Puducherry- French town located in Indian Mainland

Puducherry, formerly known as Pondicherry. The only French town located in the Indian mainland.

I am not trying to exaggerate here though this place is like a dream come true for those who wish to explore Europe but couldn’t afford to visit.

It’s quite unusual to see French captions at Cafes, Street signs and people greeting in French- Bonjour!

Before proceeding further I would like you to understand the history of Pondicherry. The territory of Pondicherry got independence from the French government in 1954 and merged with the Indian mainland in 1962. While merging, the territory was given an opportunity to decide if they wish to merge with Tamil Nadu state of India or to stay separate as a Union Territory and they decided to stay separate.

Since Puducherry is geographically surrounded by Tamil Nadu hence territory comprises of Tamil and French culture till date.

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Puducherry is crafted as a French town varying from architecture, infrastructure, even the French food and French music in cafes.

Influence from western culture is so much visible, people are so friendly and broad-minded throughout Puducherry.

 

Checklist to cover while you are in Puducherry

Ride a cycle or walk around a picturesque white town. This place is heaven for every photographer, especially during the evening time.

You will surely enjoy walking/riding around the streets of white town.

Tip- You can rent a bicycle at a nominal cost of Rs.150/- a day.

Café des Artes- While digging some pictures from random blogs I found this wall as the most fascinating one and my curiosity eventually took me there. Though the café was closed when I visited there though I was able to take some amazing pictures.

 

Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple- This colorful Hindu temple devoted to Lord Ganesha is must visit place while you are in Puducherry.

Tip- If possible, try to attend aarti in the evening.

Spend evenings at the edge of Rock Beach- Just imagine you are sitting at the edge of the ocean on the rocks and water splashes are touching your face with every single wave.

Note- Swimming is prohibited at Rock beach, hence you may refrain from carrying a swimming costume.

One and only Le café- This is the only café governed by Puducherry tourism and located right on the edge of the seashore. The best part is that you may enjoy coffee at this café 24 hours round the clock looking at the ocean.

Note- There is a self-service kiosk at the café, hence make expectations accordingly. 

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Explore the unexplored- Unnamed beach located right on the edge of Youth hostel, A perfect place to chill with friends. Well, this is one of the best offbeat coastal locations I have enjoyed ever in India, This place is located few miles away from the hustle-bustle of the city.

Tip- After dark is the perfect time to visit this place.

 

Notre Dame des Anges- This church depicts Greco roman architecture and this is the only church that celebrates mass in 3 languages.

 

Nearby Places

Paradise Beach

This beach is located around 20 minutes away from the Puducherry bus stand. You may opt to visit the beach by boats governed by Puducherry tourism or rent a bike to visit the beach.

Tip- It will cost you Rs. 350/- to visit there by boat followed by a beach entry fee of Rs.129/- else you may ride all the way till beach without any extra cost other than bike rent and fuel expenses.   

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Pichavaram

Pichavaram is one of the mangrove forest located around 80 odd Kms from Puducherry city. Pichavaram is one of the rare sites to explore lush green picturesque mangrove forest in India.

 

Auroville

Auroville is the place where people from different locations worldwide live together with no religious, political boundary. Auroville is located around 8 odd Kms. The picture of Maitri Mandir represents as a logo for Auroville.

Other activities to do in Puducherry includes- Watch Sun rise from Rock beach, Surfing classes, Scuba diving, Parasailing, Midnight walk at rock beach, Weekend, and occasional events.

 

Where to eat

You will find plenty of options varying from hawkers followed by luxury cafes. Majority of cafes including French cafes like Rendezvous or Le club are located in a white town area while the majority of small restaurants and hawkers are located beyond the white town area.

Budget options with super tasty food include AAB restaurant and Coffee & Tiffin restaurant for authentic delicious south Indian food and Filter coffee.

 

Not just a Stay it is an Experience

Puducherry offers space for every kind of traveler beat backpacker, business, or leisure tourist. Backpackers may opt for Youth Hostel (Accommodation starts from Rs.200/-) location of this hostel is just like the cherry on the cake though you may end up paying a lot of money to auto drivers in case you haven’t rented a bike or traveling on your own vehicle as this hostel is located around 5 odd km away from the new bus stand. Other accommodations for backpackers include Gurukulam or Natura backpackers hostel, located in the main town (Accommodation starts from Rs.400/-)

On the other part variety of budget hotels are located near new bus stand and railway station (Accommodation starts from Rs.800/-) while luxury and heritage hotels are located in white town (Accommodation starts from Rs.3000/-)

There are a couple of hotels that are still preserving and serving authentic French experience i.e. Hotel Vila Des Governeurs located in white town.

 

How to Commute within City

Commercial cab service like Ola/Uber is still not operational within the city hence the only way to commute within Puducherry is by Auto (Tuk Tuk) or to rent a Bike.

Tip- Bike and Bicycle are easily available for rent from Mission street. The ideal cost to rent a Bicycle or E-bike varies between Rs.150/- to Rs.200/- a day and Rs.300/- for Scooter. Ensure to collect the receipt and make a small video while taking a handover of the bike.

 

How to reach Puducherry

Though Puducherry has its own Airport and Train station though it doesn’t offer frequent service. Hence the best way to reach Puducherry is to take a Flight or Train to Chennai (Located 150 odd km away) then you may opt for the shared bus (Estimate cost Rs.300/-) or private cab (Estimate cost Rs.2200/-) depending on your budget.

Tip- You may book a bus through travel applications like RedBus.in and cab through applications like Ola/Uber.

 

What else you should expect here

Undoubtedly this French town has USP (unique selling product) which no other Indian town can offer.

Just visit Puducherry and feel the magical vibe of this French town on your own.

Shopping in Puducherry- Traditional products to take home include fancy colorful lights, Handicraft, Fridge magnets and seashells.

You find all these products under one roof at Craft Bazar, Puducherry.

The Winter months from November till February is the most pleasant time to visit Puducherry as considering the tropical weather, Puducherry is usually hot throughout the year.

 

If you are a person who loves to explore differently architecture, picturesque destination than this is the place for you.

 

Travelers may feel free to approach me at 9910326647 or prateeksapra.p@gmail.com for further assistance.

About the author

Prateek Sapra is based out of New Delhi. A crazy nomad who loves to explore unexplored and offbeat destinations. He believes that every destination has a message that communicates with him. With each trip, he tries to express the message he receives from each destination through the mode of words and tells the world. "Be what you are, others are already sold" This is what he lives by.