THE 10 BEST Family & Kid Activities in Pondicherry

Things to do in pondicherry with kids.

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  • Good for Kids
  • Budget-friendly
  • Good for Big Groups
  • Good for a Rainy Day
  • Good for Couples
  • Honeymoon spot
  • Good for Adrenaline Seekers
  • Hidden Gems
  • Adventurous
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

places to visit in pondicherry with family

1. Seaside Promenade

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2. Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple

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3. Paradise Beach

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4. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

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5. Rock Beach

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6. Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges

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7. Serenity Beach

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8. Varadaraja Perumal Temple

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9. Chunnambar Boat House

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10. Immaculate Conception Cathedral

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11. French War Memorial

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12. Bharati Government Park

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13. Statue Of Gandhi

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14. Kargil War Memorial

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15. Park Monument (Aayi Mandapam)

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16. Auro Beach

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17. Pondicherry Museum

places to visit in pondicherry with family

18. French Institute

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19. Pondicherry Botanical Gardens

places to visit in pondicherry with family

20. Ma Pondy Cherie

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21. Udaya Tourist Cabs

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22. NavaVihan

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23. Kallialay Surf School

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24. Urban Nomad Adventure

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25. Sri Aurobindo Handmade Paper

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26. Pondy Adventures

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27. Mother Ocean Surf School

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What travellers are saying

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Things To Do In Pondicherry: Ultimate 5-Day Pondicherry Itinerary

This is a blog article describing the top things to do in Pondicherry for five days

“When you leave a beautiful place, you carry it with you wherever you go” . Little did Alexandra Stoddard know that her line would describe my travel experience in Pondicherry so aptly. If I had to define Pondicherry in a sentence, then it would probably be “the mesmerizing land of French colonial villas, picturesque avenues, graffiti-decorated walls, quaint cafes, economical fine dining, and gorgeous sun-kissed beaches” . Pondicherry, also called Puducherry , is a Union Territory located in the south of India, bounded by the state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the most underrated, budget-friendly, and beautiful places to visit in India . Pondicherry has something to offer to people of all age groups. I recently explored the lengths and breadths of Pondicherry & Auroville with my family and it turned out to be one of my best family vacations in India , to be honest. There are plenty of interesting things to do in Pondicherry. So, then the question arises “How many days are enough for Pondicherry?”

I’d say 5 days are pretty much enough to experience and explore the best of Pondicherry. In this Pondicherry travel blog, I’ll share with you my ultimate 5-day Pondicherry itinerary describing the best things to do in Pondicherry .

Best Time To Visit Pondicherry

The weather in Pondicherry is generally pleasant throughout the year and doesn’t border around extremities.

However, you’d want to skip the summer season from April to June and the monsoon period ie. July-September. That is if you wish to properly explore the place.

The best time to visit Pondicherry is from October to March

The best time to visit Pondicherry is from October to March . During this period, the heat isn’t sweltering and the chances of rain are slim. Maximum temperature ranges from 28 ° C-32 ° C and minimum temperature ranges from 18 ° C-24 ° C.

Because it is located on the southeast coast of India, there will always be a little bit of humidity that you’ll have to contend with. So book your flights and pack accordingly.

How To Get To Pondicherry

You can get to Pondicherry either by taking a direct flight to Pondicherry or by taking a flight to Chennai and from there, taking a taxi to Pondicherry

By flight – Puducherry airport (PNY) and Chennai International Airport (MAA) are the two nearest airports to Pondicherry. If you’re residing in Bangalore (Bengaluru) or Hyderabad, then you can catch a direct domestic flight from your city to Pondicherry. Flights from all other Indian cities to Pondicherry have a pit stop that’s either Hyderabad or Bangalore.

By taxi – You can book a direct flight to Chennai and from there, hire a taxi to Pondicherry. The distance from Chennai International Airport to Pondicherry is about 143 km . You’ll take 2 hours and 50 minutes (approx.) to complete your journey. This is not only relevant for Indian travellers but also for all international travellers as Chennai International Airport (MAA) is the only major international airport near Pondicherry that welcomes visitors from both India & abroad.

By train – The closest major railway station to Pondicherry is Villupuram Junction, about 38 km away from Puducherry town. It is well-connected to cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, New Delhi, Chennai, and Trivandrum . From Villupuram Junction, you can take a direct train to Puducherry railway station. The journey time is about 45-55 minutes. You can also hire a taxi from Villupuram junction to Puducherry town. It’ll take you about 1 hour and 15 minutes (approx.) to complete your journey.

By bus – You can reach Pondicherry by bus too. Private tourist buses run frequently from Chennai, Bangalore, Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Thanjavur, and Chidambaram to Pondicherry. Travel time will vary depending on the boarding destination.

Best Places To Stay In Pondicherry – Pondicherry Hotels

There are several hotels in Pondicherry as far as accommodation options go

Best Pondicherry Hotels Near Beach

If you’re craving a hotel stay by the beachside, then you have the following Pondicherry beachside hotel options to choose from.

1. The Promenade : Check out this beachfront hotel and book your stay by clicking here .

2. Kadal The Beach House : Check out this beach house hotel and book your stay by clicking here .

3. Villa Cavi : Check out this beachside villa and book your stay by clicking here .

4. White Pearl Residency : Check out this hotel and book your stay by clicking here .

Best White Town Pondicherry Hotels

If you wish to stay in the gorgeous White Town, then you have the following Pondicherry White Town hotel options.

1. Palais De Mahe : Check out this White Town hotel and book your stay by clicking here .

2. La Villa : Check out this property and book your stay by clicking here .

3. Le Dupleix : Check out this White Town hotel and book your stay by clicking here .

4. Villa Shanti : Check out this property and book your stay by clicking here .

5. Petit Palais : Check out this White Town hotel and book your stay by clicking here .

6. Grand Hotel D’ Europe : Check out this property and book your stay by clicking here .

Best Pondicherry Resorts

If a laidback resort is your choice of accommodation, then you have the following resorts in Pondicherry to choose from.

1. Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay : Check out this beachside resort and book your stay by clicking here .

2. Ostel.in : Check out this self-service hostel cum beachside resort and book your stay by clicking here .

3. Ocean Spray : Check out this resort and book your stay by clicking here .

4. Lamel Cove Beach Resort : Check out this beachfront resort and book your stay by clicking here .

5. Kavas Yoga Retreat : Check out this resort and book your stay by clicking here .

6. K Resort : Check out this property and book your stay by clicking here .

Best Homestays in Pondicherry

If you’re a homestay kind of person, then take your pick from the following Pondicherry homestay options.

1. Spanish Villa : Check out this homestay and book your stay by clicking here .

2. La Cedille – French Heritage House : Check out this heritage house and book your stay by clicking here .

3. Kariappa House : Check out this guest house and book your stay by clicking here .

4. La Closerie – Bay of Bengal : Check out this homestay and book your stay by clicking here .

5. Queens Paradise : Check out this travel sustainable property and book your stay by clicking here .

The Ultimate 5-Day Pondicherry Itinerary

Things to do in pondicherry on day 1.

Tip -> Start around 7:30 am-8 am.

On the first day of your Pondicherry trip, you’ll be covering the following :

  • Enjoy a morning stroll along Rock Beach
  • Take a tour of Bharathi Park
  • Relish an authentic south Indian breakfast at Surguru Restaurant
  • Spend time at Aurobindo Ashram
  • Visit Immaculate Conception Cathedral
  • Attend aarti at Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple
  • Have a delightful lunch at The Smoothie Bar
  • Visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
  • Enjoy evening coffee and snacks at Baker Street
  • Admire the sunset at Serenity Beach
  • Relish the fine dining dinner experience at Villa Shanti

1. Enjoy a morning stroll along Rock Beach

Spending time at Rock Beach is one of the best things to do in Pondicherry

Imagine ocean waves rhythmically kissing your feet as you leisurely walk on the soft brown sand, enjoying the wind in your hair and the sight of the early morning sun. Can there be a better start to the day than losing yourself in the beauty of nature?

The Rock Beach is clean, well-maintained, and visitor-friendly

Rock Beach, also called the “Promenade Beach” , is a gorgeous public beach with an iconic palm tree-lined promenade that runs along it’s 1.5 km long coastal stretch.

Because the beach is clean, well-maintained, and visitor-friendly, visiting it is one of the best things to do in Pondicherry.

My parents standing at the French War Memorial along Promenade Beach

It’s called the “Rock Beach” due to the presence of boulders and rocks throughout it’s coastline.

During your stroll on the beach, you’ll come across several important sites and monuments like the Gandhi statue, the lighthouse, the War Memorial, the statue of Joan of Arc, and the tourist information centre.

You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the beach – watching the waves crashing into the rocky sea wall on one side and admiring the graffiti-decorated walls along the promenade on the other.

There are several snack stalls on the beach in case you crave a quick bite. You’ll also find some amazing restaurants along the promenade where you can unwind and enjoy some food and drinks later in the day.

Note: Visitor timing is 6 am-8 pm. Entry is free of charge.

2. Take a tour of Bharathi Park

The stunning standalone white structure called Aayi Mandapam at the entrance of the Bharathi Park

Bharathi Park is a cute picnic spot located bang opposite the Gandhi Statue on the Promenade beach. At the entrance of the park, you’ll see a standalone white structure with stunning architecture called the “Aayi Mandapam”.

You will find creative and colourful stone carvings and statues inside the park premises

The Bharathi Park is a well-kept lush green landscape where you’ll find statues, stone carvings, fountains, old sculptures, ponds, lawns, and colourful flower beds. The peaceful surroundings have a soothing effect on your senses.

Bharathi Park has a jogger's track and a children's play area, making it one of the ideal things to do in Pondicherry with children

There is a walking/jogging track that covers the entire length and breadth of the park. It has a separate play area as well, making Bharathi Park one of the best things to do in Pondicherry with children.

Note: Open from 6 am to 8 pm. Entry is free of charge.

3. Relish an authentic south Indian breakfast at Surguru Restaurant

Surguru is a pure vegetarian restaurant that serves delicious and authentic south Indian food

After all the walking and exploring, it’s time to have a scrumptious breakfast at one of the best places to eat in Pondicherry. Surguru is a pure vegetarian restaurant that serves delicious, authentic south Indian food.

The delicious steamed idli is my top food recommendation in Surguru's breakfast menu

A chilled-out ambiance, friendly staff, prompt service, and hot, fresh, lip-smackingly good soul-filling food make this restaurant an obvious breakfast choice for locals and tourists alike.

My food recommendations would be Pongal, Idli, Ghee Roast Dosa, Mysore Masala Dosa, and fresh fruit juices (pineapple, watermelon ).

4. Spend time at Aurobindo Ashram

Located in the heart of White Town on Marine street is one of the most popular landmarks of Pondicherry called the Aurobindo Ashram .

Founded in the year 1926 by yoga guru, poet, and philosopher Aurobindo Ghosh himself, the ashram is a centre of spirituality where you can experience a divine sense of serenity like no other!

The Aurobindo Ashram is a centre of spirituality and one of the most soothing things to do in Pondicherry

When you enter the ashram, you’ll first come across the visitor’s centre where you can watch a short film that explains the life and principles of Sri Aurobindo, besides the history of the place.

Then, you walk towards the Samadhi (shrine) of Sri Aurobindo & The Mother. It’s a white marble structure wonderfully decorated with fresh flowers. You can sit and meditate around the shrine for a while, soaking in the tranquil vibes.

There’s a library on the ashram premises which you can visit to get a better idea about the place and it’s founders, thanks to a well-compiled photo gallery. You can also buy books, photos, CD’s, DVD’s and other souvenirs from the Ashram bookstore.

Note: Visitor timings are 8 am-12 pm and 2 pm-6 pm throughout the week. Entry is free of charge. Photography is prohibited.

5. Visit Immaculate Conception Cathedral

The royal white and gold exteriors of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral

A trip to Pondicherry is incomplete without exploring it’s architecture. So after spending time at the Aurobindo Ashram, visit one of the oldest and most beautiful churches of Pondicherry called the Immaculate Conception Cathedral.

The stained windows, sparkling chandeliers, and colourful frescoes are the standout characteristics inside the cathedral

Admire the cathedral’s royal white and gold exteriors and classical yet vibrant interiors with stained windows, chandeliers, and colourful frescoes being the standout characteristics.

The calm energy inside the cathedral makes visiting this place one of the most relaxing things to do in Pondicherry.

Note: Visitor timings throughout the week are 7 am-12 pm & 3 pm-8:30 pm. Entry is free of charge.

6. Attend aarti at Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Ganesha

Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu God, Lord Ganesha. The temple is within walking distance from the Aurobindo Ashram.

It is said that the temple existed even before the French colonization period. Therefore, it forms an important part of Pondicherry’s rich cultural and religious heritage.

A gorgeous fresco painting inside the Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple of Pondicherry

Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple is a classic example of gorgeous Dravidian architecture with teakwood and gold used generously.

The intricate carvings, grand idols, and gorgeous fresco paintings are truly mesmerising. There is a divine feel to performing the aarti at this beautiful and holy place of worship.

Participating in the aarti at Ganesh Temple is one of the most important things to do in Pondicherry for Hindu devotees

Everyone, irrespective of their religious choice and beliefs, must visit this temple. Participating in the temple’s Ganesh aarti is one of the most spiritual things to do in Pondicherry.

Note: The temple timings are 5:45 am-12:30 pm & 4 pm-9:30 pm. Entry is free of charge. You can enquire about the aarti timings at the temple itself.

7. Have a delightful lunch at The Smoothie Bar

Head to The Smoothie Bar to relish the best fresh smoothies, shakes, and juices in town. The cafe also offers mouth-watering continental and European bites to go along with the refreshing drinks. It’s one of the cheapest and best places to eat in Pondicherry.

View of the cozy seating area inside one of the best and cheapest places to eat in Pondicherry, the Smoothie Bar

The Smoothie Bar offers a cozy indoor seating area. Staff members are warm and polite and the service is quick.

I’d recommend you to try their Tender Coconut Jelly, Very Berry Smoothie, Lean Machine Shake, Choconut Smoothie, Veg Burger, Veg Au Gratin, Veg Stuffed Croissant, Non-Veg Croque Monsieur, Chicken Burger, and Fruit Medley Fruit Salad.

8. Visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus has an interesting amalgamation of French and Indian architecture

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of the popular tourist attractions in Pondicherry. The church is situated near the railway station, on the south Boulevard of Pondicherry town. It has an interesting amalgamation of French and Indian architecture.

The Basilica displays striking Gothic Revival architecture features like long pointed arches, large stained glass windows, spires, and ribbed vaults

The Roman Catholic Basilica is an important pilgrimage spot for local Christians, as can be seen in the well-attended mass sessions.

The Basilica displays striking Gothic Revival architecture features like long pointed arches, large stained glass windows, spires, and ribbed vaults.

Note: Visitor timings are 6 am-6 pm (Mon-Fri), 6 am-5:30 pm (Sat), & 5:30 am-7:30 pm (Sun). Entry is free of charge.

9. Enjoy evening coffee and snacks at Baker Street

Baker Street is a concept store that serves the most appetizing traditional French cuisine and baked items in Pondicherry

Baker Street is a concept store that serves the most appetizing traditional French cuisine and baked items in Pondicherry.

The food joint offers it all – hot coffees, teas, juices, French bread, quiche, pastries, tarts, sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads, pizzas, lasagnas, chocolates, cookies, ice creams, and viennoiseries (croissants, pies, donuts, etc.) !

If that wasn’t enough, the Baker Street menu also offers authentic French main course (both veg & non-veg) food options, including fresh seafood . It has a vibrant ambiance and the staff is extremely cooperative and welcoming.

Having an evening coffee and snacks at Baker Street is one of the most soul-satisfying things to do in Pondicherry

I’d recommend you to try their Chocolat Eclair, Vanilla Eclair, Capuccino, Palmier, Butter Croissant, Veg Pitta Sandwich, Chicken Olive & Cheese Quiche, Spinach & Cheese Quiche, and Chocolate Mille Feuille.

10. Admire the sunset at Serenity Beach

Admiring the sunset at Serenity Beach is one of the most fun things to do in Pondicherry during the evening

One of the most fun things to do in Pondicherry during the evening is to admire the sunset at Serenity Beach.

Located near Kottakuppam, the beach lies on the outskirts of Pondicherry. It isn’t as long a coastal stretch as Rock Beach but still paints a lovely picture at dusk.

Friendly waves hitting the shore, colourful fishing boats, a wide variety of seashells, and a sturdy black rock wall are some common sights at Serenity Beach.

The idyllic sunset hues in the sky make visiting the beach a lovely experience. It ain’t your typical tourist attraction as it still needs a bit of development to be more visitor-friendly.

Note: Visitor timing is 6 am-6 pm. The approach road to the beach is narrow and in a bad state.

11. Relish the fine dining dinner experience at Villa Shanti

Experiencing a fine dine dinner at Villa Shanti is one of the best things to do in Pondicherry for food lovers

After an eventful first day of exploring Pondicherry, it’s time to top it off with a memorable fine dining experience at Villa Shanti.

Villa Shanti is one of the best places to eat in Pondicherry as it serves exquisite Indian and European food made from the choicest of local, fresh and seasonal ingredients.

The Bar area with the dramatic wall painting gives Villa Shanti restaurant a vibrant appeal

Be it the pleasant open ambiance with the patio and vertical garden or the minimalistic contemporary and intimate seating, Villa Shanti impresses you with it’s attention to detail. The bar area with the dramatic wall painting essentially sums up the vibe of this restaurant.

I’d recommend you to try their Tandoori Veg Platter, Watermelon & Tomato Gazpacho, Garlic Naan, Dal Makhni, Vegetarian Risotto, Pesto and Cashewnuts Pasta, Prawn and Pomelo Salad, Tiger Prawns with Carrot Cashewnuts & Spinach, Mutton Rogan Josh, French Creme Brulee, Chef’s Crumble, and Colonel .

Note: Call the restaurant and book your table in advance to avoid any last-minute hassle.

Things To Do In Pondicherry On DAY 2

Tip -> Start at 8:30 am.

On the second day of your Pondicherry trip, you’ll be covering the following :

  • Enjoy an appetizing breakfast at Cafe Des Arts
  • Visit Chunnambar Boat House and set off to Paradise Beach
  • Taste the best brewed coffee and smoothies at Bread and Chocolate
  • Visit the Notre Dame Des Anges Church
  • Shop at Meraki
  • Indulge in the fine dining experience at La Villa

1. Enjoy an appetizing breakfast at Cafe Des Arts

Cafe des Arts is an attractive 19th-century French bungalow turned cafe in Pondicherry where you can head for a sumptuous breakfast

Begin your day by having a sumptuous breakfast at an attractive 19th-century French bungalow turned cafe called Cafe des Arts.

At the entrance is a cute Instagram-worthy yellow graffiti wall where a rude female attendant/manager with a weird, snobbish attitude will greet you and do you a favour by inviting you in (just being honest here).

An attention-catching rickshaw in the middle of an open garden outdoor seating gives the cafe a playful vibe

Once you step inside, you’ll see an attention-catching rickshaw in the middle of an open garden outdoor seating. To your left is an indoor seating arrangement with skillfully arranged furniture in each room of the bungalow.

South Indian superstar actor Rajinikanth's cutout in one of the rooms of the Cafe making it one of the interesting things to do in Pondicherry

The vintage artsy decor and old-world charm make you forget the arrogant attendant’s negative vibe. South Indian actor Rajinikanth’s cutout inside one of the rooms takes the cake for me as far as eccentricity goes. There is a mini store inside the premises as well, just in case you wish to buy some organic food items.

My breakfast recommendations to you would be their Veg Omelette, Crepe with Berry Coulis, Waffle with Ice Cream scoop and House Pancake Syrup, Baguette Sandwich, Croque Monsieur, Banana Nutella Crepe, Diabolo (soda) with Hibiscus syrup and Macchiato Coffee.

Note: Open from 9 am-6 pm. The cafe doesn’t take reservations and remains closed on Tuesdays.

2. Visit Chunnambar Boat House and set off to Paradise Beach

Hop on a boat from the Chunnambar Boat House to head to the Paradise Beach

Post your breakfast, head to the Chunnambar Boat House. The boat house is basically a ferry service centre cum departure point from where you’ll hop on a boat to set off to Paradise Beach.

It takes a twenty minute boat journey to reach Paradise beach

Entry to the Chunnambar Boat House costs Rs. 10 per person and the parking fee is Rs. 30 . The ferry ticket charge for Paradise Beach is Rs. 354 per person and the journey time is about 15-20 minutes.

After stepping off the boat, a signboard guides you to Paradise Beach

Once you step off the boat, a signboard will guide you to Paradise Beach. On reaching the beach, you’ll see why the place is rated as one of the best things to do in Pondicherry.

An endless stretch of pristine white sand coupled with stunning shades of turquoise blue water makes for some jaw-dropping scenery. The beach is dotted with bamboo tents, a beach volleyball court, beach shack restaurants, washrooms, and an occasional treehouse.

I was lucky to get access to the treehouse on the Paradise beach and occupied it with my family for several hours during the day

If it’s too sunny, you can take shelter under any of the bamboo tents that double up as resting points. And if you’re lucky like me, then you might even get to hijack a treehouse with your family/friends.

A surreal elevated view of the Paradise beach from the treehouse

The elevated view of the beach from the treehouse is simply surreal , to say the least.

Such is the paradisiacal sight on display that you can sit and tirelessly stare at the waves kissing the shore for hours

With a generous breeze flowing throughout the day, you can sit here and tirelessly stare at the ocean waves kissing the shore for hours. The phrase “nature porn” aptly fits the paradisiacal sight on display.

