You're Going to Love Puducherry
Puducherry or Pondicherry is an Indian city with French flair; it was once the largest French colony within the subcontinent. There is a long history and unique culture to explore in what is nicknamed the French Riviera of the East. You can go to the beach in the morning, shop for hand-painted silk or go to a yoga class in the afternoon, and finish the day by sampling the best of French and Indian cuisine.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Puducherry
1. Fascinating Culture and History
Where else can you enjoy the charms of the French Quarter, visit the beautifully ornate Varadaraja Perumal Temple, and take yoga or Bollywood singing and dancing lessons at the Sita Cultural Center, all within walking distance?
2. Fabulous Food
The combination of Indian and Mediterranean influences creates a wealth of options for foodies, including the best of Indian cuisine along with French wines and foods you wouldn't expect on the subcontinent.
3. Shop Local
The city offers a shop-till-you-drop experience, including local goods such as silk clothing, shoes, candles, jewelry, handmade paper, and many more local specialties, along with outlet shopping malls full of international goods.
4. Hit the Beach
The beach and promenade are among the city's most popular attractions, where you can swim and enjoy water sports, including scuba diving.
5. Auroville
Just outside the city of Puducherry, Auroville is a utopian community founded as an experiment in universal living. You can visit and view marvels like the Matrimandir lotus-shaped dome gleaming with golden discs, shop, and much more.
When to Visit Puducherry
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With monsoon season from October to December, and summer temperatures that routinely hit above 100 degrees from April to June, many tourists choose to visit the city in the more moderate spring and fall seasons.
How to Get to Puducherry
Plane
Chennai International Airport (MAA) is the closest to the city at a distance of about 84 miles. There are bus connections to Puducherry starting at ₹1,500.
Train
The Puducherry Railway Station is one of India's oldest train hubs, with daily connections to Chennai and Tirupati, weekly service to Bhubaneswar, and overnight service to Bangalore.
Car
The city is connected to other major centers throughout the region by well-maintained highways, including the picturesque ECR or East Coast Road to Chennai.
Bus
The Puducherry Road Transport Corporation or PRTC provides intercity bus service, with connections throughout Puducherry union territory and other major centers in the country, including Chennai and Hyderabad.
Airports near Puducherry
Airlines serving Puducherry
Where to stay in popular areas of Puducherry
How to Get Around Puducherry
Public Transportation
Local bus service is provided by PRTC. Fares vary by zone, starting at ₹4.50.
Taxi
Taxis are reasonably plentiful throughout the city, with fares that start at ₹6 per 0.6 miles.
Car
The city is small, with most attractions within walking distance. There are a few local car rental companies, with rates that start at ₹300.
Where to Eat in Puducherry
You'll enjoy the menu of upscale Indian and Asian cuisine in the elegant rooftop dining room at Lighthouse, with views of the water. Mains start at ₹600. Enjoy the cafe atmosphere and French classics at Cafe des Arts, where main dishes start at ₹385.