Puducherry, which is still more popularly known by its former name- Pondicherry, is a vibrant city located in the southern part of India. First time visitors will be surprised by how different the city looks from other South Indian towns. Much of the difference comes down to the fact that Pondicherry was once colonised by the French and many years of French rule has made a permanent mark on the cityscape. The French influence is not only evident in the architecture of certain older areas but also in the local culture and cuisine.
While the beaches in Pondicherry are not as famous as the ones in Goa, they also tend to be less crowded. Although many of Pondicherry’s beaches were lost due to coastal erosion after a harbour was built at Ariyankuppam, the few beaches that remain are beautiful enough to make it a worthwhile visit. Promenade Beach, which is probably the most popular beach here, is not suitable for swimming as the waves are quite fierce. However, it is a terrific place to take a walk, especially in the evenings.
Those who want to go for a nice dip in the ocean can try the Auroville Beach. The beach features shallow waters and the waves here are not particularly big, making it a very safe and serene place to swim. Other popular beaches include Serenity Beach and Paradise Beach, which can only be reached by boat.
Thanks to good infrastructure, Pondicherry is one of the easiest cities to visit in India. Communication is made easier by the fact that English and French are widely spoken. The local government runs an excellent tour bus that stops by all the popular tourist attractions. As for those who want to go off the beaten, there are plenty of places that rent out bicycles and scooters for a reasonable fee.
Tourists looking for good Pondicherry accommodation can try the Hotel Atithi which is found close to the city’s business and leisure sectors. The Pondicherry hotel comes equipped with all the latest modern amenities and is sure to help guests fully experience the city’s magic and splendour.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