With the help of the beach staff you can indulge in several activities like jet skiing, kayaking, canoeing and horseriding

With the help and guidance of the beach staff, you can indulge in several interesting activities like jet skiing, kayaking, canoeing, and horseriding.

Strolling along the clean and soft white sands of Paradise beach is one of the most blissful things to do in Pondicherry

Enjoy strolling along the soft white sand, admiring the ocean waves playfully flirting with your feet. Since the water is clean and warm and the current isn’t too strong, the beach is safe and suitable for swimming.

Kids will have a field day building sand castles and playing in the water. There are lifeguards present in every small pocket of the beach to ensure the safety of the visitors and manage any untoward incident.

You can enjoy your lunch at any of the beach shack restaurants. The restaurants typically serve milkshakes, cold coffees, juices, soft drinks, sandwiches, burgers, and cutlets.

The relaxed and idyllic vibes of Paradise beach make it one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry with your family

The last return ferry to Chunnambar Boat House is at 5:30 pm. The relaxed, idyllic, and laidback vibes of Paradise beach not only make it one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry with your family but also an automatic inclusion in your Pondicherry itinerary.

Note: Visitor timings are 9:00 am – 6:00 pm .

3. Taste the best brewed coffee and smoothies at Bread and Chocolate

After a satisfying beach day, it’s time to taste some of the best brewed coffee and smoothies in Pondicherry at the wonderful Bread and Chocolate.

Located on Marine street near Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Bread and Chocolate is one of the best rooftop restaurants in Pondicherry. It is the perfect combo of charming ambiance and delicious food & drinks.

For the best brewed coffee and smoothies in Pondicherry, head to Bread and Chocolate

Beautiful flower canopies on the outside give it a pleasant vibe. The restaurant serves smoothies, savoury bowls, sandwiches, tarts, croissants, artisan teas, juices, and the best authentic Subko brewed coffee.

They also have a niche B&C store downstairs from where you can buy chocolates, organic coffees, and coco powders (made in Auroville).

I’d suggest you to try their Super Green Smoothie, PB & B smoothie, Chocolate Smoothie Bowl, Chocolate Croissant, Baklava Croissant, Palmier, Subko Flat White Coffee, Subko B&C Cold Brew, Miss Saigon Bowl, B&C Marg Pizza, and Mad About Mustard Sandwich.

4. Visit the Notre Dame Des Anges Church

Notre Dame Des Anges Church is a visually pleasing site and the only church in Pondicherry that offers mass in three different languages

Out of all the churches that I visited in Pondicherry, I found Notre Dame Des Anges Church to be the most visually pleasing.

Located in the French White Town, this place holds the distinction of being the only church that offers mass in 3 different languages ie. English, Tamil, and French.

The church exhibits Greco-Roman style architecture with vaulted ceilings, arches, and stained glass windows

The lovely pink facade of the church grabs your attention even from a distance. The church has a Greco-Roman style architecture with vaulted ceilings, arches, and stained glass windows .

The pastel colour shades used in the interiors of the church make the carvings and sculptures look like delectable desserts, not even kidding!

However, the church does need some repair and maintenance work when compared to other churches in Pondicherry. But the serene atmosphere more than makes up for the little imperfections.

Note: Church timings are 5:30 am-12 pm and 4 pm-8 pm.

5. Shop at Meraki

As far as quality shopping is concerned, Meraki is one of the best things to do in Pondicherry

A trip to Pondicherry White Town is incomplete without some quality shopping. And the Meraki Lifestyle Store (on Rue Surcouf Street) is an ideal place to do just that.

A one-stop shop for fashion, home, and lifestyle products , Meraki offers you a diverse range of items and accessories handcrafted by designers from all across India.

At Meraki, you can shop for clothes, jewellery, bags, perfumes, essential oils and diffusers, footwear, sunglasses, luxury home decor items, etc. Right next to the store is the Meraki Eatery Teahouse where you can stop by for a quick bite or a drink.

6. Indulge in the fine dining experience at La Villa

The rustic French bungalow charm and intimate garden seating make visiting La Villa one of the most romantic things to do in Pondicherry

End your day with an unforgettable gastronomical experience at one of Pondicherry White Town’s best fine-dining restaurants – La Villa. Located a stone’s throw from Meraki, La Villa is a haven for all food lovers.

A relaxed and pleasant vibe of the indoor seating at La Villa

Be it the romantic ambiance of the outdoor garden seating or the classical French bungalow relaxed vibe of the indoor seating, La Villa wins you over with it’s charm even before serving the first dish on your plate.

The restaurant offers a delectable spread of Continental & Italian cuisines. La Villa’s 7-course tasting menu is a must-try . Each course is crafted to perfection, with the serving staff giving you a detailed explanation about every dish.

The food quality is fabulous and the food presentation is top-notch, thanks to the chef paying attention to every little detail. The staff is courteous and the service is swift.

The exquisite presentation and classy plating of Vanilla Panna Cotta and La Villa's Special dessert

My food recommendation to you would be their well-curated 7-Course Tasting Menu (both veg & non-veg) .

However, if you’re ordering A la carte, then I’d suggest you try their Ricotta Apricot & Walnut Salad, Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce, Vegetable Coconut Curry, Thai Inspiration Noodle Salad, Prawns Coconut Curry, Vanilla Panna Cotta, Lemon Tart, and La Villa’s Special Dessert.

Note: Call the restaurant and book your table in advance to avoid any last-minute disappointment.

Things To Do In Pondicherry On DAY 3

Tip -> Start at 7 am .

On the third day of your Pondicherry trip, you’ll be covering the following :

  • Visit the Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram
  • Have a hearty breakfast at Adyar Ananda Bhavan
  • Take a boat ride in the Pichavaram Mangrove Forest
  • Relish the fine dining lunch experience at Coromandel Cafe
  • Enjoy a sunset stroll on Eden Beach
  • Have a scrumptious dinner at Bay of Buddha

1. Visit the Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram

Located in the Cuddalore district of Chidambaram town, the Thillai Nataraja Temple is one of the most fascinating places to visit near Pondicherry. A 1 hour 50 minute drive (65 km) from Pondicherry gets you to this magnificent Hindu temple.

Touring the mammoth Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram is one of the most magnificent things to do near Pondicherry

The Thillai Nataraja Temple is dedicated to Nataraja ie. the dancing avatar of Lord Shiva . The temple depicts Lord Shiva as the Lord of Dance performing the “Ananda Tandava” , meaning the “dance of delight”.

Built in the 10th century by the Chola dynasty and renovated later by the Pandya dynasty in the 12th-13th century period, the temple is of immense religious significance for followers of Hinduism , Shaivism , and Vaishnavism . The Thillai Nataraja Temple is one among the five holiest temples of Lord Shiva.

The Shiva temple has as many as nine tower gateways with extremely intricate carvings called Gopurams

The temple is a mammoth structure with as many as 9 gopuram gateways ie. towers with extremely intricate carvings . The temple complex consists of courtyards, halls (sabha), mandapas, shrines, and ponds.

The temple exhibits an impressive Dravidian style of architecture with the golden roof being it's striking feature

It exhibits an impressive Dravidian style of architecture , with the golden roof and the 1000-pillared hall (sabha) being the striking features of the temple.

In case you reach the temple between 8:50 am-9 am , you may also get to attend the aarti , which is a one-of-a-kind spiritual experience.

Spread over a massive area of forty acres, the Thillai Nataraja Temple is truly an architectural marvel

You’ll find deities of Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Lord Ganesha inside the temple. Spread over a massive area of 40 acres, the Thillai Nataraja Temple is truly an architectural marvel and one of the best things to do near Pondicherry.

Note: The temple is open to visitors from 6:00 am-12:30 pm and from 4:30 pm-10:00 pm.

2. Have a hearty breakfast at Adyar Ananda Bhavan

After a delightful spiritual experience at the Thillai Nataraja Temple, it’s time to enjoy a hearty south Indian breakfast at Adyar Ananda Bhavan.

The restaurant comes on your way to the temple so you can make a pit stop at it while returning back from the temple.

Enjoying a hearty breakfast at Ananda Adyar Bhavan in Chidambaram is one of the most soul satisfying things to do near Pondicherry

Idli, Masala Dosa, Ghee Roast Dosa, Podi Masala Dosa, Mini Tiffin meal, and fresh fruit juices – orange and pineapple are some of their must-try breakfast items.

The food is delicious, fresh, and light on the wallet. Hospitable staff and quick service ensure that you don’t have to wait for your food for long.

You’ll find Adyar Ananda Bhavan in Pondicherry too. It’s one of the best and cheapest restaurants in Pondicherry.

3. Take a boat ride in the Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

The Pichavaram Boat House in Chidambaram from where you will hop on a boat to explore the Pichavaram mangrove forests

Post your breakfast, head to the Pichavaram Boat House near Chidambaram. Pichavaram is home to the world’s 2nd largest mangrove forest.

Pichavaram Mangrove Forest is the second largest mangrove forest in the world

Located between the northern Vellar estuary and southern Coleroon estuary, the Pichavaram Mangrove Forest is spread over an area of 1100 hectares. Boating is one of the popular activities in these mangroves.

You have the option to enjoy a scenic boat ride through the enchanting Pichavaram Mangrove forests with your friends and family

At the Pichavaram Boat House, you have the option to enjoy a boat ride through the enchanting mangrove forests with your friends and family.

The boat ride is absolutely safe as size-appropriate life vests are provided to every passenger on the motorboat

You can purchase tickets for either a row boat ride or a motor boat ride . Do not worry about the safety standards, as size-appropriate life vests are provided to every passenger taking the boat ride.

You can choose to explore the mangroves either through a row boat or a motorboat

The tariff for a 4-seater row boat is Rs. 400, and for a 6-seater row boat is Rs. 600. A row boat ride covers a distance of 1 km in the mangroves, taking a duration of 40 minutes (though they say 1 hour) .

The tariff for an 8-seater motor boat is Rs. 1,800 ( Rs. 230 per person ). A motor boat ride covers a distance of 2 km in the mangroves, taking a duration of 40 minutes . In addition to the tariff, you’ll also have to pay a maintenance toll of Rs. 30.

Having tried both rides, I’d recommend you take the 40-minute motor boat ride.

Sailing through the mangroves is an exhilarating experience. The thick lush stretch of mangrove trees forming innumerable small mangrove tunnels leaves you awestruck.

With the boatman maneuvering the boat skillfully through the mangrove tunnels, you get to see the flora and fauna in all their glory.

In fact, inside certain tunnels, you may have to bend your head down to avoid getting hurt by the mangrove trees. So you get to have the Matrix stunt experience for free, in addition to the boat ride.

My boatman was crazy enough to make the motor boat dance and perform wheelies.

Boating through Pichavaram mangrove forests is one of the most adventurous things to do near Pondicherry with family

To summarize, all I can say is boating through the Pichavaram mangrove Forests is a must-try activity and one of the most adventurous things to do near Pondicherry with family.

Note: If you pay your motor boatman an extra Rs. 250- Rs. 300, then he will give you an additional 10-minute ride on the motorboat.

4. Relish the fine dining lunch experience at Coromandel Cafe

Coromandel Cafe is an upscale cafe set inside a beautifully restored French colonial villa

Return from Pichavaram to Pondicherry for lunch. It is time for you to relish a fantastic meal at Coromandel Cafe – an upscale cafe set inside a beautifully restored French colonial villa.

Also known as La Maison Rose , the Coromandel Cafe, located on White Town’s Romain Rolland Street, is one of the best and most romantic places to eat in Pondicherry.

The cafe prides itself on using only fresh local ingredients and sourcing the best produce from it’s suppliers.

The outdoor garden patio seating at Coromandel Cafe in Pondicherry

As far as the cafe’s ambiance is concerned, the outdoor garden patio seating is charmingly pleasant.

The gorgeous chandeliers and the warm lighting inside the cafe give it a cozy and welcoming ambience

Whereas the indoor seating has a classy, intimate, and contemporary vibe to it. The gorgeous chandeliers and warm lighting give you a cozy, welcoming feel.

The food presentation is elegant and appeals to your senses. The innovative and attractive plating reflects the chef’s artistry. Every dish tastes lip-smackingly good, with the fresh and distinct flavours leaving a lasting impression on you.

A picture of the refreshingly delicious drinks served at the Coromandel Cafe called Flower Cooler and Passionfruit Twist

My food recommendations to you would be their Goat’s Cheese Pizza, Truffle Fettuccine, Pink Hummus, Mango Pad Thai Salad, Fish & Chips, Crispy Prawn, Chef Vicky’s Spicy Capsicum Chicken Pizza, Flower Cooler, and Passionfruit Twist.

5. Enjoy a sunset stroll on Eden Beach

Eden Beach is one of the most alluring things to do in Pondicherry

Post your lunch, head to one of Pondicherry’s most alluring beaches – the Eden Beach.

Eden Beach is the first beach in Pondicherry to get the coveted Blue Flag tag

Eden Beach is the first beach in Pondicherry to get the coveted “ Blue Flag ” tag. The beach was awarded the prestigious tag by the Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).

The Eden Beach is clean, safe, environment friendly, and well-equipped with all the facilities of international standards for tourists

The Blue Flag tag is given to beaches that are clean, safe, environment friendly, and well-equipped with all the facilities of international standards for tourists.

From the parking lot, a scenic pathway that runs across a picturesque backwater on either side gets you to the beach.

Clean soft sand, a chilled breeze, beautiful turquoise blue waters, and a gorgeous shoreline greet you at Eden Beach. The tides are safe for you to take a dip and indulge in a nice swim session.

Me enjoying a relaxed stroll along the beach while admiring a ravishing sunset

Enjoy a relaxed stroll along the beach while admiring a ravishing sunset.

The picture postcard-like natural beauty of the Eden beach that is on display is truly breathtaking

The picture postcard-like natural beauty on display is truly breathtaking. The beach has a kid’s play area and is equipped with washroom and changing room facilities.

The magical sunset hues making the backwaters near the Eden Beach look otherwordly

You’ll specifically enjoy your walk back from the beach to the parking lot, thanks to the magical sunset hues that make the backwaters look immaculate and other-worldly.

Note: Beach timings are 6 am-6 pm. Entry and parking are free of charge.

6. Have a scrumptious dinner at Bay of Buddha

Your dose of Vitamin Sea doesn’t quite end with the stroll at Eden Beach as it’s now time for you to enjoy a lavish meal at the finest beach view restaurant in Pondicherry – the Bay of Buddha.

Bay of Buddha is situated on the third floor of the famous Promenade Hotel

Located next to the iconic Light House alongside the Promenade beach, Bay of Buddha offers you unrestricted gorgeous views of the sea. It is situated on the 3rd floor of the popular Promenade Hotel.

The dim lighting and the romantic rooftop garden setting make dining at Bay of Buddha one of the best things to do in Pondicherry for couples

Thanks to a lovely open terrace setting, Bay of Buddha is an ideal place for a romantic date with your partner.

The dim lighting and foot-tapping music further add to the overall charm of the restaurant. The restaurant predominantly serves Pan Asian cuisines like Thai, Chinese, Indonesian, and Korean.

Bay of Buddha also has an attractive terrace bar where the bartender weaves his magic and serves you refreshingly delicious mocktails and cocktails

It also has an attractive terrace bar where the bartender weaves his magic and serves you refreshingly delicious mocktails & cocktails.

Their terrific hospitality ensures that you leave the restaurant with smiles on your faces and memories to cherish

The food is fabulous and the service is exceptional. Their terrific hospitality ensures that you leave the restaurant with smiles on your faces and memories to cherish.

My food recommendations to you would be their Veg Sushi Platter, Vegetable Dim Sum, Veg Thai Green Curry with Jasmine Rice, Korean Barbequed Jumbo Prawns, Nasi Goreng, Seafood Sushi Platter, Basil Cheesecake, Shirley Temple, Tropical Storm, and Bay of Buddha Iced Tea.

Things To Do In Pondicherry On DAY 4 & DAY 5

The breathtakingly beautiful Matrimandir in Auroville is one of the best things to do in and around Pondicherry

On the last 2 days of your Pondicherry trip, you can explore an underrated hidden gem of a place called Auroville. There are plenty of interesting things to see and do in Auroville , the comprehensive details of which can be seen in my previous blog article that I’ve linked here.

Still, for your convenience, I’ll arrange it in an itinerary form so that trip planning becomes easier for you.

Things to do in Auroville, Pondicherry on Day 4 :

The famous Peace Table inside the Hall of Peace at the Unity Pavilion in Auroville

  • Have breakfast at Auroville Bakery (Boulangerie)
  • Explore Auroville Matrimandir through an inner chamber meditation session
  • Shop at La Boutique De Auroville
  • Have lunch at Right Path Cafe (Cafeteria)
  • Visit Unity Pavilion
  • Explore Savitri Bhavan
  • Enjoy an evening coffee at Marc’s Cafe
  • Spend time at Quiet Beach
  • Relish dinner at Tanto’s Pizzeria

Things to do in Auroville, Pondicherry on Day 5 :

The Auroville Botanical Gardens are a must do if you are in Auroville

  • Have breakfast at Bread and Chocolate
  • Do a Sadhana Forest walking tour
  • Visit Auroville Botanical Gardens and enjoy an organic farm lunch
  • Experience aquatic therapy at Quiet Healing Centre
  • Enjoy dinner at Naturellement Garden Cafe

I hope my comprehensive 5-day Pondicherry itinerary with a detailed list of things to do in Pondicherry helps you plan your trip better. Pondicherry is the perfect place to enjoy a winter vacation with your family and friends.

Pondicherry is the perfect destination to enjoy a winter vacation with your family as it has plenty of things to do and see

It is a wonderful amalgamation of rich history, vibrant culture, fabulous food, impressive architecture, sublime nature, and thrilling adventure. So what are you waiting for? Book your tickets to Pondicherry this winter and create unforgettable travel memories!

SHARE the blog “Things To Do In Pondicherry: Ultimate 5-Day Pondicherry Itinerary” on your social media to help your friends, followers, relatives, and travel partners plan their trip to Pondicherry.

PIN the image below to save the post for your future trip planning and SUBSCRIBE to The Wandering Vegetable for more such travel motivation . You can also follow me on Instagram .

The ultimate Pondicherry itinerary explaining the best things to do in Pondicherry for five days

Vaibhav Mehta

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[…] Founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa and designed by architect Roger Anger, Auroville is situated about 10 km north of the beautiful city of Pondicherry. […]

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Thanks for the blog.Nice to know about 5 days Pondicherry itinerary information.

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Dear Vaibhav the way you explain a place, its very clear that you are a traveller at heart and you really wish people to experience all things good that you have experinced. I read your blog on Pondicherry. it’s very helpful, detailed info with lovely pictyres. keep up the good work dear

Thank you Meghna mam. Glad you liked the blog and found it detailed and helpful. Makes the effort worth it. And yes, the love for travel and spreading the joys of travel is eternal!

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Places To Visit In Pondicherry

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Must Visit Places in Pondicherry

Paradise Beach, Pondicherry

Paradise Beach, Pondicherry

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Seaside Promenade

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Water Sports in Pondicherry

Water Sports in Pondicherry

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1. Paradise Beach, Pondicherry

Paradise Beach, Pondicherry

4 km from city center 1 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Paradise Beach, also known as Plage Paradiso, is situated in Chunnambar, close to Pondicherry town. Adorned with the golden sand, this is a little-isolated beach. To reach here, you have to take a ferry across the backwaters, which takes around 20-30 minutes. There are a few shacks along the main entrance to the beach, and you can get fresh coconut water and some simple snacks - don't expect any fancy street food though.

2. Aurobindo Ashram

Aurobindo Ashram

3 km from city center 2 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

The Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community or ashram located in Pondicherry, is the outcome of a small community of disciples who had gathered around Sri Aurobindo after he retired from politics and settled in Pondicherry in 1910. On 24 November 1926, after a major spiritual realization, Sri Aurobindo withdrew from public view in order to continue his spiritual work. At this time he handed over the full responsibility for the inner and outer lives of the spiritual aspirants and the ashram to his spiritual collaborator, the Mother earlier known as Mirra Alfassa. This date is therefore generally known as the founding-day of the ashram.

3. Auroville

Auroville

3 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Auroville is one of those towns which appear to come to life right out of fiction. In the union territory of Pondicherry, this township runs on the principles of peace, harmony, sustainable living and 'divine consciousness' which was the philosophy of the Mother of Sri Aurobindo Society, Mirra Alfassa. This universal township was inaugurated on 28 February 1968 with the agenda that it will be a place with people willing enough to make this a hub of uninterrupted education and progress, regardless of their caste, creed, nationality or race. Called the city of dawn, this place is the epitome of tranquility and proves as the perfect escape for the ones in search of peace.

4. Scuba Diving in Pondicherry

Scuba Diving in Pondicherry

2 km from city center 4 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Packed with enchanting marine life, Pondicherry offers an amazing adventure of scuba diving off the country's East Coast. A dive into the sea will let you explore the rich life comprising of beautiful natural coral reefs and other exotic creatures such as manta rays, kingfish, sea snakes, lionfish, butterflies, crustaceans, moray eels and many more. Apart from that, if it is your lucky day you might even spot whale sharks, even sharks, dolphins and turtles. You also have an option of enjoying the dive at an artificial reef and experience the thrill of the activity making Pondicherry an irresistible diving destination.

