iXiGO takes a look at Pondicherry.

Pondicherry, or Puducherry as it is now called, is the union territory town in the state of Tamil Nadu. Famous for preserving the French atmosphere, culture and buildings this is a popular tourist spot to just chill and enjoy the beach layout. On the left is a fantastic pic by Koninho from Flickr.

Pondicherry is a haven for romantic tourists, festivals and chilling out. The numerous festivals that are held here can constantly keep you engaged every month. Some of our readers have been to the festivals there and recommend the August Food Festival which extends to the first week of September at times and showcases the best in French gourmet. If you are there during that time then make sure you participate.

To get a good idea of what Pondicherry looks like give this youtube video a look! There's a sad tone in the song, but the pictures are heart warming.




We have many users searching for hotels to stay here and we thought it would be helpful to have iXiGO guide you through some tips for your travel plans to Pondicherry.

Ways to get to Pondicherry.

Pondicherry is pretty well connected by trains, buses and the sea! Getting here is hardly a problem especially when you have iXiGO helping you in searching for travel to Pondicherry. The nearest metropolitan city is the capital of Tamil Nadu , Chennai (106 kms) and you can get from Chennai to Pondicherry bus by clicking on the link. Alternatively another great bus route, scenically speaking, is from Bangalore to Pondicherry.

You can search for cheap hotels in Pondicherry by going to our main search page for Pondicherry hotels that should list everything along with our great filters for finding that exact place to relax on your trip.

What can you see in Pondicherry?

Pondicherry is famous for its french architecture and for the scenery around. Don't be taken aback if you have a French person serving you in the restaurants or the local rickshaw waalas conversing to you in French either. The 2 most famous spiritual retreats here are the Auroville and the Aurobindo Ashram. A place for the great seer Aurobindo, it also serves as a secular hermitage for those wanting to spend some time in peace. Alternatively the picture on the right is the fascinating church in Pondicherry that's a popular tourist spot as well.
Photo by Surendarb.

For going around town we would recommend the cycle rickshaws and various 2 wheelers that are available on rent at affordable rates, this gives you flexibility in your plans to move around and stay longer at a place.

Places to stay

There are budget hotels in Pondicherry that you can get by searching iXiGo. Generally there are lots of cottages that you can stay in ranging from an account of Rs 200 onwards. Staying here is hardly a problem with a variety of houses/hotels and cottages just 50-100 mts from the sea shore, and with a wide panaromic view of the entire beach it makes for a great Zen evening.

A good link to read up on a man's journey to Pondicherry is Asheesh Sabarwal's writeup on his visit to Pondicherry.