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Average Nightly Rate : 2333
Puducherry, Puducherry, India

Puducherry, Puducherry, India

About the Puducherry

Puducherry, formerly known as Pondicherry, is a union territory of India. It's a former French colony retaining strong French influences, evident in its architecture, cuisine, and culture. The town is divided into two distinct sections: the French Quarter (Ville Blanche) with its charming colonial buildings and wide streets, and the Indian Quarter (Ville Noire) with its vibrant markets and traditional architecture. Puducherry offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, making it a popular tourist destination for those seeking a relaxed and culturally rich experience.

Best Time to Visit

October to March (Winter Season). The weather is pleasant and dry during this time, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The temperatures are moderate, ranging from 22°C to 32°C.

Trip Duration

2 days 3-4 days
3-4 days is usually sufficient to explore the major attractions of Puducherry and Auroville.

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Puducherry

Auroville
Auroville

Popularity

Paradise beach
Paradise beach
★★★★★

4.5

Popularity

Promenade Beach
Promenade Beach
★★★★★

4.5

Popularity

Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
★★★★★

4.4

Popularity

Capital O Hotel French Quarter
Capital O Hotel French Quarter
★★★★

3.9

Popularity

Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Cathedral
Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Cathedral
★★★★★

4.5

Popularity

Sacred Heart Basilica
Sacred Heart Basilica
★★★★★

4.6

Popularity

Puducherry Museum
Puducherry Museum
★★★★★

4.1

Popularity

Chunnambar Boat House
Chunnambar Boat House
★★★★★

4.1

Popularity

Bharathi Park Puducherry
Bharathi Park Puducherry
★★★★★

4.2

Popularity

Activities / Things To Do in Puducherry

  • Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa (The Mother). Visitors can visit the Samadhi (final resting place) of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, meditate, and learn about their teachings. Maintain silence and dress modestly when visiting.
  • Explore Auroville Visit the Matrimandir, the central meditation hall of Auroville. You need to book your visit in advance online or at the Auroville Visitors Centre. Explore the various communities and projects within Auroville focusing on sustainable living, art, and education.
  • Stroll along Promenade Beach Take a leisurely walk along the Promenade Beach (Rock Beach), especially during the evening. Enjoy the sea breeze, watch the sunset, and soak in the atmosphere. The beach is closed to traffic in the evenings, making it pedestrian-friendly.
  • Visit the French Quarter (White Town) Explore the French Quarter on foot or by bicycle, admiring the colonial architecture. Visit landmarks like the French Consulate, Raj Nivas, and the Eglise de Sacre Coeur de Jesus (Sacred Heart Church). Capture the beauty of the well-preserved buildings and charming streets.
  • Relax on Paradise Beach Take a ferry from Chunnambar Boat House to Paradise Beach, a sandy beach known for its calm waters and scenic beauty. It's a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. Ferry tickets are usually available at the boat house. This requires taking a boat and there are usually charges involved.
  • Explore the Botanical Garden Visit the Botanical Garden, established in the 19th century, featuring a wide variety of plants and trees. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the garden, admiring the diverse flora. It's a good place for a relaxing break from the bustling city.
  • Shopping at Goubert Market Visit the Goubert Market (also known as Grand Bazaar) to experience the local culture and shop for fresh produce, spices, flowers, and handicrafts. It's a vibrant and bustling market offering a glimpse into the daily life of Puducherry.

Puducherry Best Restaurant | Your Ultimate Dining Guide

Le Dupleix
Le Dupleix
★★★★★

4.2

Popularity

Cafe Xtasi
Cafe Xtasi
★★★★

4

Popularity

Satsanga
Satsanga
★★★★

3.6

Popularity

Rendezvous Café Restaurant
Rendezvous Café Restaurant
★★★★★

4.1

Popularity

ZUKA
ZUKA
★★★★★

4.4

Popularity

Carte Blanche Restaurant
Carte Blanche Restaurant
★★★★

4

Popularity

La Maison Rose
La Maison Rose
★★★★★

4.4

Popularity

Theevu Plage Beach Resort
Theevu Plage Beach Resort
★★★★

3.8

Popularity

Artika Cafe Gallery
Artika Cafe Gallery
★★★★

4

Popularity

Hot Breads
Hot Breads
★★★★★

4.2

Popularity

Accommodation

Palais de Mahe - CGH Earth
Palais de Mahe - CGH Earth
★★★★★

4.5

Popularity

The Promenade
The Promenade
★★★★★

4.2

Popularity

Hotel De L'Orient, 18th Century, Puducherry
Hotel De L'Orient, 18th Century, Puducherry
★★★★★