Pondicherry Travel Packages

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2 Nights 3 Days Pondicherry Holiday Tour Package

Pondicherry-mahabalipuram tour with kanchipuram, soulful pondicherry tour with heritage walk & cycling, delights of chennai, pondicherry & tirupati, heavenly tamil nadu tour package, dazzling pondicherry, chennai & mahabalipuram, 5. arikamedu.

Arikamedu

2 km from city center 5 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Arikamedu are the ruins which carried the remnants of the Roman trade in India. Recent excavations have brought out wine jars and ancient roman coins hinting on the Roman links in the ancient history of Pondicherry.

6. Cafes in Pondicherry

Cafes in Pondicherry

6 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Pondicherry is widely known for its cheap alcohol and if you are a connoisseur, then it is an excellent place for you to visit as it serves a wide variety of gourmet food. It definitely has the best cafes around and offers a great cuisine. If you always dreamt of sitting in a French café and sipping a cup of coffee or taking a bite but are unable to visit France, then Pondy should be on your checklist. It has the best French cafes in India.

Top Hotels In Pondicherry

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₽ 554 onwards

7. Seaside Promenade

Seaside Promenade

3 km from city center 7 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

One of the things that does justice to Pondicherry's French Roots is its beautiful Seaside Promenade. The area is well maintained, clean and beautiful and you can actually feel foam spray on your face while sipping a cooler in one of the many cafes at the promenade. Whether you're visiting during the sunny day or the starry night, the Seaside Promenade is equally feel good.

8. Promenade Beach

Promenade Beach

12 km from city center 8 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Pondicherry beach is a different kind of beach with less sand and more rocks. It offers a very peaceful place to its tourists and visitors to sit and enjoy the waves.

9. Serenity Beach

Serenity Beach

7 km from city center 9 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Located at a distance of 10 kms, on the outskirts on Puducherry in Kottakuppam, Serenity Beach gets its name from the Spa-Resort-Inn located at the spot with the same name. Originally, the beach was called Thanthirayan Kuppam Beach or plain Kottakuppam Beach.

10. Cycling in Pondicherry

Cycling in Pondicherry

10 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

One of the most exciting and picturesque things to do in Pondicherry is to tour the beautiful territory on traditional vintage bicycles. You can also go for guided tours around the stunning French Quarters, charming mustard streets, colonial villas and vibrant Tamil settlements. Besides a very picturesque view of the lovely alleys and narrow lanes, you can also marvel at the gorgeous architecture of the French colonial settlements.

11. Auroville Beach

Auroville Beach

9 km from city center 11 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Auroville Beach, also known as the Auro Beach is located in Pondicherry. It is a part of the Auroville Ashram and is situated about 10 kilometres away. The beach is about 12 kilometres away from Pondicherry and lies on the right-hand side of East Coast Road. Auro Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Pondicherry. It attracts a lot of tourists and locals. The beach stays true to its form and doesn't have a lot of establishments that provide food or snacks. The Ashram has maintained its serenity and ensured that it is not tampered or changed a lot due to human encroachment.

12. Chunnambar Boat House

Chunnambar Boat House

3 km from city center 12 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Chunambar is a quaint little hamlet located along Cuddalore Main Road, around 8 km from Pondicherry. This serene town is visited by tourists for its beach, which is know as Paradise Beach, situated near the mouth of the backwater. With pristine sand and crystallized water, it is a perfect place for one to spend a day out playing water sports and bathing in the sun. A short cruise is also organized for the visitors which gives them a fantastic overall view of the serene beauty of the waters. One can also spot dolphins playing around in the water making it a must-visit for the nature lovers.

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13. Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

2 km from city center 13 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

This Gothic style building is a highly revered place of worship in Pondicherry. Visitors comprising of both tourists as well as devotees, who are staunch believers, visit to offer their prayers to the All Mighty here.

14. Water Sports in Pondicherry

Water Sports in Pondicherry

4 km from city center 14 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

With a unique, peaceful coastal beauty to it, Pondicherry is quickly becoming every beach lovers' favourite hideout. A number of water sports options along its white sandy beaches are another reason for travellers to love Pondy, as it is lovingly known.

15. Botanical Garden, Pondicherry

Botanical Garden, Pondicherry

2 km from city center 15 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

A popular tourist attraction of Pondicherry, Botanical Garden was established by C.S. Perrotet in the year 1862. The garden is home to several exotic varieties of rare plants as well as an aquarium.

16. Pondicherry Lighthouse

Pondicherry Lighthouse

16 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

The Lighthouse is one of the remarkable landmarks in Pondicherry. The French Riviera of the East, Pondy has two lighthouses, an old one and the new one. Where the former has been closed for public appearance the latter serves as the spot for giving its visitors the most amazing bird's eye view of the city. 

17. Jawahar Toy Museum

Jawahar Toy Museum

3 km from city center 17 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

An ideal place for kids, Jawahar Toy Museum is a well maintained place situated at the old light house building near Gandhi Maidan. The museum houses a wide range of dolls and toys collected from all over the country.

18. Raj Niwas

Raj Niwas

3 km from city center 18 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Previously known as Palais du Government, Raj Niwas is an eighteenth century building presently serving as the residence of Lieutenant Governor of Pondicherry.

19. French War Memorial

French War Memorial

3 km from city center 19 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

French War Memorial is a stylish structure located in the Goubert Avenue and is dedicated to the soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War.

20. Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple

3 km from city center 20 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is said to have been established almost 5 centuries ago. Situated behind the Raj Niwas, the sanctum is enshrined with a grand idol of Vinayaka called Vellakkaran Pillai.

21. Pondicherry Museum

Pondicherry Museum

3 km from city center 21 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Located in the Bharathi Park, Pondicherry Museum houses a fantastic collection of sculptures. It has the remains of the archeological findings from the Arikamedu Roman settlement.

22. Veerampattinam Beach

Veerampattinam Beach

3 km from city center 22 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Located on the outskirts of Pondicherry in the largest coastal village called Veerampattinam, Veerampattinam Beach has an extensive coastline and is counted among the most beautiful beaches of the tinsel town. Since the beach is little known, tourist inflow is minimum and the beach boasts of golden sands and pollution free environs.

23. Gokilambal Thirukameswar Temple

Gokilambal Thirukameswar Temple

6 km from city center 23 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Situated 11 km from the Pondicherry in small town of Villianur, Gokilambal Thirukameswarar Temple is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. However, one can clearly witness the French influence over the temple through their varied traditions.

24. Chidambaram

Chidambaram

59 km from city center 24 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Chidambaram is a highly revered temple town located about 58 km from Pondicherry. The town is known for its several ancient shrines and historic buildings.

25. Bharathi Park

Bharathi Park

3 km from city center 25 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Bharathi Park is a well planned and well maintained park flanked by some of the most important government buildings on all the sides. Serving as a popular tourist attraction since the times of British, this place is ideal to relax and unwind.

26. Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Immaculate Conception Cathedral

3 km from city center 26 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Immaculate Conception Cathedral or Eglise de Notre Dame de la Conception Immaculee Church is a beautiful place of worship established in year 1686. Dedicated to St.

27. Varadaraja Perumal Temple

Varadaraja Perumal Temple

3 km from city center 27 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Varadaraja Perumal Temple is an ancient temple dating back to 12th century and is of great religious significance. Situated in Villiannur, the structure of the temple is very attractive and is highly revered by its devotees.

28. Church of Our Lady of Angels

Church of Our Lady of Angels

3 km from city center 28 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Also known as Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges, the Church of Our Lady of Angels is mainly renowned for its immaculate stone work. The beautiful texture of white marble is highlighted by using the fusion of limestone and egg white.

29. The Statue of Dupleix

The Statue of Dupleix

3 km from city center 29 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Commissioned in the year 1870, this 3 meter high statue was established to honour Francois Dupleix, who governed Pondicherry till 1754. This statue situated at the Place du Republique is built over amazing granite columns.

30. Aayi Mandapam

Aayi Mandapam

3 km from city center 30 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Standing sturdy at the centre of the Bharathi Park in Pondicherry, Aayi Mandapam or Park Monument is a pearly white edifice built during the reign of Napolean III, Emperor of France. The monument was built in the honour of the female courtesan Ayi who tore down her own house to build a water reservoir for the city.

31. Meeran Mosque

Meeran Mosque

2 km from city center 31 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

One of the most revered religious spot by Muslims; Meeran Mosque was built about three hundred and fifty years ago. In fact, it serves as the oldest mosque in Pondicherry with a distinct type of architecture.

32. Cluny Embroidery Centre

Cluny Embroidery Centre

3 km from city center 32 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Housed in an 18th century heritage bungalow on the Rue Romain Rolland Street, Cluny Embroidery Centre is a wonderful venture started by a local convent to provide employment to underprivileged women. The building was supposedly donated by a French woman to help the poor women in need and is currently run by Catholic nuns.

33. Ananda Ranga Pillai Mansion

Ananda Ranga Pillai Mansion

3 km from city center 33 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Located on the Ranga Pillai Street, opposite the Grand Bazaar, Ananda Ranga Pillai is one of the most ancient heritage buildings of Pondicherry. Built in 1735, the house was named after the courtier Ananda Ranga Pillai, of the French Governor- Joseph Francois Dupleix.

34. Ganesh Garden

Ganesh Garden

2 km from city center 34 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Located on the Ramarajda Street in Pondicherry, Ganesh Garden is a quaint little botanical garden maintained by a French couple. Housed in a residential building, the garden cum nursery has a plethora bushes and shrubberies from medicinal plants to flowering plants. The place has been kept and groomed impressively and is a must visit for gardening enthusiasts.

35. ISKCON Pondicherry

ISKCON Pondicherry

4 km from city center 35 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Situated in the Krishna Nagar locality of Pondicherry, ISKCON Pondicherry is a Hindu revered temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort, colloquially known as ‘Ashta Devi’. More precisely, the centre is a spiritual society, the name ‘ISKCON’ literally translating to International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

36. Ousteri Wetland and National Park

Ousteri Wetland and National Park

9 km from city center 36 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

A national park rich in flora and fauna, Ousteri Wetland and National Park lay 10 km from Pondicherry town on the Pondicherry-Villuppuram road. Spread across an area of 3.

37. Sri Karneshwar Nataraja Temple

Sri Karneshwar Nataraja Temple

3 km from city center 37 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Located on the Pudhukuppam Beach in Pondicherry, 12 kms north of Auroville, Sri Karneshwar Nataraja Temple is the most unusual and yet one of the most beautiful temples present in India. Constructed in a pyramid shape, the temple is built to resemble the great pyramids of Egypt.

38. International Center for Yoga Education and Research (ICYER)

International Center for Yoga Education and Research (ICYER)

8 km from city center 38 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

ICYER is a complete traditional ashram which unlike other yoga centres requires a strict decipline, routine and devotion towards a yogic living. ICYER follows the gurukul method of teaching till date and the students are required to reside in the ashram living with the guru and his family. The centre believes that total immersion into the yogic living is achieved through the process. The ashram does not offer vacation yoga courses, instead has residential teacher training course of 6 month duration. Advanced teachers training course of additional 6 months is offered to the ones who have completed the first 6 months.

39. Mahatma Gandhi Statue

Mahatma Gandhi Statue

3 km from city center 39 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

The four-meter high statue of Mahatma Gandhi is surrounded by eight granite pillars, which were supposedly brought from Gingee, a fort some 70 km from Pondicherry. The statue is placed in the middle of a garden situated at Dumas Street and attracts tourists in large number.

40. Auroville Ashram, Pondicherry

Auroville Ashram, Pondicherry

10 km from city center 40 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Conceived as the 'Universal Town', the Auroville Ashram is a great epitome of community living. This is where people of different nationalities, culture, religion, traditions all come together to truly live in peace and harmony.

41. Relish a Mesmerizing Sunrise

Relish a Mesmerizing Sunrise

41 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

One thing that you must definitely witness while on a trip to Pondicherry is the very mesmerising sunrise. The lovely beaches, or the gorgeous colonies, or even the promenades, are all amazing locations to experience a wonderful orange sun rise above the horizon. This is one of the top things to do in Pondicherry and is sure to stay with you for a long long time.

42. Yanam Beach

Yanam Beach

595 km from city center 42 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Situated in the town of Yanam, the Yanam Beach is an excellent getaway for those looking to spend quiet time away from the crowds. The vast expanse of the waters beckons tranquil boat rides, as well as a walk along the Ferry Road, can be both exciting and calming. Yanam Beach also called the Rajiv Gandhi Beach, is one of the most famous attractions of the town. One can sit back on cement chairs enjoying the quiet views of the beach side or enjoy a perfect picnic with family on a pleasant day.

43. White Town

White Town

3 km from city center 43 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Known as the French Colony of Pondicherry, White Town is a residential area in town which boasts of an interwoven culture of the Tamils and the primal French families. Flaunting cobblestone streets and mustard yellow houses, the colony retains the old world charm, daintiness and also the architecture of ancient French Quarters. Most of these have been converted into heritage hotels, restaurants, quirky cafes and art galleries. The buildings are mostly painted in pale yellow colour or shades of it and the well paved clean pathways are lined with shady trees.

44. Vedapureeswarar Temple

Vedapureeswarar Temple

133 km from city center 44 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

The Sri Vedapureeswarar temple is an ancient temple located in the southern union territory of Pondicherry also known as Puducherry. The temple is constructed in Dravidian style architecture and houses the all-mighty Lord Shiva. The Vedapureeswarar temple was demolished by the French in the year 1748, and it is also believed to have been demolished by the Muslims earlier. With the help of the funds of the people, the temple was re-established by the people. The temple has a seven-tiered entrance to the temple.

45. Karaikal Beach

Karaikal Beach

111 km from city center 45 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Located in Pondicherry’s Karaikal city, Karaikal Beach is a popular one owing to its breathtaking views. It is a natural beach that lies on the Bay of Bengal and attracts large crowds throughout the year since it is an excellent spot for a dip and for evening walks. An ideal place to witness the sunset, there is a rocky path here to walk on, fishing boats to watch and plenty of opportunities for nature photography. Besides food joints and shops around the beach, there is also a park to visit.

46. Quiet Beach

Quiet Beach

5 km from city center 46 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

As the name suggests, Quiet Beach in Pondicherry is a calm and serene location that is a hidden gem for most. With clear water, golden sand and big waves, it is perfect for a relaxing day of picnicking, sunbathing, collecting pretty shells, building sandcastles and more.

47. Mahe Beach

Mahe Beach

3 km from city center 47 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Located close to Kannur, Mahe Beach in Pondicherry is a quiet and clean beach that also forms Kerala's northern coast. Lined with tall palm trees, the beach is a must-visit during the early hours of the morning to witness the gorgeous sunrise while walking on the white sand along the blue waters. Not only is it ideal for swimming but also for beach sports like volleyball; for those looking to relax, the view of the sunset here is absolutely spectacular. There are restaurants around that serve delicious food and shops that sell souvenirs.

48. Reppo Beach

Reppo Beach

3 km from city center 48 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

A relatively unknown beach located in Pondicherry’s Vaithikuppam area, Reppo Beach is a peaceful location that is generally free of massive crowds. Known for its spectacular views of the sunset, it is ideal for swimming and surfing. There are quite a few fisherman’s boats around and once in a while a cargo ship passes by as well. It is the place to visit if you are looking for some peaceful time away from the crowds and want to enjoy nature.

49. Eden Beach

Eden Beach

3 km from city center 49 out of 49 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Flaunting super clean surroundings with sparkling white sand, Eden Beach in Chinna Veerampattinam is a proud blue flag-certified beach in Pondicherry. It is located almost 7 km from the White Town area and the Promenade beach of this city. Also, the well-known Paradise Beach is just 1 km south of this beach. Lying on the east coast of India, Eden Beach offers some mesmerizing sunrise views.

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Home » Asia » India » 14 BEST Places to Visit in Pondicherry (2024)

14 BEST Places to Visit in Pondicherry (2024)

I first heard of Pondicherry before I was a seasoned traveler, and my mind conjured up images of a quaint European village. Maybe with a pond in the middle and a cherry orchard (I wonder why?), lending color to the gray backdrop of a group of historical stone cottages.

So you’ll understand my surprise when I learned Pondicherry is on the east coast of India!

There’s a reason for the distinctly European-sounding name, though—and in a way, my imagination actually wasn’t too far off! Pondicherry was a French colony between the years 1674 and 1954 (though it changed hands multiple times). Upon visiting, you’ll find the French influence clear as day. In fact, you might need to consciously make yourself remember that you’re in Asia and not Europe. The historical architecture, pristine beaches, and stately streets all combine to make Pondicherry one of the most unique places in India.

If you’re planning a trip there, but you’re a little nervous you’re going to miss out on the best of what this city has to offer, you came to the right place. This article will give you an overview of the most amazing places to visit in Pondicherry. Whether you’re in search of the chaotic and touristy or the quiet and tranquil, we’ve got you covered.

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighborhood in Pondicherry:

These are the best places to visit in pondicherry.

White Town Pondicherry India

French and Indian cultures meet in White Town to create the most charming small-town atmosphere imaginable. It's like the highlights of Europe and Asia, combined into one place. The cobblestone streets are lined with quaint cafés, fine dining restaurants, and boutique shops. And it's all a stone's throw from the beach!

places to visit in pondicherry with family

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#1 – Matrimandir – A great place to see in Pondicherry if you love architecture

Matrimandir

Why it’s awesome: A place of immense spiritual significance, Matrimandir is a golden, dome-shaped feat of architecture that might literally take your breath away. If you Google “Pondicherry,” you will inevitably see this building among the highlights that pop up.

A project engineered by philosopher Mirra Alfassa, known by the mysterious name “The Mother,” Matrimandir took 37 years to complete. It’s surrounded by twelve “petals,” or stone ramps. Its construction is largely symbolic—since Sri Aurobindo once described the Mother as having four Powers and Personalities, the dome was built with four main columns. These columns support the Inner Chamber, an aesthetically marvelous meditation and yoga hall. The Inner Circle also contains the world’s largest perfect glass globe.

What to do there: Matrimandir is a place of spirituality. It was designed for meditation and yoga—specifically Integral Yoga, a practice developed by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. You can visit the Inner Chamber in the mornings for free and settle into your own yogic or meditative practice!

Matrimandir is also surrounded by an area of majestic, manicured gardens and paths. If the sessions are full, or if meditation and yoga just aren’t your cup of tea, it’s worth a visit just to stroll through the gardens and marvel at the golden architecture.

You should realize that Matrimandir is a serious place, especially if you intend to meditate or practice yoga. Have respect, and don’t visit if you just want to check it off your bucket list and move on.

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#2 – Paradise Beach – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in Pondicherry

Paradise Beach

Why it’s awesome: Paradise Beach is unparalleled in Pondicherry, and this is a city that doesn’t exactly have a shortage of beaches. It’s charmingly undeveloped, serene, and beautifully quiet. It’s home to a forest of mangrove trees and some of the softest, finest sand you’ll ever feel.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to take advantage of this spotless sandy beach, and staying in one of the best beach houses in Pondicherry is undoubtedly the best way to do so.

What to do there: A better question would be, “What can’t you do there?” Play sports on the beach, go jet skiing, or kayaking in the blue Pacific. Try your hand at photography and send home some postcards to make your friends drool.

Crack open a fresh coconut, or order some tasty food from one of the multitudes of food shacks lining the shore. Definitely don’t leave without trying a bhaji, which is essentially a spicy, Indian vegetable fritter.

Even just getting there is an experience: head to Chunnambar Boat House, buy a ticket for a measly sum, and enjoy the scenic 15-minute boat ride to the beach!

As a fellow traveler, my advise for you is to do some of your own digging and think about the best time to visit Pondichery . If you’re looking to take a dip in the ocean or lounge on the beach, October is the best time to visit. Temperature-wise, it’s still warm enough for swimming and there are fewer tourists this season making it extra enjoyable.

#3 – Sri Aurobindo Ashram – Possibly one of the most important places to visit in Pondicherry

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Why it’s awesome: Pondicherry is characterized by a pleasant hustle and bustle, and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram offers a nice contrast to this. Since an Ashram is by definition a spiritual community, you’ll inevitably connect with tons of like-minded travelers from all around the world.

The Ashram was built in 1926 by Indian philosopher Sri Aurobindo. He collaborated heavily with The Mother, the same lady who designed Matrimandir. Their combined wisdom and serenity can be almost tangibly felt in this holy place. Today, over 2,000 people consistently offer devotion at Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

It’s seriously one of the most renowned places in all of Pondicherry. I can honestly say that if you visit Pondicherry and don’t go to the Ashram at least once, you will have missed out on one of the most important cultural sites in the region.

What to do there: Hands down, the best thing to do at Sri Aurobindo Ashram is to be still and reflect. Group meditation sessions are offered a few times per week, so don’t be embarrassed to join the devout followers and embrace your inner spirituality. There’s also a bookstore across the street, where you can purchase some inspiring works of spiritual literature.

#4 – Goubert Market – A nice non-touristy place to visit in Pondicherry

Goubert Market

Why it’s awesome: It just wouldn’t be an  epic Pondicherry itinerary  without visiting a local market, right?

Goubert Market is one of those places that’s undeniably authentic. It’s a dizzying collection of alleys, with street stands crowding the sides and selling every food imaginable. If you can get a food item anywhere in Pondicherry, chances are you can get it at Goubert Market. Fresh fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts—you name it.

One of the best things about it is when you go, you’ll find Indians selling goods and fiercely haggling with other Indians. You’ll get the sense that, if there were no tourists, life in this place would go on just the same.

