Pondicherry

India

Pondicherry (officially Puducherry, also known as Pondy and Pondichérry), is a city and capital of the Pondicherry (officially Puducherry) union territory of Southern India. French Memorial on Beach Road

Pondichérry, though small in geographical size, 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 on the architecture of 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 a pleasant mix of the East and the West. It is also known as The French Riviera of the East (La Côte d'Azur de l'Est). If you have spent some time in Tamil Nadu and approached Pondichérry by land, you will very likely experience mild culture shock on discovering French architecture and restaurants serving steak and good wine. Pondichérry is very much a city with a dual personality: crossing the central canal from the east to the west reveals two different cities with very different characters.

Tamil is the main language spoken in Pondicherry. The city was essentially a French possession in the Tamil-speaking area of the region. You need to be able to speak Tamil if you wish to live in Pondicherry.

Expect to be able to get quite far in South Asia as an English-speaking tourist. Persons in Pondicherry with a university education may be able to converse with you in English.

French is no longer an official language or widely spoken in Pondicherry and has been largely supplanted by English among younger people, but can still be heard among elderly persons raised during French colonial rule. However, the language is considered an aspect of life in Pondicherry that draws tourists from the surrounding regions. Telugu and Malayalam are the two official languages, but their use is generally confined to specific communities.

Gandhi Statue on Beach Road Sri Aurobindo Ashram

  • Bharati Park
  • Botanical Gardens, +91 413 233 9497. A nice park, though a little in disarray. Entry free. An aquarium, maintained by the Directorate of Fisheries is also a must see while in the Gardens. Entrance ticketed.
  • Chunnambar Boat House - (which is crowded on holidays and weekends) Situated 10 km south of the city on the way to Cuddalore and connected by local buses. You can take a motorboat to Paradise beach from here.
  • Government Museum
  • Mahatma Gandhi's statue, Beach Rd.
  • Oustery Lake - (Only as a view but not developed). Declared a bird sanctuary with boating run by tourism corporation
  • Paradise Beach - You need to hire a motorboat for pick up and drop to the beach from Chunnambar Boat house which will cost you around ₹200.
  • Puducherry New Light house- only between 15:00 - 17:00 a nominal entry fee There is not much to do at the beach if you are travelling solo but a perfect place for romance.
  • The globe(matrimandir) Also known as the area of 'Peace' is a well-built globe with reflectors. You need to make booking in advance between 9AM and 4PM if you are a first-time visitor. Entry is free but only allowed on Sundays, and the place is strictly used for meditation.

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception

Our Lady of Lourdes - Villianpur - (7 km from Pondicherry towards Villupuram)

  • Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam
  • Manakula Vinayagar Temple
  • The ancient Kalatheeswarer Temple (Chetty kovil) in the heart of town. You can worship most of the Hindu Gods here.
  • Sri Aurobindo Ashram
  • Villianur Thirukameeswarar Temple

People also often visit Auroville from Pondicherry City. Consult the guide for that town for more information.

Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam

Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Villianur Thirukameeswarar Temple

Bharati Park

Botanical Gardens, +91 413 233 9497. A nice park, though a little in disarray. Entry free. An aquarium, maintained by the Directorate of Fisheries is also a must see while in the Gardens. Entrance ticketed.

Chunnambar Boat House - (which is crowded on holidays and weekends)

Government Museum

Mahatma Gandhi's statue, Beach Rd.

Oustery Lake - (Only as a view but not developed). Declared a bird sanctuary with boating run by tourism corporation

Paradise Beach - You need to hire a motorboat for pick up and drop to the beach from Chunnambar Boat house which will cost you around ₹200.

Puducherry New Light house- only between 15:00 - 17:00 a nominal entry fee

There is not much one is expected to do at Pondichérry. You would understand this better once you get there and understand the pace of life.

You can also do some serious meditation at the Auroville, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, or going to Bharatanatyam performances that are often organized there by the Auroville Cultural Exchange in the local temples, or at major hotels.

You can also go fishing in a Catamaran or while away your evenings at the Rocky Beach. You can also hire mopeds and go on long drives for the sandy beaches that dot the coast line.

You can also experience staying in a traditional 'Parapachai' house - an affectionate name given by connoisseurs to traditional green colored houses. First class experience.

  • Casablanca and Titanic, Mission St. must see shopping. the latter is a factory outlet of the former.
  • French Quarter Architecture, the other side of the canal road to the coastline.

Temple Adventures, 9, Archbishop Gandhi Street, Colas Nagar, 1st Road Opposite Indira Gandhi Stadium, +9199402 19449. Scuba diving club. There is a great range of corals, lion fish, grouper, kingfish, moray eels, eagle and manta rays, parrot fish, sea snakes, triggerfish, butterflies, angels, bannerfish, crustaceans, and if you're lucky, even sharks, whale sharks, turtles and dolphins.

