Formerly known as Pondicherry, Puducherry is one of the 9 union territories of India. It was formed out of a total of four territories. They were Pondicherry, Karikal, Mahé and Yanaon. Talking about its new name, it was changed on 20 September 2006. Puducherry is majorly surrounded by Tamil Nadu. Thus, it is perhaps due to this geographical position that the culture of Tamil Nadu has a profound impact on Puducherry.
If you visit Puducherry, you will get to witness how beautiful it really is! Yes, the local streets of the French Quarter (also known as White Town) in Puducherry have been dotted with typical mustard-yellow colonial structures along with the 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 for the good.
Visiting Puducherry is all about taking exploring the gorgeous seaside and perhaps taking a casual stroll with the people whom you adore in life. And while talking about life with a mix of laughter and thoughtful emotions you can see the waves of Bay of Bengal crashing on the Rock Beach. Apart from this, a variety of things like French Bakeries, Bohemian stores along with the cobble-stoned paths have truly a lot to offer in terms of memories lived and cherished. So, we say, why not head to this gem of a travel getaway?
Best Time to Visit Puducherry
One of the best times to visit Puducherry is between the months of October and March. During this particular time, the overall temperature can range from 15-30 degree celsius approximately thus making it an ideal time for exploring around. During the summertime, the overall temperatures are very hot. The monsoon season can be considered for travelling to this place. However, at the end of the day, this decision will also rest upon the shoulders of the tourists and their preference.
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 to this, there were many excavations that were carried between 1944 and 1949. These excavations typically showed that Puducherry might be a sort of trading station. And after this further investigation regarding the same during 1989 and 1992 somewhat concretized it.
The French Connection
It was sometime in 1674, that Pondicherry became a French colony along with nearby geographical regions which comprised of places like Chandernagor, Mahé, Yanam (Yanaon), Karaikal (Karikal)and Masulipatam. However, the French era was continuously disrupted by the English rule.
Now, coming on to 1st 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 to have. Tourists and locals who have a slight inclination towards photography will surely fall in love with Paradise beach. Paradise beach is considered one of the best Pondicherry tourist places.
2. Rock Beach
If you are looking for something new and outrageously refreshing then a short trip to Rock beach is a must for you. What’s more amazing to know, is that Rock Beach is also considered amongst the most recommended tourist destinations of Puducherry.
3. French War Memorial
This war memorial has been dedicated to the residents of French India who had given their lives for the country during the time of world war one. It is located on the Goubert Avenue and still, in today’s times as well, serves as a reminder of the somewhat glorious past of the country.
4. Mahatma Gandi Statue
This is one of the renowned places for history buffs. Visiting this place is like paying a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. This famous statue is surrounded by eight pillars which are made of granite.
How to Reach Puducherry
Puducherry is the kind of place that reaks of nothing but 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 Puducherry via the following routes.
By Air
Puducherry has its own 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 the year 2007, that the government had decided to further extend the airport so that it can accommodate larger aircraft. For this purpose, a new building was commissioned altogether. Various airlines like Spicejet, Air India, Jet Airways operate to and fro Puducherry. You can easily take a flight to Puducherry from places like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata. After deboarding at the airport, you will need to travel further by some means of public transportation.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Pondicherry
By Road
Traveling to Puducherry via road can be a fairly good travel experience. From Chennai, you will need to 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 the year 1879, this train station is considered as one of the oldest railway links in India and 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 Puducherry Express via Villupuram Junction. From Delhi, you will need to first take TN SMPRK KRNTI from H.Nizamuddin and deboard at Villupuram Junction and then take some means of 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 some means of public transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pondicherry
Q. What are the top tourist attractions in Pondicherry?
A. The top tourist attractions in Pondicherry include Sri Aurobindo Ashram, The Promenade Beach, The French Quarter, Auroville, and The Pondicherry Museum.
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here
