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scattered clouds
Humidity
67%
Wind
5.09 m/s
Travel guides, tips, and stories
October to March is best with temperatures of 20-30°C and low humidity. The town is especially charming in December-January. Summers (April-June) are hot and humid. The northeast monsoon (October-December) can bring heavy rains, especially in November — check forecasts. The Bastille Day celebrations on July 14 are uniquely atmospheric.
Pondicherry is moderately priced. Heritage hotels in the French Quarter are premium (₹3,000-₹10,000/night) but guesthouses and hostels are available from ₹500/night. Food ranges from budget Tamil meals (₹100) to French restaurants (₹1,500+). No sales tax on alcohol makes drinks cheaper than most Indian cities. Renting a scooter (₹300-500/day) is the most economical transport.
Auroville is an experimental international township founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa (The Mother, spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo) as a place where people from all nations could live in peace and progressive harmony. About 3,000 residents from 50+ countries live here. The Matrimandir — a giant golden sphere for meditation — is the center. Visitors can see the Matrimandir from a viewpoint and explore the Auroville shops and cafes.
Yes, the Alliance Française de Pondichéry and the French Institute offer French courses. Many locals, especially older residents and those in the French Quarter, speak French. Bilingual street signs, menus, and the cultural ambiance make it India's most Francophone town.
Pondicherry's food scene blends French and Tamil cuisines. Must-try: croissants and baguettes at Baker Street, French crepes at Cafe des Arts, Tamil thali meals at local restaurants, seafood at Le Club, Sri Aurobindo Ashram's dining hall (donation-based), and the famous Pondy omelette from street stalls.
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Time zone
IST
Currency
INR
Official languages
Tamil, French, English, Hindi
Best time to visit
OCT-FEB
Recommended trip duration
3 days
To find peace in Pondicherry, escape the central bustle for the quiet lanes of Auroville or the serene shores of Serenity Beach. Spend your mornings in silent meditation at the Matrimandir viewing point or the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. For a solo date, pick a corner in a courtyard cafe like Bread and Chocolate to read undisturbed. Renting a bicycle allows you to explore the pastel streets of White Town at your own slow, rhythmic pace.
