The union territory of Pondicherry is one of the finest travel destinations across India. The official name of Pondicherry has been changed to Puducherry at present, and local people refer to the place as Pondy for convenience. Pondicherry is one of the major seven union territories of the country, and the place is well known to have a great connection to French art and culture. This is because the place was an old colony to the French force, and this just adds more to the beauty of the place. Any Pondicherry Tour Package is of high demand in the holiday seasons. Tourists can experience a perfect mixture of French and Indian ambience in Pondicherry.

White Town is one of the major places in Pondicherry, and it is also known as the French Quarter of the territory. The streets in White Town are filled with structures bright in mustard yellow colors, and represent the signature style of French architecture. The walls are filled with bougainvillea flowers, and there are attractive boutiques and welcoming cafes present here and there. The foods and drinks available also have a French flavor touch in them. Even if you just roam about the streets of Pondicherry, there are lost to explore.

The Blend of Indian and French Architecture and Culture

The union territory of Pondicherry was under the French rule till as recent as 1954, and it still contains a lot of essence of the French rule. It is not exaggerating to say that Pondicherry can be said to be a mini France. The traces of bohemian, serene, and colonial vibes are present everywhere. The building style is also exactly like in France, with the walls filled with Bougainvillea flowers. High maintenance is carried out to keep the streets absolutely clean. With trees on both sides of the road, the natural beauty of the place is just mind-blowing.

Pondicherry Beach

Pondicherry Tourism also consists of the rues and boulevards, which is how French describes the streets. Eventually, the seashores are what attract many tourists, and the beaches are just gorgeous. The Rock beach is one of the most popular beaches in India located here, and water surrounding it comes from the Bay of Bengal. Apart from this, the Karaikal Beach and the Paradise Beach of Pondicherry are also equally famous tourist destinations.

Foods and Beverages

There are many famous bakeries here and there that provide French dishes, and the paths made of cobblestones with the various stores make the place beautiful to stroll by, whether by walking or on a bike. This place is like a dream travel destination to many, and beers are available in multiple bars and taverns. If you are interested in spending your leisure time, even the cafes can provide a great source of entertainment.

The proper French cuisine of Pondicherry is delicious, and many people just visit the territory to try out such dishes. The local delicacies are offered with the flavour of French dishes, and they are delicious. The litchi stew and the chocolate mousse are the best options to have as desserts. If you are looking for original French food, it is available in almost all restaurants. The popular dishes in this category consist of Stuffed Cabbage, Italian Baked Beans, Croissants, and Baguettes.

As for Indian food, you will get dishes that are mainly prepared in the South Indian style, with most of the South Indian dishes available in the restaurants.

Why Is Pondicherry Such A Famous Holiday Destination?

There are multiple places to visit in Pondicherry, and the visitors have the options to try out many activities. The place is mainly a coastal area, and there are many unexplored beaches left in the territory. All of these places are the top spots if you want to have an amazing experience of watching a beautiful sunset, which is said to replicate the effects of a sunrise. The vast Bay of Bengal looks amazing when the Sun is at par with the horizon.

If you are looking to visit different places while you stay at Pondicherry, there are multiple choices which are rich in French culture and history. The surrounding monuments and the French architecture is itself enough to get marveled. If you are looking to indulge yourself in such history, you can easily take a Heritage Walk throughout the place. The French Heritage Walk is one the major tourist attractions in Pondicherry and this Walk is organized by the Puducherry Tourism Department, in collaboration with the INTAC. The French Heritage Walk goes across two km in totals, and you will get a taste of the proper French culture of the post-independence period.

The French villas of residence are great to watch, and you are always welcome to the Parisian street cafes. Pondicherry has many important pieces of French architecture, which include the Old Light House, the French War Memorial, statues of Joan of Arc & Dupleix, the Place de la Republique, the Governor’s Residence, and so on. Another top tourist spot in Puducherry is the Pondicherry Museum. This museum is filled with the finest specimens of the French culture in India.

Activities

If you are a lover of adventurous activities, Pondicherry is a dream destination for you. The famous beaches of Paradise and Karaikal are well-known for their extreme water-sports. These include backwater sailing, jet skiing, canoeing, and kayaking. If you are willing to try out Scuba diving, it is available in Pondicherry too. There are devoted instructors who will teach you the basics and safety measures of undergoing such activities.

Pondicherry Capital

The capital of the union territory of Pondicherry is the Pondicherry city. Since the place is officially known as Puducherry, many people believe that Chennai is the capital of the union territory of Pondicherry.

Pondicherry Auroville

Pondicherry Auroville is one of the experimental towns of Tamil Nadu, and it is near to Pondicherry. Some portion of Auroville is inside Pondicherry. The main aim of Auroville is to make a city for global people, where there will be no restrictions upon citizenship and rights.