If you’re a first-time visitor to India , you might be a bit overwhelmed by the market. It’s one of those places that, for Western visitors, will likely cause a good amount of culture shock. But what’s even more of a reason to go: experiences like this are what make travel worth it. Consider yourself privileged to have such an easily accessible window into the everyday life of an exotic culture.

What to do there: Goubert Market is an endearingly chaotic scene, and so my advice is that you don’t try to control what happens there—just get lost in it. You’ll be bumped into, pushed, and you’re likely to inhale some… questionable smells.

Whether you buy something or not (and trust me, you’d be remiss to skip out on the mangoes), there will be no shortage of entertainment. Just walk around, make new friends, and get swept up in the magic of it all.

#5 – Auroville – Certainly one of the most exotic places to see in Pondicherry!

Auroville

Now it’s time to talk about the larger area that houses the wondrous Matrimandir: the township of Auroville.

Why it’s awesome: Auroville was created in 1968, again by The Mother, who clearly had a profound influence on Pondicherry and its surrounding areas. In many ways it’s a regular small town: there are cafés, restaurants, and even one of Pondicherry’s nicest beaches . But its purpose—its heart—is much deeper than that of a standard town.

The Mother intended Auroville to be the “Universal Town”—and it’s safe to say she succeeded. The township has around 3,000 residents, and they come from 195 ( 195! ) different countries. Under normal circumstances, you can imagine the amount of discord and disagreement this would cause. But Auroville is and was always meant to be, a place of peace.

So the reason Auroville is such a serene place is that its residents all share that same frame of mind: they’re looking for peace, and they intend to find it. The Mother wanted the town to feel the effects of “divine consciousness,” and if you spend any significant amount of time here, my guess is that you’ll feel it too.

What to do there: Of course, visit Matrimandir, as it’s easily the most striking feature of Auroville. It’s also definitely worth it to swing by Auroville Beach. But in general, just explore the town at your own pace. Be friendly and open, and feel free to ask the locals about what it’s like to live in Auroville—they will be happy to enlighten you.

While you’re there, remind yourself you’re truly in one of the most unique places not only in Asia but possibly in the world at large. And one of many mysterious places to visit in India .

#6 – Gingee Fort – One of Pondicherry’s coolest historical sites!

Gingee Fort

Why it’s awesome: Built in 1190, Gingee Fort is right up there with Angkor Wat and the world’s other famous temples and castles. The only difference is that it’s lesser known, which makes it less touristy and less crowded—which is a bonus for you!

Commanding the top of a desolate mountain, Gingee Fort was deemed the “most impregnable fortress in India” by the Maratha King Shivaji. It was captured at one point by the fearsome Mughal army, but it took them eight whole years to do so—so I think King Shivaji had a point.

Now, I’m assuming you won’t be besieging the castle, but its location makes for some unbelievable views. The walls of the fort meander for 13 kilometers throughout the region, and you’ll have most of the fort all to yourself.

What to do there: You could spend hours simply roaming throughout the fort’s grounds. My recommendation? Make a day out of it. The fort is about an hour’s drive outside of the city center, so pack yourself a nice picnic lunch, head up to the mountain, and spend the day taking pictures and reliving the rich history of the fort.

You could also consider taking a full-day guided tour with a group if that’s your thing. If not, the fort is easily accessible on your own.

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#7 – The French Quarter – One of the more unique places to visit in Pondicherry

French Quarter

Why it’s awesome: The French Quarter is a huge part of what makes Pondicherry such a special city. For over 150 years, Pondicherry was controlled by France, and so the “French Quarter” is, well, distinctly French .

The French were initially drawn to Pondicherry by its booming trade scene. In 1674, an official French colony was established. 19 years later, the Dutch took over, then the British, and then it was taken again by France. Most of the French Quarter was constructed during this final French reign, from 1814 to 1954. After this, control of the city was finally rightly returned to India.

Today, the European influence conjures up feelings of antiquity and simpler times. The streets are lined with stately mansions, floral balconies, wrought iron fencing, and brightly colored boutique shops.

What to do there: One of the best ways to experience the French Quarter is to plop yourself on a random street, pick a direction, and walk. You’d be missing out if you didn’t take some time out of your day to just explore and bask in the ambiance of this place. It’s truly one of the most unique spots in all of India.

Another fabulous idea is to rent a bicycle. You’ll be able to discover more of the Quarter, and you’ll also feel like you’re contributing to the vibe: nothing feels quite so quintessentially European as a quiet bike ride over cobbled paths.

#8 – Pondicherry Botanical Garden – A beautiful outdoor place to visit in Pondicherry

Pondicherry Botanical Garden

Why it’s awesome: Pondicherry’s Botanical Garden has fascinating origins. It was created in 1826 by the French for the purpose of studying certain plants in Pondicherry’s climate: Which ones thrived? Which ones died? And why? Three years after its creation, the garden had around 850 different types of plants. Today, that number has grown to 1,500. Let’s be clear: not 1,500 plants—1,500 different species of plants.

The Botanical Garden is composed of 30 separate sections. Besides the numerous arrangements of vivid flowers, you’ll also find smooth, towering trees and plant fossils. Because of the trees and vegetation, it’s generally pretty cool and shady—so it’s a good spot to visit mid-day if the sun is just a bit too strong for your liking.

What to do there: I would hope that “walk around and look at the plants,” is the obvious starting point here. But besides that, it’s a great spot for picnic lunches or romantic dates. The Garden has a “musical fountain,” which gushes streams of water that “dance” to the music.

The Botanical Garden is also an ideal place to visit with kids. The grounds feature a playground as well as a cute little train that will carry you all around the Garden. And if you have kids, you know trains are always a hit.

#9 – Immaculate Conception Cathedral – One of the most religious places to see in Pondicherry

Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Why it’s awesome: Immaculate Conception Cathedral has quite a controversial history. That is if you consider being burned to the ground multiple times controversial.

Initially constructed in 1692 by some Jesuit Fathers, the Cathedral was destroyed by the Dutch one year later. Not to be deterred, the Fathers rebuilt it in 1699, but this newer model was also razed in short order. Now the early 1700s, an even bigger version of the Cathedral was painstakingly constructed over the course of eight years, only for the English to unceremoniously topple it during the Seven Years’ War.

Still, the Jesuits did not give up, and by 1770, the final version of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral was underway. It’s undergone additions and remodels in the centuries since, and the Cathedral stands today as a beacon of devout persistence. It’s likely not the biggest cathedral you’ve ever seen, but the white facade is stunningly detailed, and the interior is no less breathtaking.

What to do there: One of the best ways to experience the Immaculate Conception Cathedral is during a sunrise tour. If you’re religious, you know that the quiet hours of the morning sometimes just feel the holiest. Your faith may receive a much-needed spark through an early morning visit to this pious building, which has so gloriously triumphed over its resistance.

The Cathedral is also located right near the French Quarter and Paradise Beach. Since you’re not likely to spend 12 hours straight in a cathedral, it might be a good idea to squeeze these places into the same day as you see fit.

#10 – Pondicherry Museum – A fascinating educational place to visit in Pondicherry

Pondicherry Museum

There are two types of people in this world: those who love museums, and those who just don’t see the point. And if you’re the second type, you’re just plain wrong—sorry.

Why it’s awesome: The Pondicherry Museum houses an immense collection of authentic works of art, both Indian and Mediterranean in origin. The highlights are the sculptures, which are made of rare stone and bronze. The museum also showcases some ancient Indian transportation vehicles, most notably a coach, palanquin, and pousse-pousse (basically a tuk-tuk). There are antique lamps from centuries-old temples, European furniture pieces, Greek pottery, old weapons, and collections of historical currencies.

Some of the pieces in the Pondicherry Museum are astoundingly ancient. Many of the artifacts date back to the Pallava and Chola dynasties, which means that some might be as old as 275 AD. The museum simply contains a huge quantity of relics, with great variety in terms of age and in terms of origin. It’s clean, nicely maintained, and a must-visit for lovers of history.

What to do there: Just do all the museum-y things! Browse around, read about the exhibits, use your imagination, and bask in the aura of these wonderful pieces from times long past. And don’t forget to take pictures!

The hours are 10 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Sunday. And by the way, it literally costs less than $1 USD to visit—so no excuses!

#11 – Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple – An awesome place to visit in Pondicherry for half a day!

Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Why it’s awesome: Pondicherry is largely famous for its distinctly European feel—but the Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple was around long before Western countries left their marks in Pondicherry.

Sri Manakula Vinayagar is a Hindu temple constructed around 1500 AD. It was built specifically to honor the Lord Ganesha, the Hindu god of beginnings (the one with the head of an elephant). Much like the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, the temple endured numerous periods of threatened violence. Unlike the Cathedral, however, it was never actually destroyed—local Hindus made sure of that through a series of stubborn protests.

The temple is so renowned that Hindus from nearly every part of India make pilgrimages to visit. Though the entire temple is ornate and gorgeous, perhaps the most stunning architectural feat is the famous golden chariot. Made with over 16 pounds of pure gold, the chariot was funded strictly by donations from followers of Hinduism—and it’s gigantic.

Even if you’re not a Hindu, you should realize how lucky you are to be in a place considered by so many to be so holy.

What to do there: It’s up to you, but many tourists like to watch the locals engaged in their practices of worship, and do likewise. Be genuine and sincere, and the locals are likely to be happy you’re there!

There are tons of celebrations that take place throughout the year in Sri Manakula Vinayagar, which you are welcome to attend. The highlight, though, is Brahmothsavam. This festival lasts 24 days , so there’s actually a good chance it might coincide with your visit.

Bonus tip: the temple is only a 10-minute walk from the Promenade, which is your next must-visit place in Pondicherry (see below!)

#12 – The Promenade – A cool place to see in Pondicherry with friends!

The Promenade

Why it’s awesome: The Promenade in Pondicherry is an amazing hangout spot. It’s basically a well-kept, wide walking path. On the left, it’s bordered by bushes, the street, and an eclectic collection of shops and restaurants. On the right, it’s nothing but some rocks and then the pure, majestic eternity of the sea.

What to do there: Ironically, the Promenade is the perfect place to go when you don’t want to have to actually “do” anything. There will be no tour, no specific history to learn about, and no exhibits to marvel at.

Maybe you’re traveling with friends from home, or you just made some new ones at your Pondicherry hostel . Whatever the case may be, head out to the Promenade for a few hours (or a whole day!) of talking, relaxing, and sipping some fresh Indian tea.

And you’ll be doing it all to the pleasant lulling of the deep blue waves crashing up against the shoreline.

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#13 – Arikamedu – An unknown (but awesome!) place to see in Pondicherry

Arikamedu

Why it’s awesome: In many ways, Arikamedu is the lesser-known equivalent of Gingee Fort (though even Gingee is hardly ever crowded). It’s a really special place that not many people know about.

Arikamedu was founded by the Greeks around the year 200 BC. It was established as a trading post, with the main trading partner of interest being ancient Rome. Now (obviously) it’s simply an archaeological site. Sir Mortimer Wheeler and Jean-Marie Casal first dug up Arikamedu in 1945. Ever since it has proven itself to be an incredibly rich window into Pondicherry’s distant past.

The most prized treasure found at the site is a collection of rare beads from the Indo-Pacific—but there’s so, so much more. And archaeologists have discovered that, even before Arikamedu was founded by the Greeks, numerous megalithic stones (or Pandukal) were used here to mark the graves of the deceased.

What to do there: Put yourself in the shoes of a Greek villager living in the BCs. Examine the age-old walls and columns, slowly withered away by the caresses of time. Because Arikamedu is located right next to the banks of the beautiful Ariyankuppam River, you might want to pack a lunch for yourself and then enjoy a lazy riverside nap.

Arikamedu is open to visitors every day from 10 am to 4 pm—and it’s free!

#14 – Cluny Embroidery Center – A great place in Pondicherry if you love to shop!

Why it’s awesome: The Cluny Embroidery Center is one of those places that’s bound to warm your heart. Commandeered by Catholic missionary sisters, it’s a two-in-one: it’s a place for disadvantaged women to find work and meaning, and a place for you to pick up some of the most unique and special souvenirs you could hope to find anywhere.

The center is based out of a 200-year-old building given by a selfless French woman, who refused to let the building be used strictly for business, but rather for helping local women in need. When you arrive, you’ll find a huge group of lovely Indian women expertly embroidering every manner of fabric.

Even the building itself is architecturally marvelous, and you’ll feel like you stepped back in time.

What to do there: The coolest thing about Cluny Embroidery Center is that you can actually see the amazing souls that create these fabrics thread-by-thread. Watch the uniquely patterned towels, tablecloths, bed sheets, and other household items come to life right before your eyes.

One section of the building has been converted into a guesthouse in order to accommodate the heaps of tourists who come visit. So consider staying in the area for a night or two!

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places to visit in pondicherry with family

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There are so many incredible places to visit in Pondicherry!

I’ve compiled this list in a sincere attempt to give you only the highlights: the best-of-the-best places to visit in Pondicherry. But like every city in the world, there’s a nearly endless number of places to visit, things to see, and activities to do.

The best recommendation I can give you as a fellow traveler is to do some of your own digging. Pick your favorites from this article and put those on your list—and then once you arrive, explore on your own .

Seriously—one of the best things you can do anywhere is open your heart and your mind, befriend some locals, and listen to their recommendations. Chances are, they’ll be better than anything I can give you.

Have fun! 😉

places to visit in pondicherry with family

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Pondicherry (Puducherry) with kids: things to do for families

Posted on Last updated: 15 December 2023

Pondicherry (Puducherry) with kids: things to do for families

What a lovely surprise this little coastal town was. Whilst there is no mistaking you’re still in India, every now and then a little bit of the past will appear from around a corner, transporting you to a quaint French village, complete with patisseries, colourful colonial architecture and beautiful churches. There are some lovely things to do in Pondicherry for kids and it’s a wonderfully family-friendly city.

Pondicherry (which has changed it’s name to Puducherry, but locals refer to it as ‘Pondy’) has a relaxed pace, which you’ll immediately notice (and appreciate) if arriving from one of India’s larger cities. The old traveller in you may want to stroll along the shady tree-lined streets of the French quarter, pop into a café for a latte and catch up on your travel journal…

But as parents, you know that’s not going to cut it with the kids. So instead, here are our top 5 things to do in Pondicherry with kids:

Pondicherry Street

1. Temples and Churches

One thing we love about travelling with our boys is the many opportunities it provides to expose them to different religions and cultures, all the time discussing the differences and similarities we see. As a fascinating contrast to the temples you’ll visit in India, take a trip to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral; elegantly designed in the Portuguese style.

Then take the short walk through the Tamil Quarter to the Sri Manakual Vinayagar Temple, featuring its star attraction, Lakshmi the elephant, who has been blessing visitors and worshippers since 1997.

places to visit in pondicherry with family

2. Stroll along the seafront 

The large boulders on the shoreline mean the sea at Pondy isn’t suitable for swimming but it’s still a great place to let the kids run free and throw stones into the crashing waves.

Beach Rd/Goubert Avenue, which runs parallel to the seafront, is closed every evening from 6pm, when it springs to life with seemingly all of Pondy’s residents taking a romantic evening stroll in the cool evening air.

Pondy seafront

3. Bharathi Park

This central park boast two playgrounds. Admittedly they need a lick of paint and some TLC, but the kids probably won’t notice; they’ll be too busy running, sliding and playing with local kids to care.

Bharathi Park

4. Enjoy the French food 

If you’ve been on the road (or railways!) for a while, treat the family to some familiar foods. Our boys devoured the pain au chocolat at Baker Street and particularly enjoyed the freshly cooked woodfire pizzas at the little pizza restaurant down St Louis Street .

Croissant eating

5. Paradise Beach 

Flag down an auto and take the 25 minute ride to Paradise Beach , south of town. Here you’ll find brightly painted working fishing boats dotted along the beach and precariously built shacks serving fresh seafood.

Walk along the shoreline to the left for a quieter stretch of sand, although you’ll soon have a group of ‘observers’ join you.

This is not the place to top up your tan in that skimpy bikini, but the kids will love splashing in the waves and the sea breeze is a welcome treat if you’re visiting in the summer months.

places to visit in pondicherry with family

Getting to Pondicherry

Pondicherry is easily accessible by train. There are daily trains every evening from Chennai (4 hours 15 minutes) and an overnight train from Bangalore (Yesvantpur Junction, 9.5 hours) four times per week (Mon, Tues, Fri and Sat). You can connect at Villupuram Junction for many more services. Check the IRCTC website for up-to-date train times.

train in India

Your accommodation may be walkable from the station (Pondy isn’t that big). However, with two young kids and backpacks, we prefer to get an auto. No auto in Pondicherry uses a meter but it seems to be an unwritten rule that all fares within the town will be Rs50 or Rs60. If it’s evening, add on Rs20.

Best place to stay in Pondicherry with family

We stayed at the extremely welcoming La Maison Radha . Ravi, Sumathi and their son live on the ground floor and rent out four other rooms on the upper floors. Each themed room has a colourful work of art painted on the walls and comes with aircon and private bathroom with reliable hot water. We stayed in the ‘Birds’ room which also has a kitchen area and living room. There is one double bed, but additional beds can be provided on request.

places to visit in pondicherry with family

Ravi and his wife go out of their way to help you in any way they can (they even had toys for the boys to play with!) and they are quick to respond on email should you have any questions before your visit. A tasty breakfast can be provided at additional cost, plus there is a communal kitchen with a fridge for storing milk and free WIFI throughout. You’ll also find a splendid rooftop terrace which affords wonderful view across Pondicherry to the Sacred Heart Basillica.

La Maison Radha rooftop view

  • Bindloss, Joe (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 1256 Pages – 04/15/2022 (Publication Date) – Lonely Planet (Publisher)

You may also like to read: India with kids: top 10 things to do Mysore with kids: top 5 things to do Bangalore with kids

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Perfect 3 Day Pondicherry Itinerary – Top Things to See and Do

3 Day Pondicherry Itinerary - Top Things to See and Do

Pondicherry in South India is one of the best getaways. If you are thinking of a trip to Pondicherry, then read on for a perfect Pondicherry itinerary.

Puducherry, the coastal Union Territory in South India , is one of the best winter getaways. If you like the sea, sun and good food, taking a trip to Puducherry will surely be refreshing and adventurous. Pondicherry, Puducherry and Pondy are the different names by which this enticing part of India is known as. If you are thinking of a trip to Pondicherry, then read on for a perfect Pondicherry itinerary .

Table of Contents

Perfect 3 Days Pondicherry Itinerary: Top Things to See, Do & Everything Else

Top Things to See

Until 1954 Pondicherry was a French colonial settlement and therefore it has a lot of French influence in its architecture and food. A trip to Pondicherry and a walk about the streets will give you a sense of the legacy that the French have left behind. The tree-lined streets, the boutiques, the villas all of them take you back in time. Additionally, it shares its borders with the state of Tamil Nadu, which also ensures it shares cultures with the state of Tamil Nadu .

The beaches in Pondicherry are a treat in itself. Promenade Beach, Paradise Beach, Auroville Beach, Mahe Beach, Serenity Beach, and Karaikal Beach are just some of the many popular beaches that one can spend time enjoying basking in the sun. Beach resorts in Pondicherry make for a relaxing and rejuvenating stay. The beaches are of course bound to be a part of any Pondicherry itinerary.

The food is something that will make you want to come back for more. The pastries, pizzas, croissants, south Indian fare, North Indian options are available and worth trying in any restaurant. There are many cafes (hole-in-the-wall or otherwise) and street food that are certainly must try . Experiencing the food is again a must whether you are on a Pondicherry itinerary for 2 days, Pondicherry itinerary for 3 days, or following a Pondicherry itinerary for 4 days.

We were also told that there is a great nightlife of dancing and celebrations that happen throughout the year. It carries with it the culture of the old, such as it’s French heritage, and Aurobindo’s influences, and temples and also caters to people that want to party and eat out. It just further proves that Pondy is a place where the old meets the new. The Puducherry itinerary is a complete feast for the senses with varied heritage, cultural, and epicurean nuances.

There are many things to do in Puducherry , however, we had to pack in as much as we could in just three days. So, I and my wife had to make some tough choices on what to see. I am sure there is a lot we have missed out on. Nonetheless, here is a list of things we did in our three-day visit to Pondicherry, which should be helpful in planning your own Pondicherry itinerary.

How to reach Pondicherry / Puducherry

  • Puducherry or Pondicherry is Union Territory located in Southern India
  • Chennai to Pondicherry distance is about 153 kilometres
  • There is an airport in Puducherry which has limited flights under the UDAAN scheme
  • The other nearest airport is Chennai International Airport at a distance of about 148 kilometres

If you are planning a trip to Pondicherry, you can book a cheap flight through TripAdvisor  or  Agoda  or  CheapAir  or  Cleartrip  or  Makemytrip  or  Priceline right here.  If you are thinking of a road trip to from Chennai to Pondicherry or Bangalore to Pondicherry or anywhere in India check out the rental car  and  bus  options.

Where to stay in Pondicherry / Puducherry

Where to stay in Pondicherry / Puducherry

There are many places to stay in Pondicherry for everyone with different budget sizes. You can find the poshest rooms at the biggest hotels or find a homestay at a lesser budget. However, for the most part, if you are travelling to Pondicherry in all likelihood you will find many reasons to leave the room rather than stay in it. For example, Ananda Inn is cheaper than The Promenade.  At The Promenade, the room charges per night vary depending upon the view of the room that you choose. That being said there are many more options, in between, above and below you can opt for based on your budget to stay in Puducherry.

One can also choose beach resorts in Puducherry – beach resorts in Pondicherry and enjoy and have a relaxed stay in Pondicherry.

