PondicherryPondicherry, also known asPuducherry and Pondy, is one ofthe seven Union Territories ofIndia. It is often famously referredto as the French Riviera of the East,and it is indeed one of the mostcharming and mesmerising placesto visit in South India.Paradise Beach, ArulmiguManakula Vinayagar Temple,Seaside Promenade and RockBeach are some of the attractionshere.

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Famous For : City

Also known as 'The French Riviera of theEast', Pondicherry (Puducherry) exhibits aheavy French influence, which is moreevident at the destination's old quarters.The place is pretty laid back and has somefine restaurants serving passably goodFrench cuisine. The dreamy picturesquelocation of Pondicherry (Puducherry) alsomakes it a fine destination for film shoots.How about exploring the famous FrenchQuarters of Pondicherry just the way JohnAbraham did in Jism? Well, the entire moviewas shot in the White Town and at thePromenade. Other notable films shot herewere Saat Khoon Maaf and Life of Pi!A favorite visiting spot is Sri AurobindoAshram, which attracts scores of Indian aswell as foreign tourists due to its highlysought after yoga and meditation courses.Amongst other attractions, some must visitplaces are the lovely beach frontpromenade, Auroville, Gingee Fort,Gokilambal Temple and the GovernmentMuseum.

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As generations of weekend holidayersalready know, the charm of Pondicherry liesin its incredibly leisurely approach to life,food and commerce. Walking or cycling(cycles easily available on hire) is really thebest way to see Pondicherry. Taxis andautos are also available. The New Bus Standis 2 and a half km west of the AurobindoAshram (autos would cost approximatelyINR 30). All the important governmentoffices (as well as the Tourist Office) andguest houses are located on the mainpromenade — the 3-km-long GoubertAvenue or Beach Road that runs parallel tothe Bay of Bengal and marks the length ofthe old French Quarter of the city. Streetsare neatly labelled and numbered. Do notethat the Puducherry authorities do not levytax on food, stay or travel. Although terriblyrushed day-trips from Chennai are possible,at least an overnight stay in Puducherry is amust. Also, don’t miss Aurobindo Ashram, isthe house where Sri Aurobindo and hisspiritual partner, The Mother, lived, worked,taught and attained samadhi. Many-huedflowers, even exotic orchids, are grown allover the premises. The floral ambience isrefreshing. In the courtyard, under afrangipani tree, is the white marble samadhiof both Sri Aurobindo and The Mother.

When To

VISIT

http://www.ixigo.com/weather-in-pondicherry-lp-1140475

JanPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max: 29.5°C Min:

20.700000762939453°C

Rain:20.700000762939453mm

FebPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max:30.700000762939453°C

Min:21.399999618530273°C

Rain:6.199999809265137mm

MarPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max:32.400001525878906°C

Min:23.100000381469727°C

Rain:14.100000381469727mm

AprPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max:34.20000076293945°C

Min:25.600000381469727°C

Rain:3.4000000953674316mm

MayHot weather. Carry Light clothes.Max:36.79999923706055°C

Min:26.600000381469727°C

Rain:12.699999809265137mm

JunHot weather. Carry Light clothes.Max:36.599998474121094°C

Min:26.200000762939453°C

Rain: 26.0mm

JulPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max: 35.5°C Min: 25.5°C Rain:

37.70000076293945mm

AugPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.

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Max: 35.0°C Min:25.200000762939453°C

Rain:58.70000076293945mm

SepPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:34.099998474121094°C

Min:24.899999618530273°C

Rain: 61.5mm

OctPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:31.899999618530273°C

Min:24.200000762939453°C

Rain: 129.0mm

NovPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:29.799999237060547°C

Min:22.899999618530273°C

Rain:173.60000610351562mm

DecPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:29.100000381469727°C

Min:21.399999618530273°C

Rain: 83.5mm

What To

SEE5 Sights

http://www.ixigo.com/places-to-visit-see-in-pondicherry-lp-1140475

1 Auroville

Auroville Universal Township, TownHall, Auroville, Pondicherry, TamilNadu 605101, India

Located at a distance of 14.1 km fromPondicherry, not only isAuroville a self-sustaining microcosm, but itis the closest humanity has come torealizing the ideal of Utopia. Based onMother’s vision to have a place on Earth thatno nation could claim as its sole property, itwas established in 1966 by the mutualbacking of Government of India andUNESCO who considered it as a project ofimmense importance to the future ofhumanity. 

