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Pondicherry

Pondicherry | India
Best Season to Travel
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Pondicherry is categorised as Heritage / Beachside / Adventure


Pondicherry Promenade
Aurobindo Ashram
Panchamukha Hanuman Temple - Panchvatee Kshetram (Nivalink Trip Dated - 25 July 2016)
French Quarters
Cycle Rickshaw Heritage Ride in morning
French War Memorial
Tamil Quarters area (Nivalink Trip Dated - 25 July 2016)
Fish Market Pondicherry (Nivalink Trip Dated - 25 July 2016)
Market area (Nivalink Trip Dated - 25 July 2016)
Governor's Bungalow (Nivalink Trip Dated - 25 July 2016)
Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges (Nivalink Trip Dated - 25 July 2016)
Museum (Nivalink Trip Dated - 25 July 2016)
Scuba Diving in Pondicherry - Photo Courtesy Temple Adventure
Bharati Park (Photo Courtesy: BishkekRocks)
Chunnambar Boat House
Sacred Heart Church Pondicherry
Manakula Vinayagar Temple
Auroville

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

Pondicherry has 23 Hotels approved and listed with Nivalink

CategoryCount
Standard1
Mid-segment4
Premium12
Luxury1
Experiential5
Type of HotelsCount
Hotel16
Resort6
Homestay1

For Reviewing all Pondicherry Hotels, rates, offers and making online reservation requests Click here

9 verified holiday itineraries are listed for Pondicherry

CategoryCount
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

List of Holidays for Pondicherry

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

ServicesRates Starting From
Day visit Chennai to Pondicherry and backRs. 3778

Point to Point Transport

ServicesRates Starting From
Pickup from Chennai and Drop to PondicherryRs. 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.

CategoryCount
Activities1
Guide Services1
Walking Tours2

Click here for Reviewing all Pondicherry Add Ons, rates and making online reservation requests.

List of Service Add Ons for Pondicherry

Activities

Services Rates Starting From
Scuba Diving in PondicherryRs. 7556

Guide Services

Services Rates Starting From
Audio Guide for PondicherryRs. 250

Walking Tours

Services Rates Starting From
The French Quarter Walk in PondicherryRs. 3334
The Tamil Quarter Walk in PondicherryRs. 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

