Pondicherry Overview

Shopper's Paradise

The opulently cosmopolitan union territory Pondicherry is surrounded by Bay of Bengal on East, and on the other face by the South Arcot District of Tamilnadu. With a population of 10 lacs the region is located 162 kms south of Chennai, the capital of Tamilnadu and 22 kms north of Cuddalore, the capital of South Arcot District of Tamilnadu. The territory rejuvenates mind and soul after work. Possessing a total length of about 45 km of coastline, the union territory embraces about 28 sea fishing villages and those engaged purely in inland fishing number to 17. The inland fishery depends on lakes, ponds, tanks and river water. Main items exported include rice, fish, hides and skin etc.

Renowned as shopper?s paradise Pondicherry is a house of traditional handicrafts, fine fabrics, semi-precious stones, perfumes, and hand-made incense, candles embossed with real petals, marbled silks and aromatherapy products at very competitive prices. The dexterity of the craftsman is well displayed in stone carvings, bronze icons, brass figurines, wooden sculptures, jewellery and silver ware; hand woven carpets and palm leaf articles are easily available in the market.

Boutiques sprinkled all around the city possess a different style and interior and are domicile of artifacts and mementos ranging from stylized fabrics to unusual pottery, small mirrors to beautiful lamps giving a very unique and exciting experience to the shoppers. Pottery, aromatics, textiles, furniture, leather and foods are among the major items that could be shopped for in Pondicherry.

The city has a splendid nautical history. It has been reigned by various dynasties in the turn of Centuries -Pallavas, Cholas, Mug Hals, French and the English. The French fabrication started with the arrival of Bellanger, a French officer on February 4, 1673. The French started their colonial rule and it lasted for 280 years. It was not smooth sailing for the French as the 280 years were interspersed with battles with the English. Pondicherry gained its status as it changed into a flourishing port town from a small fishing village and the town was grid patterned. In 1963, the French government accredited Pondicherry to India.

In Pondicherry, people are simple and contented. People of different cast creed origin get together for public festival. It is a well cherished tourist destination on the Malabar Coast with exotic beach, museums, delectable French cuisines and close proximity to the sea possessing an equable climate marked by the wet season. Thus the maximum temperature recorded at Pondicherry in the month of June is 35.7°C. While in the month of January temperature doesn't fall below 20.9°C. The average maximum temperature is 31.5°C and the average minimum temperature is 23.9°C. In the north east monsoon from October to December the average annual rainfall is about 1300 mm. During the onset of South West monsoon between July and September, the wind blows predominantly from the south. In the months of June, July and August, strong wind is experienced in Pondicherry. The short monsoon season provides respite from summer heat.

Languages spoken: Tamil, Telegu, Malayalam, English and French

The city is very well connected through all means of transport to various parts of the country.

By Air - The nearest Airport is Chennai, 135 km from Pondicherry that is linked to all the cities in India. Bangalore Airport and trichy airport are 320 and 220 km away respectively. All the 3 cities enjoy direct connection with Europe, Middle East and South East Asia.

By Rail - The nearest railway station is Villupuram, that is linked with Chennai, Madurai and Trichy.

By Road - Pondicherry is best accessible by road. Express bus takes 3.5 hrs to reach Pondicherry from Chennai. Travelling by the east coast road is a better option than the national highway. Frequent buses connect the city with Thanjavur, Chidambaram, Trichy, and Coimbatore. Private luxury buses connect Tamilnadu and Bangalore.

Tourism info

Pondicherry Tourism & Transport Development Corporation- PTTDC
40, Beach Road
Pondicherry
Phone: 0143-2339497, 2330532

Tamilnadu State Transport Corporation
New Bus Stand
Pondicherry
Phone: 0143- 2358693

State Express Transport Corporation
New Bus Stand
Pondicherry
Phone: 0143-2337464

Railway Station
South Boulevard
Pondicherry
Phone: 0143-2336684