Pondicherry (now it is changed as Puduchery) is the Capital of Pondicherry Union Territory, which is the former French Colony. The French ruled this territory for 300 years, and today, it stands as a living monument of the French culture in India. It is on the east coast about 160 kms south of Chennai located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. Pondicherry is a unique place. Many feel that it has a distinct spiritual vibration. The town is planned as a grid surrounded by a congested boulevard.
This unique union territory, Pondicherry Tourism comprises of four scattered coastal enclaves- 1.Pondicherry now called as Puducheri, 2. Karaikal which is in Tamilnadu, 3.Yanam in Andhra Pradesh and 4.Mahe in Kerala which lies on the west coast. These places have preserved the French heritage and its cultural aspects which are unique in India. Pondicherry Tourist Places are combination of cultures. The people here speak about 55 languages. The natural beauty mesmerizes and influences the visitors. People who love to go for shopping can select Pondicherry as goods in this town can be bought for cheaper prices and the shoppers can bargain and pay the minimal charges for goods to their satisfaction. The golden sea shores, the exclusive sunset cruises, the enchanting moonlit dinners and the blissful lagoons have given the lovely resort a reputation of being the most appropriate place for those in quest of a relaxed and leisurely holiday. Bicycle is the best mode of transport for moving around and visiting the beauty of Pondicherry.
Pondicherry Tourist Places
When people visit a new place they closely watch the place, its nature and beauty, the buildings, the people’s cultural and traditional set up, their food, clothing and their mannerisms. They watch out places where they could relax a bit so that they could be tension free and spend the time happily for a while. Nature gives wisdom, joy, pleasure, relaxation and it teaches many things essential in life. Some places may be breezy and cool all the time. Some places of Pondicherry Tourism are very colourful. People have different tastes and likings. But for sure the Pondicherry Tourist Places which will really be entertaining and time to be leisurely.
Pondicherry History
Beaches and Backwaters
The Serenity Beach is 1.5 kilometers long. It's a beautiful site to watch as it is cool and clean. This beach is ideally suited for relaxation, swimming and sun-bath. The pleasant breeze from the Bay of Bengal makes us to have a stroll or jog or sit in the parapet by the sea. The beach has a history behind it as this witnessed the bloodiest of the battles between the French and the British. The sea front is graced by an impressive statue of the Mahatma (M.K.Gandhi) set amidst eight exquisitely carved pillars and wonderful war memorial commemorating the soldiers who lost their lives during the World War I. The Lighthouse and the 284 meters long New Pier are located further south.
The next is the Paradise Beach. This is called Plage Paradiso. This is located at Chunnambar near the mouth of the backwater. This is located about 8 kilometers away form Pondicherry towards Cuddalore Main Road. It is a perfect place for leisurely holiday and beach sport. The visitors can sail to the backwaters to the sands and pitch up a cozy sea side tent. One can see playing dolphins if cruised into the sea.
The next is the Karaikal Beach. This beach is an excellent place for watching the rising sun. The tourists can see the view of the slowly flowing Arasalar River meeting the sea which is simply breathtaking. The boating club on the beautiful backwaters of the Arasalar provides pedaller, motor and rowing boats to the tourists. The beautiful Mahe beach is a beach resort which is 22 kilometers south of Kannur in Kerala and is bordered by lush palm trees. There are numerous fishing hamlets. The Yanam river cruise is located in coastal Andhra Pradesh. Its beauty is enhanced by the spectacular Goringa Godavari River which meanders through rich mangrove forests.
Historic Monuments and Buildings in Pondicherry
The Monuments are Aayimandapam, French War Memorial, Ananda Ranga Pillai Mansion, Bharathi Memorial Museum, Bharathidasan Museum, the Statue of Dupleix, The Statue of Joan of arc, 19th Century Lighthouse, Place Du Gouvernment, Jawahar Toy Museum, Pondicherry Museum and Library and Arikamedu.
Festivals, Fairs and Important Dates in Pondicherry
The Pondicherry Tour Packages contain festivals and celebrations which are quite common and can be found every where. International Yoga Festival (4-7 January), Pongal (14-16 January), Masi Magam during mid march, Vishnu festival in Yanam, Villiayanur Lourdes festival (April 17-27), Chitrai Kalia Vizha a summer festival, Villiayanur Temple Car festival during the middle of May, The Mangani festival dedicated to Karaikal Ammaiyar, Bastille Day(14th July), French food festival of August, Virampattinam Car festival, Birth Anniversary of Sri Aurobindo (15th August), Fete De Pondicherry (15th-17th August), St. Theresa festival (5th-21st October), Isai Vizha (1st week after Vijayadasami), Drama festival (13th-19th November), and Shopping festival (22nd-31st December) are some of the festivals that the people of Pondicherry celebrate.
Places around Pondicherry
The famous places of Pondicherry Tour Packages are Auroville, Matri Mandir, Villiayanur, Gingee, Pichchavaram, Poompuhar, Mamallapuram, Karaikal, Nagore, Tranquebar, Velankanni and Chidambaram. All these above mentioned places are tourist spots and they have a historic past in them.
How to Reach Pondicherry by Air
Pondicherry does not have any airport with in its boundary. But it lies very close to Chennai, which has an international airport. Chennai is accessible from all over the country. Almost all public and private airlines operate regular flights to and from Chennai.
How to Reach Pondicherry by Road
A good road network, originating from National Highway 45, covers Pondicherry Tourist Places. The most convenient way to Pondicherry is either from Chennai (150kms) and Bangalore (320kms).