For your Pondicherry accommodation If you are looking for the best hotels in Puducherry   – best hotels in Pondicherry to book, you can do that right here. You can book your hotel in Puducherry – your hotel in Pondicherry through TripAdvisor  or  Cleartrip  or  Agoda  or  Makemytrip  or  Priceline  conveniently right here!

affordable stay in Pondicherry

Tours And Activities in Pondicherry

You can plan your Pondicherry itinerary and book your  Puducherry trips – Pondicherry trips, right here.  So go ahead and book online places to see in Pondicherry and indulge in popular activities in Puducherry – popular activities in Pondicherry and cover attractions in Puducherry – attractions in Pondicherry. If you are planning a day trip from Chennai to Puducherry – a day trip from Chennai to Pondicherry then you can book online one day trips from Chennai to Puducherry – one-day trips from Chennai to Pondicherry.

When to go to Pondicherry / Puducherry 

  Puducherry, fondly called Pondy, tends to get pretty warm during the summers. So, if you prefer a calmer experience without having to experience the wrath of the Pondy summers, the winters are ideal. Go there anytime between October and February. The weather is pleasant and you can have maximum fun.

How to move around in Pondicherry / Puducherry?

If you do not drive there yourself or have access to your transport there are many ways to move around in Pondy. You can hire cycles if you want to see the place while cycling. If you are a biker, you have many places that let you hire bikes. There are auto-rickshaws you can hire to take you around to all tourist spots. Also, some cabs can be hired for a day or a half and more. Therefore, there is no dearth of options when it comes to travel in this place.

This said, here is what we did on our 3-day trip. What we want to call the Perfect 3-day Pondicherry trip. After we were done, and reading this, I guarantee you will want to visit it, as we do.

When visiting Pondicherry you can also avail of package tours that will cover other must-visit places in and around Pondicherry. You can plan your trip and book online places to visit in Puducherry – places to visit in Puducherry.

3 Day Pondicherry Itinerary – Day 1 in Pondicherry / Puducherry

3 Day Pondicherry Itinerary - Gandhi Statue

My wife and I drove down to Pondy from Chennai, and even before we reached there we could not resist visiting Mahabalipuram which is en route on the ECR. The heritage town is a must-see for its wonders, beaches, and sculptures. After experiencing Mamallapuram , we headed to Pondy. We reached Puducherry or Pondicherry and we checked into The Promenade in White Town. Surely, it is an upscale hotel, but it is right there on the Promenade Beach with a great view. So, our first place to see in Pondy had already been checked.

The Promenade

The Promenade has a great lunch buffet so we indulged in it. They also had outdoor seating if you wanted to brave the sun and listen to the sounds of the ocean.

After relaxing for a bit we headed for the adventures of Pondy. Here are some of the places we saw on our trip to Pondicherry  on day one.

Aurobindo Ashram

Pondicherry Itinerary - Visit Aurobindo Ashram

First stop was the Aurobindo ashram. Had heard a lot about him and the ideology and had to see that place. It is a place that enables everyone to sit and meditate. They also have a library if you want to go looking.

Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Walking distance away is the Manakula Vinayagar Temple. We went there and the architecture of the place was simply stunning. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha and has one of the most beautiful ceilings, paintings and sculptures. It is huge and we took our time to look at every part of it as we walked through for the darshan.

Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Pondicherry Itinerary - Visit Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Then we headed to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, again a heritage place. It is built based on Gothic architecture and is something to marvel at. It is believed to be one of the few Basilica churches in India and set up by French missionaries in 1908. An interesting thing I learnt online was that there are 21 Basilica churches in India and Pondy is the home to one of them.

French War Memorial

Pondicherry Itinerary - Visit French War Memorial

We went to the French War Memorial that was built for the soldier for those who lost their lives in the first world war. Visiting that place was a humbling experience. Those young people could fight for a cause at such a young age and knowing they could die is something that is moving and chilling at the same time. Their sacrifices are represented by this French War Memorial and are a must-visit place in Pondy.

Botanical Garden

Pondicherry Itinerary - Visit Botanical Garden

This is certainly one of those places you must see if you are a flower lover. It is believed to have been built by the French and is a garden true to its name. You can take time looking through the different flora and fauna. You also get to see paintings, sculptures and photography of nature as an additional treat for your eyes. We surely had a lot of fun strolling through the garden and identifying different plants and flowers.

Bakers Street

Pondicherry Itinerary - Visit Bakers Street

We then headed to the famous Baker’s street. It is not too far away from the Promenade and has great french influences. If you are craving for french croissants, sandwiches, and coffee this is the place to go. We had our dinner at Bakers street. We had a lovely time with delicious food and ended it with the perfect dessert as well. A perfect place, self-service, and unmatchable taste.

Asian House

Though we were full, we had to experience the nightlife in Pondy. We were told the Asian House is one of the hot spots close to The Promenade and yes they had a dance floor. We had to check it out. It certainly was everything it promised. A dance floor, with a really good DJ, great food options and lots of liquor from different parts of the world. The food was also pretty multi-cuisine in terms of what they offered. We did, of course, enjoy shaking those legs to the DJs music.

What was left was a stroll on the Promenade beach and see the Gandhi statue and retire for the night.

3 Day Pondicherry Itinerary – Day 2 in Pondicherry / Puducherry

Day 2 we started with breakfast at The Promenade. It included an entire continental fair with a touch of Tamil food options. But we were mostly excited to leave for our next destination in our list of things to do in Puducherry.

Visit Auroville

Pondicherry Itinerary - Visit Auroville

Auroville is one of those must-visit places if you travel to Pondy. It is certainly recognized for its architectural show. It is believed to be a 20 square kilometres site founded in 1968 by the Aurobindo Spiritual Collaborator. The Matrimandir Temple, designed by Roger Anger is one of those marvels that is a must-visit place in Pondicherry. However, The Auroville Visitor Center, designed by Suhasini Iyer-Guigan is also something astonishing to see.

Auroville Beach

Pondicherry Itinerary - Visit Auroville beach

Auroville beach popularly known as Auro Beach is a part of Auroville Ashram and is a beach in Pondicherry that is secluded. It is cleaner than most beaches. We decided to take a look and got a beautiful glimpse of it. It may be one of the few beaches you can wet your feet in. However, we were told that high tide is something that we need to watch out for. The beach closes around 6.30 PM.

Lunch at Surguru

After the long walks, it was time to head back to Pondy. For lunch, we decided to go with Surguru. It is one of the most popular vegetarian restaurants in Pondicherry that offers multiple food options. We had the South Indian meals there, and of course, the suggestions did not fail us. It was delicious and everything we had hoped it would be. The ambience of the restaurant is great along with the divinity of their food flavours.

Paradise Island

Pondicherry Itinerary - Visit Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach or Island is an isolated island located at Chunnambar. The beach is mesmerizing and because of the shallow waters, we saw many kids having great fun there. There is nothing that can replace a serene, breathtaking sunset that we experienced at this beach. We enjoyed the boat ride to the place. It wasn’t expensive and has the best and cleanest beach in the area. It is one of the gorgeous beaches. Possibly a place where I have seen the best sunsets in my life. It obviously got more special because I had my partner with me.

Dinner at Cafe Xtasi

What is a trip to Pondy without experiencing their pizza? That is exactly what we did on Day 2 with Cafe Xtasi. We indulged in their awesome pizzas. It is a vegetarian-friendly treat that people can have a lot of fun in the evening. It is safe to book a table in advance. Their variety of pasta is great too if you are into that kind of thing. For us, it was wood fire pizza all the way.

3 Day Pondicherry Itinerary – Day 3 in Pondicherry / Puducherry

Our last day in Pondy we were already sad to leave. But we needed to head back to Chennai soon. Not without getting a final glimpse of most that are pondy, because we know we have not seen it all and we will be back. But we had to get most of it.

Breakfast at Crêpe in Touch

What is the point of going to a place that has french influence and not trying crepes? So, for breakfast, we landed in Crepe in touch to get our bellies introduced to and satisfied by our crepe cravings. The ambience, the place, the location, just about everything worked for us. What, however, blew our mind was the crepes themselves. They have all the options you need. Vegetarian, vegan, whatever you need they are happy to serve up.

Shopping at Casablanca

Shopping at Casablanca

Local shopping was a great option for us to carry home the rich culture of Puducherry. So, we headed for some quick shopping at Casablanca, which is a 3-floor departmental store. It is a great place for local shopping in Pondicherry. You will find an amazing range of candles, perfumes, trendy jewellery, furnishing, handicrafts, locally made pottery items, leather products and more. They have a great collection of homemade chocolates. You can spend an entire day shopping in Pondicherry, but we quickly bought a few items and headed to our next destination. Shopping in Pondicherry is an experience to cherish and definitely an integral part of any Pondicherry itinerary.

Puducherry Museum / Pondicherry Museum

Yes, had to go there to get a sense of history. I and my wife live for the moment, surely, but appreciate and respect the past. We realize that what happens in our pasts shapes what we are now and what will make us in the future. So, that was our next stop. To understand history. On Saint Louis street it has bronze and stone sculptures way back from dynasties like the Pallavas and Cholas. It is certainly a treat if you have any curiosity for history in you.

Lunch at Dilliwala6

We heard a lot about this place and had to try it out on our own. As usual, the suggestions did not fail us. If you miss your North Indian fair after eating a lot of French and South Indian food, this is a North Indian restaurant in Puducherry you must try. They serve up all kinds of good North Indian food, while their paneer dishes require a special mention apart from their dal makhani and the ambience and the courtesy of the staff.

It was clear to us that we had to head back post-lunch to avoid the traffic and we did have a plan en route as well. So, we decided we have seen all we need to see on our trip to Pondicherry. Surely we will come back and explore Pondy again for its beauty that it beholds! Now it became our dear Pondy, not Puducherry.

However, now without a pitstop. We had to try the boating at Muthukad that we have learnt and heard about so much with love and nostalgia.

Boat Ride in Muttukadu

Pondicherry Itinerary - Boat ride in Muttukadu

Muttukadu is a great lake that you can go boating, depending on how much time you have you can choose to select the different boats. We picked the speed version. We wanted to make sure that we skip the traffic as much as we possibly could, while we enjoy the experience. The Muttukadu boat ride was a magnificent experience and a time well spent. It was beautiful, wind in our hair and smiles all around. It was certainly a boat ride to remember.

Pondy, what a place, what a great trip it was. As we travel outside the country, we often forget that there is so much beauty in our backyard. It is one of those places where you can kick back and relax amongst wonderful and friendly people. It is a place that has something for everyone. There are places to stay at different budgets, there are places to eat at different budgets, and places to go and things to do based on your interest. It doesn’t matter what, when and where, all you need to do is just ask and go.

We cannot help but reminisce about our trip to Puducherry. The tree-lined boulevards, the heritage buildings, the beaches, the food, the spirituality all of these are things that my wife and I will carry with us forever. There are very few travels I have made where everything came together all in one place.

Typically, different places are known for different things. Some places you can go to for the temples, other places you might go-to for the food, other places for the architecture, while other places you may go for adventures. You can go to Pondy and satisfy all your needs. What’s greater is that especially if you live in Chennai it is just about a 3-hour drive from it. That means Chennaiats have a bigger advantage than most others.

There are discotheques, romantic getaways, lounge bars, boathouses, restaurants, hotels, beaches and more that remain unexplored by us. All things said and done, there is one thing for sure, there are many things to do in Pondicherry aka Puducherry or Pondy as we have fondly come to call it. Our dear Pondy, we are definitely going to return and explore it more.

Hope you found this Pondicherry travel blog post useful and you will use this Pondicherry itinerary to plan your trip to Pondy!

This is a guest post by Gulshan Bafna.  

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Perfect 3 Day Pondicherry Itinerary - Top Things to See and Do

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33 thoughts on “Perfect 3 Day Pondicherry Itinerary – Top Things to See and Do”

I love the idea that you can eat South Indian food for one meal, French for another, and then some North Indian food, and it all be authentic to the area. I rather suspect that I’d spend too much money in Casablanca!

WOW! We just got back from India but did not get to travel in the south. You blog and suggestions for Pondicherry makes us want to head back.

Pondicherry looks like a wonderful place to visit – it looks as though it has something for everyone’s interests!

Looks real interesting and I love the looks of the Matrimandir Temple. Judging by the waves and the color of the water, I guess snorkeling is no option there?

Sandy and Vyjay, awesome breakdown guys. We spent 1 month in Pondy in 2013. Loved the place. We visited a temple there weekly to meditate. I believe The Mother and Sri Aurobindo had influences there. Great energy in that nice little town on the water.

We spent two months in India and unfortunately we never made it to Pondicherry! I wish we had though as it looks like such a lovely place to explore. I especially love the style of some of the buildings 🙂

What a beautiful variety of things to see and do, from the beaches to the memorial, museum and temples. I love the 3 day itinerary you shared. I would love to experience that boat ride too.

I’ve always wanted to visit Pondicherry, but somehow never got the chance. Thanks for this extremely detailed guide – hopefully I’ll be able to put it to good use someday soon!

Woww now thats quite an elaborate list and detailed itinerary. Reading this made me relive my travel days. Its really very helpful

This looks like such a perfect place for a getaway holiday, there’s so much to see and do, and you can also go to the beach.

I feel so ignorant as I always thought the British were the only colonists in India and I had no idea about its French heritage! Being a culture lover with a special interest in architecture, I would definitely consider visiting Pondicherry if I were ever to go to India! Thanks for the inspiration (and education) 🙂

I really need to spend more time in India. My only experience was a few months spent in Goa, which is a strange bubble and not an authentic India experience. Hopefully soon I’ll get a chance to explore more of the south.

Such a great itinerary and beings back so many memories of my visit to Pondicherry! My absolute favorite bit is walking on the promenade along the Rocky beach. Gorgeous!

Took me on a flashback of my Pondicherry trip. Went to most of these places and missed some. Gonna come back to this blog if I happen to be in Pondicherry again.

Pondicherry sounds like a great place to visit! I would love to explore the basilica and the botanical gardens would be something my daughter and I would enjoy. Visiting the secluded beaches would be perfect to.

What an interesting area! I would not have expected to see architecture like that in South India, but it is soo cool to see the mixture of cultures (especially with the food!)

I love Pondicherry. I used to go to Auroville every late summer and this year I have missed it. Your blog brings these old memories back.

Pondicherry is one of my favourite travel destinations. Thanks to you, I saw it in a different light. Fantastic blogpost. Thank you for writing this one.

It certainly sounds like you had a good time in Pondy. I think the boat trip would be something I would like to do.

Loved walking through the promenade and watching the sunset from le cafe. Pondy trip on the cards post October

Pondy seems like an awesome option for visiting. I have traveled to Bangalore so many times, but in summers. So was unable to visit Pondy, after reading your blog, I realised there are so many things to do, but we need to travel at the right time. Amazing read.

Pondicherry is in my list from so long. Thanks for this itinerary , I will surely visit the place and check this post again.

Pondicherry is on my travel list for a long time. I’m gonna use your itinerary when I do visit this beautiful place 🙂

I absolutely loved Paradise beach. It was worth the effort of taking the lazy boat ride to that place. When I visited the beach was very rough, its good to see people enjoying in the water in your picture. Pondicherry is my favourite place in Tamil Nadu and I traveled solo here, I had such an awesome time.

this reminds me of my trip to Puducherry, the food and lovely walks through French Quarters, the food at Sadguru’s and the most important the visit to Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville.

Wow, I’ve almost seen everything on this list. In fact I loved exploring Pondicherry on foot. It was an amazing experience.

So well documented about Pondicherry… Can you imagine i stayed in Chennai for 3 months and didn’t travel to pondi 😞 … Every post related to Pondicherry makes me feel so sad…

So well documented about Pondicherry… Can you imagine i stayed in Chennai for 3 months and didn’t travel to pondi … Every post related to Pondicherry makes me feel so sad… This post made me felt sadder due to the great documentation

Really Pondicherry looks awesome place and I really want to visit here. Thanks for sharing the article.

Pondicherry looks like an incredible place to visit. So colorful too. Would love to visit one day since I haven’t made it to India yet. Great and detailed post.

I had never even heard of Pondicherry!! It looks just so amazing, with so many different cultures, foods & esthetics… it’s basically a few countries in one. I’m saving + pinning your blog for when I plan my next India trip.

From this post it seems like Pondicherry is a must-see on a trip to India! I love the Matrimandir Temple, and the variety of things to do (and eat) here!

When I was planning my first visit to India last year, I had to choose between Kochi and Pondicherry. I ended up going with Kochi, but now I know I need to go back and visit Pondicherry! I love the architecture and the Matrimandir Temple is so stunning!

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38 Top Tourist Places to Visit in Pondicherry

places to visit in pondicherry with family

  • Pondicherry Overview
  • Top 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry
  • 26 Best Pondicherry Tour Packages
  • Top Resorts in Pondicherry
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Paradise Beach

places to visit in pondicherry with family

#1 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 8 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, Paradise Beach, also known as Plage Paradiso, is an isolated beach located at Chunnambar. This is one of the most famous Pondicherry Beaches and also one of the best places to experience Pondicherry Tourism . Paradise Beach is another popular attraction not to miss in a Pondicherry tour packages . The beach is extremely attractive as the sands are very clean and the water is crystal clear. The Paradise Beach is situated close to Cuddalore main road and it houses the famous Chunnambar resort. Visitors have to cross the Chunnambar backwaters by boat to reach Paradise Beach. These boats leave from Chunnambar boathouse around 6 km from Pondicherry . The beach has shelters and palm trees for shade and protection from the sun and rain. There is one small bar which serves .....

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Pondicherry Beach / Promenade Beach

Pondicherry Beach / Promenade Beach

#2 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 3.5 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, Promenade Beach is one of the popular beaches in Pondicherry along the Bay of Bengal. It is a 1.5 km long stretch between War Memorial and Dupleix Park. This is one of the top places to visit in Pondicherry . This beach is called by multiple names like rock beach due to rocks along the beach, Gandhi beach because of statue of Mahatma Gandhi and also as Promenade beach. Popularly this beach is also called Pondicherry beach because of its close proximity to the city. It's a long stretch of rocky beach with benches and wide pavement for morning and evening walks. It is adjacent to Goubert Avenue, the historical section of the city which has several beautiful colonial buildings. This long stretch has statues of Jeanne d'Arc Dupleix, Mahatma Gandhi and War Memorial. There is also a 27 meter .....

Matrimandir - Auroville

Matrimandir - Auroville

#3 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 13 km from Pondicherry, Auroville (City of Dawn) is an experimental township in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu. It lies on the East Coast Road and was founded by Mirra Alfassa in 1968 and was designed by the French architect Roger Anger. The word Auroville essentially means a universal town, where people can live peacefully, irrespective of nationality, colour, caste and creed. The purpose of Auroville, Pondicherry was to emphasize human unity, promoting message of the founder of Auroville, Mirra Alfassa. It is one of the best Pondicherry places to visit . Auroville was officially inaugurated on 28th February, 1968 and was endorsed by UNESCO and the Government of India. During its inauguration, soil from over 124 countries was placed and mixed inside a lotus shaped urn, symbolizing universal oneness. Auroville was built to welcome people from all over the world to live together .....

Chunnambar Boat House

Chunnambar Boat House

#4 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 6 km Pondicherry Bus Station, Chunnambar Boat House also known as Plage Paradiso is famous for its backwaters and it's a popular boating venue and is. Located on the Cuddalore main road, the backwater is situated at a point where the Chunnambar River meets Bay of Bengal. Paradise beach is usually reached by boat from Chunnambar Boat House. Chunnambar Boat House is ideal for boating and also a great picnic spot. The backwater houses a nice resort managed by the Pondicherry Tourism and Transport Development Corporation (PTTDC), known as Chunnambar Beach and Backwater Resort. The resort offers a range of fun and entertainment options include trekking, yachting, backwater boat trips and beach games. The boating options include motor boats, speed boats, sail boats, rowed boats, water scooters, paddled boats and pedaled boats. Accommodation facility is available on tree top houses. Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM. Ferry .....

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

#5 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 3 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a famous spiritual community (ashram) located in Pondicherry. Founded by Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa (The Mother) in 1926, it is one of the major highlights of Pondicherry and is visited by thousands of people from all over the world. The ashram is also the place of Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. The Aurobindo Ashram is one of the most visited tourism sites in Pondicherry. This ashram comprises several buildings and there are around 1,200 members along with 400 students living in this center. The serene Aurobindo Ashram comes alive during the festivals. Thousands of tourists, followers and visitors come here. Despite the large crowd the members maintain discipline within the complex, restoring its peaceful environment. The ideals of the ashrams are based on the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and Mira Alfassa. The ashram contains a library, printing press, playground, art gallery, a dispensary/nursing .....

Pondicherry Museum

Pondicherry Museum

#6 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 3 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, Pondicherry Museum is situated in the Bharathi Park and is known for its unique collection of sculptures. It is one of the popular places in Pondicherry Sightseeing . This museum has an excellent gallery with sculptures and has the remains of archaeological findings from the Arikamedu Roman settlement. This gallery is known to have artifacts belonging to Cholas and Pallavas rule of Pondicherry and Karaikal. Burial urns, French furniture, terracotta figures, crockery, guns, swords, paintings, mirrors and several other things dating back to different periods are preserved here. The painting section includes Tanjore and glass paintings, colonial prints and contemporary oils, pastels and water colors. It has bronze statues of several gods and goddesses along with handicrafts, art work and temple lamps. The ground floor of the museum has a palanquin .....

