Pondicherry is a union teritory which lies within the state of Tamil Nadu. The inherent ambience of Pondicherry becomes most evident in the oldest part of the town which flanks the seashore boulevard.
Quiet beaches and peaceful resorts to the north and south balance the towns bustling, yet easy going life. But Pondy hasn't only its own special attractions to offer.
Planned French Architecture
The Matri Mandir, Auroville
Colonial buildings which trace back to the 18th century, line along a grid of straight clean streets and house the French institutions, private homes and businesses, and the sprawling premises of the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The visitor is greeted by mellow colours of cream, yellow, pink and grey with flamboyant bougainvillae bursting over gates and compound walls of cool courtyards.
The Mother and Sri Aurobindo
Aayi Mandapam, Pondicherry
It is a perfect base to explore the rich destinations around it, even in daily trips: Auroville, the international City of Unity; the imposing Gingee Fort, the holy temple towns of Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamalai and Chidambaram, the heritage sculptures and magnificent rock temples of Mamallapuram, and the cool and lush hillstations of Yercaud and Kodaikanal.
For the greater part of the year Pondicherry has a hot and humid climate with temperatures ranging between 26°C and 38°C. During this time it is mostly dry with a blue sky. The main rainy season is in November-January and the 'small' monsoon in July-September relieves Pondy from the summer heat with light showers.
Pondicherry Beach
Though there is usually a high humidity in Pondicherry, during the months of May and June there may be at times a hot dry landwind blowing. The summer runs from March till July. The skies are cloudless and temperatures are soaring upto 40 degrees and beyond in May and June. The monsoon on the west coast brings some relief in July-August with milder temperatures and occasional showers, which may last till October.
The winter starts in November and the north-east monsoon cools the days and nights with the rains it brings along. Temperatures hover around the 30 degrees and the evenings are usually pleasantly cooler. This is the best season in Pondicherry, especially for the foreign visitor. Along the boulevard walk is a wonderful with a refreshing and invigorating evening sea breeze.
Cotton clothes are the most comfortable choice. Pondicherians are used to western style casual clothing within limits. Chappels and sandals are practical and there is a wide choice, in case you didn't bring with you. During the monsoons a light raincoat or umbrella are useful and are locally available.
Pondicherry has its own unique festivals with its own colourful ambience: The International Yoga Festival in January, Maasi Magam in February - March at the beach of the Fishing Village and Fete de Pondichery in August.
Pondicherry is well connected by road with Chennai (formerly Madras) which is the nearest international airport. It takes just under 4 hours to reach Chennai by public transport (bus ) and buses ply between the two cities every 10 minutes.
Anyone who is interested to visit Pondicherry, and needs help for accomodation and travel arrangements can feel free to contact me. Picking you up by car at Chennai Airport can also be arranged.