15 Best Tourist Places in Pondicherry

Pondicherry, a union territory of India, is one of the most famous tourist attractions in South India and is located on the Bay of Bengal's Coromandel Coast. Pondicherry was once known as Vedapuri, which is also said to be the residence of the great sage Agastya. Pondicherry receives many tourists each year due to its appealing tourism attractions. Pondicherry is located 160 kilometres south of Chennai and is extremely accessible due to its modest size.

Tourists visiting Pondicherry may explore several tourist attractions and spend time at the beach. If you are considering a trip to Pondicherry, you should read this article about the city's most popular tourist attractions.

1. Paradise Beach in Pondicherry

Pondicherry's Paradise Beach, located near the city of Chunnambar, is a popular tourist destination. This beach with golden sand is quite popular with tourists. This beach is one of the most popular in Pondicherry, where visitors may relax and enjoy the fresh sea wind. Paradise Beach's sand is quite soft and grainy. A walk on the beach here provides tourists with an unforgettable experience.

Various birds may be seen near this beach, and photographers can get some fantastic shots here. The water currents on this beach are quite powerful. Thus swimming in deep water is not recommended. Tourists can purchase fresh coconut water and basic snacks while visiting this beach. You may sit on the beach and watch the surf or participate in a range of water sports.

2. Auroville in pondicherry

Auroville is also known as a "Universal Town" since it is home to individuals from all over the world with various cultures and customs. Mirra Alfassa, Aurobindo's student, created Auroville in 1968, roughly 15 kilometres from Pondicherry in Tamil Nadu. This global township was founded on February 28, 1968, to create a location where people would be willing to forget their caste, creed, or nationality to become a centre of continuous education and advancement. Let us tell you that this township now has over 2,800 official inhabitants from over 195 nations.

3. Aurobindo Ashram in pondicherry

The Aurobindo Ashram, located in Pondicherry's White Town, is a well-known landmark named after its founder, Sri Aurobindo Ghosh. Let us inform you that the foundation of this ashram was established on November 24, 1926, when he retired from politics and moved to Pondicherry. Aurobindo follower Mirra Alfassa played a key role in establishing this ashram and took care of it immediately after Sri Aurobindo Ghosh's passing in 1950. The ashram is home to around 500 followers, 500 pupils, and 1300 patients.

This ashram was founded to assist individuals in attaining salvation and inner serenity. Many visitors come to the ashram to find peace of mind. If you plan a trip to Pondicherry and wish to experience spiritual enlightenment, you must visit this ashram.

4. Promenade Beach in pondicherry

Promenade Beach is a popular tourist location in Puducherry, India, extending 1.2 kilometres from War Memorial to Duplex Park on Gaubert Avenue. Tourists should visit the Heritage Town Hall, War Memorial, Old Lighthouse, Promenade Beach, Statue of Joan of Arc, and Mahatma Gandhi statue. Promenade Beach is a well-known location that is frequently busy with volleyball clubs. Tourists may enjoy sports such as yoga, walking, running, skating, and swimming on this beach in the evening. On this peaceful beach, visitors may view rocks and pebbles. Aside from that, other well-known restaurants on the beach provide traditional food.

5. Serenity Beach in pondicherry

Serenity Beach is located 10 kilometres outside of Puducherry in Kottakuppam. Originally, this beach was called Thanthirayan Kuppam Beach or simply Kottakupam Beach. If you plan a trip to Pondicherry, you should stop by Serenity Beach. This beach is popular among honeymooners. If you wish to sunbathe quietly while resting on the sand on the beach, here is the place to be. Because this beach is far from the city, there aren't many local tourists.

6. Lighthouse in pondicherry

The Pondicherry Lighthouse is an excellent location where travellers may witness wonderful birds in various ways. Let us inform you that there are two lighthouses in this area, one ancient and one new. The historic lighthouse on this site is no longer open to the public. The French intended to construct a lighthouse to offer visitors a beautiful sea view. This was followed in March 1836 by the building of the old lighthouse under the supervision of A. Guerre. It was closed in 1979 after several years of operation. In the same year, another lighthouse was built, which is now one of Pondicherry's most popular tourist sites. This 157-foot-high lighthouse hosts cultural events, concerts, and commercial operations.

7. Gokilambal Thirukameswar Temple in pondicherry

Gokilambal Thirukmeswara Temple is a lovely temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that is located in the little village of Villianur, 11 kilometres from Pondicherry. The French influence on this temple is obvious to visitors. A vehicle festival at the temple demonstrates the shrine's ties to French heritage. During this occasion, worshipers drag a 15-meter-high chariot through the city streets.

8. Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple in pondicherry

Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple is a historic temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha in Pondicherry. The temple is supposed to have been built in the fifth century. On the 18th day of Brahmotsavam, many worshippers attend this temple. Vinayaka Chaturthi is an important event held with tremendous zeal at Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple. According to legend, a Frenchman attempted to take the Ganesha idol from the temple, but it returned once the statue was gone. He became a follower of the Lord after being inspired by the statue's power.

9. Basilica of The Sacred Heart of Jesus in pondicherry

This church, located 2.5 kilometres from the Pondicherry Bus Station on South Boulevard in the city, is one of the most important and religious destinations in Pondicherry. This church in Pondicherry is one of India's 21 basilicas. It was founded in 1908 by French missionaries and was later elevated to the basilica in 2011. In the church, holidays such as New Year's, Christmas, and Easter are celebrated magnificently. If you visit the city, you must stop by this gorgeous church.

10. French War Memorial in pondicherry

The French War Memorial, located on Gobert Avenue, is an interesting tower created to honour the soldiers who died in World War I. Let us tell you that on July 14, this monument holds an annual memorial service, during which it is attractively decked. If visiting Pondicherry, you should also visit the French War Memorial.

11. Arikamedu in pondicherry

Arikamedu is a remarkable historical monument and old Roman trading town located about a half-hour drive from the French colonial capital of Pondicherry. From the first century BC to the second century AD, the port city was held by the Romans, Cholas, and French as a notable nautical centre. Arikemedu's glass bead production facility is the most well-known in Puri. The initial excavations at Arikemedu began in the 1940s, and there has been continual excavation since then.

12. Raj Niwas in Pondicherry

Raj Niwas, formerly called Palais du Sarkar, is a popular tourist destination in Pondicherry. The Raj Niwas is an eighteenth-century structure that presently serves as the house of the Lieutenant Governor of Pondicherry. The structure is not available to the public, yet it is a popular tourist site. The original court is also visible within a complex within this tower. The Raj Niwas' major draw is its monolithic pillars, which were transferred here from the Gingee Fort in 1751. Aside from that, several Gingee Fort pillars surround the Gandhi Mandapam on Promenade Beach.

13. Botanical Garden in Pondicherry

The Botanical Garden, also known as C.S. Perrotate, is a famous tourist site in Pondicherry. It was founded in 1862. As the name suggests, this garden is a fish house with various exotic plants. Tourists may witness flora collected from various areas of India and worldwide. This aquarium is a fantastic spot to observe a variety of aquatic species as well as some beautiful fish. If planning a trip to Pondicherry, you must include the Botanical Garden in your schedule.

14. Chidambram in Pondicherry

Chidambaram is a lovely temple town 63 kilometres from Pondicherry, known for the Lord Nataraja temple and the famed chariot festival. Chidambaram is located 250 kilometres from Chennai, a place of religious significance since ancient times.

Because of different cultural influences, the city has a rich legacy and customs. Many dynasties ruled here, including Vijayanagar emperors, the Cholas, Marathas, Pandyas, and the British. Chidambaram is well-known for its many temples. If visiting Pondicherry, you should travel to Chidambaram to see the temples.

15. Water Sports in Pondicherry

Pondicherry is a beach lover's dream. Tourists are drawn to the area's beautiful beaches. Sunbathing on the beaches here is a lovely experience for everyone. Pondicherry's beaches are also well-known for water sports. Water sports such as parasailing, scuba diving, and banana boat excursions are available to visitors.

How to Reach Pondicherry

Pondicherry is in South India and is well connected by air to the rest of the country and most major cities worldwide. Aside from that, it has excellent rail and road connections to all of India's main cities.

1. By Flight

If travelling to Pondicherry, you should know that the primary airport is Pondicherry Airport. You can use cabs or taxis to get to the city from the airport. Another alternative is to take a flight from the Karaikal airport.

2. By Train

Villupuram Railway Junction is Pondicherry's principal railway station, connecting it to key towns around India.

3. By Bus

A road trip to Pondicherry may provide an intense experience. There are several significant cities to visit here, including Trichy, Chennai, Bangalore, and Coimbatore.

Local Food in Pondicherry

Pondicherry is one of the Indian cities where French food has impacted the food. Several eateries serve French cuisine in this area. Baguettes, Italian Baked Beans, Croissants, Stuffed Cabbage, and many more dishes are popular here. In addition, foods from other South Indian states may be sampled in this union region. La Cafe Carte Blanche, Maison Rose, Satsang, Cafe de Flor, Well Cafe, and Le Cafe are some of the most well-known restaurants in Pondicherry.

Best Time to Visit Pondicherry

If you want to visit Pondicherry, the ideal time is between October and March. During this period, the temperature in the city ranges from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. The summers here are fairly hot, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius. The monsoon season is also a fantastic time to visit. However, the optimal time to visit Pondicherry differs from person to person because this city varies with the seasons and has several events that are popular with travellers.