Puducherry Travel Tips

• The climate in pondicherry is generally humid as it is located in the coastal areas of South India. The climate is mostly warm and plain cottons or cotton /synthetic blends are the most practical and the coolest in summer. It's best to avoid thick clothes that don't 'breathe'.
• In the summer, a hat and sunglasses are recommended for protection from the harsh sun.
• When traveling during monsoons, a collapsible umbrella comes handy.
• Taxi and Auto drivers don't expect tips but fare is not uniform. If they go through a great deal of trouble to get to your destination, they may ask tips about Rs.50-100 per day, depending on the distance travelled.
• During the winter months, sweaters and light jackets are required.
• For functions, carry formal suits for men, skirts, and tops for women.
• Trekkers and travellers going on any outdoor adventure should bring a daypack that will hold a sweater, camera, a water bottle. A good pair of binoculars and sunglasses that block out ultraviolet rays are advised. Also carry strong sun block, sewing kit, premoistened towelettes, and pocketknife with can opener, lock and key for each duffel or bag, high-power impact-resistant flashlight, spare batteries (unless they're a popular size). Electronic Gadgets for electric-powered equipment bring a converter and an adapter. The electrical current in India is 220 volts, 50 cycles alternating current (AC), wall outlets take plugs with two round prongs.

Health precautions and other related information

• Foreign tourists should carry their Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate conforming to International Health Regulation, if they originate or are transiting through Yellow Fever endemic countries.
• Health risksCholera, dengue fever, dysentery, hepatitis, malaria, meningitis (trekking areas only) and typhoid. Travellers with respiratory ailments may wish to take precautionary measures.
• Health CertificateCitizens and travellers coming from the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom, do not require any vaccination certificate or inoculations. Though normally an International Health Certificate is not asked for by immigration officials, its better to carry one. It contains valuable information incase one needs medical attention.
• VaccinationsAs a precautionary measure vaccination against Hepatitis B is recommended, if staying for a longer duration. To avoid Malaria, Dengue, carrying mosquito repellents, nets, clothes covering the body and using sprays against insects in rooms is sufficient. A first aid kit carrying adhesive bandages, thermometer, water-purification tablets, antibiotics, antiseptic creams and mosquito repellents is advisable. Drinking only mineral or boiled water curbs down the chances of stomach ailments, thus whenever going out carrying a bottle always comes handy. This will also keep dehydration at bay. If in doubt, one can take a salt-sugar solution 1/2 tsp. salt and 4 tbsp. sugar in one litre of water to rehydrate.
• At Eating JointsThough sticking to a vegetarian diet is recommended, eating only thoroughly cooked meat is advisable.
• Avoid Pork Products Fried food from vendors Dishes using excessive oil Road Side Restaurants

Safety precautions and emergency information

• Never leave an unlocked suitcase in a hotel room. Never leave suitcases unattended on airports or train stations.
• Women traveling alone should never get into a taxi or rickshaw if there's a second man accompanying the driver. Women should also chain lock their door when they are in their hotel room.
• Everyone should be alert in crowds for pickpockets. Wear a money belt. One should be careful while using his or her credit cards.

Where to eat :

• Restaurants at Auroville serves European food
• Indochine (South Asian Restaurant)
• St. James Court offers mouthwatering Vietnamese and Chinese food Energy Home and Bon Appetit
• famous for organic food Pizza Corner
• Hot Breads and MASS Classique offers pastries, cakes.