Puducherry – The French Riviera of the East
Formerly known as Pondicherry, Puducherry is one of the nine union territories of India. It was formed out of four territories: Pondicherry, Karaikal, Mahé, and Yanaon. Its new names changed on September 20, 2006. Puducherry is surrounded by Tamil Nadu. Thus, perhaps due to this geographical position, the culture of Tamil Nadu has a profound impact on Puducherry.
If you visit Puducherry, India, you will witness how beautiful it really is! Yes, the local streets of the French Quarter (also known as White Town) in Puducherry are dotted with typical mustard-yellow colonial structures and bougainvillaea walls. This somewhat adorable setting has been further decorated with cosy cafes and other chic boutiques. Even a simple stroll at this place can lighten your mood.
Visiting Puducherry is all about exploring the gorgeous seaside and perhaps taking a casual stroll with the people you adore. While talking about life with a mix of laughter and thoughtful emotions, you can see the waves of the Bay of Bengal crashing on Rock Beach. Apart from this, a variety of things like French Bakeries and Bohemian stores, along with the cobble-stoned paths, have truly a lot to offer in terms of memories lived and cherished. So, why not head to this gem of a travel getaway?
History of Puducherry
The very early records of Puducherry can be traced back to the second century AD. Yes, it is quite interesting to know that the Periplus (a historic document meant for basically keeping the records of ports and coastal landmarks) mentions a particular marketplace known as Poduke, which is considered that it may be the modern-day Puducherry.
In addition, many excavations were carried out between 1944 and 1949. These excavations typically showed that Puducherry might be a sort of trading station. Further investigation during 1989 and 1992 somewhat concretized this.
The French Connection
Pondicherry became a French colony in 1674, along with nearby geographical regions that comprised places like Chandernagor, Mahé, Yanam (Yanaon), Karaikal, and Masulipatam. However, the French era was continuously disrupted by English rule.
On 1 November 1954, all the French territories were completely transferred to the Republic of India, and de jure was transferred on May 28, 1956. After this, the instruments of ratification were signed on August 16, 1962.
Major Attractions in and Around Puducherry
1. Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach is quite an interesting travel getaway to explore. The charm of this beach is truly an exceptional experience. Tourists and locals who have a slight inclination towards photography will surely fall in love with Paradise Beach. This is known as one of the best places in Puducherry, which offers an exceptional experience.
2. Rock Beach
If you are looking for something new and outrageously refreshing, then a short trip to Rock Beach is a must. What's more amazing is that Rock Beach is also considered amongst the most recommended places to visit in Puducherry.
3. French War Memorial
This war memorial is dedicated to the residents of French India who gave their lives for the country during World War I. It is located on Goubert Avenue and still serves as a reminder of the country's somewhat glorious past.
4. Mahatma Gandhi Statue
This is one of the renowned places for history buffs. Visiting this famous Puducherry sightseeing place is like paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Eight granite pillars surround this famous statue.
Things to Do in Puducherry
- Walk through White Town and admire French architecture.
- Enjoy sunrise at Rock Beach and coffee at a seaside café.
- Visit Auroville and Matrimandir for spiritual rejuvenation.
- Relax on Paradise Beach and indulge in water sports.
- Explore Sri Aurobindo Ashram for meditation and peace.
- Try French and Tamil cuisine at fusion cafés and bakeries.
- Shop for handmade candles, ceramics, and Auroville handicrafts.
Best Time to Visit Puducherry
- October to March – Pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and beach activities.
- July to September – Monsoon season; lush greenery and fewer crowds.
- April to June – Hot summer months, but good for budget travel and off-season discounts.
How to Reach Puducherry
Puducherry is the place that reeks of refreshing culture and the vibes of an adorable travel getaway. Puducherry is located at a distance of around 2,364 km, 1,301 km, 1,834 km, and 312 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Let's discuss how you can reach to Pondicherry tourist places:
By Air
Puducherry has its airport of the same name. This airport (PNY) is situated at an approximate distance of around 8 km from the community of Auroville. It was in 2007 that the government decided to extend the airport further so that it could accommodate larger aircraft. For this purpose, a new building was commissioned altogether. Various airlines like Spicejet, Air India, and Jet Airways operate to and fro Puducherry. You can easily fly to Puducherry from places like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata. After deboarding at the airport, you must travel further by public transportation.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Pondicherry
By Road
Travelling to Puducherry via road can be a fairly good travel experience. From Chennai, you must cover an approximate distance of 151 km via NH 32 or East Coast Road. From Bengaluru, you will need to cover 310 km via NH 77; from Coimbatore, you will need to cover an approximate distance of 378 km via NH544 and NH79; from Mysuru, you will need to cover a total distance of around 446 km via NH77 or NH79. Alternatively, you can also consider taking a bus. From Bengaluru, the bus fares start from Rs.1,000. From Tirupati, the bus fares start from Rs.230. From Mysuru, the bus fares start from Rs.600
By Train
Puducherry has its own railway station of the same name. Constructed in 1879, this train station is considered one of the oldest railway links in India. It was established in 1879 under the direct supervision of South Indian Railways.
From Chennai, you will need to board the MS PDY Express via Chennai Egmore station. From Villupuram, you can board the Puducherry Express via Villupuram Junction. From Delhi, you will need to first take TN SMPRK KRNTI from H.Nizamuddin and deboard at Villupuram Junction. Then, take some public transportation to reach this place. From Bengaluru, you will first need to take a train to Villupuram via Bengaluru Cant and then cover the remaining distance via public transportation.
Conclusion
Puducherry offers visitors a rich mix of cultural and historical experiences, making it one of the top places to travel in Pondicherry. With its French-inspired architecture, beautiful beaches, and significant landmarks, it stands out as a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Pondicherry sightseeing places.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Puducherry
Q. What are the top tourist attractions in Puducherry?
A. The top tourist attractions in Puducherry include Sri Aurobindo Ashram, The Promenade Beach, The French Quarter, Auroville, and The Pondicherry Museum.
Q. What is the old name of Puducherry?
A. The old name of Puducherry is Pondicherry.
Q. What is special about the Union Territory of Puducherry?
A. Puducherry is known for its unique blend of French colonial heritage and Indian culture, charming architecture, serene beaches, and historical significance.
Q. Why is Puducherry called White Town?
A. Puducherry's French Quarter is called White Town due to its colonial-era buildings, which are painted in bright white and pastel colours, reflecting French architectural styles.