Botanical Garden

places to visit in pondicherry with family

#7 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 1.5 km Pondicherry Bus Station, the Botanical Garden is located south of the New Bus Stand and is one of the top Pondicherry Tourist Places . The Botanical Garden along with Aquarium was established in 1826. The Botanical Gardens is spread over an area of 22 acres in the center of the city. The garden is a famous retreat for locals and tourists. It is spread with pruned trees, flower beds and fountains. Perrotet was responsible for transforming the place into a botanical garden. His memorial can be seen inside the garden premises. He introduced many exotic plants from all over the world. In 1960, after the Transfer of Power from the French, the garden became the hub of horticultural development in Pondicherry. There are 28 plots in the Botanical Garden and each one has separate theme. Other attractions of the Botanical Garden include Children's toy train, musical fountain, aquarium .....

Bharathi Park / Government Park

Bharathi Park / Government Park

#8 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 3.5 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, The Bharathi Park, also known as the Government Park is situated in the central region of the old colonial town of Pondicherry. Government Park was once the location of the first French garrison and Fort Louis which were destroyed by the British. In 2006 the park was renovated and several new sections were included to make it more attractive. It is a beautiful and peaceful park ideal to spend time with family or for a morning / evening walk. The Aayi Mandapam or the Park Monument is a famous monument which lies at the center of the park. At one point, Aayi Mandap was the main water source for Pondicherry town. The Mandapam is an imposing structure that flaunts brilliant Greco-Roman architecture. The presence of flowerbeds, well-manicured lawns and beautiful fountains around the monument make it an attractive place. There is a wonderful children's play area with several playground equipment. This park is surrounded .....

Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Manakula Vinayagar Temple

#9 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 3 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, The Manakula Vinayagar Temple is one of the famous ancient temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is a popular pilgrimage site in Puducherry. Manakula Vinayagar Temple was in existence before the French came and settled in Pondicherry and the idol of Lord Ganesha is locally known as Vellakkaran Pillai. The French Jesuits and missionaries tried to demolish the temple several times, but every time local population saved the temple. Facing the east near Bay of Bengal, the temple was known as Bhavaneshar Ganapathy, now called as Manakula Vinayagar. In Tamil Manal means sand and Kulam means pond near the sea. The temple is spread over an area of about 8000 sq. ft with outer mandapam, raja gopuram and outer enclosure. Measuring 18 feet in height, the gold plated kodikambam is a spectacular highlight of this temple. The outside wall of the temple depicts various forms of the Ganesha with its timelines and locations. The rich architectural .....

Mahatma Gandhi Statue

Mahatma Gandhi Statue

#10 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 2.5 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, The Statue of Mahatma Gandhi is located on the beach front of Pondicherry. Built by the famous sculptor Roy Choudhary from Madras School of Art and Crafts, it is one of the major landmarks in Pondicherry. It is surrounded by eight exquisitely carved monolithic granite pillars which were brought from Gingee Fort. The statue stands 4 m (13 feet) high is the 3rd biggest Mahatma Gandhi statue. It was inaugurated on January 26, 1965. The square in front of the statue referred to as Gandhi Thidal, plays host to various cultural and musical activities through the year. There is a tunnel below the Gandhi statue which is believed to be leading to Gingee Fort. There were some efforts to explore the tunnel. But, after a few people died of suffocation, the tunnel was closed.

Veerampattinam Beach

Veerampattinam Beach

#18 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 8 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, Veerampattinam Beach is a beautiful beach located in the largest coastal village called Veerampattinam. This is one of the most famous Pondicherry Beaches and among the must-include places in Pondicherry -Mahabalipuram tour packages . Situated on the outskirts of Pondicherry, Veerampattinam Beach or Virai Beach has an extensive coastline, and is counted as the lengthiest in all of Pondicherry. With its smooth golden sands, azure waters, and serene ambiance, this pristine beach offers a perfect getaway for nature lovers, beach enthusiasts, and those looking to spend some moments of solitude on the sunkissed beach. Most tourists visit Veerampattinam Beach to relax and get sun-kissed. The water at the beach is shallow, making it suitable for swimming. The long shoreline offers a good stretch for walking on the golden sands. Veerampattinam Beach is famous for its breathtaking .....

Eden Beach

#19 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 1 km from Paradise Beach, 2 km from Veerampattinam Beach, and 9 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, Eden Beach is a newly developed beach by the government of Pondicherry. Located at Chinna Veerampattinam village, this is one of the cleanest beaches in India, and among the top places to visit in Pondicherry . Flaunting spotless surroundings with sparkling white sand, and azure blue waters, Eden Beach in Chinna Veerampattinam is the first beach in Pondicherry to gain the Blue Flag certification from the Foundation for Environment Education (FEE) in Denmark, which makes it one of the 10 Blue Flag beaches in India. Blue Flag beaches are the cleanest beaches globally, which are eco-friendly and have all the amenities for tourists. Eden Beach is located between Paradise Beach and Veerampattinam Beach. The Arch at the entrance of Eden Beach welcomes you. As you arrive at Eden Beach Pondicherry, .....

ISKCON Pondicherry

ISKCON Pondicherry

#20 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 10 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, ISKCON Temple, also called Sri Sri Radha Madhava Temple, is a Hindu temple located near Ousteri Lake in Pondicherry. It is one of the prominent ISKCON temples in India and among the most popular places of pilgrimage in Pondicherry. ISKCON Temple in Pondicherry is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort Radha. ISKCON Temple Puducherry was established on the principles of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, an international religious organization, also popular as the Hare Krishna movement. And, ISKCON Temple in Pondicherry was established in 2003 in the Krishna Nagar area. However, it was shifted to its present location on the outskirts of Pondicherry in 2012. ISKCON Pondicherry boasts unique architecture and exquisite statues of Lord Krishna and his consort. The serenity of the temple and the charisma of Lord Krishna relieve your mind and lift your soul. The temple premises always vibrate with soothing .....

Sri Karneshwar Nataraja Temple

Sri Karneshwar Nataraja Temple

#21 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 17 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, Sri Karaneswar Nataraja Temple is a Hindu temple located at Pudukuppam Beach in the village of Pudukuppam. It is one of the most popular religious places to visit in Pondicherry . Located off the East Coast Road, Sri Karaneswar Nataraja Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Dr. Karan Singh of the Auroville Foundation built Sri Karaneswar Nataraja Temple. The temple was first built in 2000 and was destroyed in the tsunami of 2004. The current Pyramid Temple was built in 2006, with the help of Auroville Earth Institute. The temple is built in the shape of a pyramid resembling the Great Pyramid of Egypt. Popularly called Pyramid Nataraja Temple, it is probably the most peculiar-looking temple in the world. Sri Karneshwar Nataraja Temple boasts striking architectural finesse. The temple doesn't have a kalasam on the top. Its entrance faces south, .....

French Quarters / White Town

French Quarters / White Town

#22 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 3 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, White Town is a residential area in Pondicherry. Popularly called the French Colony of Pondicherry, it is one of the must-see places as part of the Pondicherry -Mahabalipuram tour . A quaint little town on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, Pondicherry or Puducherry was the last French colony in India. Pondicherry had been passed on to multiple colonial powers of Dutch, Portuguese, and English, but predominantly French. It became a part of India in 1954 as a union territory. When Pondicherry was handed over to India, the residents were given the choice to take Indian or French citizenship. There are still some French citizens in Pondicherry who retained their French citizenship. The White Town of Pondicherry still has a strong French influence with French names on the streets, many of the residents speak fluent French, restaurants, and caf�s serve French food .....

Basilica Of Sacred Heart Of Jesus

Basilica Of Sacred Heart Of Jesus

#11 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 2.5 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, The Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of the highly revered religious places in Pondicherry and is located on the south boulevard of the town. It is one of the 21 Basilicas in India and only one in Pondicherry. This church was established in 1908 by the French missionaries and attained the status of basilica in 2011. This Catholic Church is one of the finest churches of Pondicherry. The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is an excellent example of Gothic architecture. The structure is 50 meters long, 48 meters wide and 18 meters high and is held by 24 columns. One can see the biblical words on entrance written in Latin along with the images of Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mother Mary carved in the entrance door. It contains rare stained glass panels depicting events from the life of Christ and saints of the Catholic Church. A striking statue of Madonna is placed at the right side of the high altar. The statue .....

Jawahar Toy Museum

Jawahar Toy Museum

#12 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 2.5 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, The Jawahar Toy Museum is situated close to the Old Light House on Goubert Avenue near Gandhi Maidan in Pondicherry. Jawahar Toy Museum is one of the popular museums carrying an exclusive display of a wide variety of toys. The museum has a collection of 120 dolls that are carefully labeled and dressed in beautiful costumes. These dolls and toys have been collected from several states in the country and are seen wearing the traditional dresses of that particular region. The rare collection of toys and decorated dolls represent the culture of different parts of the country. The museum is a must visit place for children. Jawahar Toy Museum is one of the rarest toy museums in the country. The best collection includes dolls from Punjab, Bengal, Haryana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Assam, Kashmir and southern states. Through art and display, the Museum educates people about the importance of dolls and toys in Indian culture. The .....

French War Memorial

French War Memorial

#13 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 3.5 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, French War Memorial on Goubert Avenue is located in French Quarter (White Town). It was built in 1971 to commemorate the brave soldiers who laid down their lives during First World War. The memorial has four stark white columns with a life-size statue of a soldier leaning on a rifle. On the memorial there is an inscription that says, 'Aux combattants des Indes Francoises morts pour la patrie, 1914-1918' which means French fighters of India who died for their country in 1914-1918. The memorial is a popular tourist attraction in Pondicherry. There is a small garden built around the monument. The Memorial is beautifully illuminated on the Bastille Day which is celebrated on 14th July. Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM

Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Immaculate Conception Cathedral

#14 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 2.5 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, The Immaculate Conception Church, also known as Eglise de Notre Dame de la Conception Immaculee, is located on the Church Street in Pondicherry. Dedicated to Saint Peters, it is famously known as the Church of Capuchins that was founded in 1686. In the beginning it was constructed as a small chapel, outside the government park. Till 1729, it served as the Parish church and the name was later changed to Immaculate Conception Church. The Cathedral is a magnificent structure with beautifully constructed interior and exterior designs. There is an esplanade in front of the Church where tourists can take part in the ceremonies organized in the church. The church was also visited by Mother Teresa. The feast of the church is celebrated on the 8th of December every year. It draws a large number of devotees from neighboring states. Mass prayers are organised at this church from Monday to Saturday at 5:15 AM and 6:15 AM. On Sundays, .....

Ananda Ranga Pillai Mansion

places to visit in pondicherry with family

#15 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 2.5 km Pondicherry Bus Station, Ananda Ranga Pillai House is one of the oldest buildings in Pondicherry and is located right opposite the Grand Bazaar on Ranga Pillai Street. Built in 1735, the mansion was named after Ananda Ranga Pillai, who was the courtier of Governor Joseph Francois Dupleix. This beautiful mansion is a perfect example of Indian and Gothic architecture styles. The ground floor is traditional Tamil architecture with a huge courtyard with wooden pillars with exquisite carvings. Also called as Natives Quarters, this mansion is a treasure house to understand the French colonial period in Pondicherry as documented by Pillai in his diaries. The mansion was one of the few buildings to survive the British invasion and has been recognized by the Puducherry government as a heritage building. Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM

Auroville Beach

Auroville Beach

#16 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 9.5 km from Pondicherry Bus Station and 6 km from Auroville Matrimandir, the Auroville Beach situated near Bommayapalayam on East Coast Road is a nice and serene beach and also a must visit Pondicherry Beach . The Auroville Beach is one of the popular beaches in Pondicherry and also one of the less crowded beaches. The waters at the Beach are shallow and offer a great opportunity for swimming. The slope of the beach is gentle that facilitates the swimmers. The beach is mostly visited in the weekends by the local people. On the other days of the week, the beach remains isolated. Sunrise is more spectacular at this beach. There are some beach huts and resorts which provide food and accommodation for the visitors.

Serenity Beach

Serenity Beach

#17 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 7 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, Serenity Beach is a wonderful beach close to East Coast Road. It is a clean, calm and less crowed beach and also one of the famous Tourist places in Pondicherry . Serenity Beach offers several adventure activities like surfing, boating, canoeing and kayaking. This is a perfect destination for sunbathing, swimming and just relaxing. While the picturesque beach is graced by white sand bordered by palm trees, the surrounding blue waters are a surfing hotspot. Serenity Beach Bazaar is setup on weekends at the beach on East Coast Road. Some of the items sold in bazaar are handicrafts, garments and leather goods.

Raj Niwas

#23 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 3.5 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, Raj Niwas is the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. It is one of the most important buildings, which once served as a palace during French colonization and was the official residence of the French Governor Dupleix. Raj Nivas, built during the 18th century is well-known as the 'Palais du Government'. It is a harmonious blend of French and Indian architecture. It was once the location of the Hotel de la Compagnie and later played host to Dupleix. One of the major attractions for the tourists is the monolithic pillars, brought from Gingee Fort after it was seized in 1751. The complex has an attractive water monument placed inside the middle of a well-maintained garden. Skillfully carved wooden pillars surround the courtyard and decorated stonework of European design support the first floor terrace. Two canons are exhibited on either side of the main gate. It is now the Lieutenant Governor's .....

Varadaraja Perumal Temple - Pondicherry

Varadaraja Perumal Temple - Pondicherry

#24 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 2.5 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple located on M.G.Road is believed to be the oldest temple in Pondicherry, dating back to 970 AD. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple is also famous for its Dravidian architectural patterns, front gopuram and sculptured towers. The idol can be seen in standing form, majestically 5 feet tall. The temple also houses a sannidhi for goddess called as Perundevi thayar. There is a mirror room in the temple. The Varadaraja Perumal temple houses assorted avatars of Lord Vishnu which are present in divyadesams. The idols of lord Rama, goddess Sita, lord Lakshmana, lord Hanuman, Lord Navaneetha Krishna, Sri Santhanagopala and Sri Venugopala are present in the temple. The temple also houses two great Vaishnava Acharyas, Nikamanda Mahadesikan and Manavalamamuni. This temple is also famous for first rice feeding of children known as Annaprasana. Sri Ramanavami festival, Vaikunta Ekadasi, .....

Varadaraja Perumal Temple - Villianur

Varadaraja Perumal Temple - Villianur

#25 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 600 m from Villianur Railway Station and 8 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple is located at Villianur. It was built by Cholas during 12th century along with two beautiful temple tanks. Varadaraja Perumal Temple is an ancient temple and it has great religious significance. The structure of the temple is very attractive and is highly revered by its devotees. The temple has been constructed in traditional Dravidian style, with large front gopuram and sculpted pillars. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, locally called as Venkatachalapathy. There is a separate shrine of Lord Narashima behind the temple of the main deity. Timings: 6 AM - 12 PM and 4 PM - 9 PM.

Kokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple - Villianur

Kokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple - Villianur

#26 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 750 m from Villianur Railway Station and 8 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, Sri Kokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple is an ancient temple located at Villianur in Pondicherry and is popularly known as Villianur Temple. This temple was constructed by a Chola king in the 12th century CE. According to the history, the king was suffering from leprosy and worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple and got cured. The King built a town in this place which was earlier a forest of Vilwa (Bel) trees and constructed the temple and named it Vilwanallur which gradually changed to Villianur. Dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Thirukameshwara, the goddess of this temple is known as Kokilambal. The lingam is made of mud and abhishekas are not performed to the linga directed. Instead, the lingam is covered with brass armor before abhishekas. The rays of the Sun fall on the presiding deity in the month of Panguni (March/April). The Nandi in this temple is called Prasava Nandi and .....

Kanniga Parameswari Temple

Kanniga Parameswari Temple

#27 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 3 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, Sri Kanniga Parameswari Temple on MG Road is an ancient temple and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Puducherry. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. Kanniga Parameswari Temple is famous for its unique architecture that reflects the Dravidian and French architecture. The temple features curved walls, massive towers, angel decorations and stained glass windows influenced by French architecture. The inner sanctum and ceilings are designed in traditional Dravidian style. Navaratri is the most famous festival celebrated in this temple. All Fridays in the month of Adi (around August) are auspicious days and special Pujas are performed. Timings: 6.30 AM - 10.30 AM and 5.30 PM - 9 PM

Statue Of Dupleix

Statue Of Dupleix

#28 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 3 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, The statue of Joseph Francois Dupleix is situated in children's park on the beach road. Dupleix was one of the most popular French governors to Pondicherry. He tried to prevent British supremacy by forming alliances with local princes. With the defeat of French in Second Carnatic War, Dupleix resigned his governorship and returned to France. The 2.88 m tall statue of Dupleix stands at the southern end of the park. This statue has been constructed over beautiful granite columns at Place du Republique. Even though Dupleix left Pondicherry in 1754, French recognition of his contribution came only in 1870, with the commissioning of two statues-one in Pondicherry and the other in France.

Romain Rolland Library

Romain Rolland Library

#29 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 3.2 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, Romain Rolland Library, formerly known as Bibliotheque Publique, is one of the oldest Libraries in the country and the biggest in the Union Territory of Pondicherry. Established in the year 1827, this library has been named after the French scholar - Romain Rolland. There are more than 315,000 books kept in this library printed in different languages. More than 45000 members are utilizing the Library and nearly 2 lakhs books are annually loaned to the readers. Apart from this, nearly 190 periodicals are being subscribed. About 1,000 readers are using the reading room facilities every day. The library has been segregated into numerous sections, including a separate children's section and the Rare Book Section. The Children's Section aimed to develop the reading habit among younger generation. The Rare Book section has a collection of about 15,000 old and rare books. Scholars from all parts of the country visit this Library .....

Church Of Our Lady Of Angels

Church Of Our Lady Of Angels

#30 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 3 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, The Church of Our Lady of Angels, also known as Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges Church is one of the popular churches in Pondicherry. The Church was built in 1865 by French Missionaries in the Greek Roman architectural style. It was modeled after the Basilica at Lourdes located in Southern France. The masonry is done using the fine limestone, mixed with white part of the egg, giving it a texture that looks like a white marble. The church is named in the honor of Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of the Angels. The facade of the church has two large columns. The interior central dome has eight circular openings. The pastel peach and lime colours give it a very serene appearance. This church is also famous for its rare oil painting of Our Lady of the Assumption, which was a gift from the French Emperor, Napoleon III. The cemetery next to the church has the tomb of Marquis de Bussy (dated 1785), who was one .....

Ousteri Wetland & National Park Puducherry

Ousteri Wetland & National Park Puducherry

#31 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 10 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, Ousteri Lake, also known as Ossudu Lake, is situated at Ossudu Village on Pondicherry-Villuppuram Road. It is one of the prominent Pondicherry places to visit . Spread over 800 hectares, the Ousteri Lake is situated between Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. About 390 hectares of the area falls in Puducherry and the remaining is under Tamil Nadu state. This is an artificial lake built by the French as a source of drinking water for the residents. The lake is fed by local run-off and an intermittent river and has a bund on its western bank. It has an average depth of 1 m and dries up completely in summer. Over the years, the lake has evolved into a wetland. In 2008, the Ousteri wetland in Puducherry was declared as a bird sanctuary, while the wetland in Tamil Nadu was declared in 2015. Ousteri Wetland is a paradise for bird watchers as it attracts .....

Old Light House

Old Light House

#32 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 3 km Pondicherry Bus Station, The Old Light House is one of Pondicherry's most famous landmarks and is situated on Goubert Avenue. The engineer of the project, Louis Guerre laid the foundation of this Lighthouse in 1835. The lighthouse is 29 meters high. Its round tower sits on a square base with a foundation 9 meters deep to stabilize the sandy ground on which it was built. However, the beacon had not arrived from France so the lighthouse was not operational until July 1836. The light house was considered to be quite modern for that time with its unique structure. Its light beam could be seen from a distance of 15 miles. The light source consisted of six oil lamps and two reflectors. The light source was converted to electric lamps in 1913. The new lamp had a range of 26 nautical miles. The lighthouse was shut down in the year 1979, but is an interesting place to visit.

Arikamedu

#33 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 7 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, Arikamedu, the ancient Roman trade center is situated on the banks of Ariyankuppam River. Remains of the port which was a major maritime center between the 1st century BC and the 2nd century AD have been unearthed during excavations. Arikamedu is of special importance in South Indian archaeology and it is best known for its stone bead production. The port town was inhabited by Romans and Cholas and evidence of their stay have been unearthed by archeologists. It is believed to be the only city with an archaeological record of Roman presence in India. Arikamedu started off as a fishing village but with the development of trade, the village was replaced by a brick built harbour town. Today, only ruins of the town remain. Besides maritime commerce, evidence has also been unearthed of inland trade with Kaveripattinam, Alagankulam, Musiri and Suttukeni along the river. Various textiles, beads, terracotta artifacts, gold and jewellery .....

Meeran Mosque / Meerapalli

Meeran Mosque / Meerapalli

#34 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 2 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, The Meeran Mosque, also known as Meerapalli, is the 2nd oldest mosque in Pondicherry. It was built by the Arcot Nawabs in late 17th century. Meeran Mosque was built in the old Gothic Islamic style of architecture. The Dome of the Mosque is supported by four lofty. In order to enhance the beauty of the facade minaret a Bronze Kalasa is placed on the top of the structure. The Meeran Mosque is also the resting place of the grave of Meeran, the one who constructed the Mosque.

