Pondicherry - "The French Riviera of the East"

The beautiful state of Pondicherry is sometimes referred to as 'The French Riviera of the East', as the French dreams for an empire in India ended up in Pondicherry.

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Why Visit Pondicherry

Pondicherry is a place worth visiting as it has picturesque surroundings consisting of palm-fringed beaches, fishing villages, backwaters, French heritage and much more exciting places for fun loving tourists...

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Pondicherry - French toast on the Coast

Pondicherry, located in close vicinity to the southern states of Chennai and Bangalore, is one of the most-visited tourist destinations in the southern part of India. It serves as the capital of Puducherry, which is a Union Territory.

Till about 1954, Pondicherry was under the control of French rulers, which is why one can still get a feel of French flavor here in the form of its architecture, churches, statues, buildings in French colony style etc. It is not without reason that this place is known as “The Europe of India”. Today, Pondicherry still carries a few traces in its lifestyle which reminds the tourists of the rich culture of the place. Situated quite close to the states of Chennai and Bangalore, Pondicherry witnesses a steady inflow of foreign and Indian tourists every year. This is mainly because alcohol costs are prone to lower tax rates here when compared to the other states in the country.

Being the biggest French colony during its olden days, Pondicherry, though small in size, is brimming with French culture and tradition today. The history of the place speaks volumes about its role during the trading and war activities. Though the place has a genuine Indian feel to it, the confectionary stores and Mediterranean style architecture adorned with Boulevards and Rues, remind the tourist of the place’s French connection. Almost all the people residing here understand French even today. As one travels to Pondicherry by road from Tamil Nadu, the change in culture and the authentic French flavour signals the arrival of the place. Therefore, this place is also known as “The French Rivera of the East” (in French - La Côte d'Azur de l'Est). The steak and wine available in some of the restaurants here built in French style are exactly the same as the ones available in France. In short, Pondicherry is a place that is a perfect mix of the East and West. The characters of the Indian and French sides of the place co-exist peacefully here.

Tourists coming in their own vehicles or hired vehicles can cover the main tourist attractions of Pondicherry in about 8 hours. A couple of days are all what it takes to have a full tour around this place.

Fairs & Festivals in Pondicherry

The rich cultural insight is exhibited in the fairs and festivals of Pondicherry such as Sedal, fire walking festival, Mascarade festival, Masi magma festival etc being celebrated joyfully...

Fair & Festival (Ayudha Puja, Bastille Day, Chitrai kalai Vizha, Fete De puducherry, Fire Walking Festival, French Food Festival, International Yoga Festival, Kandoori Festival, Karthigai Deepam Festival, Mangani Festival, Mascarade Festival, Masi Magam, Pongal Festival, Sedal Festival, St.Theresa Festival, Veerampattinam Car Festival, Villianur Temple Car Festival, Vinayaka Chathurthi)

 

 

Attractions In Pondicherry

Notable Personalities From Pondicherry

There are a number of notable personalities of Pondicherry who have contributed in the field of literature, arts, acting etc like Sri Aurobindo, Kalki Koechlin and Bharathidasan etc.

Culture in Pondicherry

Like any other state of India, even Pondicherry is culturally rich but there has been a great influence of French culture revealed in the life of people here.....

Activities in Pondicherry

The people of Pondicherry engage themselves in various good activities such as arts and crafts, water sports, temple activities and many more exciting things worth doing.


State Symbols

The state symbols of Pondicherry include squirrel be the animal, koel be the bird, song to be one invocated to Goddess Tamil and the languages including Malayalam, Telugu etc.


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