Puducherry is a Tamil Name which means New Town. It is popularly known as Pondicherry. Earlier this place is acted as French Colony. It is believed that Sage Agastya established his Ashram here. This place is known for best food products, Pottery, leather, Furniture, textiles. Puducherry is also famous for handmade products, glassware, Indian art, Modern decor items, Jewellery, Marmalades and Pickles, Jellies, Sachets, Perfumed oils etc.. Most famous festivals in Puducherry are Bastille Day, Fete De Puducherry, Veerapattinam Car Festival, Villinur Temple car festival.
What to see in Puducherry:
Promenade: This place is famous for old Light house, Dupleix Statue, Statue of Joan of Arc, War Memorial. Promenade is 1.5kms long which is running along the beach.
Temples: In Puducherry, Varadaraja Perumal Temple is the oldest temple dates back to 600 AD. Kanniga Parameswari Temple is best example for French architectural style. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Shakti. Sri Gokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple is another famous temple is Puducherry. This was built in 12th century.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram: This was built by Aurobindo Ghose in 1926. Children who were below 3 years are not allowed to enter into the Ashram.
Botanical Gardens: In this garden more than 1500 species of plants are placed here. This was built in 1826 in French Style. Major attraction of this gardens are fountains, gravel lined paths, beautiful flower beds, pruned trees.
Ananda Ranga Pillai Museum: This was built in the name of Ananda Ranga Pillai who was the governor of Puducherry. Things belongs to 18th century of French India can be seen here.
Churches: Plenty of churches were built during the French Rule. Most famous Churches are Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Church of Sacred heart of Jesus. These are built in 1700’s.
Jawahar Toy Museum: More than 120 dolls are placed in this museum. Visitors can visit this place except on Monday. All dolls are dressed in different styles each represent each state.
Bharati Memorial Museum: This is dedicated to Subramanya Bharathi who was the Poet and Freedom fights. Romantic compositions, finest patriotic writings of Subramanya Bharati are placed here.
Puducherry Museum: Rare collection of stone and bronze sculptures which belongs to Chola and Pallava dynasties can be seen here.
What to see around Puducherry:
Arikamedu: It is located 4kms away from the city. French, Cholas and Romans style of trade can be seen here. In ancient days this place was acted as Roman Trade centre.
Auroville Beach: This is the best place for swimming. Most of the people spend their weekends in this place. It is located 12kms away from the city.
Serenity Beach: It is located 6kms away from the city. It is the best picnic spot.
Chunnambar: This place is famous for the beach. It is located 8kms away from the city. Chunnambar is the best place for Sunbathing and Water sports.
Getting to Puducherry: Puducherry is well connected through road way. From the cities such as Bangalore, Madurai, Chennai buses are available to reach puducherry. Nearest railway station is at Villupuram which is 35kms away from the city. Chennai International airport is the nearest airport.
Getting around Puducherry: Autos, Cycles, 3 wheelers are available to visit the places in Puducherry. Buses, Autos, private vehicles are available to reach the places which are surrounding to Puducherry.
Best time to visit Puducherry: Best time to visit Puducherry is between October to March.
Where to stay in Puducherry: Plenty of hotels are available to stay in Puducherry. Resorts are also available to stay near beach town.
Where to eat in Puducherry: Huge number of restaurants is available to eat in Puducherry. Most famous cuisines in Puducherry are Portuguese, Tamil, French and Dutch cuisines. Almost all the restaurants provide only non vegetarian. Vegetarian food will be available only on demand.