Print Guide
Pondicherry weather

Wed

34°C | 30°C

view more Courtesy: WeatherBug
Search for Flights
Rs.
View all Flight deals
Hotels starting from
Rs.
View all Hotel deals
 

Fixed Holiday Packages

 
 
3d
4d
5d
6d
7d
8d
9d
 

Holiday Packages

Contents

 

  1. History
  2. Getting Around
  3. Tourist Traps
  4. Local Customs
  5. Shopping
  6. Communications

A lovely coastal drive on the East Coast Expressway from Chennai leads you to the quaint town of Pondicherry. The characteristic French and Tamil architecture, rocky beaches and an old-world appeal connote the very essence of this seaside town. For lessons in mind control, Aurobindo Ashram is the place to be! Meditate in peace, with the only sound of the distant waves in the background. Lovingly known as the ‘French Riviera of the East’, at Pondicherry you can enjoy quiet walks on the promenade running along the roaring sea. The French cuisine restaurants and the old-world sidewalk cafes here are a must-try!

History

Pondicherry is situated on the Coromandel Coast, about 160 kilometers (100 miles) south of Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu. This quaint seaside town was ruled by the French for over 300 years, which explains its distinct French appeal. Pondicherry traces its origin to the greatly revered sage of South India, Saint Agasthya. Excavations in the ancient port town of Arikamedu, about 7 kilometers (4 miles) from the city, reveal the presence of a Roman settlement about 2000 years ago. The city has also been witness to many battles between the British, Dutch and French, and also served as the capital of French India before it attained its independence.

In the 4th century Pondicherry was a part of the Pallava kingdom of Kanchipuram, and continued to be a part of several South Indian dynasties for the next few centuries. This includes the Chola Kings of Thanjavur in the 10th century who ruled for over 300 years before being replaced by the Pandya kingdom. Pondicherry came to be ruled by various Muslim rulers of the North, the Vijayanagar Empire, followed by the Sultan of Bijapur who came to rule over Gingee. The 17th century marked the beginning of colonial era in India. The French set up their trading post in Pondicherry in 1673 which soon became the chief French settlement in the country. Pondicherry was conquered by the Dutch in 1693 but returned it to France by the Treaty of Ryswick in 1699.

Mahe was captured by the French in the 1720s, followed by Yanam in 1731 and Karaikal in 1738. Pondicherry changed hands very frequently during the Anglo-French wars from 1742-1763. The British troops conquered the French domains in the city on 16 January 1761, but after signing the Treaty of Paris in 1763 returned it to the French. In the course of the French Revolution in France, the British re-acquired Pondicherry from the French in 1793. But was once again returned to France in 1814. Even after the British gained control over the whole of India in the late 1850s they let France retain their settlements in the country. This included Mahe, Yanam, Karaikal and Chandernagar which remained a part of the French territory until 1954.

After the rest of India gained independence from British rule in 1947, an agreement was made between France and India in the following year to an election in France’s Indian possessions to choose their political future. And on 1 November 1954, Pondicherry became a part of India. This was followed by a Treaty of Cessation - along with Karaikal, Yanam and Mahe – signed on 28 May 1956. Pondicherry got the status of a Union Territory to be administered by the President of India in 1962 under the 14th Amendment of the Indian Constitution.

Even today there are a few French families living here, and most of the city streets continue to be referred to by their French names. The French influence is particularly apparent in the layout of the city, where the streets run parallel and perpendicular to each other. You will notice that most of the French Quarter or Goubert Avenue is filled with pretty Parisian villas with long compounds and white-washed walls. The numbering of the houses is also unique compared to other cities in Tamil Nadu, in that all with the even numbers are on one side and the odd number are on the opposite side of the tree-lined boulevard. Sri Aurobindo Ashram located on Rue de la Marine, lends Pondicherry a spiritual feel. It is the place where the great Indian philosopher Aurobindo Ghosh lived and died. Set up in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo, the ashram even today attracts hoards of visitors from within the country and outside. Aurobindo’s philosophy is derived in a combination of yoga and modern science.

Getting Around

An ideal way to explore Pondicherry and surrounds is by renting a bicycle or a motorcycle or an un-geared scooter. Over the years, traffic on the broad avenues of Pondicherry has grown considerably, making it difficult to even walk on many streets. The prices are around Rs. 100 for an un-geared scooter and Rs. 150 for a geared motorcycle. For this you will have to provide an identification proof as collateral and an advance of Rs. 100 to 200. A lot of these rentals also provide delivery and pickup at your hotel of stay, which is a very useful service. Usually the number of days for these vehicles is calculated from 0900 to 2100 hours. Besides, there are daily PTDC (Pondicherry Tourism Development Corporation) buses that depart from the main bus stand in the city centre and take you around the major sightseeing landmarks of Pondicherry.

