Pondicherry City Information

Pondicherry, now formally called Puducherry, is commonly referred to as “Pondy” by the locals. The capital city of the Pondicherry union territory of Southern India reveals exciting history before the public eye. It has also been the former French capital of India. Although many years have passed, its ambiance has the colonial touch of French heritage, especially if you happen to cross the city’s chaotic streets, architecture, restaurants, Mediterranean-style houses and bakeries, and indulge in good wine.

It won’t be wrong to say that Puducherry, surrounded by Tamil Nadu, has a dual personality with a pleasant mix of East and West. It is a lovely city that remains very much Indian but is very likely to give you a mild cultural shock with strong French influence.

Thepackersmovers.com believes that you will not like to miss Pondicherry's quaint characteristics during your trip to Southern India. Located at a distance of about 4 hours from Tamil Nadu's capital Chennai, let us take an insight into this charming city, a sheer example of India's diversity.

Interesting Information about Pondicherry includes:

• Pondicherry, better known as the White Town, was constructed with proper planning.
• The Promenade Beach, best recognized as Mahatama Gandhi Beach, is among the city's striking statutes, fringes White Town.
• Pondicherry also has a nickname, the Paris of the South.
• Puducherry observes the late monsoon season.
• It happens to be the only place on the East coast of India to undergo scuba diving.
• Established in 1902, the Sacred Heart Catholic Church can accommodate nearly 2000 people, attending mass service in English & Tamil.
• Here in Pondicherry, the taxes on alcohol are low.
• The city's botanical garden houses around 1500 unusual plants, brought from every nook and corner of the world.
• The French legacy gets well observed at the city's elaborated masquerade festival. It takes place between March and April. It gives you glimpses of multi-colored masks and costumes, beats of trumpets, and top-it-all, the delectable seafood and yummy sweets.
• Even today, the locals of the city celebrate the French National Day that falls on 14th July.
• Finally, the Manakula Vinayagar Festival pays tribute to Lord Ganesha. The sight of an actual elephant protecting its premises makes the premises of the temple more attention-grabbing.

Travel Facts about Pondicherry!

• March - July- The summers are usually hot and humid here in the city. The temperature may go up to 41°C.
• July-September- It is a monsoon season that observes heavy rainfall.
• December-February- It is a winter season, very relaxed and pleasant to plan a city visit.

Note: The winters are the ideal time to explore the city. You can enjoy plan a sightseeing trip, indulge in beach activities and fantastic water sports.

How to Get in Pondicherry?

You need not worry as the picturesque town of Puducherry is easily accessible by flight, train, and bus from most of the major cities in India.

Reaching Pondicherry by Road:

Puducherry’s important thoroughfares are the East Coast Road, National Highway 32, and Grand Southern Trunk Road. You can also access the city by bus readily available at the Pondicherry Bus Station, where the distance between New Delhi to Puducherry is 2350 km. Let us have a quick view of the distance between other important cities of India and Pondicherry via road:

• The distance between Mumbai to Puducherry is 1290 km.
• The distance between Kolkata to Puducherry is 1847 km.
• The distance between Goa to Puducherry is 903 km.
• The distance between Ooty to Puducherry is 427 km.
• The distance between Kochi to Puducherry is 563 km.
• The distance between Amritsar to Puducherry is 2825 km.
• The distance between Chandigarh to Puducherry is 2520 km.

Reaching Pondicherry by Air:

For Domestic Travelers: The Pondicherry Airport (PNY) provides easy accessibility to the city. The major airlines, such as Indigo, Spicejet, and others, give non-stop services from the Pondicherry Airport.

Overseas Flyers: The closest airport is the Chennai International Airport.

Note: From either of the airports, namely the Pondicherry Airport or Chennai International Airport, you can avail of public transport such as buses and prepaid taxis to access the different corners of the city.

Reaching Pondicherry by Rail:

Puducherry Railway Station (PDY) connects the city to several cities across India. The regular trains operate daily from Chennai and other long and short-distance trains covering New Delhi, Kolkata, Mangalore, Mumbai, and Bangalore.

Accommodation Facilities- Pondicherry

The accommodation facilities in Pondicherry are excellent. From luxury hotels to mid-range standard hotels to budget hotels to homestays in a white town and resorts, you can book any place suiting your budget. Thepackersmovers.com guarantees you have a memorable vacation amid French-style heritage houses exuding the natural beauty of the area. You can also stay in tents or book a private beach house during your stint in the city.

Transportation Facilities- Pondicherry

The most preferred way to commute within Puducherry is renting out a “motorcycle,” “peddle cycle,” or “gearless scooter.”

Alternatively, you can also take a bus or tempo/tuk-tuk, auto-rickshaws available on a shared basis at affordable rates.

Note: Pondicherry Tourism Development Corporation provides daily bus service for tourists. The bus covers almost every important tourist spot. However, the charges for non-ac and ac buses are slightly different from each other.

