Pondicherry is categorised as Heritage / Beachside / Adventure
Reasons to Visit
- The Union Territory of Pondicherry, now officially known as Puducherry is situated on the East Coast Road (ECR) about 160 kms South of Chennai.
- Pondicherry is a popular destination in South India for Inbound guests on the heritage itinerary covering other areas like Mahabalipuram, Chidambaram, Thanjavur, Madurai etc.
- Pondicherry is a popular weekend getaway ex-Chennai and Bangalore and a flight getaway ex-all major cities in India having direct connectivity with Chennai.
- Pondicherry, an erstwhile French colony, still retains much evidence of its colonial history.
- Pondicherry retains the French influence in the layout of the city. The numbering of the houses is unique compared to other cities in Tamil Nadu, in that all with the even numbers are on one side and the odd number are on the opposite side of the road.
- The entire Pondicherry, town is divided into two sections, The Old City or the French Quarter ('Ville Blanche' or 'White town') and the Tamil quarter ('Ville Noire' or 'Black Town').
- The French Quarter is where colonial buildings, quiet street alongside the Pondicherry promenade. This is where a lot of small and charming heritage hotels are situated.
- Pondicherry city has many colonial buildings, churches, temples, and statues, which, combined with the systematic town planning and the well-planned French style avenues, still preserve much of the colonial ambience.
- There are also interesting variants of French and Tamil architecture found in Pondicherry that will interest anyone interested in colonial era architecture.
- Most guests arriving in Pondicherry visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram located on rue de la Marine.
- 8 km from Pondicherry is Auroville (City of Dawn), "experimental" township. 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.
- Guests from France like to stay longer in Pondicherry as they feel at home with French being widely spoken language and French cuisine served at a lot of restaurants.
- For honeymooners and couples who want to explore, Pondicherry represents a charming option. There are several small and charming restaurants serving a variety of cuisine especially in the French Quarters area.
- French, Italian, Continental cuisine is available at quite a few restaurants. In Indian ethnic cuisine Chettinad Cuisine (Chettinad is an area South of Madurai in Tamilnadu having its own cuisine variant which is famous for its spice laced tasty vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes) restaurants are popular for evening dining out.
- Pondicherry can also be a base point to visit several pilgrimage destinations. Karikal (120 km) has a Shani temple. Chidambaram (50 km) has a Nataraja temple. Tiruvannamalai (100 km) has the famous Ramana Maharshi Ashram and Arunachaleshwar Temple. Mahabalipuram (100 km) and Kancheepuram (120 km) are also accessible from here.
- Closer to Pondicherry there are interesting temples including a Hanuman Temple (30 km). In and around Pondicherry there are some interesting temples that are worth visiting for guests on a Pilgrimage such as The Varadaraja Temple (12th Century Lord Narsimha temple), Vedapureeswarer Temple (18th century Shiva temple), Manakkula Vinayakar Temple (Lord Ganesha temple) and Karikal Ammaiyar Temple (this holy temple of a saint which is one among 63 saints of Lord Shiva).
- Drive to Pondicherry from Chennai is one of the most scenic. East Coast Road, the coastal highway and now a well-maintained toll road, is one that is a delight for a biker and a driving enthusiast.
- Pondicherry is home to Scuba diving centre that is popular with getaway seekers
Know It
- Pondicherry town interestingly does not have a beach but has a promenade, which is good for an evening walk (except Sundays when it gets crowded). There are beaches on both sides of the Pondicherry town where a few beach resorts are situated.
Recommendations
- Scuba Diving Destinations on Mainland India"Temple Adventures in Pondicherry is the India's first and perhaps the only dive centre on eastern Coast. There are about 20 sites ranging from 5m to 40m depth. Dives for beginners and professionals are offered alongwith certification courses."
- Destinations offering Heritage Walks in India"Puducherry has a wealth of heritage buildings of both French and Tamil architectural styles. Walks in Pondicherry look to capture contrasting architectures alongwith prominent historical monuments of Pondicherry"
- Beach and Backwater Destinations of India"Pondicherry is a renowned heritage destination which has a promenade right in city centre and beaches around it. A little known fact is that Pondicherry has backwater stretch at a few kilometers to the South over Chunnambar River which is popular with getaway seekers. Pondicherry has one of the best Scuba diving facility in mainland India and is popular with getaway seekers."
- Destinations in Tamil Nadu for the Holiday Traveller"Pondicherry (100 kms from Mahabalipuram) is a beachside destination and renowned for its French heritage and beach resorts. Pondicherry offers a charming stay for honeymooners and many sightseeing / things to do options for Holiday travellers (Backwaters boat trip, Scuba Diving, Auroville visit etc.). Pondicherry is popular for a 2 night stay. "
- Beach Getaways in Pondicherry and Tamilnadu"A popular beach getaway ex-Chennai (160 kms) and Bangalore (300+ kms) and a flight getaway ex-all major cities in India having direct connectivity with Chennai."