Quiet Beach

Quiet Beach

#35 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 1 km from Serenity Beach, 2 km from Auroville Beach, and 9 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, Quiet Beach is a secluded beach located in Auroville. It is one of the cleanest beaches in Pondicherry and among the must-include places in Pondicherry -Mahabalipuram tour packages . Quiet Beach is a tranquil paradise nestled along the pristine coastline of Pondicherry. Sandwiched between Serenity Beach and Auroville Beach, it is one of the most underrated beaches in Pondicherry. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery, including swaying palm trees and dunes covered in shrubs and grass. With its golden sands, clear waters, and a sense of serenity, Quiet Beach is known for its untouched natural beauty. As the name suggests, the beach boasts a calm and laid-back ambiance, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and solitude. The long stretch of golden sand offers ample space for visitors to find a secluded .....

Sri Vedapureeswarar Temple

Sri Vedapureeswarar Temple

#36 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 3 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, Vedapureeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple located in Pondicherry. Situated near Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple, it is one of the top religious places to visit in Pondicherry . Also known as Eswaran Dharmaraja Koil, Vedapureeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here, Lord Shiva is commemorated as Vedapureeswarar, and his wife Goddess Parvati is worshiped as Tiripurasundari. At more than 230 years of age, the temple is about 230 years old and is one of the oldest temples in Pondicherry, which receives a heavy footfall of tourists throughout the year. According to history, the original construction of the Vedapureeswarar temple was demolished during Governor Dupleix's rule in the year 1748. Dewan Kandappa Mudaliar, with the help of public contributions, reconstructed the temple in the year 1788. Dewan Kandappa Mudaliar, with the help of public .....

Cluny Embroidery Centre

Cluny Embroidery Centre

#37 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 3 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, Cluny Embroidery Center is a remarkable initiative founded by a local convent to provide employment for impoverished women in the community. It is one of the offbeat Pondicherry tourist places . Cluny Embroidery Center is housed in an 18th-century heritage bungalow on Rue Romain Rolland Street. The building was donated by a French woman to help poor women in need and is currently run by Catholic nuns. It serves as a support Center for many poor and vulnerable women. It tells the tale of humanity's struggle for existence and hope. Functioning since 1829, the center has been creating exquisite embroidery products in the form of laces, crochets, and other handmade items. Tourists are encouraged to visit the workstation to see live women at work with needles and thimbles. While the center accepts commercial orders from big brands, it also has its .....

Goubert Market

Goubert Market

#38 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

At a distance of 3 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, Goubert Market is a bustling market area located at the corner of Mahatma Gandhi Road and Jawaharlal Nehru Road in Pondicherry. It is one of the must-visit places as part of the Pondicerry tour packages . Also known as the Grand Bazaar, the Goubert Market is one of the oldest markets in the Union Territory of Pondicherry. It was named after Edouard Goubert, the first Chief Minister of Pondicherry. The market is set in a shopping hub of the city where you can find a cluster of shops selling various products. With its rich history, vibrant atmosphere, and wide range of products, Goubert Market is a must-visit place for those seeking to immerse themselves in the local culture and flavors of Pondicherry. Crowded for most of the day, Goubert Market is a popular destination for locals and tourists, offering a unique shopping and cultural experience. This market is a great .....

Most Asked Questions on Pondicherry

Winter from October to February is the best time to visit Pondicherry . December is also the busiest season and hotels are usually very expensive in this season. Summer would be quite hot and humid but the evenings are pleasant with cool breeze.

Pondicherry usually requires around 2-3 days to visit the most important attractions. Several tourists usually prefer visiting Pondicherry along with Mahabalipuram which requires an additional day. There are several wonderful places near Pondicherry like Kanchipuram, Chidambaram & Tiruvannamalai that can be visited with additional day for each place.

Budget of Pondicherry trip depends on the trip duration and category of hotel you choose for your stay along with the kind of vehicle you prefer. Pondicherry tour packages offered by Trawell.in start from as low as INR 5350 per person for a 2D/1N trip and from INR 9000 per person for 3D/2N vacation.

Ensure to cover most important places to visit in Pondicherry like Paradise Beach, Chunnambar Boat House, Promenade, Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville, etc . Mahabalipuram which is around 95 km from Pondicherry and can be visited along with Pondicherry.

There are several beach side resorts in Pondicherry near Paradise Beach, Promenade and ECR towards Mahabalipuram. Trawell.in can customize the package and include stay in a beach resort of your choice.

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places to visit in pondicherry with family

Best Places To Visit In Pondicherry With Kids

Best Places To Visit In Pondicherry

The laidback beauty of the places to visit in Pondicherry can be seen in the preserved remnants of its French heritage which is beautifolly intertwined with Indian colture. Pondicherry is a pleasant amalgam of beaches, temples, churches, and historical monuments which makes it a much sought-after tourist destination. The quaint charm can be seen everywhere in the French part of the town as well as in the authentic Indian part.

If you or your kids are adventurous, Pondicherry has a variety of water sports such as surfing and scuba diving. For those on a spiritual trip, Pondicherry tourist places have the famous Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville which attract thousands. If you like to stay close to nature, Pondicherry is dotted with serene and breathtaking beaches and lakes. That’s not to say that Pondicherry doesn’t cater to the shopaholics and foodies. Pondicherry is the perfect place to visit with your family as there’s something for everyone.

Pondicherry tourist places

places to visit in pondicherry with family

The town is most often known as Pondicherry or Pondy, with French and British influences still visible. A few colonial-era structures over 300 years old can still be discovered, some in exceptionally good condition and still occupied and are one of the most popolar Pondicherry tourist places.

Puducherry’s combination of history and geography, as well as antiquity and modernity, has resolted in a unique mix of values and styles. The town and its environs are home to over 350 temples, some of which are barely more than shrines. The oldest of the churches, the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, was constructed in the 1700s.

The Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the myriad institutions linked with its spiritual, artistic, educational, and commercial are undoubtedly the town’s main attractions. Thousands of people attend and meditate in the twin samadhis of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, which have evolved into the Ashram.

Pondy’s natural ambience is most obvious in the oldest portion of town, which faces the seaside boolevard. Colonial structures, some dating back to the 18th century, line a grid of straight clean streets and house French institutions, private homes and businesses, and the premises of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram have emerged as one of the most visited Pondicherry tourist places.

Things to do in Pondicherry

  • Paradise Beach

A ferry ride from Chunnambar and you are at the spectacolar and pristine Paradise Beach with its fascinating blue water, golden and white soft sand, and serene environment. This kid-friendly place in Pondicherry has pre-built shacks in which you can lounge while your kids paddle in the water, as well as showers and clean changing rooms and toilets. Fishing rods are available for rent at nearby shops in case you are a fishing aficionado. This will be the best place in your Things to do in Pondicherry list.

Location: Manaveli Rd, Chinna Veerampattinam, Pudukuppam Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Entry fee: Rs.150/- per person and Rs.20/- extra for a camera

  • Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Labelled as the most spiritual and serene place in Pondicherry, Sri Aurobindo Ashram was founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo and is famous across the world. One of the best places to visit in Pondicherry, the centre of the ashram is the mausoleum of Sri Aurobindo under a frangipani tree. If you are looking for a quiet retreat with yoga, meditation, and spirituality, this ashram is just the place for you. The ashram is huge and has many activities which children can also enjoy. It has state-of-the-art facilities like libraries, sports activities, yoga, swimming, and strength training. This is one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry.

Location: Marine Street, White Town Timings: 8:00 am to 11:30 am and 2:00  pm to 6:00 pm Entry fee: Free

Referred to as the ‘City of Dawn’, Auroville was founded by the Mother along with the collaboration of Sri Aurobindo. Auroville aims to unite human beings from all walks of life without any discrimination of caste, creed, status, or religion so that they can live in harmony. It has a massive golden globe-like structure at the centre called the Matrimandir, which is a centre for meditation. The soil from 124 countries was brought and mixed in an urn at the ashram to symbolise the harmony of the human race. This urn is placed in the amphitheatre which is situated in the Matrimandir Gardens.

Location: Auroville is composed of a cluster of properties 12 km north of Pondicherry. It can be reached from the East Coast Road. Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Entry fee: Free

  • Chunnambar Boat House

An incredible picnic and boating spot in the backwaters of Chunnambar River, Chunnambar Boat House is also known as ‘Plage Paradiso’. This is where the river enters the Bay of Bengal and the serene beach is an ideal place to relax and try your hand at beach sports with your friends and family. There are ample boating facilities on speed boats, motorboats, and sail, and row boats in the placid waters which have thick mangrove trees all around. For the more adventurous, jet skiing facilities are available. Many restaurants serve a variety of delectable cuisines. You can also avail ferry services from here to Paradise Beach.

Location: Chunnambar River, Nonankuppam Timings: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm Entry fee: Rs.15 per adolt and Rs. 5 for children between 4 to 8 years.

  • Old Lighthouse

This historical lighthouse was built by the erstwhile French rolers in the 19th century. This engineering and architectural marvel was once upon a time the only light for guiding ships in the sea across the Red Hills. It offers beautifol photography opportunities and is a delightfol place for history lovers.

Location: Goubert Ave White Town, Promenade Beach Timings: 8:00 am to 12:30 pm and 01:30 pm to 05:30 pm Entry fee: Rs. 10/- per person

  • Jawahar Toy Museum

This museum is a delightfol place to visit with kids as you can admire a variety of toys. It has about 120 dolls in vibrant coloured traditional costumes and styles of the various states that they have been collected from. This unique museum has dolls from many states including West Bengal, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan in their traditional attire. Children can learn quite a lot about the colture and traditions of different Indian states through these displays.

Location: Near the old lighthouse on Goubert Avenue Timings: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm. Closed on Mondays and National holidays Entry fee: Free

  • Bharati Government Park

This park is located in the central region of the old part of Pondicherry and is a very calm and serene place to unwind. Covered in lush greenery with beautifolly manicured lawns, the fountain and vibrant flowers add to the beauty of the park and are the ideal place for kids to burn some energy. The grandiose Aayi Mandapam or the Park Monument stands in the middle of the park and is built in the Greco-Roman style. One of the kid-friendly places in Pondicherry, it has a great play area with swings and slides making it an ideal place to spend time with kids.

Location: 20, Rue Saint Gilles Street, White Town Timings: 06:00 am to 08:00 pm Entry fee: Free

  • Ousteri Lake

Ousteri Lake is an amazing tourist spot in Pondicherry for boating and appreciating natural beauty. This freshwater lake has various restaurants around it that offer delicious food of nature, offer boat rides, and is the ideal place to relax at sunset over a cup of tea or coffee. It is recognised as an IUCN-designated wetland and many beautifol migratory birds can be sighted here.

Location: Vazhudavoor Road Timings: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm Entry fee: Free

  • Pondicherry Botanical Garden

You shoold not miss this botanical garden spread over 22 acres of land. Built by the French colonists of yester years, this lush garden has a whole lot of exotic plants from all over the world. There are 1500 species of plants with placards carrying their scientific and common name. For those interested, there’s a lot of additional information about the uses of the plants, their medicinal value, and the amount of oxygen generated by them. The main entrance of the botanical garden is a testimony to the beauty of French architecture.

Location: Marimalai, Maraimalai Adigal Salai, near Anna Statue, Orleanpet Timings: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm Entry fee: Free

  • Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Constructed in an elegant Gothic style, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus has devotees thronging here for worship. It has numerous glass panels with pictures of saints painted on them as well as pictures depicting the life of Jesus. This basilica can be visited by those interested in art and architecture.

Location: South Boolevard, near Railway Station, MG Road Area Timings: 05:00 am to 08:00 pm Entry fee: Free

These are just a few of the remarkable places to visit in pondicherry. It offers a variety of attractions that are a beautifol blend of Indian and French colture and heritage. Its natural beauty with Auroville Beach, Rock Beach, and Serenity Beach, as well as the various temples, churches and museums, memorial monuments, and parks, ensure that there is something for everyone. It’s also close to other important and beautifol places like Mahabalipuram, Chidambaram, Tiruvannamalai, and Chennai. Pondicherry has various tourist attractions for kids.

For informative and accurate articles on all things related to your new born-toddler’s development, growth, health and nutrition, follow EuroKids Blogs and do check out our nationally recognized preschools – EuroKids for the first step in your kid’s educational journey!

EuroKids is recognized as India’s most respected early childhood education brand, with over 21 years of experience, and has a presence in 350+ cities & 3 countries. The journey began in 2001 with 2 preschools and since then the group has consistently raised the bar for preschool education through its innovative and mindfol curricolum – EUNOIA, which helps children grow holistically in a home-like environment.

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Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Pondicherry, The French Riviera Of The East

From colonial buildings to seafront promenades, these are the most beautiful places to visit in the coastal paradise of pondicherry..

By: Yashita Vashishth Published: Mar 09, 2024 02:03 PM IST

Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Pondicherry, The French Riviera Of The East

Located in South India, Pondicherry was once a French Colonial settlement. The blended roots confer an exotic charm to the Union Territory. Right from its colonial architecture smeared in vibrant hues to pristine backwaters and Creole cuisine, Pondicherry presents a calm oasis for tourists. Those headed to Pondy, as it is colloquially called, can expect a potpourri of experiences encompassing spiritual beaches, dynamic water sports , cafe hopping, and shopping trails. In this story, we round up the most beautiful places in Pondicherry that should be on your radar.

Tourist trail in Pondicherry: Most beautiful places to visit

auroville dome

Helming peace, prosperity, and sustainability, Auroville is an international township on the outskirts of Pondicherry. Established in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, a disciple of Sri Aurobindo, Auroville is home to people from over 50 countries, called Aurovilians. The community focuses on environmental conservation and holistic healing practices like meditation, yoga, and Ayurveda . When in Auroville, make sure to visit Matrimandir (translates to Temple of the Mother), a gilded spherical structure surrounded by 12 gardens symbolising divine qualities, and its silent meditation chamber for introspection and meditation.

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Admire the Gothic Revival architecture of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a catholic church located on South Boulevard Street. Beyond being a spiritual haven , the church is famed for its ornate carvings, stained glass windows, pointed arches, and the striking altar housing a large crucifix and statues of saints.

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Promenade beach (pondicherry beach/rock beach).

beautiful places in pondicherry

Ever bustling with tourist (as well as local) activity, the Promenade Beach runs along the eastern coast of Pondicherry. In addition to the velvety golden sand and reviving sea breeze, the beach also indulges visitors with horse and camel rides. Come sunset, live performers, souvenir shops, and street food vendors elevate the energy of the beach.

The coastal cocoon extends to the palm-fringed Promenade, also called Goubert Avenue, which runs parallel to the beach. It’s the ideal spot for a morning jog, run, or just sitting and admiring the view.

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Aurobindo Ashram

beautiful places in pondicherry

Founded by Sri Aurobindo Ghose, an Indian philosopher, yogi, and spiritual leader and Mirra Alfassa, also known as ‘The Mother’, in 1926, the Aurobindo Ashram promotes integral living. The unique meditative culture of the ashram encompasses yoga classes , study groups, workshops, and cultural events. In addition to soaking up the zen aura of the ashram, visitors can also attend meditation sessions and pay respects at the Samadhi (a shrine dedicated to Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa).

Eglise De Notre Dame Des Anges

Eglise De Notre Dame Des Anges

Among the oldest churches in Pondicherry’s White Town area, Eglise De Notre Dame Des Anges bears a striking resemblance to the Basilica at Lourdes in France . In addition to offering sweeping views of the Bay of Bengal, the church also houses remarkable statues of Joan of Arc and Mother Mary holding baby Jesus. Also known as the Church of Our Lady of Angels, it is the only destination in Pondicherry to host the Sunday mass in French, English, and Tamil.

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The enormous mansion was originally erected during the French Colonial period, serving as the residence of the French Governors of Pondicherry. Post India’s independence in 1947, Raj Niwas became the official address of Pondicherry’s Lieutenant Governor. The sprawling lawns, grand arches, regal corridors, and colonial-style architecture melded with Indian influences make Raj Niwas a sight to behold. The premises are open to visitors from Monday to Saturday, from 12 pm to 1.30 pm. However, kids below the age of five aren’t permitted.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Pondicherry

Constructed in the late 17th century by French missionaries, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral delights with Neoclassical, Gothic, and French Colonial architectural styles. The opulent altar, high ceiling, glass-stained windows, and beautiful statues of saints are bound to capture your imagination.

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Serenity beach.

Serenity Beach - Pondicherry

For an off-the-grid coastal experience in Pondicherry, consider Serenity Beach. Its soft sun-kissed shore and secluded vibe promise a much-needed break from city life’s bustle. In addition to being the perfect spot for sunbathing , swimming, boating, and seaside strolls, Serenity Beach also doubles up as a popular surfing destination during the monsoon.

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French War Memorial

French War Memorial - Pondicherry

Built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1970, the dynamic French War Memorial in Pondicherry pays homage to the martyrs of World War I. On Bastille Day (July 14), the monument comes to life with sparkling lights to honour the sacrifice of the brave soldiers.

Sri Vedapureeswarar Temple

Sri Vedapureeswarar Temple in pondicherry

An epitome of Dravidian style architecture , Sri Vedapureeswarar Temple is renowned for its immaculate carvings of sculptures, a seven-tiered rajagopuram (gateway tower), and a spectacular lingam of the presiding deity Vedapureeswarar in the sanctum. The religious landmark dedicated to Lord Shiva also has shrines honouring other deities like Lord Ganesha, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Murugan.

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Best time to visit Pondicherry

pondicherry street

The best time to visit Pondicherry is between October and March when the weather is pleasant, ideal for sightseeing, beachcombing, and cycling through the quaint lanes of the Union Territory. However, due to the peak season, we recommend making bookings in advance as the accommodation fares skyrocket during these months. It is also the best time to try surfing in Pondicherry, thanks to gentle and clean waves. More experienced surfers who seek challenging seas can consider the months of July, August, and September.

(Feature Image Credit: Sompol/Shutterstock)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What makes the French Quarter in Pondicherry so beautiful? Pondicherry boasts a beautiful mix of French and Indian influences. Some of the most beautiful places in Pondicherry include Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Raj Niwas, Eglise De Notre Dame Des Anges, Aurobindo Ashram, and Auroville, among others.

– Why is Promenade Beach considered one of the most beautiful places in Pondicherry? The Promenade Beach is undoubtedly among the most beautiful places in Pondicherry. In addition to its velvety golden sand and surreal sunset views, the beach also delights with live performances, street food stalls, as well as horse and camel rides.

– What makes Auroville a beautiful destination in Pondicherry? Auroville fosters a beautiful community dedicated to holistic healing, sustainability, and properity. Inside the township lies Matrimandir (translates to Temple of the Mother): a gilded spherical structure of colossal proportions, surrounded by 12 gardens that symbolise the qualities of the Divine Mother. Here, tourists must also visit the silent meditation chamber where they can introspect and meditate.

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Yashita Vashishth

Yashita Vashishth

Writer by day, reader by night, Yashita has a flair for all things travel, wellness and food. She has previously worked at Condé Nast India and Times Internet. When not working, you can catch her binge-reading the latest thriller on the block, re-watching Friends, trying a new recipe or hosting her friends.

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THE 10 BEST Family & Kid Activities in Pondicherry

Things to do in pondicherry with kids.

  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Good for Kids
  • Budget-friendly
  • Good for Big Groups
  • Good for a Rainy Day
  • Good for Couples
  • Honeymoon spot
  • Good for Adrenaline Seekers
  • Hidden Gems
  • Adventurous
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

places to visit in pondicherry with family

1. Seaside Promenade

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2. Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple

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3. Paradise Beach

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4. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

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5. Rock Beach

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6. Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges

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7. Serenity Beach

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8. Varadaraja Perumal Temple

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9. Chunnambar Boat House

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10. Immaculate Conception Cathedral

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11. French War Memorial

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12. Bharati Government Park

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13. Statue Of Gandhi

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14. Kargil War Memorial

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15. Park Monument (Aayi Mandapam)

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16. Auro Beach

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17. Pondicherry Museum

places to visit in pondicherry with family

18. French Institute

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19. Pondicherry Botanical Gardens

places to visit in pondicherry with family

20. Ma Pondy Cherie

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21. Udaya Tourist Cabs

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22. NavaVihan

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23. Kallialay Surf School

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24. Urban Nomad Adventure

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25. Sri Aurobindo Handmade Paper

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26. Pondy Adventures

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27. Mother Ocean Surf School

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What travellers are saying

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places to visit in pondicherry with family

18 Incredible Places To Visit In Pondicherry For A Magical Trip

Photo of Postcard Chronicles

Pondicherry is a confluence of two worlds, a place where dualism is exhibited at its best through the colonial division of the Old Town into White and Black, French and Tamil. It is a small town that has beautiful amalgamation of contemporary and colonial, hedonistic and spiritual, tranquil and chaotic. There are plenty of places to visit in Pondicherry where the past and the present wonderfully coexist. Not many cities in India can claim to be so compact and yet so cosmopolitan—the expats, people drawn by the ideology of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, French citizens, old Pondicherrians, new settlers—all thrive happily in this city.

The Most Incredible Places To Visit In Pondicherry For A Magical Trip

Photo of 18 Incredible Places To Visit In Pondicherry For A Magical Trip 2/2 by Postcard Chronicles

Enough is said and written about the famous places to visit in Pondicherry like Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville, Rock beach, Paradise beach, café xtasi etc that stand like iconic symbols of the city. But there is much more to the beautiful French town that I was raised in. They city has now become one of the sought out beach destinations in India, while my memories trace back to the days of growing up in the broad, sun-dappled boulevards, watching cyclist pedalling in the streets lined with mustard, apricot and tangerine walls with bursts of bougainvillea cascading over them; catching the different shades of blue water hugged by an even bluer sky.