Cost of Living-Pondicherry

The cost of living in Puducherry is lower than in Chennai. Look below for the charges, including utilities, rent, and transportation you may need to pay in case of planning relocation to the city.

Utility Charges in Pondicherry

• Compared to Chennai, the estimated basic charges of cooling, garbage, heating, water, and electricity would cost you around INR 3000-INR 4000, which are relatively high.
• Compared to Chennai, for the Internet, the estimated cost of 60 Mbps or more would be around INR 700-INR 800, which is relatively low.

Rent Per Month in Pondicherry

The estimated cost for a one-bedroom apartment in city center would be INR 6000, lower than in Chennai.

The estimated cost of a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center would be INR 4000, lower than in Chennai.

Transportation in Pondicherry

• For local transport (One-way ticket) would cost you around INR 10. However, in Chennai, you may be paying INR 20 for the same.
• A monthly pass in Puducherry would cost you around INR 300. However, in Chennai, you may need to pay INR 1000 for the same.

Unforgettable Places to Visit in Pondicherry:

1. Paradise Beach; Attractions: Ferry ride from Chunnambar, fascinating blue waters, soft golden beach, and cool surroundings.
2. Sri Aurobindo Ashram; Attractions: Sports activities, swimming, yoga asanas, spirituality, the mausoleum of Sri Aurobindo, libraries, and tranquil environs.
3. Auroville; Attractions: Globe-like structure, meditation, amphitheater, and Matrimandir Gardens.
4. White Town; Attractions: Scuba Diving.
5. Promenade; Attractions: Hawkers selling peanuts and cotton candies, refreshing cool breeze, and long strolls.
6. Serenity Beach; Attractions: The golden sands, blue waters, and stunning beauty.
7. Arikamedu; Attractions: Archeological excavations, red and blue ceramic statues, and several other things.
8. Auroville Beach; Attractions: Serenity and surfing activities for beginners.
9. Chunnambar Boat House; Attractions: Rowed boats, motorboats, sailboats, water scooters, speed boats, peddled boats, etc. All are good to take delight in great boating activities. You can also enjoy jet skiing here.
10. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus; Attractions: A glass picture of 28 saints, and Mass.
11. Old Light House; Attractions: Photographic view of golden rays of the morning and rustic beauty of the street line just opposite the beach.
12. Jawahar Toy Museum; Attractions: 120 Dolls, covering Rajasthan, West Bengal, Haryana, Punjab, and other well-known states of India.
13. French War Memorial; Attractions: Every year, the memorial observes decorations on the French National Day, which falls on 14th July, to commemorate the brave soldiers.
14. The Pondicherry Museum; Attractions: Archaeological excavations of Arikamedu. It also houses 81 intricately carved bronze sculptures depicting Chola and Pallavas dynasties.
15. Rock Beach; Attractions: Rocky shores, walking tours, and the mesmerizing sight of the waves.
Note: There are so many tourist spots in Pondicherry that we are sure will make your trip enriching.

Weekend Getaways from Pondicherry- A Must on Your Travel List!

It is pretty evident from the places mentioned above that the city will keep you busy throughout the day. A few archeological, historical, wildlife and beach gems near Puducherry's town offer a quick escape from India's French capital. Here they are..

• Mahabalipuram provides spiritual escape amid many heritage monuments, temples, calm waters, and rejuvenating activities like surfing, boat rides, and deep-sea fishing. Its distance from Pondicherry is about 99 km.
• Pulicat: It offers several churches, buildings, Pulicat lake bird sanctuary, and home to India’s first Dutch Fort, namely the Fort Geldria. Its distance from Puducherry is approximately 215 km.
• Vellore: The fort town of Vellore mainly comprises the 16-century Vellore Fort. Its impressive building presents massive remnants and a wide moat, along with a mosque, church, Jalagandeeswarar temple, etc. Another attraction is the Sri Laxmi Golden Temple surrounded by water, a golden exterior, and intricate carvings. Its distance from Pondicherry is about 166 km. It is a great place for spiritual and architecture enthusiasts.
• Chennai: Last but not least, one of the most popular tourist attractions nearby Pondicherry is Chennai. The city has huge relevance for adventure enthusiasts, culture seekers, shopaholics, history buffs, vegetarians, and meat lovers. Its distance from Puducherry town is about 169 km.

Where & What to Buy, when in Pondicherry?

You are in Pondicherry, a perfect destination for a holiday. The picturesque French architecture, beach promenade, and clear blue skies are a sheer representation of the city’s rich sustainability. Often referred to as the French Rivera of the East, Pondicherry offers endless shopping options to locals and outsiders, paving the way to get insight into its culture, spirituality, and much more.

Some Trendy Shopping Markets of Puducherry:

1. Janaki

It offers hair & skincare products, along with aromatherapy, pottery, and apparel products.

2. Casablanca

It offers famous artwork, home décor, and independent collection from local designers.

