The calm and colorful Union Territory of Puducherry lies on India’s southern coast. A former French colony, it is known for age-old monuments, churches and beaches, and tree-lined boulevards. The French heritage makes Puducherry a pre-destination among tourists from all over the world. The delectable cuisine of Puducherry displays strong influences of French and Tamil styles of cooking along with the traces of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka cuisines. Puducherry cuisine uses minimal oil and spices. Since it is situated in a coastal region, seafood is a prominent item of this cuisine. If you are looking for souvenirs, the bustling markets of Puducherry are great places to shop.

Paradise Beach

Located at Chunnambar, Paradise Beach is one of the spectacular Places to visit in Pondicherry. A ferry ride from Chunnambar takes you to this pristine beach that fascinates every traveler with its blue waters, white and golden soft beach sand, and tranquil environment. The picturesque beach has pre-built shacks to lounge below, decent changing rooms, showers, and clean toilets.

French Colony

Two hundred years of French influence has had a significant impact on Puducherry. This charming town of French Colony Puducherry is renowned for its delicious food and mesmerizing beaches. The mind-blowing French architecture gives you the feeling that you have landed on the premises of Bordeaux or Montpellier. The White Town area of the French Colony is referred to as the French Quarter. Most of the structures are colonial buildings built during the French rule in the Indian subcontinent.

Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges

Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges is one of the most religious places to visit in Pondicherry. It has beautiful exuberating influences from French architecture. The church has a gorgeous white chapel and is known for its statue of Mother Mary holding baby Jesus in her arms.

There are also many relics and statues of Joan of Arc, which makes it worth a visit. On Sunday, one should visit the church where the only mass is celebrated in Pondicherry.

Auroville – ‘The City of Dawn’

‘Mother’ of Sri Aurobindo Society, Auroville is the epitome of tranquillity and proves the perfect escape for those in search of content & peace. The best way to learn about the Auroville ashram is to sit in one of the cafes and talk to some residents about their experiences living in the city.

It is conceived as the ‘Universal Town,’ Auroville is an experimental township where people from across the world of all cultures and traditions come and live together in peace. People from 124 countries, including Indians from 23 different states, came together with some of their native soil from their homelands and deposited it in a marble urn.