  • NameDescriptionCategorySub-CategoryDistance(Kms)
    The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a well known ashram in Pondicherry with devotees from India and all over the world. The Ashram was founded by Sri Aurobindo, great philospoher and it represents a combination of yoga and modern science.
    Institute
    Spirituality
    0
    Pondicherry has a renowned Promenade around the french quarters which is where locals converge on a sunday evening. Promenade otherwise is an excellent area for a walk and to visit in evening for some romantic restaurants in bylanes around.
    View Point
    Sea or Ocean or Beach
    1
    Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges is a well known church in Rue Dumas area and one of the impressive monuments of Pondicherry.
    Church
    Roman Catholic Church
    1
    French quarters is a colony of residential buildings with distinct colonial era french architecture. These are quiet bylanes that end up at the promenade. A morning or evening walk through these lanes can be very interesting and best way to explore French quarters.
    Activity
    Walking
    1
    Botanical Gardens in Pondicherry were laid out in 1826 in the French style with pruned trees, flower beds etc. The French introduced many exotic plants here later from all over the world. Botanical Gardens is a popular tourist visit option.
    Gardens
    Thematic
    4
    Kanniga Parameswari Temple on M.G.Road is an ancient Devi temple having a blend of both Tamil and French architecture
    Temple or Holy Place
    Devi Temple
    5
    Serenity Beach Bazaar is setup on weeekends. Its location is by the beach on East Coast Road (ECR), 5 kms north of Pondicherry. Here there are handicraft, garment and bag sellers from all over set up their shops.
    Shopping
    Weekly Haats and Flee Markets
    5
    Sacred Heart Church is a Roman Catholic Church in Pondicherry that is visited for its Gothic architecture besides its Pilgrimage importance. It contains rare stained glass panels depicting events from the life of Christ and saints of the catholic church.
    Church
    Roman Catholic Church
    5
    Anglo French Textiles, a Govt of Puducherry Undertaking is one of the leading manufacturers and exporters of 100% cotton. Anglo French Textiles are good for guests looking to purchase export quality cotton.
    Shopping
    General
    5
    Bharati Park is kind of a public park having many major monuments around it. The Aayi Mandapam a renowned monument lies at the centre of the Bharati Park.
    Gardens
    General
    6
    Varadaraja Perumal Temple is a Dravidan style ancient temple located centrally in Pondicherry and is believed to be the oldest temple in town dating back to 600 AD
    Temple or Holy Place
    Lord Vishnu
    6
    Pondicherry Museum has a gallery with sculptures and has the remains of archaeological findings from the Arikamedu Roman settlement. The museum also has a collection of rare bronzes and stone sculptures from the Pallava and Chola dynasties and artifacts excavated from Arikamedu (7 kms)
    Museum
    Archeological Museum
    6
    Manakula Vinayagar Temple is an ancient Lord Ganesha temple and is said to have been in existence before the French settled in Pondicherry. Its a popular visit option for locals and guests to Pondicherry.
    Temple or Holy Place
    Lord Ganesha
    6
    French War Memorial (1971) on Goubert Avenue is built in memory of French soldiers who lost their lives in First World War
    Historic Site
    Memorial
    6
    Jawahar Toy Museum is located on Goubert Avenue has a collection of over 120 dolls. The museum is open on all days except Monday.
    Museum
    Doll Museum
    7
    Auroville is an experimental township situated 8 km north of Pondicherry off East Coast Road. It was founded in 1968 by Mirra Richard (also known as The Mother), the spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo. The dome here is an architectural marvel and overall spread of the area and its character means that interested tourists and devotees arrive here all through the year.
    Institute
    Spirituality
    8
    Chunnambar is a local backwater stretch where a boat house has been setup where guests can do a bit of boating. Popular with locals and tourists who are not looking heritage elements of pondicherry.
    Rides
    Boating
    8
    Panchamukha Hanuman Temple is a renowned Lord Hanuman located 9 km from Pondicherry. The main deity is 36 feet high making it one of the tallest Hanuman idols in India. The area is commonly known as Panchavatee,
    Temple or Holy Place
    Lord Hanuman
    9
    Ousteri Lake is located towards north at a distance of 10 km from Pondicherry town (Pondicherry- Villupuram road). Wetland lies in both Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry having a wide range of aquatic species and is mainly a bird sanctuary and good for bird watchers.
    Activity
    Bird Watching
    10
  • NameDescriptionCategorySub-CategoryDistance(Kms)
    The main complex at Chidambaram Nataraja Temple also is home to Govindaraja Perumal Temple, one of the 108 divya desam temples of Lord Vishnu in Tamilnadu.
    Temple or Holy Place
    Lord Vishnu
    46
    Chidambaram is one of the five Pancha Bootha Sthalams and one of the most significant and visited temples of Shiva. Temple is spread over 40 acres and built around 10-11th century representing Chola period architecture. Chidambaram is the only known temple where Shiva is depicted performing Cosmic activities. The architecture of the temple is imposing and therefore visited by heritage traveller and those interested in temple architecture.
    Temple or Holy Place, Heritage Site
    Lord Shiva, Heritage Temple
    46
    Gingee Ranganathan is a Lord Vishnu temple having Lord Vishnu in a unique reclining pose 3 kms from Gingee fort.
    Temple or Holy Place
    Lord Vishnu
    70
    Gingee Fort is one of the few forts in Tamil Nadu. It was one of the most impregnable forts (with 20 meter walls) and therefore still visited by heritage travellers. The Gingee Fort complex is on three hillocks Krishnagiri, Rajagiri and Chandrayandurg set on a height of 800+ ft asl and spread over 7 sq kms. There are number of monuments within the fort that are still standing and worth a visit.
    Heritage Site
    Fort
    72
  • NameDescriptionCategorySub-CategoryDistance(Kms)
    Pondicherry is home to India's first and only East Coast Diving Center. There are more than 20 sites ranging from 5m to 40m depth with average ocean temperatures of 28 degree Celcius. Training and certification for PADI scuba diving courses are available. There is also a training available for qualified divers.
    Adventure
    Scuba Diving
    5

Destinations within reach from Pondicherry

  • Vellore ( 170 Km )

    Vellore is a destination on the banks of the Palar River on the site of Vellore Fort. Vellore has more

  • Thanjavur ( 176 Km )

    Thanjavur is an important center of South Indian art and architecture. The Brihadeeswara Temple is more

  • Trichy ( 204 Km )

    Trichy is one of the 4 most important business towns in Tamilnadu. It is generally visited along more

  • Salem ( 220 Km )

    Salem is gateway to idyllic hillside hamlet of Yercaud (35 km) and is part of Bangalore - Madurai more

  • Yercaud ( 236 Km )

    Yercaud is a plantation town at 4500 ft above sea level and 25 km uphill from Salem and an idyllic more

  • Kolar ( 300 Km )

    Kolar is situated 75 kms east of Bangalore on the Bangalore - Tirupati route and known for India's more

  • Nellore ( 328 Km )

    Nellore is a town located 175 kms North of Chennai in neighboring state of Andhra Pradesh. Nellore more

  • Madurai ( 339 Km )

