Pudducherry is a former French Colony located on the South eastern coast of India, in the state of Tamil Nadu. In 1954, a Treaty of Concession was signed by India and France and French was preserved as the official language of the Union Territory.
A lot of influence of the French culture can be seen here. Pudducherry is also known as the French Riviera of the East.
Best For:
The place is well symbolic of the French taste and architecture that reflects the medieval era of European culture. For tourist, this place is a lovely mélange of the well planned townships built by the French that reflects their style and grandeur, and the touch of Indian-ness.
The History of Pondicherry can be traced back to the 2nd century AD. The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, of the early 2nd Century, AD, mentions a marketplace named Poduke (ch. 60), which G.W.B. Huntingford identified as possibly being Arikamedu (now part of Ariyankuppam), about 2 miles from the modern Pondicherry. Huntingford further notes that Roman pottery was found at Arikamedu in 1937, and archeological excavations between 1944 and 1949 showed that it was "a trading station to which goods of Roman manufacture were imported during the first half of the 1st century AD"
The French settled in Pudducherry in the early 18th century. The French gave up their control of Pondicherry only some 50 years ago. While the west coast was primarily dominated by the British and Portuguese travelers, the South East coast was dominated by French troops. The architectural heritage and culture is a reminder of the colonial French days.
The weather is pleasant and the temperatures is mild but the city receives a lot of rainfall. Because of its proximity to the sea it is prone to storms and cyclones. One can experience a mild degree of humidity here. The best time to visit this place is anytime between October and March.
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the acceptable form of currency here. Money can be changed at Canara Bank and LPX Fores. Both these places change cash as well as travellers cheques. You can also find ATM's of various banks like ICICI and UTI around town.
A tourist visa applicable for the entire country (India) will be sufficient.
A flight till Chennai and a drive from there is recommendable.
Domestic Flights
Trichy airport is 220 kms away. Other airports are located at Chennai, Madurai and Bangalore.
International Flight:
There are no direct international flights. The closest international airport is in Chennai, which is around 135 kms from puducherry (approx. 2 ½ hrs. journey). Another international airport is located at Bangalore (320 kms).
Road Travel
Pudducherry is well connected to all districts and major towns of various states like Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Andra Pradesh. Pudducherry is best accessible by road, either by bus or by taxi. There are frequent buses, almost every 15 minutes in the day from Chennai. Pondicherry is well connected to Cuddalore, Chidambaram, Karaikal, Nagapattinam, Velankanni, etc to the South by a road not so commonly called as ECR. The road is well maintained till Chidambaram.
Train Travel
The train route is not very popular. Villupuram is the nearest railway station and it is fairly well connected to places like Chennai, Madurai and Trichy.
French Quarter A heritage walk on the streets of French Quarter is the best way to see the French architecture of Pondicherry. Also see the French Consulate, Town Hall, Bharathi Park and Dumas, Romain Rolland and Suffren Sts. The Romain Rolland Library, the public library, has an invaluabale collection of more than 60,000 rare French Books.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram The Ashram main building was the abode of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother during most of their stay in Pondicherry. In the inner courtyard is the Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. The Ashram is open to all for Darshan during fixed hours every day
Auroville A utopian commune home to alternative lifestyles and sustainable living.
Botanical Gardens The Botanical Gardens are located south of the New Bus Stand. These Gardens were laid out in 1826 in the ornate French style with pruned trees, beautiful flower beds and gravel lined paths and fountains. With over 1500 species of plants, this is one of the best botanical gardens in South India.
Bharathi Park The Government Park or Bharati Park is in the green centre of the French Town and its lush trees provide ample relief from the sun on a hot summer day. With children playing in ponds, on their hill or in the traffic park, grown-ups sitting or lying on granite benches & families on a picnic the park is the most appreciated public area in town.
The Museum Situated opposite the Raj Nivas on St Louis Street, the museum houses an interesting collection of excavated artifacts from days of Roman trade with India and French colonial paraphernalia. One can also find sculptures from the Pallava and Chola period. The museum is housed in an interesting colonial building.
Keezhoor: [28 kms] It is a small but vibrant village located in the Kottayam District. In the year 1954 voting took place here for the merger of Puducherry with the Indian Union.
Chunnambar: [8 kms] This tropical paradise is flanked by a quiet-flowing creek on one side. You can sail downstream to the sands and pitch up a cozy seaside tent for yourself. Trekking within the tree-houses on the backwater banks provides a relishing experience of the great outdoors
Kizhur [22 kms]: There are many temples in this village like Shiva Temple, Mariamman Koil, Kali Koil, etc. A lovely, and a peaceful village, it is a hub for religious activities.
Where To Eat: Pondicherry is known for its wide variety of cuisines from South Indian delicacies like idly and dosa to seafood like fried fish, prawn bajji and parota.Though the French history has an influence on the cuisine options here but the best options are still the local delicacies-sea food. Good French food is available at restaurants around the French part of town.
Source : wikitravel Where To Stay:
There are a many good hotels in Pudducherry. One can find good number of luxury hotels and boarding and lodging places around town.
Budget travellers on a spritual tour can also consider staying at Aurbindo Ashram The place is clean and very beautiful but you cant smoke drink or eat non veg here.
