Pondicherry – a Blissful Holiday by the Sea

Blue seas, sandy beaches, quietness, picturesque houses reminiscent of the erstwhile colonial rule and restaurants delivering delicious dishes – do these seem interesting to you?

If yes, then Pondicherry, India, located in the state of Tamilnadu, might already be calling you.

There are quite a few sea beaches in India. Among them, Pondicherry, India, holds a special place because of the history attached to it. This beach city, which is a part of the Pondicherry Union Territory in South India, was under French rule for a long time. The town still offers an essence of that colonial era through its streets and buildings. A Pondicherry vacation provides you with the chance of spending a refreshing vacation away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Wondering why you must visit Puducherry?

Its quiet ambiance and historic setting that reminds of the French colonial rule in Pondicherry, India, is a perfect recipe for a trip to a classical seaside town. You can plan a great Pondicherry vacation with your friends and family to enjoy one of the most outstanding vacations of your life.

French Influence in Pondicherry

Also known as Puducherry, Pondicherry, India, offers a cosmopolitan ambiance, which blends local Tamil culture with colonial French heritage. The grid of clean and straight streets located close to the sea and the buildings constructed in the European architectural style can take you back to the period when the administration of the town used to be under French rule. The town is divided into two quarters - one where the French colonists used to reside and the Indian quarter for the local people.

The French influence is quite clear throughout the city and it's not surprising at all, as the transfer of power from French to Indians happened in Puducherry in 1954 - almost seven years after the rest of India achieved independence. Many of the streets in Pondicherry, especially those in the French quarter of Pondicherry, still have French names. Some of these include Rue Dumas, Rue Suffren, Rue Romain Rolland, and Rue La Bourdonnais - the roads located in the French Quarter of Pondicherry.

How to Reach Pondicherry

Puducherry is quite well connected with different parts of the country. However, most of the people travel from Chennai to Pondicherry. The Chennai to Pondicherry distance is 151 kilometers and it takes about three hours to reach Pondicherry from Chennai. You can also travel from Bangalore to Pondicherry.

Chennai to Pondicherry

If you're looking to go from Chennai to Pondicherry, you can board buses for Pondicherry from Chennai. Buses from Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) to Pondicherry are also available throughout the day. If you're planning to take a bus from CMBT to Pondicherry after going to Chennai, you can take a cab from the Chennai Airport or the Chennai Railway Station to CMBT.

You can also take a taxi from the Chennai Airport and go straight to Pondicherry.

Trains are also available for tourists planning to travel from Chennai to Pondicherry.

Bangalore to Pondicherry

Pondicherry can be one of the best weekend destinations from Bangalore. Although Bangalore to Pondicherry distance is about 360 kilometers, you can cover that distance overnight. You can book buses from Bangalore to Pondicherry. The Bangalore to Pondicherry buses can be booked online. You can also enquire about the buses to Pondicherry at the bus terminuses and book tickets to travel to Pondicherry from Bangalore.

Where to Stay in Pondicherry

There are quite a few hotels in Pondicherry. These Pondicherry hotels are available at a wide range of rates. You can choose the one that comes within your budget. These offer extremely cozy ambiance.

There are also quite a few guest houses that offer excellent lodging options in Pondicherry.

The Pondicherry resorts can also be a great option for staying in this beautiful sea resort.

Some of the best hotels in Pondicherry include:

• The Residency Towers Puducherry
• The Promenade
• Villa Shanti
• Le Royal Park Puducherry
• Annamalai International Hotel
• Palais De Mahe
• Le Pondy
• Le Dupleix
• Hotel Coramandal Heritage
• Le Chateau
• La Closerie Bay of Bengal
• K Resort
• Gratitude at Pondicherry
• The Residency Towers Puducherry

You book a room in any of these hotels before visiting Pondicherry, India, to have the best time in this serene seaside town.

What to Eat in Pondicherry

Pondicherry is a delightful place for the foodies. There are numerous restaurants in Pondicherry. Besides, you can find different cafes by the sea to enjoy beverages and snacks. The foods offered in these Pondicherry restaurants and cafes are of a completely cosmopolitan nature. While you will find the local Tamil cuisines, such as dosa, idly, and others, you can also go for the French dishes that bear witness to the French influence still present in this erstwhile French colony in the South Indian state of Tamilnadu.

