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Altaf S.
Published in Sukuto . 7 min read . Jul 2024
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Puducherry, popularly known as Pondicherry, is a crowd favourite among young adults. From panoramic views to rock beaches, this place has it all. The Union Territory of Puducherry was set up in 1673 and included former French colonies like Puducherry, Mahe, Karaikal, and Yanam. It is situated on the coast of the Bay of Bengal and was the original headquarters of the French in India. Recently, it has gained popularity for its spiritual vibe and heritage buildings that reflect its ancestral roots and colonial past.
The French colony Pondicherry is a one-stop place for every tourist, which is why it should be on your bucket list for 2023.
Although the city has witnessed various invasions and reigns, the French influence is hard to miss. The White Town, located in the heart of the city, is a prime example of the same. These were the living quarters of the French and some of them have been converted into cafes and heritage buildings now.
Don't forget to take a walk down the narrow roads, surrounded by lush trees, yellow walls, and graffiti!
You can see the French-Tamil cultural mix in these buildings.
The French town of Puducherry, also known as the Heritage town is the next stop on the list. The streets are filled with colonial-era buildings and you can indulge in street shopping here. Another structure indicating the French presence is the War Memorial. It is illuminated with lights on the 14th of July every year in remembrance of the 75 lives lost during the First World War. The memorial is open to the public between 10:00 am and 05:00 pm.
If you are interested in art and craft, the Cluny Embroidery Centre is a must-visit. It was set up in 1829 to empower women of underprivileged sections of society. This beautiful bungalow was donated by a French woman and is run by Catholic nuns. At the entrance, you will be greeted with the sight of workstations filled with linen and crocheted tablecloths, cushion covers, and other handmade items.
Private exhibitions and museums have unique antique collections and historical data showcasing the origin and journey of Pondicherry.
The influence of French culture is also reflected in the cuisine available in Pondicherry.
Aurobindo Ashram is an ideal destination for your spiritual journey when looking for places to visit in Pondicherry. It was founded in 1926 and has a huge following of disciples from different nationalities and ethnicities. It is a large spiritual community following the teachings of Sri Aurobindo.
The Ashram has guest houses for tourists; you can pre-book them to ensure your stay. As they are limited in number, housing is provided only as per the availability. You can live in the community and learn more about their vision.
The Ashram exhibits its teachings, art, and way of living in its museum, open to all between 08:00 am - 11:30 am and 02:00 pm -06:00 pm.
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of the 12 basilicas in India. This was set up by the French and is well known for its gothic style of architecture and paintings. It is adorned with stained window panes and exhibits glass paintings of the life of Jesus and other paintings of his saints.
Another beautiful structure of the Christian faith is the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. The serene atmosphere attracts tourists year long. It is built in Portuguese style and is 300 years old. The Cathedral is the only church ['in the city that survived the war and the British invasion.
Pondicherry is a place of rich culture and history. Various buildings of different faiths around the city can be attributed to its diverse ethnic population. Sri Karaneswara Nataraja temple is a unique structure that should be visited while you are in the city. It was built to honour Lord Shiva, the lord of the dance. The original temple was destroyed in the Tsunami of 2004. Later, it was rebuilt in the shape of a pyramid. This geometric structure was planned to channel and maximize energy within the temple. There is also a temple built in the Dravidian style of architecture in honour of Lord Shiva. Shri Gokilambal Thirukameshwar temple dates back to the 12th century and is associated with the Chola dynasty.
Other places of worship include Kanniga Paremeshwari Temple, Meeran Mosque, Lady Des Angels church, and Shri Manakula Vinayagar Temple.
Beach hopping is a must-do when you are here. There are six main beaches surrounding Puducherry. The calm and serene beaches in Auroville are ideal for people looking to relax. It is also a spot for surfers due to the shallow waters. If you are looking forward to a beautiful ride, Paradise beach is your place. It is a ferry ride away from the main town. On your ride here, you might see a flock of migratory birds and mangrove forests. Tourists can also sign up for adventure activities such as Jet skiing, Kayaking, and Surfing.
The Promenade beach tops the list of Pondicherry tourist places. This beach is surrounded by multi-cuisine cafes and colonial architecture. Street art, War memorials, and statues of Joan of Arc are a few of the things to explore while you are here. It is also a sunrise and sunset destination.
There are a few other beaches such as Rock Beach, Serenity Beach, Karaikal Beach, and Veerampattinam Beach.
Other places of interest include Old Lighthouse, Arikamedu, Botanical Garden, Raj Niwas and many more.
The multi-cultural face of Pondicherry can be seen in its food. You can get authentic French, continental, and Italian cuisine around the city. Quirky designs, elegant furnishings and a peaceful vibe are the reasons why Pondicherry is a social media favourite.
You can walk through the streets of Pondicherry to get a first-hand experience of the place. But, you will require transportation to cover all of Pondicherry, particularly Auroville.
The ideal way is to rent out two wheelers in Pondicherry to explore the city. Local vendors are offering the services but it is often subject to hidden charges and vehicle availability.
There is a domestic airport in Pondicherry but it only has direct flights to and from Bangalore and Hyderabad. You can take a connecting flight or fly down to Chennai International Airport which is 135 km away from Pondicherry.
There are frequent buses available from Chennai, Bangalore, and the rest of Tamil Nadu. There are both private and state-owned vehicles on this route.
If you are planning to come by train, your nearest station is Villupuram, which is 35 km away from the city. This rail network is connected to major cities such as New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, and Trivandrum.
4. By Road
If you want to travel at your own pace with your choice of ride, check out Sukuto. It is an online rental platform where you can select your ride for particular dates. There are options available for the extension and duration of the lease. Cashback offers and discounts are also available to make your travel affordable and pocket-friendly. So why the delay? Hop on to the trip wagon this year, with Sukuto.
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