Tourists Backpack

We have curated essential tourist map, visa insights, and insights into transportation options, including two-wheelers and cars, to ensure your visit is seamless. Immerse yourself in our reliable and insightful resources.

Doorways Mappy

 

Our Doorways Mappy gives those traveling to Pondicherry an overview of the boulevard main areas of the city and the most important monuments and tourist attractions with street location.

 

The latest edition will be available free of charge at all tourist locations in Pondicherry. Alternatively, you can access the PDF version online for convenient reference or print it in A1 (59x84cm) /A2 (42x59cm) /A3 (29x 42cm) size before your arrival in Pondicherry. This is the ideal way to familiarise yourself with the city and save time, particularly if you have only a few days to spend in Puducherry.

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Travel tips for a safe and enjoyable trip to Puducherry

DOCUMENTS TIPS: As per government regulations, all non-resident Indians and foreign nationals must carry their original passport and visa during check-in at hotels. Indian nationals must provide a valid Indian driving license, voter ID card, or other government-issued ID with an address. Hotels have the right to refuse check-in if the guests fail to provide proper identification. The hotel also reserves the right of admission and does not accept local ID for identification purposes.

 

TOUR TIPS: Taxi, auto and rickshaw drivers do not expect tips, but fares are not uniform. If they go out of their way to reach the destination, they may request a tip of around Rs. 50 -100.

 

NIGHTLIFE TIPS: To enter the nightclub, you need a valid ID showing you’re 21+. Accepted: passport, Aadhaar card, driving licence. No ID cards without photos are allowed. Admission requires a “smart elegant” dress, unless themed. Neatness always matters. No entry for intoxicated individuals. Staff can halt service if you’ve had enough to drink. Zero tolerance for drugs. No aggression, violence, or abusive language will be tolerated. Offenders will be banned, and police will be involved.

 

ADVENTURE TIPS: Additionally, make sure to wear life jackets before indulging in water sports. Avoid drunk and play.

 

SAFETY TIPS: Travelers are advised to keep their valuable belongings secure while in their hotel rooms and never leave them unattended at airports, train stations, or during shopping or travel. Women travelling alone should avoid getting into a taxi or auto rickshaw if a second man is accompanying the driver. To ensure your safety, avoid going for long rides to places like Auroville and Pondy Marina at midnight, especially for women. Women should also chain-lock their hotel room doors and stay alert for pickpockets in crowded places. It is recommended to wear a money belt and be attentive when using credit cards.

 

CLIMATE TIPS: Puducherry’s climate is usually humid, and cotton or cotton/synthetic blends are the most comfortable to wear during summers. Hat and sunglasses has recommended.

 

HEALTH TIPS: As a precautionary measure, tourists should get vaccinated against Hepatitis B if staying for an extended period. To avoid malaria and dengue, carrying mosquito repellents and nets and using repellent sprays is recommended. Wear a mask at all times in public places, including when interacting with others.

Passport and visa requirements for Puducherry visitors

  • All foreign nationals visiting Pondicherry must have a valid passport with a visa from an Indian Mission/Post or an e-Visa (Limited Categories) from the Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • The facilitation of emergency/express Visa/e-visa services should not be charged any fees by any agents or intermediaries, as the government of India has not authorized them to do so.
  • A regular/e-visa and a passport are mandatory for travel to India. Only bilateral arrangements exempt certain categories from the visa requirement.
  • Persons of Indian origin (all categories) must have an OCI card.
  • Passport holders of Japan, South Korea, and the UAE (only for UAE nationals who have previously obtained e-Visa or regular/paper visa for India) are eligible for Visa-on-Arrival to India.

Rental bikes and cars for Puducherry visitors

To fully enjoy your trip to Pondicherry, renting a bike is highly recommended. Not only is it the best way to discover the city’s attractions, but it’s also more convenient than relying on public transportation. Although most bike rental shops are concentrated in White Town and Pondicherry bus stands, there are other options near the railway station. To make it easier for you to select depending on your arrival location.

 

Aside from renting bikes, car rentals are also a great option when travelling to Pondicherry. It’s one of the safest ways to get around, especially when visiting places like the Mangrove Forest for kayaking or Serenity Beach for surfing. Although walking or biking is feasible in White Town, having a car or bike makes it easier to explore other distant locations.

