Pondicherry – Travel Advice

Pondicherry Place to See

FAQ – About Pondicherry

What are the things to do in Pondicherry at night?

Explore lounge bars and pubs, dance away at one of the many nightclubs, go on a dinner date at a romantic diner, take a refreshing walk on the Promenade beach, or have a bonfire night on the beach with your best pals. There are myriad things to do in Pondicherry at night.

What are the exciting things to do in Pondicherry on New Year?

Pondicherry is loaded with upmarket restaurants, lounges, clubs, and hotels that host New Year parties and fiestas on every New Year eve. You can spend the night at many of the popular clubs and concerts with renowned DJs playing hit numbers. There are many hotels and event halls in Pondicherry that host grand New Year eve parties and give out special discounts on food and liquor for the evening. For a quiet New Year celebration, you can head out to any of the beaches and witness a sky illuminated with colorful fireworks once the clock strikes twelve.

What are the things to do in Pondicherry with friends?

You and your friends can indulge in a plethora of activities when in Pondicherry. You can go for surfing at Serenity Beach, scuba diving, ride bicycles across the town, explore the French architecture on foot, hit the many chic cafes and restaurants, go on a boat ride to Paradise Island, try watersports at Karaikal Beach, and enjoy the nightlife near Promenade Beach.

What is the best time to go to Pondicherry?

The time between October to February is perfect for visiting Pondicherry for various activities like sightseeing and indulging in watersports.

What is Pondicherry famous for?

Pondicherry is famous for its colonial architecture, a mix of French and Tamilian culture and heritage, and its gorgeous beaches.

What should I buy in Pondicherry?

One can buy things like incense sticks, aromatic candles, essential oils, handmade paper articles, Tamilian handicrafts, cotton dresses, and metal articles while shopping in Pondicherry.

What should I wear in Pondicherry?

One should wear light cotton clothes in Pondicherry and carry a scarf or hat to shield themselves from the blazing sun.

Which are the famous sightseeing places in Pondicherry?
Here are some of the best places to visit in Pondicherry:

  • Paradise Beach
  • Auroville
  • Rock Beach
  • Old Lighthouse
  • Sri Aurobindo Ashram
  • Raj Niwas
  • French War Memorial
  • Mahatma Gandhi Statue
What are the different things and activities to do in Pondicherry?
You will be surprised by the array of activities to do in Pondicherry, wanting you to extend your trip a bit more, Below mentioned are some of the best things to do in Pondicherry

  • Scuba Diving
  • Surfing at Serenity Beach
  • Visit Auroville
  • Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram
  • Explore Rock Beach
  • Visit Pondicherry Museum
  • Water activities at Karaikal beach
Which are the famous beaches in Pondicherry?
Here are some of the top beaches in Pondicherry:

  • Promenade Beach
  • Serenity Beach
  • Mahe Beach
  • Auroville Beach
  • Paradise Beach
  • Reppo Beach
Which are the best resorts to stay in Pondicherry?
Being a popular tourist destination, there are numerous stunning resorts in Pondicherry. a popular tourist destination. However, there are some that are a class above the rest and cater effortlessly to today’s discerning traveller. Have a look.

  • Gate House
  • La Maison Tamoule
  • CGH Earth Hotel Maison Perumal
  • LeDupleix
  • Hotel Du Parc
Which are the best beach resorts to stay in Pondicherry?
Holidaying in a coastal city like Pondicherry provides numerous opportunities for beach fun. If you love the sound of the sea and can’t be bothered travelling a ways to get to the beach, stay at a beach resort. Here are 4 of the best beach resorts in Pondicherry –

  • Kailash Beach Resort
  • Asokam Beach Resort
  • Beach View Resort
  • The Ashok Beach Resort
Our Recommendation: What You Can’t Afford to Miss?

Beaches

You can visit 9 beaches in Pondy. Quiet beach in Pondicherry is a calm and a serene location. It is located 8 kilometers from this place and provides you tranquility. The Karaikal beach is a decent hangout for friends and family, where you can play water sports and enjoy the sunrise. Mahe beach has beautiful palms on the coastline and white sands. Promenade beach is great for walking and strolling. You can live in the boat house and enjoy kayaking in Paradise beach. You can also visit the Serenity beach, reppo beach, and Auroville beach for a peaceful time.

Culture and heritage centers

You can visit many places of religion like, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus church, Chidambaram temple, and many other temples dedicated to Ganesha and Lord Vishnu. You can also visit the Anglo-French textile mills, Pondicherry museum, and memorials to get a taste of French and Roman culture. 

Parks and Aquariums

Botanical gardens provide vibrant species of plants, herbs, and flowers. This is a place not to be missed by nature lovers. You can also visit the Bharathi Park and Keezhoor Park for sightseeing. 

Auroville

This is one of the best places to visit in Pondy. You can visit the ashram, Matrimandir, and spend a day here in meditation and take courses in cooking, ayurvedic medicine, yoga, and other wellness programs. You can also enjoy street shopping in Auroville and bring home artistic artifacts.

What would you like there?

French style architect

You will enjoy the French culture and the global cuisine, wine, and continental food when in Pondy. You can relish on these dishes and enjoy the local cuisine as well when you visit this place.

Tranquility and nature

For those who love to live their lives in calm and serene atmosphere, this is the right place to be. Not too popular for nightlife, you can visit this place for experiencing global culture and scenic habitat.

Yoga and outdoor sports

You can learn yoga and meditation while in Pondy. For people who are spiritually inclined as well as those who want to take a course in scuba diving and other water sports, this is the best place to be.

