Pondicherry, officially known as Puducherry is the capital and the most populated city of the Indian Union Territory. I am going to share the updated Pondicherry visiting places list for 2020. Therefore, read the details carefully if you are planning to visit recently.
I visited the city on a weekend ride from Bangalore in the month of November. However, the reason behind the ride was to explore some of the less popular sights of Pondicherry.
Puducherry is located on the southeast coast of India but, don’t expect a coastal ride if you are traveling from nearby cities like Bangalore. Above all, all available routes take you through the awesome greeneries, ghat roads, and flat straight highways.
How to Reach Pondicherry
Route 1:
Bangalore-Hosur-Krishnagiri-Chengam-Tiruvanamalai-Gingee-Pondicherry
Total of 320 km
If you are taking this route, save time for sightseeing, and guaranteed bumpy road adventure. Lunch, transition, hydration breaks, and riding overall 8 hours of journey time it takes. The worst part of the road you may experience is between Tiruvannamalai and Gingee.
Nearly 30-40 km stretch is full of potholes and under-construction roads. Therefore, if you are planning to ride to Pondicherry I will rather suggest the other two routes.
Route 2:
Bangalore-Hosur-Ambur-Vellore-Arcot-Tindivanam-Pondicherry
Total of 380 km
You can cover a few viewpoints on this route which include Jawadhu hills, Vellore Fort, and Palamathi Hills. Similarly, covering the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu.
Route 3:
Bangalore-Hoskote-Kolar-Chitoor-Kanchipuram-Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry
Total of 450 km
Places you can cover on this route – Antharagange caves, Kaigal falls, Mahabalipuram ancient carvings. This is the longest yet smoothest route as of now.
Places I covered: Don’t forget to stop over the two main attractions of route 1 that I took. Tiruvannamalai temple and Gingee fort which is 202 km and 241 km away from Bangalore.
Tiruvannamalai is a temple city in the state of Tamil Nadu devoted to the central deity of the Annamalaiyar Temple. Also known as Arunachaleswara temple, which is situated at the foothills of Arunachala hills.
Gingee Fort or Senji Fort is 160 km away from the state capital Chennai and 241 km from Bangalore. The fort was constructed in the first century. Started by Sanji Ananda Kone and later Chola Dynasty completed the erection. Primary materials are lime mortar and granite.
There are actually two forts one is the Rajagiri fort and the other is the Rani fort. Both can trek to a certain point. In short, make a complete one-day plan to explore the two forts.
Pondicherry Visiting Places List
My plan was to stay near Auroville to get a chance for spending as much as time I can spend inside it. Above all, Auro beach is the closest beach. I stayed at the Selvasi beach cottage which is pretty economical having all the essential facilities. In addition, it only a minute of walking to reach Auro beach.
Auro Beach: Quite a popular beach name if you are in Pondicherry. Mostly less crowded and you can take a walk along the beach line. I would rather suggest not to visit after sunset. In other words, it is quite a trendy happening place for locals sipping beer. For instance, you may step on a broken bottle.
Auroville: Auroville Visitors Center is 8.6 km away from Auro Beach. However, the google map location is wrong. Therefore, you have to travel 2 km more to reach the entry point. In conclusion, the point to be noted is that visitors are not allowed to roam beyond the main attraction of Matri Mandir.
FYI you will get free entry passes for Matri Mandir. Visitors are allowed to see it from the outside of the fencing. It is about a km of a walk from the entry gate to Matri Mandir’s viewpoint. Therefore, while returning free bus service is available for all till the gate.
If you are tired, no worries. Enough options are available inside Auroville for munches. For instance, Marc’s Cafe Store, Bread & Chocolate, and Dreamers Cafe are some popular names.
If you really want to experience life inside Auroville you can pre-book your stay. In addition, as a reference for all pieces of information, you can check Auroville: A City for the Future.
Paradise Beach: The name itself reflects the originality of the place. However, avoid the place on weekends as it is overcrowded during that time. Finally, the long stretch of coastline and the fishing boats remind you of the typical beaches of India.
The relationship between fish and the sea is exacting. Similarly, the local street foods and you. Try out fried fish served by the locals at a reasonable price. In short, Paradise beach is the ultimate place to witness the sunset with local eateries.
White Town: White town in Pondicherry is the most happening place. Starting from eminent restaurants to acclaimed cafes this is a paradise for gourmands. For instance, the aroma of French delicacies you may endure while walking through the streets.
Promenade Beach: You may not know this beach by this name. However, this is the most eventful beach of Pondicherry. Locals are familiar with the name “Rock Beach” which stretched 1.2 km from its south end to the north end.
Local food joints, popular cafes, local artifacts stores, old lighthouse, war memorial – this is actually a jumble of various things in one place. The day I was there was Pondicherry Liberation Day and the entire beach was lit up.
Took a walk around the white town and the roads adjoining the beach. Trust me, it was such a treat to my eyes. In addition, all the government buildings and architecture were so evenly colorful.
Best Places For Food in Pondicherry
I went to the Rendezvous Cafe Restaurant. Typical french colonial-style buildings with artifacts mounted on white walls will make you feel you are back in the time of the late 1800s.
Must Try Cafes in Pondicherry
Cafes in white town offer you the best experience of french bakeries. In addition, the graphic wall arts will provoke your Instamood instincts to click and share at no time. For instance, a paradise for Instagram influencers.
Cafe des Arts: If you are going to visit cafe des arts don’t forget to avail of garden seating arrangements. The 19th-century building with vintage decor offers a french cafes and coffee. Finally, a real cafe treats.
Hope Cafe: If you take a few steps towards Promenade beach from Cafe Des Arts you will witness the wings of Hope Cafe welcoming on your left. They have a great collection of Joy/happiness booster drinks to rejuvenate after a long beach walk.
Sharing some random images I clicked in White Town.
Le Cafe Pondicherry: Located in the heart of Rock Beach opposite to old lighthouse. The right place to sit back and relax any lazy evening with the coffee and Lasagna (signature dish). Sound of sea waves and french music – what else do you want in life.
Bon Bakes: One of the pioneer bakeries in Puducherry. One and a half kilometers of a walk from Promenade Beach. In conclusion, everything you need is in reach. For instance, a perfect getaway and weekend destination you are looking to experience.
Anything you try here is a must-try. Above all, we are actually chocolate lovers.
Best Time to Visit
October to March is the best time you can plan a trip to Pondicherry. After that, it will not be easy during summer days.
I tried my best to portray my journey, this is what my stories are about.