Pondicherry or Puducherry is a Union territory of the Republic of India which was a French settlement until 1954. Even though the colonisers have left it still holds the traces of colonial culture. With our list of things to do in Pondicherry, you will know exactly what to do and get yourself in and around Pondicherry. Pondicherry is situated on the southeast coast of India in the state of Tamil Nadu. This beautiful town will give you the feeling of the colonial British and French presence. The colonial street and the buildings giving a remarkably amazing feeling of the colonial culture at each step you take through the town. The major attractions in this town are related to the culture inherited. The place still holds the colonial culture and tradition of the French, not just in the structure of the town and the buildings but also in the culture and traditions of the people.
How To Reach Pondicherry?
Pondichery is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in the Southern Region of the country which is easily accesible from all major cities of the country. The nearest airport to Pondicherry is the Pondicherry Airport itself, but it is accessible only to small airplanes and training for flying school. It can accommodate only small flights and has direct flights only from Bangalore and Hyderabad. The second nearest airport to Pondicherry is the Chennai International Airport, which is located almost 149Km away. The nearest railway station to Pondicherry is Villianur Railway Station, 7Km away from the town but the most used and easily accessed railway station near Pondicherry is Villupuram Railway Station which is around 40Km away from Pondicherry. Pondicherry is easily accessible through road as it falls on National Highway 45 that connects the major cities. Therefore, reaching Pondicherry is never a difficult task at all.
From Bangalore To Pondicherry
A trip from Bangalore to Pondicherry can be planned through various routes. There are direct flights available from Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore to Pondicherry Airport as well as Chennai International Airport. The distance between Bangalore and Pondicherry by road is almost 350Km and varies depending on the National Highway, which taken a journey of almost 6-7 Hours. There are direct trains available from Bangalore as well as connected Trains are available from various stations of Bangalore.
From Mumbai To Pondicherry
Taking a road trip between Mumbai and Pondicherry is going to take a little longer as it is almost 1,300Km which would take almost a day’s journey. There are no direct flights between Mumbai and Pondicherry. All are connected flights available from Bangalore, Hyderabad, or Chennai International Airport. The railway station, Villupuram is almost 40-50Km away from Pondicherry.
From Hyderabad To Pondicherry
The distance between Hyderabad and Pondicherry is 780Km which is a journey of almost 13 hours. There are direct flights from the Hyderabad Airport to Pondicherry Airport, which would be easy to travel by air. There are railway services available as well to the Villupuram Station.
Things To Do In Pondicherry
Want to experience a little of freedom and adventure in the peaceful town of Pondicherry?Here are few amazing things you shouldn’t miss being in Pondicherry.
1.On A Tour
The town of Pondicherry is referred to as a peaceful place filled with a lot of spots for the tourists to make the most out of their visit. And therefore, the first thing to do after you arrive is to take a tour around the town. You can either rent a bicycle or a motorbike to go around the place.
2.Scuba Diving
Located on the coastline of the Bay of Bengal, it is a heavenly destination for scuba diving in the country. The clear water in this region gives a stunning view of the aquatic life and a mesmerizing underwater experience.
3.The Shopping
Never return from Pondicherry empty-handed. The Bazaars and the street markets in the town t are always happy to welcome the visitors with the exciting products and artifacts that you can take as a soviegner of your trip.
4.The Beaches
There is a number of beaches in this area that are amazingly scenic with golden sand beds. Many aquatic events are organized in these beaches to attract tourists.
5.The Food
Entering a different city itself produces a vibe of taste in us. There are a number of cafes and restaurants in the City of Pondicherry that serve the best taste adding up the spices of not just the southern flavors but also with the French touch in it.
What Are The Best Places To Visit In Pondicherry?
The Beaches
Pondicherry is known for its famous beaches like the Auroville Beach, Rock Beach, Paradise Beach, Reppo Beach, Serenity Beach, Mahi Beach, which are the famous attractions of the place known for its clear waters, clean surroundings, and the clear view of aquatic life.
The Old Lighthouse
One of the most renowned historical places in Pondicherry is the old Lighthouse that was built during the French rule. This amazing structure which was once used as the guide in the sea rests today as a memory and a pride of the town.
Monuments And Statues
There are various statues and monuments in the town that still stands gloriously to make the place more attractive. The Gandhi Mandapam Statue, Kargil War Memorial, Joan Of Arc Statue, French War Memorial, and Dupleix Statue are a few of them.
French Town
The French Town or the French Colony in Pondicherry still stands as beauty of architecture and the structure of the French rule. It is quite a popular and charming place that mainly attracts tourists to the town.
What Are The Happening Places In Pondicherry?
Pubs And Nightclubs
The best happening place in Pondicherry is definitely the nightlife. The happening places other than a romantic walk on the beaches are the nightclubs and the pubs that are safe to hang out with your friends.
Restaurants
The place has the best restaurants be for a romantic candlelight dinner or to just hang out with friends or family.
How safe is Pondicherry as a solo women traveller?
Pondichery is one of the major tourist attractions in the country on the coastal sides. A large number of riders and travellers visit the place and a good number of them are solo women travellers. The place is not just peaceful in its winds but also through the streets and the roads as well.
Which Is The Best Beach In Pondicherry?
All the beaches are equally the best with the various on-going activities and beauty. But the most known beach in the town is Promenade Beach. It is the most visited one and is also known as Rock Beach with a stretch of 1.2Km.
Conclusion
Pondicherry is one of the most preferred destination for summer getaways in South India as it is a quaint little town best for relaxing and simply relishing the best things in life. From going on a walk on the clean and not-too-crowded beaches like Promenade, Paradise and Serenity and watching the sun traversing the sky to exploring the French Quarter on a bike, every experience is truly unique. The city is also a paradise for the religious tourism as it is dotted with numerous temples and church. Stopping by the museums and take bike trip through the historical quarters are two activities cultural enthusiasts can do in the town. Partying at the bars and nightclubs and dining at the multicuisine restaurants in Pondicherry are must do’s among the things to do in Pondicherry.
