Pondicherry or Puducherry is a Union Territory of India, bounded by the state of Tamil Nadu. A former French colony, Pondicherry is a popular tourist attraction famous for activities like scuba diving. It is a beautiful destination that earns its charm from serene beaches, mustard-colored colonial villas, French-style streets, quirky cafes, and very pleasant weather. There are hundreds of reasons to visit Pondicherry. From its mouth-watering street food to the scrumptious pastries and the quirky cafes in the city, everything about Pondicherry makes you fall in love with it. Pondicherry is also a cultural hub that attracts not just adventure junkies but also people seeking spiritual knowledge.
The coastal town has a mix of French and Indian architecture, and the vibe here is simply amazing. A lot of people travel to Pondicherry to learn scuba diving and other water-based adventure sports. The residential quarters of the French are one of the key attractions in the town. It is the French architecture that makes the streets of the town so picturesque.
How to Reach?
Pondicherry is just 165 km from Chennai. You can take a train from Chennai for Puducherry, which normally takes 4 hours to cover the distance. Another way is to take a bus. You can find several buses running between Chennai and Pondicherry. If you love going on drives, you can also drive from Chennai to Pondicherry.
The Best Pondicherry tourist places…
Paradise Beach:
The most popular tourist attraction in Pondicherry is Paradise Beach. Located at Chunnambar, the beach remains open for tourists between 9 am and 5 pm. You’ll need to take a ferry ride from Chunnambar to reach the beach. Famous for its crystal clear blue water and golden sand, Paradise Beach attracts thousands of visitors every year. Dotted by coconut trees, the beach has pre-built shacks, changing rooms, and showers. However, swimming at the beach is not allowed.
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Auroville:
Auroville, also known as the “City of Dawan,” attracts visitors of different faiths from all over the world. It is a futuristic town in the form of an ashram. The Mother, the spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo, is credited for the establishment of the Ashram. The aim behind establishing the ashram is to unite humans from all walks of life and all parts of the world. The ashram aims to help humans from all across the world break the chains of caste, creed, color, religion, and nationality. The Matrimandir, a huge golden globe-like structure at the center of Auroville, is a key attraction in the ashram.
Chunnambar Boathouse:
Chunnambar Boathouse is a popular boating and picnic spot located on the backwaters at the confluence of the Chunnambar River and the Bay of Bengal. It is an ideal spot for those visiting the town with family. You can indulge in a lot of interesting activities like boating while at the boathouse. You can choose from various options that include motorboats, speed boats, sailboats, rowed boats, water scooters, paddled boats, and pedaled boats. You’ll also find delicious food near the boathouse that includes different cuisines such as Chinese and Mughlai. The entry fee is just Rs. 10 per person.
The Rock Beach:
A picture-perfect beach in the town, The Rock Beach is one of the most picturesque places in Pondicherry. Unlike Paradise beach, Rock beach remains open round the clock, and you can spend hours gazing at sunset or sunrise while enjoying the street food available at very affordable prices. Do not forget to take out your camera and click some Instagrammable pictures while at the beach. The beach is well maintained, and you will hardly find any crowd here except for the weekends.
Serenity Beach:
Serenity Beach is the place to be in for those looking to spend a few hours of solitude away from the busy tourist attractions. It is a kind of beach that one sees in movies or postcards. The mesmerizing blue waters and golden sand give the beach a heavenly look. You can not only click great pictures but also enjoy activities like surfing. The beach is located 7 km from the bus stand, and there’s no entry fee.
Old Lighthouse:
There are very few places in India where one can see a lighthouse, and Pondicherry is one of those places. The lighthouse was built in the 19th century by the French rulers. It is one of the most important historic structures in the town. Located just 3 km from the bus stand, the lighthouse is heaven for photographers.
