Officially known as Puducherry, Pondicherry is a place known for its colonial charm apart from its several attractions that range from balmy beaches and pretty promenades to chic cafes, boutiques, and art galleries to ancient temples and spiritual centers. Hence, this seaside town on the Coromandel Coast appeals to tourists with different kinds of interests. As the French Capital of India, it also attracts international travelers besides domestic tourists. Are you planning a trip to this beautiful place? Then this article is for you! Read on to find the ideal time to visit, how to reach it, and the best places to visit in Pondicherry.
What is the best time to visit Pondicherry?
The winter season from October to March is considered the ideal time to travel to Pondicherry. The weather during these months will be pleasant and you can enjoy your sightseeing trip to the fullest. The temperature usually ranges from 22 to 30 degrees Celsius and the nights get a little colder during the peak winter months (in January and February).
How to reach Pondicherry?
By air: Chennai International Airport is a major airport located close to Pondicherry, at a distance of nearly 130 km away. If you are flying from San Francisco, you can book your flights to Chennai from SFO and then take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Pondicherry from the airport.
By Train: The nearest railway station is located at Villupuram, 35 km away from Pondicherry. Regular trains are available to this place from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Trivandrum, and other areas. You can hire a taxi from the railway station to Pondicherry.
By Bus: Both public and private buses serve Pondicherry from nearby cities, including Chennai, Madurai, Thanjavur, Trichy, Coimbatore, and Bangalore. Pondicherry is well-connected to various surrounding cities by means of expressways and highways. East Coast Road (ECR), Grand Southern Trunk Road (GST), and National Highway 32 pass through Pondicherry.
5 Best Places to Visit in Pondicherry
White Town
This part of Pondicherry strongly reflects the influence that the French and Portuguese had had on this town. You will see cobblestone streets lined with mustard yellow mansions, heritage hotels, lavish villas, French cafes, bakeries, high-end boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries. A leisurely walk down the ‘French Colony of Pondicherry’ is a popular thing to do. Do explore the White Town at leisure and enjoy French delicacies at the bakeries here.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Sri Aurobindo Ashram is one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry for spiritually inclined travelers. It was established in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo, this ashram lies in quiet surroundings away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. From yoga and meditation to sessions on spirituality, the ashram hosts different types of programs for seekers. Sri Aurobindo Ashram also houses a library, spiritual center, an art gallery, playground, and a guesthouse too.
Paradise Beach
As one of the cleanest beaches in Pondicherry, Paradise Beach attracts a large number of tourists every year. The beautiful beach is loved for its golden sands, clear waters, and thick mangroves in the backdrop. Tourists can also enjoy sunbathing and a variety of fun sports such as beach volleyball and fishing. Several shops and stalls near the beach sell beach umbrellas, fishing rods, nets, and other water sports equipment.
Serenity Beach
Situated at a distance of nearly 10 km from the town, Serenity Beach is another picturesque beach in Pondicherry. It is a must-visit for all watersport lovers, especially surfing enthusiasts. Apart from surfing, there is fishing, boating, kayaking, and canoeing on offer for visitors at this beach. If you don’t feel adventurous, just lie down on your back and enjoy the quietude at the beach – take in the gorgeous views of the sunset and watch the waves playfully touching the shore.
Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a popular pilgrimage spot for people practicing Christianity. It is well-recognized for its gothic style of architecture featuring stained glass windows. (if you have booked flights to Delhi from Los Angeles to take this road trip),The basilica houses huge paintings of 28 saints of the Church along with life-size paintings depicting the life of Jesus. Located in MG Road Area, it is among the top tourist places to visit in Pondicherry.
