Pondicherry Tourism: Pondicherry Travel Guide and Tips | SOTC

Pondicherry, officially known as Puducherry is a quaint city on the Coromandel Coast of Bay of Bengal. Popularly known as Pondy, it is a Union Territory which perfectly blends Indian culture with French architecture. A former French Colony, Pondicherry still retains the old-world charm of France with its splendid colonial structures, cobbled pathways, delightful French cafes and blooming bougainvillea-laden walls. Pondicherry tourism offers myriad experiences from the world-famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram to the seaside promenade, from the chic boutiques to the picturesque Mediterranean style mustard yellow bungalows along the “rues” (streets) or boulevards. 

History of Pondicherry 

Pondicherry is quite literally a glimpse of a bygone era. It was set up as a trading centre by the French East India Company in 1674. Thereafter it became a French settlement in India. In the 18th century Pondicherry changed hands between the British and the French frequently. When the British took over India in 1850, they permitted the French to preserve their settlements in India. Pondicherry remained a part of French India till 1854 when it was incorporated into the Indian Union and was established as a Union Territory.

Interesting Pondicherry Facts 

While the rest of India celebrates Independence Day on 15th August, Pondicherry celebrates it on August 16th as this was the day when it got freedom from French rule officially.

So strong is the French impact that the White Town area near Promenade beach could easily be mistaken to be little France as it is built resembling French towns.

The famous Mascarade Mask Festival is held in the months of March to May when people step out in colourful clothes and masks and dance and make merry on the streets.

People of Pondicherry 

Pondicherry is a melting pot of cultures thanks to all the varied communities that reside here, adding to its cosmopolitan flavour. Tamil people form the majority while the other sizable population belongs to states of West Bengal, Odisha and Gujarat. A significant percentage of the population consists of French people and those from other European countries.

Language of Pondicherry 

Tamil is the official language as well as the most widely spoken language of Pondicherry. Other languages used are Malayalam and Telugu. 20% of the people also speak French.