About Pondicherry

Pondicherry (or Puducherry), a French colonial settlement in India until 1954, is now a Union Territory town bounded by the southeastern Tamil Nadu state. Its French legacy is preserved in its French Quarter, with tree-lined streets, mustard-colored colonial villas and chic boutiques. A seaside promenade runs along the Bay of Bengal and passes several statues, including a 4m-high Gandhi Memorial.

The climate of Pondicherry is tropical wet & dry similar to that of coastal region. Summer lasts from April to early June, when average temperature is 36 degree celcius & minimum temperatures is around 28 degree celcius. This is followed by a period of high humidity and occasional thundershowers from June till September.

Beautiful Beaches of Pondicherry

Any trip to Pondicherry would be incomplete without a visit to its beaches. Though it’s hot and muggy through most of the year, Pondicherry has four main beaches which are fairly popular with tourists and locals alike. As opposed to the rest of India, the beaches here are relatively clean and not as crowded.

• Promenade • Paradise Beach • Auroville Beach
• Chunnambar Lake • Ruby Beach • Serenity Beach

PLACES TO VISIT

Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens were laid out in 1826 in the ornate French style. With over 1500 species of plants, this could actually qualify as one of the best botanical gardens in South India. (approx. 10kms/25 mins drive from La Grace)

Le Cafe

Once the port office and the railway ran along Beach Road from South Boulevard to 240 meters iron pier. In 1952 cyclone the pier got destroyed whose remains can still be seen poking out of the water. (approx. 9.5kms/20 mins drive from La Grace)

French War Memorial

The French War Memorial on Goubert Avenue is solemn reminder of those brave soldiers who laid down their lives, for their country during the First World War. (approx. 9.5kms/20 mins drive from La Grace)

19th Century Light House

This light house was used for the first time on July 1st 1836 and continued to be used up to the year 1979. This now- abandoned lighthouse stands on the edge of the sea. (approx. 9.4kms/19 mins drive from La Grace)

The French Institute

The classical building is a research institute in Indian civilization, history and society development. The Center of Ideology focuses on Indian languages as a Central part of Indian's Cultural Heritage. (approx. 8.9kms/18 mins drive from La Grace)

Promenade

This beach is referred as the pride of Pondicherry. The War memorial, the statue of Joan of Arc blazing, the heritage town hall, old light house, the old customs house, speak the splendor of the by gone era. (approx. 10kms/21 mins drive from La Grace)

Paradise Beach

Located 8 kms from the town, along the Cuddalore Main Road this beach can be accessed from the Chunnambar Resort. Flanked by a quiet flowing creek on one side, the beach can only be accessed by boat. (approx. 18.3kms/40 mins drive from La Grace)

Auroville Beach

The Auroville Beach as the name indicates is close to Auroville. It is right off the ECR, opposite the road leading to Auroville. Its shallow waters and small waves make it an ideal place of swimming. (approx. 2.5kms/6 mins drive from La Grace)

Serenity Beach

This beach is a ten minutes drive to the north of the town. This virgin beach, with its serene surroundings is an ideal place to laze away your day. (approx. 5.1kms/11 mins drive from La Grace)

Manakula Vinayagar Koil

This temple is more than 300 years old and is dedicated to Ganesha. It has a golden spire and walls portraying forty different forms of Ganesha. Over 5000 devotees flock to this site every day. (approx. 9kms/19 mins drive from La Grace)

Varadaraja Perumal Temple

Located on M.G.Road, this is believed to be the oldest temple in town, dating back to 600 AD. The temple is probably the oldest standing structure in Pondicherry. This temple is dedicated to Vishnu. (approx. 8.1kms/17 mins drive from La Grace)

Sri Gokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple

This is located in a small town called 'Villianur', 11 kms. from Pondicherry. The main shrine housing and the shrines date back to the 12th century Chola period. This temple has a bit of French heritage attached to it. (approx. 18kms/41 mins drive from La Grace)