If you want to spend some excellent time in some restaurant in Pondicherry, you can go to a seaside Pondicherry restaurant and spend some time there. No matter what kind of food you love, you are likely to find some amazing options in the restaurants in Pondicherry. There are quite a few restaurants in Pondicherry that you must try to visit to enjoy the amazing food they serve. Some of the best restaurants in Pondicherry include:

• Cafe Xtasi
• Les Chefs
• La Villa
• Coromandel Cafe
• New Farm Fresh
• Spice Route Resto Pub
• The Smoothie Bar
• Hotel Karai Restaurant
• La Casita
• PY Cafe
• Auro Pizza

If you're planning a trip to Pondicherry, you can enjoy your food in one or many of these restaurants in Pondicherry.

Pondicherry Attractions

There are quite a few places of tourist interest in Puducherry. Among them, the Aurobindo Ashram is surely the most important. It is visited by tourists from across the globe on a regular basis. Besides, there are a few sea beaches in Pondicherry. In addition, there are also quite a few Pondicherry attractions that do justice to this seaside town's French roots.

Aurobindo Ashram Pondicherry

Aurobindo Ghosh, one of the most important leaders of Indian freedom struggle, had decided to emancipate the life of a revolutionary in 1910 and left for Pondicherry, which was a French Colony. There he started leading a spiritual life as Sri Aurobindo or Rishi Aurobindo in Pondicherry. 

There are various places in the town that bear his memories. The Aurobindo Ashram, established in 1926, is probably the most important among them. The Ashram has long been working for the spiritual enhancement of people from around the world.

There is also a place for meditation at Auroville, Pondicherry, where you can spend your time for enjoying mental bliss.

Matrimandir, Pondicherry, the temple dedicated to The Mother or Mirra Alfassa, can be a great place to spend some time. There's a Matrimandir Viewing Point inside Auroville from where you can view this wonderful temple. However, ensure that you book the tickets online before visiting Auroville, Pondicherry.

Chunnambar Boat House

Located at a distance of about 8 kilometers from the city center of Pondicherry, Chunnambar Boat House, Pondicherry, offers one of the best boating services in this serene colonial town. As the name suggests, Chunnambar Boat House is a boat house or a large boat with all amenities that you want in a house. If you want to spend a lazy day boating in Pondicherry, you can go for Chunnambar Boat House. You can even set up a night camping by sailing downstream. In addition, the Chunnambar Boat House also helps you participate in several beach sports. It also provides you with a cruise ride to and from the Paradise Beach, Pondicherry.

Paradise Beach

Pondicherry beach is one of the best beaches in India. In addition there's the Paradise Beach, Pondicherry, also known as Plage Paradiso. This beautiful beach lives up to its name with the blue and foamy waves and the serene beach. Located at a distance of about 8 kilometers from the main bus stand of Pondicherry, this beach can be accessed only by riding a boat. If you're looking to reach the Paradise Beach, Pondicherry, you have to take a ferry from the Chunnambar Boat House, Pondicherry. It takes around 10 to 15 minutes of ferry ride to this serene beach.

Pondicherry University Beach

Looking for a clean and beautiful beach that's away from the hustle and bustle of the town?

You need to go to the Pondicherry University Beach.

This secluded beach is located in Kalapet and is closest to Auroville. You can take an auto rickshaw or a cab to go to the beach and enjoy some time there.

Seaside Promenade

Are you planning to spend a lazy Pondicherry vacation?

Then a walk down the Seaside Promenade Pondicherry is something you can't miss.

The Promenade, also known as the White Town Promenade, Pondicherry, is a sidewalk along the beach. The Promenade, Pondicherry, offers you the experience of enjoying the cool sea breeze mixed with the smell of brewing coffee from the lines of cafes located there. If you feel tired, you can just enter one of those cafes and sip on a cup of coffee to feel rejuvenated.

Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Although a major part of Pondicherry displays French influence in its constructions, there are other places offering the taste of local architecture as well. The Manakula Vinayagar Temple, also known as the Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is one of them. Located at a walking distance from the Seaside Promenade, the Manakula Vinayagar Temple is over 500 years old and is one of the most popular places of worship of the Hindus residing in Southern India.

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pondicherry

This Basilica or church in Pondicherry was established first in 1895 and then the construction was completed in 1902. This Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pondicherry, offers a view of Oriental Gothic architecture at Pondicherry. The church has a number of rare stained glass panels, which have paintings of events from the life of Jesus Christ and other Saints of the Catholic Church.

Winding it up

Taking a trip to the beautiful sea resort of Pondicherry can help you feel rejuvenated and refreshed within a couple of days.