Puducherry Travel Guide for Foreign Visitors
Did you know that modern-day Puducherry, a famous tourist destination, especially among international destinations, was a French colony until 1954? The union territory, Puducherry, on November 1, 1954, got its independence when the French handed over Pondicherry to India.
Today, the influence of the French can be seen in many modern but French-style cafes and churches in Puducherry that make it a major tourist attraction, especially for foreigners coming to India.
Before a foreigner plans a trip to Puducherry, India, a valid visa is required (except for some countries). However, the Indian government in 2014 made the process of getting an Indian visa much easier by introducing e-Visa services.
Check Indian e-visa eligibility for your country in the Indian e-visa eligibility checker tool.
Best Places to Visit While in Puducherry
- Paradise Beach
- Promenade Beach
- The Sacred Heart Basilica
- Sri Aurobindo Ashram
- Auroville
- French Quarter
- Pondicherry Museum
- Goubert Market
Travel Guide for Puducherry for Foreign Travelers
Getting There
The nearest airport is in Chennai, about 135 km away. To get to Puducherry, a taxi can be booked from the airport. If you're already in India, trains are a good option too. Regular buses also connect Puducherry to other major South Indian cities.
Best Time to Visit
For a Puducherry trip, October to mid-March is ideal. The weather is pleasant, avoiding the intense summer heat and monsoon rains. The winter months (December-February) are particularly enjoyable.
Language
Tamil is the local language, but many people speak English. In the French Quarter, you might even hear some French. You can establish basic communication with the locals by becoming familiar with a few basic Tamil phrases.
Currency and Cash Matters
In Puducherry, India, you must use the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants, but keep some cash handy for small shops and street vendors. ATMs can also be found at small distances in the city of Puducherry.
Accommodation
Need budget guesthouses in Puducherry? You will have options. Need luxury resorts along the coast? There are options for such stay as well. Consider booking a stay in a French Quarter-restored colonial villa for a distinctive experience.
Food
On Puducherry's food list, you will find a mix of French and South Indian flavors. You must try fish curry with a French twist or authentic croissants at local bakeries.
Getting Around
Puducherry is perfect for exploring on foot, especially the French Quarter. For longer distances, auto-rickshaws and rented bicycles or scooters are popular options.
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Puducherry Cuisine: A Fusion of Flavors
The cuisine of Puducherry is a delightful fusion of South Indian and French. Must-try dishes in Puducherry include:
- Fish curry with a French twist
- Authentic croissants and baguettes from local bakeries
- Creole-style seafood dishes
- Traditional Tamil vegetarian thalis
Popular restaurants and cafes include Cafe des Arts, Le Dupleix, and Surguru for South Indian fare.
Transportation in Puducherry
Puducherry is perfect for exploring on foot, especially the French Quarter. For longer distances, consider:
- Auto-rickshaws: Convenient for short trips, but agree on the fare beforehand.
- Rented bicycles or scooters: A fun way to explore at your own pace.
- Taxis: Available for longer journeys or day trips.
- Public buses: Economical but can be crowded during peak hours.
Cultural Experiences in Puducherry
Immerse yourself in Puducherry's unique culture:
- Visit Auroville and learn about its vision of human unity.
- For spiritual wellness, you can take part in spiritual activities sessions like yoga and meditation sessions at one of the many ashrams.
- To see the marvelous colonial architecture, stroll through the French Quarter.
- Attend local festivals like the Masi Magam festival or Bastille Day celebrations.
Shopping in Puducherry
Puducherry offers a variety of shopping experiences:
- Traditional handicrafts: Handmade paper products, pottery, and textiles.
- Boutique stores in the French Quarter: Designer clothing and home decor.
- Local markets: Goubert Market for fresh produce and spices.
- Souvenirs: Auroville-made products, French-style home accessories, and local art.
Puducherry Day Trips
You can consider exploring the following places for day trips:
- Mahabalipuram: Visit ancient temples and it is also known for rock carvings.
- Pichavaram Mangrove Forest: You can ride through boats in the mangrove forest.
- Gingee Fort: A historic hilltop fort with panoramic views.
Getting an Indian Tourist e-Visa
You can get your Indian e-Visa approved within 3-4 business days. Travelers must know that there are various types of Indian e-Visas that are available.
Now, to get an Indian e-tourist Visa, 171 countries are eligible. Getting an online Indian visa means no need to go through the hassles of offline sticker visas and visiting the embassy offices.
An online application for an Indian visa can be made using the steps provided here:
First, determine which type of e-Visa you need. For most visitors, the Tourist e-Visa is appropriate. There are three options:
- A 30-day visa with double entry
- A 1-year visa allowing stays up to 90 days per visit
- A 5-year visa permitting 90-day stays (or 180 days for citizens of the UK, USA, Japan, and Canada)
Once you've chosen the right visa type, visit a trusted Indian e-Visa website. Then, fill out the Indian e-tourist visa application form online. You'll need to provide personal information, passport details, and your travel itinerary.
Next, upload a recent passport-style photograph and a scan of your passport's bio page. It is important that these documents fulfill all the specified prerequisites to avoid delays.
Once you have filled out the form and uploaded any supporting documentation, carefully go over everything. Errors can lead to visa rejection, so double-check everything before submitting.
Then, pay the visa fee. You can pay the fees through a valid credit or debit card. Depending on your country and the kind of visa you are requesting, different fees apply.
Once you've submitted your application and payment, you'll receive an application ID. Use this to track your visa status online.
Indian e-Visa typically takes 3-4 business days to process. However, to apply a week before for your Indian e-tourist Visa is a smart decision.
Upon the successful approval, through an email, your Indian e-Visa will be sent. Before departing for India, print off this document and bring it with you.
Do not forget that the e-Visa is valid as of the day you arrive in India, not as of the day you received it.
Plan your application timing accordingly to ensure your visa covers your entire stay in India. You can easily get your Indian e-tourist Visa by following these steps, and then get ready for your trip to the fascinating country, India.
Citizens of many countries including Russia, Belgium, Canada, Fiji, Colombia, Morocco are eligible for India e-Visa.