4.2

Popularity

La Villa
La Villa
★★★★★

4.4

Popularity

Anandha Inn Convention Centre and Suites
Anandha Inn Convention Centre and Suites
★★★★

4

Popularity

Accord Puducherry
Accord Puducherry
★★★★★

4.3

Popularity

Le Pondy Beach Resort Pondicherry
Le Pondy Beach Resort Pondicherry
★★★★★

4.3

Popularity

Mango Hill Pondicherry
Mango Hill Pondicherry
★★★★★

4.1

Popularity

Shenbaga Hotel & Convention Centre
Shenbaga Hotel & Convention Centre
★★★★★

4.2

Popularity

The Residency Towers Puducherry
The Residency Towers Puducherry
★★★★★

4.4

Popularity

How to Reach Puducherry

Air

The nearest airport is Puducherry Airport (PNY), which has limited domestic flights. The Chennai International Airport (MAA) is a larger airport located about 150 km away, with connections to major Indian and international cities. From Chennai, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Puducherry.

Bus

Puducherry is well-connected by road to major cities in South India. Regular bus services are available from Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, and Madurai. You can also hire a taxi or drive your own car.

Train

Puducherry Railway Station (PDY) is well-connected to Chennai and other major cities in South India. Regular trains are available from Chennai, Bangalore, and Madurai.

Important Notes

Carry light cotton clothing, sunscreen, and a hat, especially during the summer months.
Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.
Learn a few basic Tamil phrases, which can be helpful when interacting with locals.
Bargaining is common in local markets.
Be aware of the traffic and road conditions, especially if you are driving.
Book your accommodation and transportation in advance, especially during peak season.
Auroville visits must be booked in advance, particularly for the Matrimandir.

Puducherry Nearby Destinations

Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram

A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient rock-cut temples and shore temples.

Distance : 87 KM (approx)

Rating : 4.4

Popularity Score : 4.5

Must Visit : Shore Temple, Five Rathas, Arjuna's Penance, Cave Temples.

Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

One of the largest mangrove forests in India, offering scenic boat rides through the backwaters.

Distance : 52 KM (approx)

Rating : 4.2

Popularity Score : 4.3

Must Visit : Mangrove forests, boat rides.

Chidambaram

Chidambaram

Known for the ancient Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his dancing form.

Distance : 62 KM (approx)

Rating : 4.1

Popularity Score : 4.2

Must Visit : Nataraja Temple.

Thanjavur

Thanjavur

The city is an important center of South Indian art and architecture. Most of the Great Living Chola Temples, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are located in and around Thanjavur.

Distance : 147 KM (approx)

Rating : 4.4

Popularity Score : 4.5

Must Visit : Brihadeeswarar Temple.

Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram

Known as the City of Thousand Temples, famous for its silk sarees and ancient temples.

Distance : 99 KM (approx)

Rating : 4.2

Popularity Score : 4.3

Must Visit : Kailasanathar Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Puducherry known for?
Puducherry is known for its French colonial architecture, Auroville (City of Dawn), beaches, spiritual retreats, and French cuisine.
What is the best time to visit Puducherry?
The best time to visit Puducherry is from October to March (Winter Season) when the weather is pleasant and dry.
How do I get to Auroville from Puducherry?
You can hire a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or take a bus from Puducherry to Auroville. It's about 15 km from the city center.
Do I need a visa to visit Puducherry?
Puducherry is part of India, so visa requirements depend on your nationality. Foreign nationals may need a visa to enter India. Check the visa requirements based on your country of origin before traveling.
Is it safe to travel in Puducherry?
Yes, Puducherry is generally a safe place to travel. However, it's always advisable to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
What language is spoken in Puducherry?
Tamil is the most widely spoken language in Puducherry. French and English are also spoken and understood by many people, especially in tourist areas.
What are some good places to shop in Puducherry?
Some popular places to shop in Puducherry include Goubert Market (Grand Bazaar), Nehru Street, and Casablanca (on Promenade Beach) for handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
Are credit cards widely accepted in Puducherry?
Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and major stores in Puducherry. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets.

Location Map

Coordinates: Latitude 11.9414, Longitude 79.8083 (Puducherry, Puducherry, India)