.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Pondicherry
1. Paradise Beach
The word Paradise given to this beach is very appropriate, the beach is situated in the middle of the sea. To reach Paradise Beach, take a ferry ride and explore the golden sand, and crystal-clear water. The isolated beach is perfect for relaxation, and for beach & nature lovers. If you are adventurous, you can enjoy the water sport activities at Paradise Beach like Canoeing, Kayaking, Swimming, and Jet Skiing.
2. Auroville
Auroville, in Pondicherry, the place is referred to as “Matrimandir” which means “soul of the city”. Matrimandir was founded in the year 1968 and by Mirra Alfassa and the architecture is marvelous which was designed by Roger Anger. The gardens are spread in a vast area and cafes are there to enjoy the taste of coffee amid the peaceful city of dawn.
3. Promenade Beach
In Pondicherry, the Promenade Beach beach referred to as “Rock Beach”. The beach is heart of city, beside the beach, food stalls and restaurants are located. There is an open Auditorium beside the beach which offers traditional and cultural programs. The beach is famous for the sunrise and sunset view which mesmerizes the tourists.
4. Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden is a famous tourist attraction, the garden is spread across 22 acres of land. Built in the year 1826, the Botanical Garden offers 1500 species of plants across the world, the toy train to roam around the garden, aquarium, and Japanese Rock. You can plan with your friends and family; the garden remains open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
5. Manakula Vinayagar Temple
The oldest temple of Pondicherry dedicated to Lord Ganesha, here is called Vellakkaran Pillai. The 500-year-old temple is built spread across an area of 7913 sq. ft. is surrounded by sand. The architecture of the temple is colourful, and the Dravid style temple has Mandapam, Raja Gopuram and Praharam. The chariot for the Lord Ganesha weighs around 7.5 kgs and is made of gold.
6. Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Image Credit: Google – Pondicherry Tourism
A famous tourist place founded by Sri Aurobindo Ghose in the year 1926 with the philosophy on leading a simple and healthy life. At the ashram you can meditate, relax your body and soul from the hectic life. The ashram has samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, the members of ashram take care of samadhi and organize cultural activities in the ashram.
7. Chunnambar Boathouse and Backwaters
Image Credit: Google – Pondicherry Tourism
In Southern India, the cities located at the coastal areas offers unforgettable experiences of backwater. In Pondicherry, a small village located at a distance of 7kms. offers the experience of exquisite houseboat and backwater. Chunnambar is a popular location among tourists for water sports activities at the beach side. The village offers beaches, lush green dense beauty of coconut, and rustic village offers multi-cuisine food.
8. White Town (French Quarter)
Pondicherry’s French Quarter are known as White Town represents colonial era when Pondicherry was the head quarter. The town is so beautiful and charming, the city is so clean that you loved to explore the colonial times buildings. The houses are converted into churches, restaurants, hotels, cafes, monuments, offices, and art galleries that are built up in the old French architectural style.
9. APJ Abdul Kalam Puducherry Science Centre and Planetarium
The APJ Abdul Kalam Puducherry Science Centre and Planetarium is set up by National Counsil of Science Museums. Students visit the planetarium to understand the technology and also conduct experiments. The section pertaining to the entertainment and fun science, where I enjoyed a lot, you can check the photographs.
10. Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Puducherry
Image Credit: Google – Pondicherry Tourism
The most famous church of Pondicherry was set up in 1908 in MG Road of Pondicherry. The church is renowned for Gothic Architecture and throughout the year, tourists visit the church. At the Basilica Church, the life-size glass paintings of 28 saints of the church and other paintings are installed which represents the life of Jesus.
Budget Friendly Places to Eat in Pondicherry
- Surguru Restaurant at Mission Street
- Adyar Ananda Bhavan (A2B) at Mission Street
- Indian Coffee House at Nehru Street
- Satsanga at Mission Street
- Aurofood Restaurant at Auroville
Weather of Pondicherry
The coastal city offers pleasant and moderate temperature, let’s explore the weather of Pondicherry:
- Summer (March to June): In summer, Pondicherry is warm and the temperature ranges between 25 to 40 degrees. The beaches of Pondicherry reliefs the tourists and enjoy various water sports activities.