An experimental town established byMother, Auroville is a melting pot of cultures in thetrue sense of the word. Here you will notonly witness how diversity of mankind canflourish harmoniously, without suppressingeach other’s difference, but also akaleidoscope of art and culture. Thefact that it has not only survived butflourished and grown in the past 46 years isproof enough that Mother’s idea thatsustainable and harmonious society ispossible. 

You will find citizens to be from all over theglobe, 45 countries to be precise. Amazing,

isn’t it? They come from all walks of life,different cultures, religion, professions andage groups. Currently, the population standsat 2,200. Its design and architecture is asight in itself. Your exploration will take youthrough the Peace Area, Industrial zone,Residential zone, International, cultural zoneand green belt. Be sure to visit the culturaland the International zone at  Auroville , as at any given time, they play host toperforming arts and you can get to seeperformances of artists from across theworld. 

At the cultural centre, do purchase some ofthe beautifully hand crafted creations,pottery, sculptures, paintings, etc, of theAurovillians. It will forever be a reminder ofhow far idealism can take you and the restof humanity.

2 Plage Paradiso (ParadiseBeach)

Cuddalore Road, Chunnambar,Puducherry, Tamil Nadu 605101,India

If sitting on the beach-front is your idea ofrelaxing, then Plage Paradiso (Paradise Beach) is theperfect location for you. Located 8 km fromPondicherry, you can reach here through ahouse boat or a river cruise. The beach withshining golden sands is ideal foradventurous and exciting water sportswhich are hard to miss. If you just want tolay on a sun-bed and relax, this beach will beat your service without a moment’s thought.The beach is lined with swanky, upscaleresorts and several boat cruises. Eventhough it is crowded at times, you canalways take a quiet, secluded walk andexperience a blissful retreat from the usualmadness of a regular city life. Add a zing toyour vacation in Pondicherry!

3 Gingee Fort

Gingee Fort, Gingee Town,Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, 605101,

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India

With a history as rich as Pondicherry’s, someof the sculptures that you may have comeacross in Pondicherry were actually shiftedfrom Gingee by the French, when it wasowned by them. A visit to Pondicherry,ideally, should involve a visit to theGingee Fort. After all, how many times is itthat you get to stand in a fort oncedescribed by Shivaji as the mostimpregnable fortress in India and waslabelled by the British as the Troy of East.Built by the Cholas in the 13 th century onthe foundations laid down by the Kons inthe 12th century, when you walk thepassages of the Gingee Fort you can hearthe walls telling their own tale of its antiquityand the generations that have passed it by.

4 Sri GokilambalThirukameswarar Temple

Villanut Village, Pondicherry, TamilNadu, 605110, India

Sri Gokilambal Thirukameswarar Temple is aholy place of pilgrimage importance for allthe Hindus. Do stop for a moment on your way in or out

to see the beautifully and intricately carvedfacade that provides a clue to the temple’srich past. If you are visitingPondicherry in May or June, be sure to visitthe temple. The ten-day annual festival ofBrahmotsavam is celebrated here,beginning on the appearance of the fullmoon, to receive Lord’s blessings. You willfind the temple very crowded as thousandsof devotees from all over India come herefor the festival. Not only will you get to seethe massive 15 meter tall temple chariot, alldecked up in the temple finery, being takenout in a procession, but you will also beoffered curd, rice, buttermilk and sandal bythe devotees. The belief here is that theirwishes are fulfilled by serving the crowd ofvisitors.

5 Government Museum ofPuducherry

No. 2, Saint Louis Street, Near Raj

Nivas, White Town, White Town,Puducherry, 605001, India

Government Museum of Puducherry offersan interesting and exciting experience totourists. The sculptures and remains ofexcavation are some of the findings fromthe Arikamedu Roman settlement. Also,arms, weapons, burial urns, glass beadshave been taken from the Chola, Pallava,Vijaynagar and Nayaka periods. Themuseum is distinct and provides a rare andfascinating glimpse into the French cultureresembling the one between the 17th -20thcentury. Stone sculptures, paintings,exquisitely carved furniture and otherartefacts from the French chapter ofPondicherry’s history can be seen here.Recently, experts from La Rochelle andINTACH were roped in to renovate themuseum. The exhibits are better lighted andordered now, and very soon interactivemultimedia facilities will be installed tomake the visit more engaging.

