Pondicherry is one of the most exciting destinations in India and is frequently flocked to by tourists. Situated on the Coromandel coast, the place is well-known for its sun-kissed beaches, temples and churches. It is infused with the rich French history and culture, so much that it seems to a lot like French than Indian to a lot of tourists in some ways. Perhaps, that itself justifies why Pondicherry tour packages are so popular in India.

 

The ideal time to take a trip to Pondicherry is between November and March when the temperature is ideal. It is called the French Capital of India. It is accessible from the other states in India via train, bus and plane.

To name a few, the Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry beach and the French War Memorial are some of the major attractions of this place. Planning to take a trip to this place? Here are some things that you would love to include in your itinerary.

The best places to visit in Pondicherry

The Promenade

The Promenade, or the Pondicherry beach, is one of the most popular attractions in the city. It is a rocky beachfront that opens its arm for visitors all throughout the day. It is the perfect place to experience the pleasant sea breeze and the gushing sound of the water. There is a narrow land where people come out to wander in large numbers in the evenings. The statue of Mahatma Gandhi and the Governor-General, Frabcios Dupleix, are also situated nearby.

The Varadaraja Perumal Temple

The Varadaraja Perumal temple is a famous Vaishnavite temple and is situated near to Pondicherry. The temple is around a 2-hour drive away and is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi and Lord Vishnu. It is believed that the temple is more than 800 years old, according to historical records. It is considered as the most famous and visited temples in the vicinity of Pondicherry. The visiting time of this temple is between 6 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 9 pm. Due to its historical importance, this temple is a must-visit for all the tourists.

The French War Memorial

The French War Memorial was built in the 20th century to pay a tribute to the French soldiers who attained martyrdom during the First World War. Every year on the 14th of July, a tribute ceremony is organised to all the soldiers by illuminating the memorial. The French War Memorial is a reminder of strong ties between Pondicherry and France. The monument is open to visitors throughout the day.

Mahabalipuram

A visit to Mahabalipuram is offered in almost every Pondicherry tour package that you book in India. It is a small town that has a very unique geographic location. It is situated between the Great Salt Lake and the Bay of Bengal. It is also recognised by UNESCO as a heritage site and is the home of many temples and monuments from the old Pallava dynasty. If you are planning a trip to Pondicherry, including Mahabalipuram will be amazing.

Things to do in Pondicherry

Besides holding great historic importance, Pondicherry is also famous for some adventure activities that you can indulge in. Here are some of the top things to do in Pondicherry to make your trip worthwhile.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving in Pondicherry is very popular, thanks to a wide range of marine life and water clarity. While diving into the depths, the divers will come across some of the most exquisite and unique sea creatures, like lionfish, triggerfish, sea snakes, eels, moray and other aquatic animals. The best scuba diving sites are Temple Reef, The Hole, Arvind’s Wall and many others.

Explore the French colony on two-wheelers.

The best way to explore and have adventures in Pondicherry is by hopping on a two-wheeler. The journey will show you the diversity of the place, the cultural heritage and the French quarters. In fact, you can take a tour of almost all the historic spots in the city.

Visiting the botanical garden

Your Pondicherry tour package and itinerary should also include the Botanical Garden. It covers a large area of about 22 acres and is built in a French style with beautiful varieties of flowers, fountains and pruned trees. One can explore the garden further by taking a ride on a toy train. People can also savour different food dishes that Pondicherry is known for. The food varies from French to South Indian and also other European cuisines.

Moreover, people can explore the Pondicherry museum, get a spiritual retreat in the Aurobindo Ashram. A duration of four days is required at least to visit all the places in Pondicherry and experience what the place has on offer. However, the tour package depends on the number of days you want to stay there. The beaches, the cultural heritage and the historical importance are things the make Pondicherry a place worth visiting, indeed.

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