Check Out the Top 5 Places to Visit in Pondicherry
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India is a country with versatile treasure trove for travellers, starting from mesmerizing hill stations to scintillating coastal destinations. Among some of the most prominent coastal cities of India, Pondicherry is one away from hustle and bustle of the meddling city lifestyles. There are amazing tourist places in Pondicherry, and the city stands out with serene, calm, and fresh coastal lifestyle. Hence, it is aptly known as the “City of Dawn.”
Overview
Pondicherry is the capital of Union Territory of India named Pondicherry. Located on the Coromondal coast of Southern India, Pondicherry happens to be a favorite tourist hub. The city is also popular as Puducherry. It is known to a French Riviera owing to its strong French influence for years, as Pondicherry was a French colony. Pondi is a coastal city, which attracts thousands of tourists throughout the year with its serene beauty, pristine beaches, astounding colonial structures, planned city decked with heritage buildings, gothic churches and of course, French delicacies. Here are the 5 best places to visit in Pondicherry.
5 Main Attractions of Pondicherry
1. Sri Aurobindo Ashram
This is one of the most renowned spiritual centers in India visited by enthusiasts from across the world. This Ashram was founded on 24th November 1926 by Sri Aurobindo and his spiritual collaborator Mirra Alfassa. 1200 members and almost 400 students stay in the Ashram. People visit this Ashram from different corners of the world in search of spirituality, eternal peace, and blissful harmony. This Ashram is also the Samadhi place of Sri Aurobindo and his mother.
Things to Do: Spend an entire day at the ashram, experience the solace, harmony, and get peace of mind.
Opening Timings – 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm
2. Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
This is most popular and famous Catholic Churches in Pondicherry. It is well known for its excellent and superior architecture, consecrated in 1907.The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is located in the south boulevard. The structural beauty of the church is worth praise, the 18mt high tower of the church defines its architectural enigma. It is one of the popular tourist places of Pondicherry for photography enthusiasts.
Things to Do: This is a spectacular sport for photography and ideal for peace seeking individuals to pray and meditate.
Opening timings: All days open from 7am to 6.30 pm except Sunday.
3. Auroville
Founded in 1968 this township is the embodiment of peace, harmony, and nirvana. Here, there is no discretion on the basis of caste, creed, color, men and women from any culture or nationality. They can live together here to discover the strength and vitality of humanity, unity, and eternal peace. It is located 8km from Pondicherry this endeavor was endorsed by UNESCO and the Government of India.
Things to Do: Check out the 100-foot high lotus bud structure at Auroville i.e. the Matrimandir, and it happens to be one of the popular places to visit Pondicherry within 1000 km.
Opening timings: Mon to Fri from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM & 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
4. Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach is truly a paradise on earth and one of the places in Pondicherry to visit before your die with long stretch soft, golden sandy beach line. This is a romantic beach aloof from the hustle bustle of city, like that of Aurobindo Beach, at Chunnambar near Pondicherry. This is one of the most popular tourist places in Pondicherry. Crystal clear water and exciting boating along with water activities in Chunnambar River makes this one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Pondicherry. Plage Paradiso is another name of this beach. The beach offers spectacular boating facilities in Chunnambar River.
Things to Do: It is one of the perfect holiday destinations in Pondicherry to enjoy numerous water sports like beach volleyball, boating, etc. It is indeed one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry with family.
Opening Timings – 12pm to 12am everyday
5. Botanical Garden
Extensive range of rare and distinguished flora and fauna of tropical climate spread over a vast measure of 22acres of land, the Botanical garden of Pondicherry is a nature lover’s paradise. Not only rare tropical plants and trees, but also the garden reflects the deep influence of French culture in the architectural splendor of the main gate as well as the garden décor. Besides, you can enjoy these places to visit in Pondicherry within 10000 km. The typical ornate of French style of the garden stands sharply in contrast with the nicely trimmed trees, lovely flower beds, gravel paths, and wonderful fountains.
Things to Do: The musical fountain show in the evening during weekends make Botanical Garden more enchanting. It also boasts of a Japanese rock structure and an aquarium.
Best Time to Visit Pondicherry
Summers in Pondicherry – March to June
Pondicherry typically exhibits a hot and humid climatic condition during the summer months that is March to June. Temperature is considerably high and remain somewhere between 26⁰ C to 42⁰ C. Humidity most of the time remains above 90%.
From June, the rainy season steps in and with a few showers, the temperature drops down to 27⁰ C. Owing to the humidity levels and the high temperatures, this is not a preferable time to plan a tour to Pondicherry, but definitely, you can indulge into thrilling water sports at Pondicherry during this time, like in Plage Paradise or the Puducherry Beach.
Monsoon in Pondicherry – July to September
The temperature ranges from 25⁰ to 35⁰ C throughout the monsoon. However, monsoon in Pondicherry is marked with irregularity. However, at the same time, natural and scenic beauty of Pondicherry reaches its height. August is the birth month of Sri Aurobindo, therein the charm and warmth of celebrations fills the air of Pondicherry in this season.
Winters in Pondicherry – October till February
Ideally, this is the best season to plan a trip to Pondicherry. You can experience pleasant weather along with cool and moderate temperature. The winters here are not chilling but pleasant, a perfect climate to welcome tourists. During October to November, the temperature ranges from 22⁰ Celsius to 32⁰ Celsius. Temperatures fall up to 22⁰ C normally. Thus, tourists can comfortably enjoy sightseeing during this season.
Travellers Tips: Therefore, October to March is the best season to enjoy in Pondicherry. Travellers are suggested to carry light woolens for a comfortable stay during the winters.
How to Reach Pondicherry
Pondicherry is well-connected with the rest of the country and with the world by various means of transportation, such as road, railway, and flights. The nearest domestic as well as international airport is at Chennai with regular flights from most cities of India. Regular buses ply from Bangalore, Chennai, Madurai, Trichy, etc. However, the nearest railway station is at 35km from city where trains from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, etc. arrive.
Popular Hotels @ Pondicherry
Hotels in Pondicherry are available in varied range depending upon your choice be it budget hotel, value, or expensive ones, as well as those that offer great luxurious aesthetics. Some of the popular star rated hotels with unparallel luxuries include La Pondy Beach and Lake Resort, Le Royal Park, Ocean Spray, etc. For budget travellers, you can book hotels nearby like Pondicherry Executive Inn, Velvet Villa, etc.