 

Before renting a bike in Pondicherry, it’s important to consider a few things. Firstly, you may want to opt for rental shops located near the bus stands, as they tend to have better reviews than those in White Town. Remember, the bike you choose will be your companion for two or three days, so it’s important to choose a reliable one that will ensure a hassle-free trip. In White Town and near the bus stands, there are plenty of rental shops located close to each other. If you’re not satisfied with one, there’s always another one nearby that may provide better service or have better bikes. It’s always a good idea to talk to the owners and check out the bikes or scooters before renting them.

 

Essential documents and deposit required for renting a bike in Puducherry

 

  • A photocopy of a valid driving license is required for renting a bike in Pondicherry.
  • You need to provide a copy of a valid ID card, such as an Aadhar card, passport, or voter ID.
  • A deposit of Rs.1000 needs to be paid, which will be refunded if the vehicle is returned undamaged.

 

Note:

 

  • It is advisable to take a picture of the rented vehicle number before leaving the rental shop, as similar models colors like Vespa are popular among the rental shops, and there is a high possibility of confusion with other rental bikes parked nearby. Also, it is recommended to double-check the vehicle number before taking it from any parking spot.
  • To comply with traffic regulations and avoid fines, it is recommended to rent a helmet along with the bike for added safety.
  • Negotiation of the rental price with the owners is possible for rentals of more than two days.
  • The per-day rental charges apply only for rentals picked up after 8 a.m. and dropped off before 9.30 p.m. the same day; it is not a 24-hour rental.
  • Prices and timing are subject to change based on the rental shop and vehicle condition.

Nightlife & Night Club Rules

PROOF OF IDENTITY: To enter the nightclub, you need a valid ID showing you’re 21+. Accepted: passport, Aadhaar card, driving licence. No ID cards without photos are allowed.

 

DRESS CODE: Admission requires a “smart elegant” dress, unless themed. Neatness always matters.

 

INTOXICATION POLICY: No entry for intoxicated individuals. Staff can halt service if you’ve had enough to drink. Zero tolerance for drugs.

 

BEHAVIOUR EXPECTATIONS: No aggression, violence, or abusive language will be tolerated. Offenders will be banned, and police will be involved.

 

Note:

 

  • Make sure you follow all the rules of the nightclub.
  • Not allowed below age 21.
  • Make sure the mentioned number of entries and the names are proper & correct.
  • Basic entry charges are applicable to all the guests on the list.
  • Dress code smart casuals / party wear.
  • Open footwear are not allowed.
  • If found misbehaved with other clubbers or staff, you will be escorted out of the venue immediately.
  • Make sure to arrive at chosen time beyond which you reservation will be cancelled.

A complete post -Covid travel guide to Puducherry

We wish to reassure our visitors that we are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and will take all necessary precautions to safeguard our visitors and staff.

 

To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Pondicherry, here are some post-COVID travel precautions to keep in mind:

 

  • Check local guidelines and restrictions related to COVID-19 before traveling to Pondicherry.
  • Get vaccinated, if possible, before traveling to Pondicherry.
  • Avoid crowded places, including popular tourist attractions, busy markets, and crowded restaurants. If you find yourself in a crowded place, maintain physical distance and wear a mask.
  • Wear a mask at all times in public places, including when interacting with others.
  • Practice physical distancing and maintain a physical distance of at least 1 meter from others in public places.
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when hand washing is not possible.
  • Avoid unnecessary physical contact, such as shaking hands, hugging, or kissing while greeting people.
  • Choose safer accommodation that has implemented COVID-19 safety protocols, such as regular cleaning and sanitization of rooms and common areas.
  • Monitor your health and seek medical attention if you develop symptoms or feel unwell.
  • If you choose to eat outside, think about the safest dining options, such as eating outdoors or getting takeout. Don’t forget to wash or sanitize your hands before eating.

 

By following these precautions, you can help protect yourself and others while enjoying your trip to Pondicherry.

Essential Apps

Stay organized and stress-free during your Pondicherry trip with the help of these useful apps.