We use cookies to improve your website experience and provide more personalized services to you, both on this website and through other media. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Cookie Policy. Please read our Cookie Policy for more information on how we use cookies and how you can disable them.
A part of our country, with its own separate identity, this scattered union territory has a beautifully mixed pot of cultures to offer. Previously a colony of the French before the British took control of the entire country, it has now arisen infused with the history of its past inhabitants. From its delightfully natural beauty to its motley of cultural heritage, Puducherry can be anybody’s paradise. For the wandering travelers, the spiritual seekers, the historians, or the nature lovers; the French Riviera of the East should be a must visit on everyone’s list.
| Puducherry: A Quick View of the state | |
| Capital | Pondicherry City |
| Official Language | Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, English and French |
| Dial Code | 0413 |
| Population | 1,554,025 (as of 2018) |
| Currency | Indian Rupee (INR) |
| Time Zone | UTC+05:30 (IST) |
| Area | 483 km2 |
The peaceful and beautiful city of Puducherry’s best-known secret is the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Founded by Sri Aurobindo and his followers, the ashram serves as a haven for those in search of spiritual enlightenment. Mira Alfassa, known as the Mother of the ashram, conceived the township of Auroville. It is an embodiment of the principles of the ashram, aiming for peaceful coexistence regardless of creed, culture, politics and nationalities. The Matrimandir, an architectural marvel forms the epicentre of this township. It is considered to be a harbinger of peace, serenity and tranquillity.
Surrounded by the sea, this place offers a number of beautiful beaches. You can easily partake in a number of water sports or just relax as you take a stroll waiting for the sunrise on Paradise beach. Another beach that can promise the same tranquillity, if not more, is Rock Beach. Named thus owing to the rocks seen along the coast, it is a perfect getaway the coastal city has to offer.
The Pondicherry Botanical Garden, located south of the New Bus Stand, is a beautiful respite. Housing 1500 varieties of plants, it is well known for having procured exotic species of different plants from around the world. Another spot for those who wish to observe the beauties of nature is Ousteri Lake. Designated as IUCN wetland, it is a destination for many migratory birds that flock here.
The rich and multiple rulers in Puducherry’s history have left behind their mark seen in the variety of architectural marvels of the city. Strong influences of the French colonisers can be seen in structures like the Old Lighthouse, the Raj Niwas and the French War Memorial. Along with these, there are different places of worship showcasing the splendour of the city’s history. High up in this list are amazing churches which include the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral.
One mustn’t forget the grand and resplendent temples existing since the time of the Cholas and Pandyas. The Varadaraja Perumal Temple and the Manakula Vinayagar Temple are beautiful edifices to the times gone by. The Manakula Vinayanagar Temple is known for Thollaikkathu Siddhar, a saint who attained enlightenment and sacrificed his body here.
With such a rich and varying culture, it’s no surprise that the cuisine here is also proportionally diverse. You can encompass yourself with the steaming aroma of Tamilian food and gorge on items like Soya Dosa, Assad, Coconut Curry, Podanlangkai, Curried Vegetables, Stuffed Vegetables, Palpayasam. Considered a must try is Kadugu Yerra – a prawn curry prepared in the most delicious tomato sauce you will ever have. And on the days, you wish to try something not so local, you have the assorted options of Ratatouille, Coq Au Vin, and Bouillabaisse. All in our very own French corner of the country.
Spread out against the rich culture of southern states of the country is Puducherry. The four unconnected districts are Puducherry, Karaikal, Yanam and Mahe. The capital of the territory is in the district of Puducherry which is enclaved by Tamil Nadu. It lies just north of Cuddalore – which is on the Coromandel coast of the Bay of Bengal.
Click here to view Pudcherry on Google Maps
Each season transforms the state accompanied by a variety of festivals. Winter (October-February) would be ideal if pleasant weather is what you’re looking for as temperatures range between 15-30 degrees Celsius. The International Yoga Festival which happens on the 7th of January mustn’t be missed if visiting in these months.
Summer (March-June), can have temperatures ranging from 26 to 42 degrees Celsius which may not be everyone’s cup of tea, however, the water sports available and cool waters may make up for the humidity. The Villianur Temple Car Festival may prove to be an interesting addition to your trip which takes place on the full moon between mid-May and mid-June.
The monsoons (July-September) are the best months for you if you are a Green Panther. One is surrounded by the lush green flora and the colourful flowers accompanying it. Additionally, the biggest celebration of Pondicherry happens in this season - the birthday of Sri Aurobindo which falls on Independence Day.
The union territory has a single airport to offer at Lawspet, an Assembly Constituency. It has direct flights to Hyderabad and Bangalore, and also chartered flights to Chennai.
You will find trains from all the metros – Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai, and from the cities of Kanyakumari, Hyderabad, Nagpur, Bhubaneshwar, Bangalore, Visakhapatnam and Mangalore.
Puducherry is well connected to the larger cities in the state. You can drive down or catch a bus from Chennai, Thanjaur, Trichy, Coimbatore, Madurai or Bangalore. You can choose between a private cab or taxi or private or public buses.
A historian visiting Puducherry certainly wouldn’t be disappointed. Historical significance is found everywhere - from being an important trade destination for the Romans to being under the control of the Pallavas, Cholas and Pandya. Later the reigning hands shifted to the Sultanate of Madurai followed by the Vijayanagar Empire. Then came the colonizers from Europe whose influences are ever present in the still standing monuments – especially in a part of the city called the White Town.
An interesting fact that is not very well known is that Puducherry officially joined the Indian bureaucracy only in the year 1954 and the union territory was organized later in 1963.
null
