Pondicherry

A town of Tamil Nadu, a French colony with villas that spellbinds everyone with architecture. Locals call it Pondy. It was the French Capital of India, situated along the Bay of Bengal. It remained a harmonious amalgamation of Tamil, French, and English cultures. The culture & architecture of the town offer a masterpiece. Among explorers & backpackers, Pondicherry is a quaint destination which offer hidden gems.

This holiday spot has elements for your dream vacation, nice beaches, unearthly ashrams, museums, family parks & chic clubs offer an experience of a lifetime. Stay in luxurious resorts or splurge through the night. Aquatic sports for adrenaline, gorging on delectable food, and shopping for bohemian stuff are desirable.

Here is a list of spots which you won’t miss when you are at Pondicherry

Paradise Beach

Inside Chunnambar, Paradise Beach remains one of the isolated area. Here, local people call it ‘Plage Paradiso’. This breathtaking & golden sand beach has a tranquil atmosphere. The crystal-clear water of Paradise Beach & tropical vibe can be enjoyed on a relaxing day with your friend and family.

Get an exciting ferry ride, the way is flanked with thick mangrove forests which make your trip a refreshing one. A haven for nature admirers, Paradise Beach is a treat for bird watchers with a wide variety of rare bird species.

The best time to explore this weekend getaway is November till March. Adventurers can choose water sports, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, & Jet Skiing. There are surfing schools in the area with equipments for rent.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

In the eastern part of Pondicherry, Sri Aurobindo Ashram is among the best places. In 1926, Sri Aurobindo Ghose established an ashram dedicated to his vision of leading a simple and healthy life. The spiritual atmosphere of Ashram along with soul-soothing silence make it a great place to meditate.

Visit this ashram with your family, relax your body and mind from the stress of life. The simplicity of the building & interiors are refreshing. Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a treat for people curious about life or diverse culture. Dance, singing, drama, and many events are organized within the community members inside the Ashram. Learn about history, Ashram, his vision, and Sri Aurobindo, all of these facts are telecasted. Here in Ashram’s courtyard, the Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother is adorned with fresh flowers.

Auroville

In Viluppuram district, Auroville is a township built on the concept of a ‘Universal Town’. In 1968, Auroville was set by Mirra Alfassa – a disciple of Sri Aurobindo. A town was conceived to allow humanity for prospering beyond any gender, religion, and politics. A settlement of people from around 195 nationalities from across the world.

Auroville has tranquility. Matrimandir remains a soul of the city. It is in the center of the town with grasslands and thick forest cover. Auroville has world-class wellness & spiritual services. Practice meditation, learn yoga, Ayurvedic rejuvination, and take physiotherapy sessions. A stroll along the Auro Beach is refreshing in itself..

Arikamedu

On the banks of the Ariyankuppam River, Arikamedu was a Indo-Roman archaeological site. It is among the known places in Pondicherry. Chola, Roman and French stayed here, as Arikamedu was once a trade center. Excavation began in 1940 under Archaeological Survey of India for its cultural significance, a region with all major remnants of Roman existence in India from 300 BC – 1800 AD.

Rare valuable relics with artifacts got excavated in Arikamedu, which got preserved inside Pondicherry Museum. It gives insight into the culture & history of Arikamedu. Here all staggering ruins calls history enthusiasts and all history recorders. A walk takes you back to an opulent era of infinite trade and exchange in the 1st century BC.

Seaside Promenade

Concealed within the black rocks, which is commonly known as Rock Beach or Promenade Beach. A scenic waterfront has a stunning view to the Bay of Bengal. The colonial vibe adds to its serenity. A 1.5 km long shoreline is flanked with War Memorial, Dupleix Park, colonial buildings, and quirky cafés.

There is no traffic on this seaside road and everyone is free for basking in the sun. Here everyone indulge in sports like beach volleyball. A stroll at the beach rejuvenates all senses as the weather is pleasant here. Watch all mesmerizing hues of the sun setting over the Bay of Bengal. The cafés on beach serves street food. Locals sell souvenir items with a range of handicrafts. Promenade beach also has water sports like sailing or yachting for thrill-seekers.

Serenity Beach

As indicated on the name, Serenity is the main thing which you will experience in the coastal Pondicherry. It is just twenty minutes away from northern Pondicherry. It has golden sands with nice blue waves.

Serenity beach offers an astounding view to the Bay of Bengal. Early morning is the best time to soak fresh air at the beach in sunrise. Relax or rejuvenate at the beach on weekdays till 6:00 PM. You can indulge in surfing activities for an adrenaline rush. Treat your taste buds to the exotic fish dishes.

Watching the glistening shoreline lined with fishing boats as you walk on the deck to the waters will have a calming effect on your mind. Serenity beach is nice for surfing, which makes it a attraction of Pondicherry. If anyone is planning to ride the waves, surfing equipment is there at the local surfing school for rent.

Chunnambar Boat House

Visiting backwaters in Southern India is a best experience. Chunnambar is a village located 7 kilometers from Pondicherry. A hamlet is blessed with nature’s grandeur and is a attraction among tourists for Chunnambar boathouse.

You can choose to laze at the beach or relish an exquisite houseboat experience. Besides boating in the mighty Bay of Bengal, indulge in beach sports. The spot is ideal for relaxing. For adventurers, night camping at seafront is a great option.