Tourist Traps in the City

Most places in Pondicherry are closed on Mondays. Besides, the signages to Auroville Beach are poor, and you might have to take help of a local.

Local Custom

Cross-cultural influences have imparted a cosmopolitan character to Pondicherry. The locals are simple and friendly, and never show any kind of curiosity. You won't be disturbed by beggars and touts while strolling the seaside promenade, and can have your privacy. At French cuisine restaurants, let the staff recommend you a wine, mostly they come up with interesting combinations to go with your meal. You can freely wear anything that makes you comfortable. While visiting temples, dargahs, or any religious site, dress appropriately and avoid wearing short or revealing clothes. Avoid visiting the beaches after dark as they become desolate and very remote.

Shopping

Pondicherry is a great place to shop what with octroi duty not imposed here. Moreover sales duty too is pretty low. Shopping in this old French town is all about pottery, perfumed candles, antique furniture, handmade paper souvenirs, perfumes, semi-precious stone jewelry, fine fabrics, wood carvings, marbled silks, traditional dolls, aromatherapy products, papier mache toys, silverware, hand-woven rugs, jams and pickles, French bakery items, hand-printed textiles and bronze figurines among other interesting souvenirs.

The Sunday market (M.G Road) of Pondicherry is a must-visit, it sells everything that is unique to the city, and in a great array. If you are visiting in the day, be prepared for a lot of walking. You will find cheap clothing such as sarees, kurtas, scarves, metal plates, shoes, cups, pots and ceramic tableware. But be sure to bargain! While heading north on the East Coast Expressway, you will come across this shop ‘Auro Wood Works’ that displays oddball wooden sculptures out on its railing. The store has an interesting range of modern art sculptures, mostly masks. Prices here vary from Rs. 1200 to 8000.

Head to Mission Street if you are looking for some casual and arty footwear. Kalki, on 132 Mission Street, is the place to browse for unique leather footwear, hand-painted silk clothing, perfumed candles, incense, oils, ceramics, jewelry and handmade paper souvenirs. Just across the street on 165 Mission Street is the high-profile departmental store ‘Casablanca’, housing top-of-the-line international brands spread across three floors. Look-out for some handcrafted leather handbags by Hidesign here. For books, proceed to ‘Focus’ on Mission Street adjacent to the Church of Immaculate Conception, selling hundreds of reads on Indian culture and religion, owned by the Ashram. Don’t forget to peruse through the one-off exhibits at ‘Boutique Auroshree’ on 18 Jawaharlal Nehru Street, home to a small but impressive collection of silver jewelry, paintings, and handcrafted bronze, brass and sandalwood artifacts.

You can pick up some lovely pottery and handmade paper souvenirs at ‘La Boutique d’Auroville’, again on Jawaharlal Nehru Street. ‘Curio Centre’ on 40 Roman Rolland Street, true to its name, offers a unique selection of objets d’art including indigenous and colonial antique furniture. You might as well take a stroll next door to ‘Art Colony’ housing antiques, wood carvings and handicrafts. If you fancy carrying back an exotic Indian painting, a visit to ‘Cottonwood’ on Rue Nidarajapayer next door to Touchwood is recommended; it showcases works by the top five local artists. Then, return to the promenade. Here, it is worth popping into ‘Splendor’ on 16 Goubert Avenue exhibiting an interesting assortment of exclusive souvenirs by the Aurobindo Society, in addition to toys, bags, belts, incense, and a range of books on the Society and Sri Aurobindo.

You will be delighted to shop in Pondicherry because the shopping districts are easily accessible, and the shopkeepers friendly and helpful.

Communications

Phones :Cell phone rates are one of the cheapest in the world.
There are four GSM service providers:
* BSNL [20] GSM Triband
* Airtel [21] GSM Triband
* Vodafone [22] GSM Triband
* Idea [23]GSM Triband
CDMA service providers are
* Reliance Communications[24]
* Tata Indicom[25]
Internet: There are several internet cafes / Cyber Cafes from where you can access the Internet for sending email or uploading your digital photos.
* Reliance world offers you broadband connectivity at many locations across the city.
* Sify iway also offers broadband connectivity at different locations spread all over the city.

Top

Corporate Information

Yatra Services

Customer Care

Why buy with Yatra

Partner With Us