The largest union territory of India, Pondicherry, is present near the state of Tamil Nadu in the Coromandel Coast of Bay of Bengal. The locality can be easily seen as two parts, one with the French atmosphere, in terms of food, heritage and architecture, and the other typically Tamil. This place, with its blend of cultures, is also famous amongst tourists for its spirituality and serenity. Let’s go through the best places to visit when in the town of Pondicherry and the best times to pursue various activities.
| Months | Conditions | Our Recommendations |
| March to June | Humid and hot | Off season |
| July to September | Erratic monsoon with coolness creeping in | Ideal time |
| October to February | Perfect mild climate | Popular tourist time |
Weather Conditions
- March to June
The summers in this coastal town are hot, humid and sticky. Temperatures can reach around 40 degrees with humidity levels going to almost 90 percent. During the day, tourists can cool off and engage in fun water sports at the beaches of Pondicherry. The cooler evenings can be utilized to stroll around the beach and view the city.
- July to September
The highly erratic monsoon season can result in either light showers or heavy pouring. The temperature starts dropping to comfortable levels, making it perfect to get to know the city and enjoy the scenic view of the place. The month of August is also when the birthday of Sri Aurobindo is celebrated with grandeur.
- October to February
The winters are considered the best time to sightsee the place, with the mild temperatures making the destination more inviting. This is also the best time to indulge in the festivities taking place in the locality, with the place seeing a surge in tourist activities.
How to Reach Pondicherry
The Pondicherry Airport is well connected with cities like Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. People coming in from other places should connect in through the Chennai airport, which is an international airport present about 180 kilometers away. The nearest railway station to Pondicherry is the Villupuram Junction, which is well connected to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata etc. and present at about 40 kilometers away. Present on the NH 45, this city has an excellent and scenic road network, perfect for driving cars and travelling through buses.
What to Do and See
- Serenity Beach
This calm strip of golden sand is a place to engulf oneself in the beauty of the beach. The huge waves at this spot of the Bay of Bengal, make it perfect for surfing by both amateurs and professional surfers.
- Sri Aurobindo Ashram
This is the main spiritual site of the locality, famous all over the world and visited in huge numbers by both national and international tourists. The foundation was laid by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, earlier known as Mirra Alfassa. The huge library outlines the work done by the founders, and contains their teachings. A handicraft center sells many handmade dolls and traditional ayurvedic medicines.
- Pondicherry Museum
This museum is the place to visit to get to know the history and heritage of Pondicherry. The artifacts in here date back to the Chola and Pallava dynasties and also portray the French occupation. The place is a must visit for any history buff looking to get lost in the past of the city.
- Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple
The majestic temple built for Lord Ganesh, is a widely famed religious and tourist attraction. The mesmerizing golden hue of the temple, can dazzle any visitor with its pure brilliance. The annual religious festival of the temple is celebrated in the month of August and September.
- Notre Dame Des Anges
This architectural marvel is the replica of the Basilica Church, present in France. An eye-catching beauty, this religious center can blow anyone away with its sheer magnificence. The serene ambience makes it perfect to pray in silence.
- Seaside Promenade
The towering statue of Mahatma Gandhi is the main attraction here. Surrounded by Park Guest House and Mother’s Tennis Court, this place is highly recommended to walk around and enjoy the sunrises and sunsets. The breezy evenings see people gather around in huge numbers.
This attractive tourist destination is the perfect getaway from the hustle of everyday life. The refine culture and stupendous beaches are the addictive blend of Pondicherry which makes it a perfect holiday destination.
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