- Monsoon (July to September): The heavy rainfall, and lush green landscapes, make the coastal city a paradise. If you are looking for water activities, then it’s limited due to safety reasons.
- Winter (October to February): The cool temperature and pleasant weather is a perfect time to explore the beauty of the city. The temperature ranges from 17 to 32 degrees and is an ideal time for sightseeing and water sports activities.
Which Month is Best for Pondicherry?
If you are planning a trip to Pondicherry, then winter from October to February is an ideal time to explore the city. The temperature is cool, minimal rainfall, lush green beauty and can enjoy water sports & outdoor activities.
Best & Budgeted Hotels in Pondicherry
- Maison Perumal: Hotel blend with Tamil architecture and modern facilities
- Anandha Inn: Mid-range and comfortable hotels
- Hotel Coramandal Heritage: Budget friendly hotel with heritage charm
- Hotel Surguru: Budgeted hotel in the heart of city
- Hotel Abi Krishna: Budgeted accommodation near Promenade Beach
How to reach Pondicherry?
- Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport (MAA) is only 150 kms. from Pondicherry. To reach Pondicherry, you can hire a taxi or cab. Bus stand is quite near to Airport, you can take bus which gives comfortable ride to Pondicherry.
- Nearest Railway Station: Puducherry Railway Station (PDY) connected to major cities of Southern India. The scenic train journey adores you.
- By Road: The highways are very well connected with major cities like Chennai and Bangalore. The paradise route from Chennai to Pondicherry through East Cost Region (ECR) is so mesmerizing that you can’t take off your eyes.
Final Thought
Pondicherry is paradise for the tourist and can enjoy the beauty of coastal city, richness in the French culture, water sports activities, and Southern India’s backwater. The hotels are budget-friendly, offer multi-cuisine options and if you are planning a solo trip the city is a safe place to enjoy. Why to wait, plan a trip to Pondicherry in Winters which is ideal month in terms of climate and activity.
Pack your bag and explore the unexplored places with Hema……
FAQs
- Is Pondicherry in Tamil Nadu or Kerala?
Pondicherry is not a part of any of the State, thus, the city doesn’t fall in Tamil Nadu or Kerala. Pondicherry is a Union Territory, and bus services are available from Chennai Bus Stand, which is near to Chennai Airport. - Is Pondicherry good for tourists?
Pondicherry is the most beautiful place and for tourists it offers a memorable and unforgettable experience. The clean beaches, museums, spiritual retreats, and the white houses representing the famous French culture. - Which is better: Ooty or Pondicherry?
Both the places offer scenic beauty, Ooty proffers mountains whereas Pondicherry gives coastal experience. The climate is pleasant in both destinations, but Ooty’s weather is quite colder as compared to Pondicherry. Now, it depends on your travel taste, A Mountain Guy or a Beach Guy? - Which is cheaper, Ooty or Pondicherry?
In South India, Ooty is popular hill station, thus, the travel cost is higher. The resorts and dining options are quite expensive. Whereas Pondicherry is budget friendly, the hotels are in wide range and south Indian food fill your tummy in budget friendly price. - What is Pondicherry famous for?
Pondicherry is famous for the beaches, islands, French culture & heritage, well known spiritual retreats like Auroville – known as City of Dawn. The food of Pondicherry gives mixed taste of South Indian and French Food. For adventurous people, Pondicherry offers various water sports activities. - Is Pondicherry cheaper or Goa?
Goa is a very popular tourist destination as compared to Pondicherry, although both offer the same experience. The water sports activities are available in both places, but Pondicherry offers budget friendly prices, in comparison to Goa. The hotels and food are also expensive in Goa, whereas Pondicherry has wide range of budgeted hotels. - Pondicherry to Rameshwaram?
The convenient way to reach Pondicherry is by train and the nearest railway station is Madurai Railway Station which takes around 3 to 4 hours to reach Pondicherry. By bus it takes around 8 to 10 hours and by car the journey is around 7 to 8 hours.