Kallialay Surf School, Thandryankuppam, Kottakuppam, Villupuram, +91 9442992874. Offers surfing lessons and surf board rentals.

  • The Healing Hands Center. Classes in ancient massage and Thai massage. The ten-day course and the one-month professional course run every month and are recognized by THAI (Thai Healing Alliance International) and by NHPC (Natural Health Practitioners of Canada).

The Healing Hands Center. Classes in ancient massage and Thai massage. The ten-day course and the one-month professional course run every month and are recognized by THAI (Thai Healing Alliance International) and by NHPC (Natural Health Practitioners of Canada).

Casablanca and Titanic, Mission St. must see shopping. the latter is a factory outlet of the former.

French Quarter Architecture, the other side of the canal road to the coastline.

  • Handmade paper - The range of colours and scope of textures of Pondicherry’s homemade paper is marketed all over the world.
  • Leather - Making leather in meticulously is what separates Pondicherry from rest of the cities in India. Well polished and creative products with quality brass buckles are available in reasonable prices here.
  • Pottery - Pondicherry is known for artisan and ceramic work. Different kinds of shops offer distinctive styles such as Rhinestone Art and Golden Bridge.
  • Textile and clothes - Since a long time, Pondicherry has been involved in the production of garment textiles and household items. There are also plenty of stores which sell T-shirts and some well known types of clothes at surprisingly low rates.

Handmade paper - The range of colours and scope of textures of Pondicherry’s homemade paper is marketed all over the world.

Leather - Making leather in meticulously is what separates Pondicherry from rest of the cities in India. Well polished and creative products with quality brass buckles are available in reasonable prices here.

Pottery - Pondicherry is known for artisan and ceramic work. Different kinds of shops offer distinctive styles such as Rhinestone Art and Golden Bridge.

Textile and clothes - Since a long time, Pondicherry has been involved in the production of garment textiles and household items. There are also plenty of stores which sell T-shirts and some well known types of clothes at surprisingly low rates.

Pondicherry is known for its wide variety of cuisines ranging from South Indian delicacies like idly and dosa to seafood like fried fish, prawn bajji and parota.

French influence can be seen to some extent in the local food. The best options are still the local delicacies; the excellent seafood. Good French food is available at restaurants around the French part of town.

  • 28 pie, MG road (opp. Petit Seminare school)- calls itself "an authentic vegetarian pizzateria". Offers Exotic Italian pizzas & grilled items, burgers, ice cream, shakes and many sides. Rich atmosphere. Opening hrs:11:00 to 23:00 for 365 days.Ph:0413-222 72 82. Free wiFi available. facebook.com/28pie.
  • Anjappar, Near Jeeva Theater Signal. Open every day.
  • Aristo, Nehru Street. Nice terrace on the roof of the hotel; good French and Indian food.
  • Atithi, Kamaraj Road, Shivajinagar (In Hotel Jayaram. All Days. Fantastic south Indian food. Very reasonably priced. Try out the 6 feet family masala dosa ghee roast.
  • Batisto, ECR Road, Next to D Gowda Petrol Bunk, Behind Laloo's puntcher shop.
  • Don Giovanni, Mission St. Located at the rooftop of Hotel Corbelli on Mission St, this authentic Italian restaurant opened only in 2009. The chef is from Bologna, and the food is fantastic.
  • Hot Breads, Nehru St, A pleasant European bakery.
  • Indian Delights Veg. Restaurant, 493 Mahatma Gandhi Rd (opposite a hotel (the clock tower hotel). Opens at 5 in the morning, delicious variety of typical south Indian dishes. Very cheap, popular with locals, not touristy.
  • Karai, 100 Feet Rd. Nellithope. Multi-cuisine restaurant, good for Chettinad food. Also, try the French onion soup.
  • Marine Drive, Periyamudaliyarchavadi, ECR Auroville (opp to Auro Beach, on ECR, 5.5 km from Pondicherry, +91 413-2623939. Multi-cuisine restaurant. Open garden and covered area with sea brees. 11:00-23:00.
  • New Banana Cafe, 36 Cazy St, +91 96 26 561259. Fresh french food in a peaceful environment. Free Wifi. ₹100-₹200.
  • Pizzeria Trattoria, Auroville Rd (On the way to Auroville. This restaurant serves Pizza and other Italian delights. Seems to be managed by a French person, food was good. Prices are reasonable, but the quantities are smaller.
  • Rendezvous, 30, Rue Suffren. Closed on Tuesdays.
  • Satsanga, 30, Labourdonnais. Open every day.
  • Sri Murugan Cafe, No. 160, Kosakada Street opposite Municipality Central Parking Place. Veg-only Indian restaurant with great dosas. You might be the only tourist here for weeks. ₹25-50.
  • Surguru, at the corner of Sardar Vallabhai Patel Rd and East coast Road, in the basement of the hotel. Has delicious Indian food, At breakfast time try the delicious poori or paper roast (paper dosai).

