A French colonial settlement until 1954, Puducherry or Pondicherry - affectionately known as 'Pondy' - is famed for its distinctive heritage charm and laid-back atmosphere. Far less frenetic than nearby Chennai, this coastal town has long delighted heritage buffs and foodies eager to experience a unique fusion of French and South Indian cultures. Our Gurus’ pick of the best places to stay in Puducherry are intimate pastel-painted villas and pretty boutique hotels, perfect for guests of all ages.

Discover’s Puducherry’s well-preserved old town, with its tree-lined boulevards and quaint independent boutiques, on foot or by bicycle. Guided walking tours come highly recommended, as do visits to the impressive Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Sacred Heart Basilica, and Notre Dame des Anges. You’ll find colourful temples along the seafront promenade, too, and a fascinating collection of artefacts at the Pondicherry Museum. The town’s popular markets include the Sunday Market and the Goubert Market, both of which are brilliant for crafts and souvenirs.

Venture a little further afield to legendary Auroville, home to the golden Matrimandir meditation chamber, or join fellow devotees at Sri Aurobindo's peaceful ashram. The pristine beaches of Nagapattinam are wonderful, as are the temples and museums of Tanjore and the historic homes of Chettinad — an area also known for its cracking cuisine. Return to Puducherry's old town for sunset promenades, sailing excursions and diving opportunities. Starlit dinners in the tranquil courtyards of the best places to stay in Puducherry are the ideal way to round off another magical day in Tamil Nadu.

The Best Places to Stay in Puducherry

For Romantic Luxury

• La Villa is designed for romance. Boasting just six generous suites, this adults-only hotel will delight honeymooners and couples in search of tranquility. Expect restorative massages, candlelit courtyard dining and plenty of pampering.
• Palais de Mahe, a warm yellow-and-white painted building in the old town, is ideal for fans of boutique luxury. Rooms have a timeless feel, with arched ceilings, wood and cane furnishings and views towards the central swimming pool. There's a rooftop restaurant for romantic evenings and cosy nooks for curling up with a good book. 
• Maison Perumal has an elegant, understated appeal. Traditional guest rooms sit around a leafy courtyard, there are shaded seating areas for unwinding, a lovely restaurant and a real sense of place. The stained glass is gorgeous. One for heritage buffs seeking luxury touches. 

For Foodies

• Villa Shanti offers cool, retro-chic interiors. The central courtyard eatery promises gourmet fusion fare and has a reputation as one of the top spots in town for dinner. There are light bites served at the cafe-bar, too. An appealingly intimate choice. 
• Hotel de l’Orient has a classic, understated charm with spacious guest rooms hidden behind a terracotta-coloured façade. The big draw is the Chez François restaurant, which specialises in delicious French and Creole fare. Wonderfully welcoming. 

For a Rural Escape

• Mango Hill is a simple resort-style choice in the lush countryside. A range of spacious rooms sit around a refreshing swimming pool, there's a three-bedroom villa with private pool, and the spa is excellent. A lovely choice for couples or families, with great rates and famously good food. 

For Great Value

• Le Château, a simple spot in the French Quarter, has comfortable guest rooms, a brightly decorated cafe and a relaxed rooftop restaurant. Great for guests of all ages, it's well located for exploring and very affordable.
• Le Dupleix was originally built as the residence of the town's French mayor. Ideal for fans of traditional interiors, the hotel features dark wooden furnishings, cream and blue textiles and four-poster beds in some rooms. The courtyard restaurant is lovely, and the pricing reasonable. 

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

• Fly to Chennai International Airport, and travel 135km south to Puducherry by road or rail. Trains will be more affordable, but cars offer a swifter alternative.
• Puducherry is connected to Chennai by an electric broad gauge railway line through Villupuram. Two passenger trains run daily to Chennai Egmore railway station and Tirupati, and there is a weekly express train service to Bhubaneswar. There is also a daily express train to Chennai Egmore. 
• If you're confident driving in Asia, India is a beautiful destination for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Travel during the winter months (October - March) when the weather is warm 17°C - 30°C and generally dry. The monsoon rains are expected between July and September, when it is also very hot. 

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Tamil Nadu.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in India.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.