Shopping sprees

You will not find luxurious malls in Pondicherry, but it has always been popular for street shopping. The local bazaars are stocked with artistic handicrafts, showpieces, clothes, jewelry, incense, candles, and more home décor items. 

Food and nightlife

Though, you will not find the nightlife Ibiza style, it is good enough to satiate your recreational needs. The food is something people love about Pondy. Your platter of steak and wine, dressed in French style and more can give you mouth watering moments. 

Drinking Laws

The legal age for drinking is above 18 years in this autonomous Union territory, Pondicherry. You cannot carry liquor from Pondicherry to any other state. 

Tipping

You can give a tip of 10% of the bill, as this is also followed as a standard tipping etiquette in Pondicherry restaurants. For porters, you can give a tip of 20 to 25 INR per bag. Auto drivers are also likely to ask you a tip if you are travelling long distances.

When is the best time to visit Pondicherry?

The best time to visit Pondicherry is from October to February. This is the winter time when temperatures range between 22 degree celsius to 32 degree celsius.

Summers: One can also visit during summers if he/she does not mind some sun. During this time, the temperatures range from 26 degree celsius to 42 degree celsius.

Monsoons: Monsoons can be a little unpredictable but it adds to the natural beauty of the place. Temperature ranges from 25 degree celsius to 35 degree celsius during these months.

How to reach Pondicherry?

Pondicherry is well connected by Road, Rail and Air.

By Air Pondicherry has a Domestic airport that is well connected to Bengaluru through regular flights. Also for international travellers, one can travel to Chennai and Trichy and travel onwards to Pondicherry which is a few hours from either places by road besides flying in from Bengaluru.

By Rail Nearest station to Pondicherry is Villupuram. The station is linked to major cities such as New Delhi, Kolkata, Mangalore, Mumbai, Bhubaneshwar, Chennai, Bengaluru. Nagarcoli Express and Pondicherry Express are two of the most popular trains travelling to Pondicherry.

By Road Pondicherry is well connected by road with cities like Chennai and Bengaluru. One can take an overnight bus to reach the destination by road or book a taxi to the destination from Chennai or Bengaluru.

Which are best places to stay near Pondicherry Airport?
If you have an early flight home, it makes sense to stay close to Pondicherry Airport. There are several good hotels you can choose from that are located about 15-20 drive away. Take your pick from these 5 popular choices –

  • Hotel Atithi
  • Shenbaga Hotel & Convention Centre
  • Hotel Bon Sejour
  • Ginger Hotel
  • Hotel Annamalai International
Which are the best homestays in Pondicherry?
Get up close and personal with Pondicherry’s culture and make new connections with locals by opting for a homestay. Tastefully decorated with a homely feel, these 5 options are among the most popular.

  • Gratitude Heritage
  • Les Hibiscus
  • Nila Home Stay
  • Dumas Guest House
  • Vatika Guest Home
What are the best romantic resorts in Pondicherry for couples?
Couples looking to get away from it all and spend time in each other’s company will find terrific romantic resorts in Pondicherry. French colonial architecture with hints of Indian elements and unmatched hospitality and service await you at these charming resorts:

  • Palais de Mahe
  • Villa Shanti
  • La Villa Pondicherry
  • Grand Serenaa Hotel & Resorts
Which are the best budget stays in Pondicherry?
Go easy on your wallet without sacrificing comfort with budget stays in Pondicherry. Strategically located and featuring modern conveniences, they’ll help make your stay in the city unforgettable.

  • Hotel Ram International
  • Hotel Coromandel Heritage
  • Hotel Green Palace
  • Ramana Residency
  • Vedanta Wake Up! – Auroville Beach
Which are the best hubs for shopping in Pondicherry?
Pondicherry offers a range of items that tourists would love to take back with them besides of course unforgettable memories. A few places for every shopper are:

  • Casablanca
  • Muthu Silk Plaza
  • Mission Street
  • Serenity Beach Bazaar
What is the best local cuisine out here? Where can I get to try it out?
Pondicherry is famous for its French, Italian and South Indian delicacies. One should definitely try the bakery products on Baker’s street, try the Chettinad chicken at Appachi and pizza at Tanto Pizerria. A few other important eating joints where one can find local cuisine are:

  • Cafe des Arts
  • Le Cafe
  • Cafe Artrika
  • Carte Blanche at De’Lorient
  • La Maison Rose
Which are the famous spiritual centers in Pondicherry?
Pondicherry is famous for its spiritual centres which attract people from the world over. Few of the most famous centres are:

  • Shri Aurobindo Ashram
  • Auroville
  • Manakula Vinayagar Temple
  • Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Where can one enjoy boating in Pondicherry?

One can enjoy boating in the Chunnambar boathouse.

Which are the best beaches for surfing in Pondicherry?
Pondicherry sees a lot of tourists surfing on its picturesque beaches. Few of the popular beaches for surfing are:

  • Serenity Beach
  • Auroville Beach
Where can i enjoy Kayaking in Pondicherry?

The most popular kayaking destination in Pondicherry is Karaikal beach. Kayaking and Canoeing is a much popular water sport there.

Where can i enjoy scuba diving in Pondicherry?
Scuba Diving is one of a kind experience. It opens one up to the marvels of the underwater world. The coral reefs and mosaic of different coloured fishes makes the visual experience almost surreal. It is definitely a high priority activity for any tourist who intends to make the trip to Pondicherry worth every penny. The most famous Scuba Diving spots in Pondicherry are:

  • Temple Reef
  • 4 corners
  • Coral Shark Reef
  • Ravines
  • Aravind’s Wall
  • Padi Dive Center
  • The Hole

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