Overview
Puducherry (Pondicherry) presents a fascinating juxtaposition—a vibrant Tamil coastal city infused heavily with 18th-century French colonial heritage. The famous 'White Town' features tree-lined boulevards, mustard-yellow colonial villas adorned with bougainvillea, and chic seaside cafes serving authentic croissants alongside South Indian filter coffee. The atmosphere is deeply spiritual as well, driven by the legacy of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the experimental, universal township of Auroville situated just across the border in Tamil Nadu.
Best Time to Visit
October to March. The seaside humidity drops significantly, allowing for pleasant afternoon cycling and evening sea-front promenades.
How to Reach
- By Air: Puducherry has a small domestic airport. Chennai International Airport (150 km) is the primary hub.
- By Train: Villupuram Junction (35 km) is the nearest major railhead.
- By Road: The scenic East Coast Road (ECR) drive from Chennai is one of the most popular road trips in the region.