    Madurai today is one of the busiest towns in Tamilnadu. The Meenakshi temple is awe-inspiring and more

  • Tirupur ( 342 Km )

    Tirupur is an industrial town at 55 kms from Coimbatore. Tirupur is also visited for the 10th more

  • Theni ( 382 Km )

    Theni is a railhead located 80 kms from Madurai and access point for plantation circuits of more

  • Tumkur ( 386 Km )

    Tumkur is an industrial town on outskirts of Bangalore (70 kms) on NH-206 and often a stopover for more

  • Palakkad ( 434 Km )

    Palakkad is the last city in Kerala before entering Tamilnadu (55 kms from Coimbatore) and home to more

  • Ooty ( 436 Km )

    Ooty (7500 ft asl) is one of the premier hill stations of India. It is known for its colonial more

  • Mysore ( 440 Km )

    Mysore is a heritage destination and well visited for the Mysore Palace and located most centrally more

  • Munnar ( 459 Km )

    Munnar is a premier hill station in Kerala. It is situated at about 6000 ft above sea level and more

  • Talakadu ( 460 Km )

    Talakad (also known as Talakadu) is a town on river Cauveri accessible via a boatride offering more

  • Teekoy ( 507 Km )

    Teekoy is a plantation area 43 kms from Kottayam enroute to Vagamon and home to some plantation more

  • Devala ( 508 Km )

    Devala is a plantation area set between Mudumalai and Wayanad, part of what once used to be more

  • Manapad ( 530 Km )

    Manapad is a coastal hamlet in near Tiruchendur. Manapad is where St. Francis Xavier came in 1542 more

  • Pala ( 534 Km )

    Pala is located 22 kms from Kottayam and is set around rubber Plantation highlands. Pala is home more

  • Belur ( 534 Km )

    Belur is visited for Hoysala era Temples that are renowned for their architecture and visited by more

Average Day / Night Temperature of Puducherry, Puducherry, India

January
29°C / 23°C
February
30°C / 24°C
March
32°C / 25°C
April
35°C / 28°C
May
37°C / 30°C
June
35°C / 28°C
July
35°C / 29°C
August
35°C / 27°C
September
34°C / 27°C
October
32°C / 26°C
November
32°C / 24°C
December
30°C / 24°C

Today's Weather

Temperature High:

Locality      Please click on the marker for more detailed Information

Getting There

Bus:
Pondicherry
Locality NameDescriptionSuitable ForHotels (Nos)
100 Feet-Road4 kms from town centre, a road that connects with Cuddalore road NH-45ABusiness/Holiday1
Chennai Road - ECRA City outskirts area, North of Pondicherry in close proximity to beaches where a few beach resorts / getaway resorts are situated.Holiday/Getaway1
City CentreLike any other Tier II city in Tamilnadu, narrow streets, bustle in morning and evenings with quieter afternoons. 2 kms from Promenade and French QuartersBusiness2
Cuddalore RoadA City outskirts area, South of Pondicherry in close proximity to beaches where a few beach resorts / getaway resorts are situated.Business4
French QuartersBylanes adjoining the promenade where heritage homes with french architecture are converted into charming heritage hotels. This area still remains untouched from developments in Pondicherry and retains its charm and character and where a number of small charming restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisine are located.Experiential8
KaruvadikuppamAn area just off ECR and 3 kms from town centre, recommended for business travellers.Business-
Sea FaceA popular evening hangout place for locals and a 1 km long promenade overlooking Bay of BengalHoliday/Getaway1
Tamil QuartersA colorful area next to French quarters. The area has a similar Geography to French quarters but is often full of chaos. The architecture of the houses in the area is distinctly Tamil India. Experiential5
AurovilleAuroville is a renowned commune a few kms north of Pondicherry founded by deciples of the great Philospher Aurobindo and now a major attraction for visitors to PondicherryHoliday/Getaway-
Tindivanam RoadTindivanam Road area is set at 10 kms from Pondicherry offering getaway resorts for corporate getaways, meets, conferences, events, banquets and local getaways.Getaway1
Nearest Airport in Pondicherry
  • Anna International Airport ( MAA ) , Chennai-160 Kms
Railway Stations in Pondicherry
  • Puducherry ( PDY ), Pondicherry
Recommended travel connections to Pondicherry from Major Cities.

Expert Connect

Nivalink has taken over 300 trips across India and select destinations overseas over last 10 years to verify hotels, evaluate destinations and understand its suitability with different profiles of customers across different seasons.

At Nivalink you are able to connect directly with experts who have travelled to these destinations and are able to offer novel ideas, honest perspectives and help you narrow down choices.

Email to expert@nivalink.co.in to connect with sector expert for specific ideas and recommendations.