Puducherry
Formerly known as Pondicherry, this coastal town is a neighbor to Tamilnadu and a union territory. The meaning of Puducherry in local language Tamil is "new village". This place is perfect for a break from the hustle bustle of city life. The scenic beauty of Puducherry is marked by its tranquility and peacefulness that one can find in its beaches. Puducherry has something to offer everyone starting from shopping destines till places where once can explore ones spiritual side. Puducherry is famous for its numerous fairs and festivals as well. Pondicherry tourism for years has been promoting jaunt to the peaceful beaches in the region of Pondicherry. The city is also abode to numerous legacy properties and monuments. The tourism department of Puducherry every year organizes an exhibition of French cuisines popularly known as Gourmet which attracts foodies form all over the country. The botanical park of Puducherry is also known for being an abode to scarce varieties of plants. A trip to this land of diversities will be the one you will cherish lifelong.
Location
Puducherry is situated at a distance of 162 kilometers towards south form Chennai, which is the capital city of Tamilnadu and approximately 22 kilometers away from Cuddalore. The union territory of Puducherry shares its western, northern and southern boundary with Tamilnadu and the vast Bay of Bengal coastline forms the eastern boundary of Puducherry. The union territory of Puducherry is spread over an area of 429 sq kilometers in which inhabits around 900,000 people. The city of Puducherry id shielded against the onslaught of the sea by sea wall which is approximately 1.25 miles long, which was constructed by the French in the year 1735.This is at a height of approximately 27 feet above sea level. Granite boulders are added to the sea wall every year by the government of Puducherry to save the wall form erosion.
Places to see
Puducherry is one of the exotic travel destinations in India and holds huge number of attractions to be explored while you are in the city. The city is famous for its scenic beauty and serine environment. The major tourist attractions of Puducherry apart from the enchanting sea and the beaches are
Auroville: Popularly known as the city of dawn, it is located at a distance of around 8 kilometers from Puducherry. It is a must see place. Auroville is parish with an international quintessence. It is an abode to people from as many as 35 nations living here as a single community. Born in the year 1968, Auroville is being designed with an objective to accommodate around 50000 people from all across the globe. This planned architectural marvel consists of Matri Mandir, the gardens, an amphitheatre and a lake. One can spent a few days in absolute peace and solitude here and enjoy the element of joy in silence. Auroville over the years have been promoted extensively by the government of Puducherry and UNESCO.
The French Heritage: Puducherry is famous for its French Heritage because Puducherry was the capital of French colonies in India. The French for centuries ruled over this place therefore every nook and corner of Puducherry has a French essence starting form city architecture till the monuments. A few French styled destinations are Children’s park with the figurine of Dupleix Marquis Joseph François, Mairie building, the Le Café, Goubert Avenue, French consulate house, The Aayi Mandapam constructed in the era of Napoleon 3 and the Romain Rolland Library, the abandoned light house, The Church of our Lady of the Angels, figurine of Joan of Arc etc. The road which leads to the beach is a typical instance of French style of construction. This very influence can also be witnessed in the interiors and exteriors of numerous houses in Puducherry. The architectural elegance of Puducherry is something a traveler will treasure forever in his heart.
Botanical Garden: Tour of Puducherry is incomplete if you haven’t seen the boating park. This park is famous across the county because of its green beauty and hosts a number of atypical and gorgeous trees and plants, which makes it a paradise for nature lovers. This French styled garden was built way back in 1928 and till date it is an unavoidable part of tourism in Puducherry.
Chunnambar Resort: Situated aside the Ariyankkupam River, this resort is approximately at a distance of 8 kilometers from Puducherry. Over the years this resort has come up as one of the most popular tourists destines of Puducherry. Apart for being famous for beach sports once can get a glimpse of a dolphin as well. The fun activities one can undertake in this resort are boating on the back waters, trekking, and beach volleyball etc.
The Arikamedu: This is one of the most popular tourist spot of Puducherry. It has a great historical significance. This is believed to be the trade centre of the Romans. The coins, ceramics and other things which were discovered through excavation have been kept in the Puducherry museum. Study of the same has indicated at probable Roman connections.
Apart from all these other places of interest in Puducherry include various beaches, the ashram and various churches, temples, monuments, mosques river, Veerampattinam Beach, the Aryankuppam River and the lighthouse. Prominent festivals and celebrations include pongal, Bastille Day, Christmas, food festival, Masimagma, Saint Aurobindo’s birth anniversary, Diwali and International yoga festival.
How to reach
Puducherry is very well connected through road, rail and air with the rest of the country.
By Air: The nearest airbase to Puducherry is the airport at Chennai which is approximately 135 kilometers from the city.
By Rail: The nearest rail head which connects Puducherry to connect itself to the rest of India is the railway station at Chennai. There is a meter gauge line rail service which connects Puducherry with Chennai via Villupuram which is around 36 kilometers away from central Puducherry.
By Road: Road ways is the backbone of transport system in Puducherry. Private and Public transport service providers connect Puducherry to the rest of the south India by road. All kinds of coaches are available for a comfortable journey.
What to do
Morning and Evening Walk: While in Puducherry one can dafinately go for a morning and an evening walk by the beach which will be a soul soothing experience to remember. The combination of blue and white is sure to make one remember the walk for ever.
Long Drive: One can go for a long drive on the East Coast Road which connects Puducherry to Chennai. Driving on this road with sand dunes on one side and sea on the other with your loved one can be a delightful experience to treasure.
Bike Ride: Hire a bike and setting out for a small ride along the beaches and the markets of Puducherry. This is something which is almost like a ritual performed by tourists here
Beach Sports: One can always take part into numerous beach sports which are being played here in Puducherry. On a bright evening this can be an interesting pastime for you and your family.
Taste Sea Food: Puducherry is a heaven for foodies. One can find authentic sea foods and platters from all countries to excite ones taste buds. If you are in Puducherry tasting see food is a must.
River Cruise: Once can go for a nice river cruise of and enchant oneself with the nice scenic view of the Veerampattinam Beach and the light house.
Best time to visit
The best time to tour Puducherry is between the months of December till February. The temperature in this part of the year remains mostly below 30 degrees and specifically the nights are rally pleasant. The daytime temperature in this period mostly ranges between 30 to 36 degrees.
History
Puducherry is rich in history. A number of foreign communities have ruled over the city. A few of them are, the French, the Dutch, the Danes and the English. According to mythology Puducherry is the house of saint Agasthya and the place was earlier known as Vedapuri. It is said that the Romans had trade relations with Puducherry and the testimony of the same is Arikamedu which is located around 7 kilometers away from Puducherry. It was in 1673 when the French took over this city and they fought with the English numerous times for the possession of this place. Puducherry is now a Union Territory of India and was declared to be the same on 1st of November 1954. Still the French connection is prevalent in this city with great scenic beauty.
Climate
Puducherry enjoys a typical south Indian costal climate. Summer sets in the early part of March and continues to relentlessly heat the province till July. The mercury rises even above 40 degrees at times. Because of the costal location the humidity is remains high all the time. July onwards the province receives rain which reduces the heat of summer. Puducherry experiences monsoon from September till November. This can be a good time to visit Puducherry. Because of frequent showers the temperature normally remains low. December till February is winters here and it’s the best time to plan you pleasure trip to Puducherry.