Where To

Eat5 Places

http://www.ixigo.com/foods-in-of-pondicherry-lp-1140475

1 West Boulevard

No 80-4, Kandan Complex, AnnaSalai, Opposite Vysyal Street,Puducherry Bazaar, Puducherry605001, India

If your idea of fine restaurant dining is tohave a variety of flavours and multiplecuisines to choose from, then WestBoulevard is the place for you. Here you canchoose from American, Chinese, Italian,Indian and Mexican cuisines which areprepared from the freshest and finestingredients under expert guidance of thechefs. Talking about the decor, you will bewelcomed by elegant interiors and acomfortable seating arrangement. Settle infor a delectable dining experience.

2 Bistro Sharana

59, Muthumariamman Koil, Street,Puducherry, 605001, India

+91-413-2226023|+91- 413-2220023

Enjoy a peaceful lunch and dinner on BistroSharana's terrace restaurant after a hecticand bone tiring day of sightseeing and

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vacationing. If you visit on a Wednesday orSaturday, you will have a special buffet, witha variety of dishes to choose from. But besure to advance book. Make your way to thispopular restaurant where you can enjoy ahearty breakfast, a lavish lunch or sizzlingsizzlers. The prompt staff and a nice decoradd charm to the whole dining experience.

3 Don Giovanni’s Restaurant

170 Mission Street, Pondicherry,Tamil Nadu, 605101, India

+91- 413- 2225301|+91-413-2225302

Head over toDon Giovanni’s Restaurant and you will getfabulous Italian cuisine and a 100%authentic one at that! You can choose froma range of pastas, lasagne and pizzas. Andthe proof of its authenticity? You willprobably have him seated before you in therestaurant, Don Giovanni, the chef, that is.The food here will definitely leave youasking for more and trust us when we saythat you will love every bite of it.

4 Baker’s Street

123, Bussy street, Pondicherry, TamilNadu, 605101, India

+91-413-6458888

Established as a concept store to be the sliceof France in Pondicherry, it has on offeraround 1001 breads, pizzas, quiches, etc tochoose from! Whether you want to nip in for

an early morning breakfast before youventure out to sightseeing or want a spur ofthe moment coffee break with a sandwichor two, Baker Street is a treat for all yoursenses, with its elegant and sereneambiance. The menu has a long list ofdelightful desserts including home-made icecreams and chocolates, creamy pastries andmore. Step in here to spend a relaxedevening over great food.

5 Surguru

104, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Salai,Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, 605001,India

+91-413-2339022

A part of the famous Surguru Hotel, this nicerestaurant with the same name is a delightfor foodies. Done in an understated yetelegant decor, this multi-cuisine eating outspace offers a world of deliciouspreparations for its guests. If you are tiredafter a long day of sightseeing or shopping,make your way to Surguru Restaurant andenjoy a wonderful meal amidst live music

and decent setting. When we talk about theclient service, you will be happy to hear thatthe staff is polite and attentive, ensuringthat you have a memorable diningexperience.

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Quick

LOCATEhttp://www.ixigo.com/hotels-in-pondicherry-lp-1140475

SeeA: AurovilleB: Plage Paradiso (Paradise Beach)C: Gingee FortD: Sri Gokilambal Thirukameswarar TempleE: Government Museum of Puducherry

AccommodationF: Banjara - Vacation HomeG: Ponni Illam HomestayH: Comfort Stay HomeI: Banjara - Vacation HomeJ: Ponni Illam HomestayK: Comfort Stay HomeL: Banjara - Vacation HomeM: Ponni Illam HomestayN: Comfort Stay Home

FoodO: West BoulevardP: Bistro SharanaQ: Don Giovanni’s RestaurantR: Baker’s StreetS: Surguru