Cheap flights to Pondicherry (now officially known as "Puducherry") are just beginning to land at the Pondicherry Airport, which is still in the process of being constructed. However, the airport can only accommodate small planes, so it's still easier to simply end your Pondicherry flights in Delhi, Mangalore or Chennai and take a train to Pondicherry from one of those cities. Comfortable, air-conditioned buses travel between Pondicherry and the city of Chennai as well. The scenic route between Chennai and Pondicherry runs close to the seashore, and many visitors choose to hire a car so that they can make stops along the way.
Pondicherry flights bring a traveller into an gorgeous, thriving city. The tourism office has set up efficient chartered coaches for toursits which take visitors to the main sight-seeing spots; these are an excellent option for certain destinations that may otherwise be difficult to get to. From mid-morning till late in the evening, it's also possible to rent bicycles and scooters, although the traffic in this city of 675,000 is getting worse every year. Within Pondicherry there are also many car rental and taxi options. Many of the streets in the French Quarter and the beaches invite long walks, which also happens to be a great way to see the city.
Your Pondicherry flight has brought you to one of India's important coastal cities. It's a popular holiday destination for Indian citizens as well as for tourists, boasting beautiful sandy beaches and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Auroville, 8 kilometres outside of Pondicherry, is a famous international experiment in spiritual living, and it has drawn visitors from all over the world for decades. Scuba diving and long drives or walks along the beaches are the focus of much of Pondicherry's tourism, as are classes in various types of healing, massage and meditation. The ancient Thirukaameeswarar Temple is located just a few kilometres outside of the city, and is the centre of a 10-day festival in May. Within the city itself, Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple is close to Sri Aurobindo Ashram and is a fascinating stop. This temple keeps its own elephant in the courtyard.
Cheap flights to Pondicherry bring you to an Indian city with a surprising French flavour, and as you wander the boulevards you're likely to find some of Pondicherry's excellent French restaurants. Rendezvous, on Rue Suffren, is one of these. French bakeries and pizzerias mingle with fine vegetarian and seafood offerings from the many South Indian restaurants throughout the city. Villa Shanti is very popular, offering excellent seafood as well as a rich variety of vegetarian fare. Shopping and nightlife are somewhat subdued, since the non-beach-related tourism is largely centered on meditation, ashrams, and retreats. Casablanca is an excellent stop for souvenirs - particularly if you love fashion. You'll find many linen and leather goods at this modern store. If you're looking to bring home some of the unique, spiritual culture, Kalki in nearby Auroville has many handmade items you won't want to miss out on. If you're looking for a unique nightlife experience, try Space Coffee and Arts which is located on a rooftop and features great cocktails.