- Seaside Destinations in India with Colonial Heritage"French Quarters area in Pondicherry near Promenade is renowned for its homes sporting French heritage character. These are now converted into heritage hotels and visited by heritage travellers from all over the world for its distinct heritage character, heritage walks and charming restaurants serving ethnic and world cuisine. "
Access Information
- Nearest Airport -Chennai (160 kms), Trichy (204 kms), Salem (220 kms)
- Nearest Railway Station - Pondicherry
- Pondicherry is an Ex-Chennai / Ex-Trichy / Ex-Bangalore / Ex-Madurai / Ex-Coimbatore / Ex-Mysore / Ex-Trichur / Ex-Calicut / Ex-Cochin (Ernakulam) Getaway
- Pondicherry is connected by Day train with Chennai
- Pondicherry is connected by Overnight train with Bangalore, New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata
- Pondicherry is connected by Day bus with Chennai
- Pondicherry is connected by Overnight Bus with Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Cochin (Ernakulam)
Pondicherry
has
23
Hotels approved and listed with Nivalink
| Category | Count |
| Standard | 1 |
| Mid-segment | 4 |
| Premium | 12 |
| Luxury | 1 |
| Experiential | 5 |
| Type of Hotels | Count |
| Hotel | 16 |
| Resort | 6 |
| Homestay | 1 |
For Reviewing all Pondicherry Hotels, rates, offers and making online reservation requests Click here
9 verified holiday itineraries are listed for Pondicherry
| Category | Count |
| Getaway (1-3 nights) | 2 |
| Short Break (4-6 nights) | 2 |
| Holiday (7 or more) | 5 |
Click here - For reviewing summary, detailed itinerary, route map, access points, expert comments, departure dates (where applicable), rates and customisation options
Getaway
- Extended Pondicherry Getaway (3 Nights)
- Pondicherry Getaway (2 Nights)
Short Break
- Pondicherry - Yercaud Break (5 Nights)
- Pondicherry with Mahabalipuram (5 Nights)
Holiday
- A week with Tamilnadu and Pondicherry Heritage (7 Nights)
- Best of Tamilnadu and Pondicherry Heritage with Kodaikanal (8 Nights)
- Picturesque South with Goa (21 Nights)
- South India Coastal Explorer (12 Nights)
- Total Temple Heritage Circuit of Tamil Nadu (10 Nights)
For an itinerary customised to your tastes and preferences email to
holidays@nivalink.co.in or call +91-22-61506363 to speak to our travel planners.
Pondicherry has 2 Transport services that can be booked online. Click here for reviewing and booking them.
Day Sightseeing
| Services | Rates Starting From |
| Day visit Chennai to Pondicherry and back | Rs. 3778 |
Point to Point Transport
| Services | Rates Starting From |
| Pickup from Chennai and Drop to Pondicherry | Rs. 6112 |
For any other transport services for
Pondicherry
email to transportations@nivalink.co.in
or call +91-22-61506363 to speak to our travel assistants.
Pondicherry
has
4
Add Ons approved and listed with Nivalink.
| Category | Count |
| Activities | 1 |
| Guide Services | 1 |
| Walking Tours | 2 |
Click here for Reviewing all Pondicherry Add Ons, rates and making online reservation requests.
Activities
| Services | Rates Starting From |
| Scuba Diving in Pondicherry | Rs. 7556 |
Guide Services
| Services | Rates Starting From |
| Audio Guide for Pondicherry | Rs. 250 |
Walking Tours
| Services | Rates Starting From |
| The French Quarter Walk in Pondicherry | Rs. 3334 |
| The Tamil Quarter Walk in Pondicherry | Rs. 3334 |
25 Travel Ideas listed for Pondicherry. Click here for reviewing them.
Destination Ideas
- Churches in Pondicherry
- East Coast Road (ECR) Experience
- Golden Chariot - Luxury Train Experience
- Pondicherry Getaway
- Pondicherry Heritage Getaway
- Pondicherry Heritage Walk – Ashram Walk
- Pondicherry Heritage Walk – Walk on the French Heritage
- Pondicherry Heritage Walk on Tamil Quarter area
Stay Ideas
- Dune Eco Village – A Rustic Eco-friendly getaway
- Le Pondy Pondicherry – A luxury escape
- Maison Perumal Experience
- Ocean Spray Pondicherry – A Luxury Escape
- Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay - Premium Getaway
- RKN Beach Resort – A beach getaway
- The Promenade Pondicherry
- Zest Breaks Big Beach Pondicherry Getaway
Festivals linked to Pondicherry (Pondicherry)- Bastille Day
- Birth Anniversary of Sri Aurobindo
- Fete De Pondicherry
- French Food Festival
- International Yoga Festival
- Masimagam Festival
- Pongal in Pondicherry
- The Mother's Birth Anniversary
- Villianur Temple Car Festival
For expert insights and recommendations - email to
expert@nivalink.co.in