Pondicherry

Pondicherry is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South India. A French colony until 1954, this coastal town retains a number of colonial buildings, churches, statues, and systematic town planning, as well as urban architecture of the local Tamil style. As such the town has been dubbed as “The Europe of India”.

Though very small, Pondicherry was the largest French colony in India. The city has a long and interesting history of trade and war. There is a strong French influence in the city, especially in the old quarters, with Rues and Boulevards lined with Mediterranean style houses and bakeries, although the city remains very much Indian. French is still understood, and the whole city makes for rather pleasant mix of East and West. It is also known as The French Riviera of the East (La Cote d’Azur de l’Est). If you've spent some time in Tamil Nadu and approached Pondicherry by land, you'll very likely experience mild culture shock on discovering French architecture and restaurants serving steak and good wine. Pondicherry is very much a city with a dual personality: crossing from East to West of the central canal reveals two cities with very different characters.

One can cover all main points of Pondicherry on a day-trip (about 8 hours) if you have private vehicle. Two days are more than enough cover all spots leisurely. Anything more if you want to take things very slow and enjoy the city.

The city is also known for its beautiful beaches. Interestingly, Pondicherry in many ways is not like your usual beach destination but somehow manages to offer some, if not all of its elements. Beaches are not very crowded, offer stunning views, especially during sunrise and sunset and are host to water sports like swimming, canoeing and kayaking. 

Places to visit in Pondicherry include Seaside Promenade, Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Paradise beach, Serenity Beach, Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Eglise de Norte Dame des Agnes, Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,  French War Memorial, Bharati Government Park, Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Immaculate Conception Cathedral Church, among other. The city brings various flavors for different seasons.