For a luxe experience, rent a houseboat and drift away in the paddy fields, across reservoirs filled with lilies. Get a view to the rustic village life while boating in the backwaters. You may get a glimpse of fishermen catching fish and locals harvesting coconuts from dense grooves. The seafood at Seagull- the multi-cuisine restaurant in the area is a mandatory experience in Chunnambar.

Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden is a major tourist attraction in Pondicherry. The lush green garden was established in 1826. It has been a major spot of the city. C. S. Perrotet, a French, played a monumental play for setting the garden. He planted a wide range of exotic plants.

The Botanical Garden has 1500 species of plants of the world. One of the great place to learn about plants, their importance in everyday life. It is open on all days from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

It is a picnic spot in Pondicherry where locals spend their time with family & friends. Lawns, vibrant flower beds, and a musical fountain attract locals and tourists alike. Attractions like a French-style entrance gate, a children’s toy train, an aquarium, and Japanese rock. The Flower Festival organized at the garden attracts many admirers.

Old Lighthouse

Constructed in 1836, the Old Lighthouse is located on Beach Road, it is a prominent landmark of Pondicherry.

A 29 m tall structure stands on a rectangle shaped platform. It was built by a French engineer L. Guerre. It had three openings- a staircase, a doorway for the watchman, and a shop.

A new lighthouse was constructed in 1970 at the Kirapalaiyam Village when the old one went out of order. Built to guide the ships in the sea across the Red Hills, it is not operational now but still holds a special place due to its aesthetic appeal. This engineering has stood the test of time and now serves as a museum.

Events and music festivals are organized at the old lighthouse. Tourists and photographers visit the lighthouse from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Enjoy a magnificent view till the gorgeous sunset with friends & family.

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

French created this Basilica. It is one of the 21 Basilicas in India and is amongst a major sightseeing in Pondicherry. Renowned for its Gothic architecture, the Basilica invites visitors throughout the year.

Made In the year 1908, it got elevated to the status of a Basilica in 2011. Located in MG Road area of Puducherry. The Sacred Heart of Jesus has a grand edifice decorated with stained glass panels. The Basilica houses life-size glass paintings of all saints of the Church, whereas there are other paintings that depicts the life of Jesus.

Do visit the Basilica to offer prayers to the almighty and mindfully witness the interiors which are etched with Biblical phrases. Celebrations are organized on the occasions of New Year, Christmas, and Easter each year.

Raj Niwas

Formerly known as Le Palais gu Gouvemeur. In 1735, the Dumas founded the Governor’s palace. It was unveiled by Dupleix. Raj Niwas was built on the ruins of Hotel de la Compagnie, a French Hotel. The grand monument we see today got built when a new town was reconstructed in three days. Well, the building is not open for public.

• Being the residence of Lieutenant Governor of Pondicherry, Raj Niwas provides accommodation for the state guests and personal guests of the Governor.

An Indo-French architecture, showcasing a rectangular single-storied building is a marvel set in lush gardens. The building is a blend of traditional and contemporary masonry.

Jawahar Toy Museum

Situated close to Goubert Avenue, the Jawahar Toy Museum offers a delightful experience for kids of all ages. The museum features around 140 dolls, dressed in vibrant colors and styles. These dolls have been collected over time from different states and are dressed in traditional dress from their respective region.

A wide variety of dolls symbolizes unity in diversity. Kids learn about the culture and outfits of Indian States on the museum. Dolls are arranged in a fairytale manner, it has a puppet of Lord Ganesha.

French War Memorial

An attraction in Pondicherry, the French War Memorial is at Goubert Avenue. The memorial is for the soldiers of World War I. It was erected in 1937. Witness the memorial from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all days of the week.

It is illuminated every year on 14th July, which is Bastille Day, French National Day. War memorial is flooded with people who pay homage to the brave soldiers who fought for them. Beyond architecture, every brick tells a tale of soldiers of the Great War.

Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Built around 500 years ago, this temple is one of the oldest Hindu Devalaya in Pondicherry. Manakulam simply translates to “Sand Pond” in Tamil language. The term depicts the pond that is encompassed with sand in which Sri Manakula Vinayagar temple was once constructed.

Bhavaneshwar Ganapathy is enshrined here. Built over around 7913 sq ft, the elegant Mandapam, Raja Gopuram, and Praharam are typical features of the traditional Dravidian style. Its interiors are adorned with paintings of Ganesha depicting events from Hindu Mythology, and exteriors are crafted with stucco figurines. The idol rests on a golden chariot that weighs around 7.5 kilograms.

Each year during Vijayadashami, a procession for Lord is taken around the city in a chariot. The celebration is Manakula Vinayagar Koil. Thousands of devotees attended this event. The Ganesh Chaturthi is also celebrated with much fanfare at the temple.

Chidambaram

Located around 58 kilometers from Pondicherry, Chidambaram, a temple town in South India attracts Hindu. Pilgrims complete their worship inside the historic shrines of Chidambaram Temple.

The Nataraja temple in Chidambaram is an architectural masterpiece dedicated to Nataraja- the God of Dance, an incarnation of Siva. It holds much significance in the Natya Shastra of India. It is adorned with 108 sculptures showcasing Bharatanatyam.

Chidambaram was built under Cholas, regarded among one of Panchabootha Sthalas in Indian Subcontinent. Another unique aspect is a rare idol of Siva which is in spot of the customary Lingam. An excellent workmanship of ancient artisans from Pallava, Vijayanagara, Chola, Pandya, and Chera dynasties has contributed to grandeur. The aura of the Chidambaram increases manifold on Maha Shivratri- a festival in the month of February-March.