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Best time to visit Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Puducherry is a coastal union territory with a tropical climate all year round. Summers are hot and humid, while monsoons see the sea lashing against the shore with a heavy downpour for almost three months, if not more. Thus, the best time to visit Puducherry is from October/November to March.

Winters give you a chance to enjoy soaking in the goodness of the beach while enjoying a stroll with your loved one. A romantic time is on the anvil indeed!

Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Puducherry is a 300-year-old mother church for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Cuddalore. Its beautiful white and blue color scheme with golden accents coupled with a mix of Herrian, French, and Portuguese style architecture makes it a site worth visiting at least once.

The first Church was built by the priests from France in 1689 and was destroyed by the Dutch invaders in 1690. The Church is known as Samba Kovil amongst the locals.

While there isn't much mentioned about the cathedral's architecture, you must visit it to experience it. The Church has undergone tremendous changes and reconstruction over some time. But, unfortunately, it has been destroyed thrice in the past 350 years, and what you see today is the Church built on the foundation of the 3rd time it was damaged.

The architecture has evolved, rendering it more beautiful than its original construction style. The gorgeous central aisle is replete with golden pillars and blue-tinted ceilings with snippets from the life of Jesus Christ. You have an array of wooden benches to sit and pray on, and if you wish, you can also attend the prayer service.

The Church also consists of a choir loft, bell tower, an intricately redesigned esplanade (open space), and a splendid display of colors. The colors inside the Church make you fall in love with it repeatedly.

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Immaculate Conception Cathedral Puducherry

Location

The Church lies close to Promenade beach, surrounded by green avenues and landscaped gardens. It is a sight to behold!

Entry Fee & Timings

There is no entry fee to visit the Church, and it is open from 7 AM up to noon and in the evening from 3 PM onwards till 8:30 PM. In addition, the Church celebrates an annual feast day on 8th December, marking Mother Teresa's visit.