Pondicherry travel guidePondicherry, nicknamed, as "Pondy" is a union territory, situated on the Coromondal coast about 160 Kms South of Chennai. Pondicherry offers an amazing confluence of age-old heritage and modern advancement. Now known as Puducherry, this spiritual beach town used to be a French settlement comprising of Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam other than Pondicherry itself. The old French flavor is distinctly visible in the well-laid gardens, magnificent churches, historical monuments, magnificent mansions, and clean and wide roads, which still carry french names. Endowed with immense natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Pondicherry has emerged as one of the most sought after tourist destinations in India. The city is renowned for its palm-fringed beaches, scenic fishing villages, Aurobindo Ashram, serene backwaters, French boulevard towns, and the international city of Auroville.

Tourism in PondicherryTourism in Pondicherry is an essential component of its service sector. The strategic location, awe-inspiring natural beauty, coupled with its French past and cultural heritage make Pondicherry tourism a major tourist destination. Over the last few years, Pondicherry tourism attracted a good number of domestic as well as international tourists from all parts of the world and this number is growing steadily every year.

Pondicherry has potential to improve and carve out a special place for itself on the world tourism map. Pondicherry tourism plans to convert this tranquil beach town from a day trip and weekend destination to a long haul destination. In order to move in this direction, Pondicherry tourism is upgrading hotel infrastructure to acceptable service standards, identifying potential new tourist sites, developing physical infrastructure, opening Pondicherry tourism reception centers at all major cities across India , introducing tourism related courses , training Pondicherry tourism guides , and promoting tourist attractions, heritage sites and arts and culture of Pondicherry.

Best time to visit PondicherryThe best time to visit Pondicherry is between the months of October to March.

Tourist Attractions PondicherryAuroville Ashram, Shri Aurobindo Ashram, Anglo - French Textile mills, Puducherry Museum, Promenade, Chunnambar Resort the French War Memorial, a 19th Century Light house, Romaine Rolland Library and the Ayi Mandapam are major tourist attractions in Pondicherry.

How to reach PondicherryTravel to Pondicherry by Air: The nearest airport is at Chennai, which is served by all major domestic as well as international airlines. Pondicherry is 150 Kms from Chennai.

Travel to Pondicherry by Rail: The closest railway station is at Villupuram (36kms), which is linked to Chennai, Madurai, and Trivandrum.

Travel to Pondicherry by Road: A good network of roads, national, and state highways connect Pondicherry with major cities in Tamilnadu. There are direct buses available from Pondicherry to all-important cities of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Travel in PondicherryTamil Nadu State Transport Corporation, Pondicherry Tourism and many private owners operate regular buses that connect Pondicherry to all cities of Tamil Nadu and of the neighboring states. Unmetered Taxis, Auto-rickshaws, and local buses are also available for local transportation in Pondicherry. Pondicherry tourism and Tamil Nadu State Express also run deluxe buses for sightseeing tours to Chennai, Coimbatore, and Bangalore etc.