28 pie, MG road (opp. Petit Seminare school)- calls itself "an authentic vegetarian pizzateria". Offers Exotic Italian pizzas & grilled items, burgers, ice cream, shakes and many sides. Rich atmosphere. Opening hrs:11:00 to 23:00 for 365 days.Ph:0413-222 72 82. Free wiFi available. facebook.com/28pie.

Anjappar, Near Jeeva Theater Signal. Open every day.

Aristo, Nehru Street. Nice terrace on the roof of the hotel; good French and Indian food.

Atithi, Kamaraj Road, Shivajinagar (In Hotel Jayaram. All Days. Fantastic south Indian food. Very reasonably priced. Try out the 6 feet family masala dosa ghee roast.

Batisto, ECR Road, Next to D Gowda Petrol Bunk, Behind Laloo's puntcher shop.

Don Giovanni, Mission St. Located at the rooftop of Hotel Corbelli on Mission St, this authentic Italian restaurant opened only in 2009. The chef is from Bologna, and the food is fantastic.

Hot Breads, Nehru St, A pleasant European bakery.

Indian Delights Veg. Restaurant, 493 Mahatma Gandhi Rd (opposite a hotel (the clock tower hotel). Opens at 5 in the morning, delicious variety of typical south Indian dishes. Very cheap, popular with locals, not touristy.

Karai, 100 Feet Rd. Nellithope. Multi-cuisine restaurant, good for Chettinad food. Also, try the French onion soup.

Marine Drive, Periyamudaliyarchavadi, ECR Auroville (opp to Auro Beach, on ECR, 5.5 km from Pondicherry, +91 413-2623939. Multi-cuisine restaurant. Open garden and covered area with sea brees. 11:00-23:00.

New Banana Cafe, 36 Cazy St, +91 96 26 561259. Fresh french food in a peaceful environment. Free Wifi. ₹100-₹200.

Pizzeria Trattoria, Auroville Rd (On the way to Auroville. This restaurant serves Pizza and other Italian delights. Seems to be managed by a French person, food was good. Prices are reasonable, but the quantities are smaller.

Rendezvous, 30, Rue Suffren. Closed on Tuesdays.

Satsanga, 30, Labourdonnais. Open every day.

Sri Murugan Cafe, No. 160, Kosakada Street opposite Municipality Central Parking Place. Veg-only Indian restaurant with great dosas. You might be the only tourist here for weeks. ₹25-50.

Surguru, at the corner of Sardar Vallabhai Patel Rd and East coast Road, in the basement of the hotel. Has delicious Indian food, At breakfast time try the delicious poori or paper roast (paper dosai).

There are a multitude of liquor shops / wineshops around the city, perhaps owing to the French influence. Alcohol in Pondicherry is not taxed as it is in Chennai and is therefore significantly cheaper. At a takeaway shop, a beer should cost around ₹80-100 (as of 2017).

Good branded liquor like Smirnoff, Bacardi and different Scotch whiskies are very inexpensive as there is no sales tax in Pondicherry.

  • Choco La, Mission St. Small, cosy, clean chocolate shop on Mission St. Also features chocolate cakes, coffee's, etc. A bit on the expensive side.
  • KBS coffee bar, 19 Chetty St (second left from Raja theatre signal near Bharathi street cutting. 05:30-20:30. Open since 1972, this is a good place for some South Indian coffee. ₹15 for a coffee.
  • Le Club, 38, Dumas St (Near Park Guest house, +91 413 2339745. 07:00-23:00. Wonderful garden restaurant with a high class bar and chill out atmosphere, but slightly overrated and quite expensive.
  • Seagulls. Nice bar that organizes musical concerts occasionally. They sell imported beer.

In addition to these listings, on the beach road abutting the French quarter enjoy fine dining in a good ambiance with continental and Indian cuisine, has a nice buffet on weekends. Mimicry artists will sometimes entertain you at your table.

Choco La, Mission St. Small, cosy, clean chocolate shop on Mission St. Also features chocolate cakes, coffee's, etc. A bit on the expensive side.

KBS coffee bar, 19 Chetty St (second left from Raja theatre signal near Bharathi street cutting. 05:30-20:30. Open since 1972, this is a good place for some South Indian coffee. ₹15 for a coffee.

Le Club, 38, Dumas St (Near Park Guest house, +91 413 2339745. 07:00-23:00. Wonderful garden restaurant with a high class bar and chill out atmosphere, but slightly overrated and quite expensive.

Seagulls. Nice bar that organizes musical concerts occasionally. They sell imported beer.