3. Kalki

It offers a unique collection of personal care products, fragrances, incense, handmade paper items, imitation jewelry, etc.

4. Cluny Embroidery Centre

It offers vintage designs of the French era and an assorted embroidery range done on table napkins, home furnishings, cross-stitched floral patterns, etc. You can also buy embroidered bed covers, towels, pillowcases, etc.

5. Anokhi

It offers traditional Indian women wear at affordable rates. You can also find rare and exceptional printing styles such as Sanganer, Ajrakh, Balotra, etc.

6. Auro Wood Works

It offers handicrafts, striking idols of Hindu gods and goddesses, and must-buys like pen stands, bowls, etc.

7. Sri Aurobindo Handmade Paper Factory

It offers wind chimes, birthday cards, paper bags, notebooks, etc., at pocket-friendly rates.

8. Zuka Choco-La

It offers a variety of chocolates and sandwiches to pamper your taste buds.

9. Hidesign

It offers authentic handcrafted items such as wallets, handbags, backpacks, belts, etc.

10. Serenity Beach Bazaar

It offers reminiscent of traditional village markets in India. You can buy handicrafts or eat at food stalls while you are here. Note: There are other well-known markets in Pondicherry, from where you can buy beautiful reminders of your trip to the city.

Famous Cuisines of Pondicherry

"Pondy" or "Puducherry" is a town located on the Bay of Bengal. Its marked history and colonial powers' influences, comprising England, France, Portugal, and the Netherlands, add international flavors mixed in with typical Indian aromas. Below are the most-sought-after dishes of Puducherry directly; you can try being here.

Popular Indian delicacies Include Tandoori Potato, Coconut Curry, Podanlangkai, Curried Vegetables, Soyabean Dosai, Palpayasam, Assad, Stuffed Vegetables, Masala Dosa, Idli, Sambar Vada, and a lot more.

Local Food Items Include Kadugu Yerra, Quiche, Sweet Vegan Chocolates, etc.

French Dishes Include Ratatouille, Coq Au Vi, Bouillabaisse, Salad Niçoise, Crêpes, Croissant, Crème Brûlée, etc.

Additionally, we are also providing you a Pondicherry restaurant list to go through. You can choose the one to spend a memorable day with your friends and family while trying lip-smacking dishes getting served here.

• Carte Blanche
• Le Dupleix
• Appachi Chettinad
• La Maison Rose
• Le Pondy
• Farm Fresh
• Sea Gulls
• Lighthouse Rooftop Grill
• Satsanga

Hospitals in Pondicherry

The health division of Puducherry is up-to-date with the advanced, upgraded, and improvised practices. With the latest medical procedures, it is much easier to cure disorders in lesser time. The novel technologies, surgical tools, and improvised machines have undoubtedly increased the efficiency to generate results. Nevertheless, the upgraded systems have also made it easier for doctors and patients to understand medical reports.

The use of technology and traditional methods has undoubtedly improved the medical sector of the city. It is evident that the digital machines for medical processes, surgery, etc., have also brought favorable change. The use of digital apparatus for checking blood sugar levels, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen, etc., have also contributed towards better results.

The hospitals in Puducherry are clean and spacious. They have all the facilities such as 24 X7 service, round-the-clock pharmacy, highly qualified doctors, trained technicians, choice of single and deluxe rooms, air-conditioned, TPA insurance, etc. In case of emergency, you need not worry about getting medical treatment as the in-house emergency care unit is fully functional all around the year.

Some Famous Hospitals of Pondicherry Are:

• Sri Venkateshwara Hospital
• East Coast Hospitals
• Aum Hospitals
• Rani Hospital
• L K Nursing Home

Moving Tips for Pondicherry

If you plan to shift to Pondicherry, be it for commercial purposes or residential purposes, it is always good to remember a few tips for a peaceful experience. These tips will make your relocation to the desired city as convenient as possible. You must not forget them so that you can save yourself from unnecessary stressful situations when the actual time comes for your move. So, here they are:

1. Always carry essentials in your bag. These may include documents, clothes, tickets, etc.
2. Always plan your move to get rid of stressful situations.
3. Please make sure you have enough money with you. Insufficient funds may spoil your mood by not letting you do what you desired.
4. You should keep a check on the weather conditions of the place you are relocating to. It will help you decide if it is worth going there or not.
5. To organize a hassle-free move to the most awaited destination, the best you can do is getting in touch with the professional moving and packing companies.

Why Do You Need Packers & Movers?

You need to hire experienced packers and movers to save your money and time. Contacting them through thepackersmovers.com would mean planning a safe and customized move based on your preferences. The Pondicherry movers are great service providers who go the extra mile to provide the most suitable solution at pocket-friendly rates. It will help if you avail of their services as they cover comprehensive insurance and are also time-efficient. So, without any delay, quickly fill the form given on our portal and get free estimates based on your requirements.

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