Always carry passport with you and put a sticky note inside it with phone number of your travel consultant. Never pay anyone upfront, especially to agents or drivers.

Never exchange money with unauthorized foreign exchange dealers. Ask for receipt after exchanging money with the broker.

Don’t get trap in the narcotics trading, as no one wants to end his journey in prison. Switch off your mobile phones while in museums, temples and churches or they will be confiscated.

Wifi can be difficult to find in Pondicherry. Many restaurants, even fancier ones, do not have wifi.

Le Cafe - On the beach front near near the Gandhi Statue, this cafe is more similar to Southern European cafes with wide range of food options in addition to drinks, and notably serves cold coffee. It has WiFi for free, though note that it requires SMS verification to access and that some overseas mobile numbers may return an error (though this is genuinely a technical error rather than a restriction by BSNL).

Gelato Factory- As its name suggests this cafe, located a couple of streets west from the Grand Canal on Bussy Street, serves a variety of ice cream and also drinks. It has free WiFi too. 337, Mission St, MG Road Area, Puducherry, 605001

Cafe Coffee Day - This chain of coffee shops has three branches in Pondicherry, with a branch near the beach that you'll find if you keep heading north off Beach Road as it veers to the left. It provides high quality WiFi but it also requires verification from an Indian mobile number. Sardar Vallabai Patel Salai, Puducherry, 605001

Le cafe Chaplin - This cafe provides free WiFi though it's less of a cafe and more of a restaurant, and serves mainly North Indian food. 80, Grand Canal, MG Road Area, Puducherry, 605001

Citinet Internet Cafe and WiFi - An internet cafe that provides reasonable computers to surf the internet and notably paid WiFi (though only at 30 INR per use). Both the internet and WiFi speeds are reliable and good quality, especially good option if you need high quality internet and do not have an Indian mobile number. Opening times start at sometime around noon and end at sometime around 9pm. 78, 1st Floor, Nehru Street, Puducherry, 605001

  • Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), in the Gorimedu suburb of Pondicherry city on the way to Tindivanam. JIPMER is a Central government funded institute. JIPMER is both an educational institute and a working hospital that provides inexpensive medical care to a large number of patients. JIPMER is a tertiary care referral hospital that is under the direct administrative control of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
  • Government General hospital can be reached on the Victor Simone street which is open 24 hrs and can take care of all emergencies including road traffic accidents which are attended mostly free of cost. This is a Government General Hospital.
  • Rajiv Gandhi Government women and children hospital is located on the 100 feet road. It offers regular and emergency medical services in the departments of Paediatrics, Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Immunisation. It also has a High Risk clinic.
  • General Hospital.

General Hospital.

Pondicherry is allowed one French consulate as a special case, even though India's policy is generally to allow foreign missions only in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.

  • France France, 2 Marine St, +91 413 223-1000.

France France, 2 Marine St, +91 413 223-1000.

  • Auroville is nearby and is often visited as part of a visit to Pondy. A tuktuk should cost around ₹200 and a taxi ₹400 (2017).
  • Kancheepuram - It is named as ‘The City of Thousand Temples’ and belongs to 2nd or 3rd century. Today, it is mainly known for its high quality silks.
  • Kochi - The financial and cultural capital of Kerala. Overnight sleeper buses cost ₹1000-1500 (2017) and take 9-12 hours.
  • Mahabalipuram - Nestled along the Bay of Bengal, it was seventh century port of Pallava kings. Several cave temples are carved here from Granite hill which belongs to fifth and eighth centuries.
  • Tiruvannamalai - Known as fifth Hindu element of fire, it is located around 107 km from Pondicherry and ranks as one of the pilgrim city in Tamil Nadu. Its name meaning ‘Red Mountain’ came from the extinct of Volcano, Arunachala.
  • Senji, a nearby town off Tindivanam, has a fort worth seeing.

[[Auroville]] is nearby and is often visited as part of a visit to Pondy. A tuktuk should cost around ₹200 and a taxi ₹400 (2017).

[[Kancheepuram]] - It is named as ‘The City of Thousand Temples’ and belongs to 2nd or 3rd century. Today, it is mainly known for its high quality silks.

[[Kochi]] - The financial and cultural capital of Kerala. Overnight sleeper buses cost ₹1000-1500 (2017) and take 9-12 hours.

[[Mahabalipuram]] - Nestled along the Bay of Bengal, it was seventh century port of Pallava kings. Several cave temples are carved here from Granite hill which belongs to fifth and eighth centuries.

[[Tiruvannamalai]] - Known as fifth Hindu element of fire, it is located around 107 km from Pondicherry and ranks as one of the pilgrim city in Tamil Nadu. Its name meaning ‘Red Mountain’ came from the extinct of Volcano, Arunachala.