This is not one of those places you can walk around with a to-do list in hand, for there are few ‘sights’ to see, but much to experience. It is in its streets that the city truly reveals its soul. So many people miss the once-in-a-lifetime moments and the unforgettable encounters when their faces are buried deep in the maps or stuck with other tourists at iconic landmarks. The key to the most life-altering, memory-making and utterly beautiful travel is to do it like a local. And here is the list of off-beat places to visit in Pondicherry/ things to do in Pondicherry for all travelling souls.

Which Are The Best Places to Visit in Pondicherry?

Our lady of angels church.

While Basilica of Sacred Hearts and Cathedral Church are quite popular places to visit in Pondicherry, the Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges (Our Lady of Angels Church) depicts the Greco roman architecture. It is among the most popular places to visit in Pondicherry. This is the only church that celebrates mass in 3 languages with French mass happening every Sunday.

Botanical Garden

For all the Life of Pi fans this is where the Richard Parker Zoo scene was shot. The flower show conducted every year attracts a lot of locals and outsiders to visit the place. For people who love to just chill among the lush of green trees, Botanical Garden is among the most scenic places to visit in Pondicherry for you.

Intach Pondicherry

The beautifully restored INTACH building on Aurobindo street has a permanent display for pictures on how they restored the old buildings to conserve the city’s heritage and architecture. For all the art and architecture lovers, this building is one of the most insightful places to visit in Pondicherry.

Want to have a glimpse of Rome? Visit Arikamedu, the only city with an archaeological record of Roman presence in India. It is among the most popular places to visit in Pondicherry. Famous for manufacturing amazing bead jewellery, the glass beads site here was considered as the “mother of all bead centers” in the world.

The new light house provides the best vistas in the city and its coastline. This is one of those places to visit in Pondicherry where photographers will fall in love with the city.

Serenity Beach

This beach is a 20 min drive to the north of the town and is among the most captivating places to visit in Pondicherry Fishing boats are parked on the shore and one can see kids do summersaults off the deck. Most of the beach is covered with creepers and the green helps cool the place

Veerampattinam

Veerampattinam is the biggest coastal village in the Union Territory of Pondicherry and is very close to Arikamedu archaeological site. The village has one of the longest beach and most beautiful beaches in the south of India. It is among the most picturesque places to visit in Pondicherry. It is also home to one of the biggest festivals – The Temple car festival, where hoards of devotees pull massive wooden chariots using thick natural rope. A sight to behold indeed!

Places near Pondicherry

Pichavaram mangrove forest is one of the most popular places to visit in Pondicherry. It is at a distance of 78 kms from Pondicherry, the Vellar estuary in the north and Coleroon estuary in the south. The backwaters offer abundant scope for water sports such as rowing, kayaking and canoeing. The Pichavaram forest not only offers waterscape and backwater cruises, but also another very rare sight of the mangrove forest trees that are permanently rooted in a few feet of water.

Alamparai Fort

Constructed in the late 17th century during the Mughal era, the Alamparai Fort once had a 100-metre long dockyard stretching into the sea, from which zari cloth, salt, and ghee were exported. The remains of the fort still exists. Standup paddle boat ride is done on the backwaters here. It is one of the most historically significant places to visit in Pondicherry.

What to do in Pondicherry?

Wake up pondy cycle tour.

Stroll through the streets and explore the best places in Pondicherry on a customised and quirky vintage cycle. The trail starts from SITA cultural centre and goes via kuruchikuppam through goubert market and heritage town. This will give you a perspective of the city at dawn when the streets are empty and all yours.

Surfing sessions

Kallialay surf school.

Kallialay Surf School is one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry for your surfing sessions. If you are confident of swimming in the sea, Spanish brothers Juan and Samai Reboul will make sure you stand up on your board by the end of lesson one.

Scuba Diving

Temple adventure.

One needs to understand Pondicherry is no Andamans, but even our seas have so much to offer. Temple Adventures are the only people who take scuba diving sessions on the east coast. This is India’s first and only east coast scuba diving center.

Parasailing

There are plenty of sightseeing places to visit in Pondicherry, but it has also boosted a bit of its adventure tourism with scuba diving and surfing. Parasailing can also be done for the ones who are looking out for adventures.( Mind you, it’s an overland experience)

Arts and culture

Sita cultural centre.

Even if you’re someone who has come for a few days trip, you can find classes that suit you from kallaripayatu to French cooking. If you enjoy learning, then this is among the most enlightening places to visit in Pondicherry.

Cluny Embroidery

It is one of the most popular places to visit in Pondicherry. A gorgeous 18th-century mansion where women bend their heads over pieces of lace, their needles working nimbly, while old tunes drift out of a transistor radio. Choose from among intricately embroidered bed linen, tablecloths and handkerchiefs.

Be it capoeira or samba, this is the city’s exclusive address for latin cultural arts. P.S. The rooftop has a travellers café that serves amazing tibetian momos. If you would like to taste some lip-smacking dishes, it is one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry.

If you enjoy local artistry, then it is among the best places to visit in Pondicherry. Discover local art and watch free performances by various artists from across the globe while staying in the artsy rooms

Tasmai a Centre for Art & Culture

If you’re someone who wants to weave some art into their holiday, then it is one of the most enjoyable places to visit in Pondicherry. Check out this place which is a little ahead of aurodhan.

Adhisakthi projects

This is among the most unique places to visit in Pondicherry and is formed by thespian Veenapani Chawla. Head out to this place that has a sunlit stage among the acres of green where you can witness theatre acts performed by renouned artists.

Where to stay?

For every kind of traveller, Pondy offers a beautiful place to stay. From its super luxurious La Villa, Villa Shanthi, Hotel de L’Orient to affordable homestays, we have it all. For story-book like guest houses head to the white town area and stay in one of the above mentioned places. Most of these places are located in Rue Dumas, Rue Roman Rolland and Rue suffren ( between “rue”means street).

If you wish to stay in palatial restored tamil mansions, then you should pick La Maison Tamoule or Maison Perumal. The lemongrass scented rooms and the vintage teak furniture gives you the real essence of our heritage.

Where to eat?

This by itself needs a separate post. Anyways I have mentioned a few places to visit in Pondicherryhere. For all the food lovers, there are plenty of places to visit in Pondicherry that offer a plethora of cuisine options. If you’re someone who has a penchant for cheese, head to Mango Hill to try these 11 varieties of cheese. To indulge in some exotic French staples , head to Rendezvous or le club. For some European and Asian cuisine, Umami Kitchen is the best. For all the biryani lovers, we do have Kamatchi and Aristo. For Vietnamese cuisine, le Paris is one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry. If you’re someone who enjoys street food, then you should try the mutton samosas from the street shop bang opposite the railway station. This food stall is city’s famous spot of mutton samosa and soup. If you are looking for the best places to visit in Pondicherry to satiate your chocolate cravings, then Head to Zuka.

When should I visit Pondicherry?

We only witness different variations of summer. There are plenty of places to visit in Pondicherry and the ideal time to visit these destinations would be from November to February mid as the weather is pleasant and not burning hot. When you visit Pondy, don’t be surprised by shop keepers with strings of jasmine in their hair conversing in fluent French or if an autorickshaw-driver greets you with a resounding ‘Bonjour’. The French connection is the strongest, which collides with Indian sensibilities to create a concoction that’s uniquely Pondicherry.

Pondicherry is a place that makes us pause to find the parts of ourselves we lose while rushing between traffic lights, trapped in glass cabins of the corporate life, chasing the undefined. It is a place that has a part of my heart and my life forever.

Pondicherry Harbour

Photo of Pondicherry Harbour, Pondicherry Harbour, Netaji Nagar No 1, Puducherry, 605004, India by Postcard Chronicles

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Which are your favourite places to visit in Pondicherry? Share your recommendations in the comment section below.

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20 Places to Visit in Pondicherry with Photos and Location

A trip to Pondicherry is an experience that no seasoned tourist would want to miss. While there are plenty of places to visit in Pondicherry in a day, a retreat to the idyllic city for 2 days is a better option, especially if you want to explore the variety of attractions that it has to offer.

Due to the city’s French sovereignty until 1954, Puducherry exudes an old world elegance that blends seamlessly with its bohemian vibe. While the ancient section of the former French colony is dotted with Colonial-era townhouses and a maze of cobblestoned lanes, the newer half of the city is traditionally South Indian. Puducherry, home of the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram, attracts spiritually interested people from all over the world every year. Puducherry is known mostly for its French cuisine, beer, and calm beaches, and anybody who goes once wants to return again and again.

1. Promenade Beach

places to visit in pondicherry with family

Every day is a new adventure at Puducherry’s famous Promenade beach . The sight of orange-yellow rays splattering across the sky as a gentle sea wind brushes your cheek is far more than ‘awesome.’ Have you ever been intrigued by a lighthouse? If so, a visit to the Old Lighthouse from the nineteenth century is a necessity. This structure, designed by a French engineer named L. Guerre, served as the lone beacon of light to guide sailors at night. Today, visitors are captivated by this coastal marvel’s quiet dignity and beauty. Another sight near the shore is a life-size statue of Joan of Arc, France’s national heroine. The French government picked Pondicherry, the French enclave, to hold this statue. It is made of white marble and is elegantly erected in the middle of a garden, carefully arranged so that the statue faces the viewer.

2. Sri Aurobindo Ashram

places to visit in pondicherry with family

Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a must-see attraction in Pondicherry. Sri Aurobindo Ashram, widely recognised for its significance, heritage, and principles, encourages individuals to spend some ME time in tranquility and provides all you need to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Sri Aurobindo Ashram, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Pondicherry, is a location where you can seek spirituality in a relaxed atmosphere and achieve inner peace by meditating in its calm ambience. The mystical ambiance of this shrine helps you to forget everything as soon as you enter inside the ashram, and the stunning backdrop will leave you speechless, enhancing the overall setting.

Planning to visit Pondicherry? Find amazing sightseeing tours with experienced guides at the best price now !

3. Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple

places to visit in pondicherry with family

The Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple is located in White Town, India’s Union Territory of Puducherry. This divine shrine is dedicated to the Hindu deity Ganesha. The Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple is a renowned pilgrimage site and tourism destination in Puducherry. Not only is the temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, but there is also a shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan. The inside of the temple is completely colossal, with forty representations of Lord Ganesha sculpted on the temple’s stone walls. According to Hindu legend, Lord Ganesha was not Lord Shiva and Parvathi’s only child. They had three offspring, the eldest of them was Lord Ganesha. The Lord presiding at the Temple grounds is Lord Murugan, who is said to be Lord Ganesha’s younger brother and the second child of Lord Shiva and Parvathi.

4. Rock Beach

places to visit in pondicherry with family

Most visitors to Pondicherry in India come to enjoy one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions, the world-famous Rock Beach . The lovely beach is bordered by lush green mountains and is ideal for a picnic with family and friends. The rock beach is popular with visitors from all over India and overseas, who come to appreciate the natural beauty and refreshing ambiance of the beach. If you’ve never tried fishing at the beach, you should go and experience the magic for yourself. You can either rent fishing boats from a local merchant or go there on your own. At the magnificent Rock Beach, there is plenty of adventure to be had, and you will enjoy every minute of it.

5. The Sacred Heart Basilica

places to visit in pondicherry with family

The Sacred Heart Basilica of Jesus was consecrated on Pondicherry’s Boulevard. The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, located on the town’s south avenue, is one of the most venerated religious sites in Pondicherry. It is one of India’s 21 basilicas and the only one in Pondicherry. The French missionaries founded this church in 1908, and it was elevated to the title of basilica in 2011. This Catholic Church is one of Pondicherry’s most beautiful. The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. The structure is 50 meters long, 48 meters broad, and 18 meters high, with 24 columns supporting it. The biblical verses on the entrance are written in Latin, and there are representations of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mother Mary carved in the entrance door. It houses rare stained glass panels showing events from Christ’s life as well as Catholic saints.

6. Puducherry Museum

Puducherry Museum

Pondicherry Museum lies in the middle of the city. The museum also has collections of stone sculptures from the Pallava Dynasty and fossilized tree trunks, which contribute to its allure. The museum is a well-known feature of Pondicherry tourism. The central area is the main attraction on the ground floor. There are three intriguing modes of transportation: a palanquin (sedan chair), a coach, and an earlier variant of the rickshaw known as a pousse-pousse, which takes two persons to push and one to drive. Images of various gods and goddesses can be seen in the bronze collections. The collection also includes a large number of lamps used in temples of various dynasties. Pre-Christian relics such as the remains of antique Greek and Roman jars, as well as handicrafts from China’s Tsung era, are wonderfully displayed.

7. Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Immaculate Conception Cathedral

This beautiful construction may be found just adjacent to the Archbishop’s House. It was built in 1791 and serves as the principal mother church for the Pondicherry and Cuddalore Roman Catholic Archdiocese. Surprisingly, this famed Pondicherry church is the fourth church built on this site, which has previously undergone extensive restorations. The towering façade features paired Doric columns beneath and ionic columns above. In front of the Church is a statue of Our Lady holding a newborn Jesus. It is one of Pondicherry’s oldest churches. Buses depart from the nearest railway station, Villupuram, and cabs and rickshaws depart from Chennai International Airport.

8. Bharathi Park

Bharathi Park

Bharathi Park , which is surrounded by beautiful trees and a manicured lawn, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Pondicherry. This park, which is a wonderful spot to rest and unwind, is regarded as one of the best sites around Pondicherry to visit by millions of tourists and travelers. This green picnic site, along with other Pondicherry attractions, attracts millions of people each year from India and the rest of the world. This perfect area for spending quality time with friends and family is one of the most popular visiting places in Pondicherry, thanks to an improved tourism environment and proper transportation facilities. People looking for Pondicherry sightseeing spots and top Pondicherry tourist attractions should not overlook this park as one of the best Pondicherry sightseeing spots. Your search for the top locations to visit in Pondicherry enhances your travel experience.

9. Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple

Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple

The Sri Devaraja Swamy Temple, also known as the Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple , is located in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Perundevi Thayar. It is one of the Divya Desams, the 108 Vishnu temples thought to have been visited by the Alwars, or poet saints. It is located in Kanchipuram’s Vishnu Kanchi neighborhood, which is home to many prominent Vishnu temples. Ramanuja, one of the foremost Hindu thinkers of Vaishnava VisishtAdvaita philosophy, is said to have lived in this temple. It is one of the Divya Desams, the 108 Vishnu temples thought to have been visited by the Alwars, or poet saints. It is located in Kanchipuram’s Vishnu Kanchi neighborhood, which is home to many prominent Vishnu temples. One of the most illustrious Hindu philosophers of Vaishnava VisishtAdvaita philosophy.

10. Mahatma Gandhi Statue

Mahatma Gandhi Statue

One of the key monuments in Pondicherry is the Statue of Mahatma Gandhi – Father of the Nation, which is located on Promenade Beach. Roy Choudhary, a well-known sculptor, created the statue. The eight exquisite carved pillars that surround Mahatma Gandhi’s monument are the main focus of this renowned tourist site in Pondicherry, aside from the statue itself. Gingee Fort, some 68 kilometers from Pondicherry, was where these monolithic granite pillars were transported and built in 1866. The Gandhi Statue, on the other hand, was later installed in 1965, directly opposite the Old Pier. With a height of 4 meters, the Gandhi Statue is the third largest effigy of Mahatma Gandhi. A tunnel leads all the way to Gingee just beneath the statue. Previously, the government took various steps to make this tunnel operational by 2010.

11. Botanical Garden

places to visit in pondicherry with family

Pondicherry Botanical Garden features a brilliant mix of flora like roses, marigolds, and orchids. Take a ride on the toy railway and observe the glistening fish at the aquarium. Walk through the gardens in the shadow of over 1,500 plant and tree types. The park, which was established by the French in 1826, is stretched across 22 acres (9 hectares) of flat ground connected by short walkways and open fields. Look for typical Indian flowers such as jasmine, vivid orchids, and a variety of rose types as you explore. These are arranged in beautiful arrangements and labeled with their English and scientific titles. Look up and you’ll see a dense canopy of tree life. Take a seat on the grass beneath the broad leaves of palm trees and inhale the pleasant aroma of fresh pine that pervades the humid air. 

12. New Light House

places to visit in pondicherry with family

This nineteenth-century New Light House is one of the area’s most popular tourist attractions. It was created by the French overlords and is one of Pondicherry’s primary city attractions. The French overlords intended to construct this Light House so that people could travel knowing that they were now in Pondicherry. The design of this lighthouse differs slightly from that of other lighthouses. The tower was built on a rectangular foundation.

13. Arikamedu

places to visit in pondicherry with family

Arikamedu , a half-hour drive from Pondicherry’s French colonial city, is a historic Roman business area that is concealed from the eyes and ears of ordinary Tamil tourists. It gets its name from the Tamil term ‘Arinmamadu,’ which means ‘Mounting Mount.’ Little is known about any Indo-Roman link before the birth of Christ, but with the discovery and excavation of Arikamedu, considerable evidence is now available. From the first century BC to the second century AD, this port city was inhabited by Rome, the Cholas, and the French as a well-known maritime center. The glass bead manufacturing facility in Arikamedu is known as the “Mother of All Bearded Centers Around the World.” The initial excavation in Arikamedu took place in the 1940s, and it has been ongoing ever since. Sir Mortimer Wheeler’s organization was the most promising of these.

14. Notre Dame des Anges Church

places to visit in pondicherry with family

Notre Dame des Anges Church of Our Lady of Angels features some stunning brickwork and architectural styles. Fine limestone was blended with a lot of egg whites to make the walls exceptionally white when the church was erected to give it the color of absolute white marble. The upper section of the church was built in the Ionic style, while the bottom part was built in the Doric style, both of which are classical architectural styles. The church’s design was inspired by another chapel in France. Napoleon Bonaparte donated the picture that is on the wall of this chapel. The statue of Mother Mary with Baby Jesus in her arms stands in front of this church. The church is located in an area with views of both the seashore and the Bay of Bengal. There are other Joan of Arc statues.

15. Sunday Market

places to visit in pondicherry with family

If you’re asked about the best marketplaces in Pondicherry, chances are you’ll think of Sunday Market (Serenity Beach Bazaar). It sells antiquities and traditional products in a one-of-a-kind weekend handicrafts market that is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The typical village market, which displays mesmerizing crafts by local artisans, is a popular destination for visitors from other countries. This market, surrounded by relaxing natural beauties, is the centerpiece of the lovely Beach City Pondicherry (or Puducherry). Serenity Beach Bazaar is one of the nicest markets in Pondicherry for a variety of reasons. It is a commercial region that serves as an excellent model for small business owners in terms of the kind of things that can be sold. Handicrafts, jewelry, rustic beachwear, wall hangings, and so on. Think out of the box, and you’ll locate your favorite artifact on the shelves of one of the stores.

16. Pondy Marina

places to visit in pondicherry with family

Pondy Marina was Pondicherry’s new beach, located in Dubrayapet village near the new lighthouse. It was once a dirty and unnoticed beach, but it is today one of Pondicherry’s most famous beaches. Pondicherry tourism developed it, and it is administered by a private company. This beach contains a food court, similar to a small shopping center. It has a sand beach as well as a food court as a draw for beachgoers. Every weekend, a large crowd gathers at this beach. This beach is also safe for ladies and children. Swimming is completely prohibited on this beach. And you can see the top view of Pondicherry at the top of the lighthouse.

17. Auroville Beach

places to visit in pondicherry with family

A Auroville Beach to enjoy the ocean. You can some food stalls here. Medium size boats making some good size waves to enjoy. This is a city that is home to individuals from about 50 different countries, and it is commonly regarded as a global metropolis. Auroville City, easily accessible from the highway, is a symbol of cultural harmony and community life. The city of Auroville was founded in 1968 as a project of the Sri Aurobindo Society by the famous Mirra Alfassa known as ‘Mother.’ The goal behind developing this city was to create a universal environment where good men and women from all countries and cultures could live in harmony and fulfill the dream of benevolence and progress. Auroville City is divided into several sections, including the Peace Sector, Industrial Area, Residential Area, International Zone, Cultural Areas, and Green Belts. The Matru Mandir, which attracts visitors due to its splendor, is the city’s primary attraction. Auro Beach is also nearby.

18. Sunrise View Point Rock Beach

places to visit in pondicherry with family

Sunrise View Point Rock Beach is an out-of-the-way area where you may live your life to the fullest, soaking in the pleasant vibrations that the environment provides around you. The location is equally charming whether you come to see the rising or sunset sun.

19. Veerampattinam Beach

places to visit in pondicherry with family

Veerampattinam Beach is well-known for its yearly car festival, which is held in the Sengazhuneer Amman Temple. This temple is dedicated to Amman, one of the incarnations of Goddess Shakthi. The legendary vehicle festival is celebrated in magnificent style during the Tamil month Aadi, which runs from July to August. On Fridays during this event, specific rituals and poojas are also held. The fifth Friday of this month is considered particularly fortunate by the people, and a spectacular Chariot parade is performed. Thousands of pilgrims from neighboring villages converge in Veerampattinam on this day. They have gathered in this village to take part in this celebration. The chariot is paraded through the streets, with devotees pulling it for a short distance.

20. Serenity Beach

places to visit in pondicherry with family

Serenity Beach is located halfway between Pondicherry and Auroville . On weekdays, the beach is calm and peaceful, but on weekends, it is crowded with residents. It’s best to go during the day, and you can easily spend 2 – 3 hours there. There are also a few shacks on the beach that serve short bites and sea cuisine. If you are traveling alone, a walk on the beach and playing in the waves is ideal, or you can plan a picnic with friends and family. One can also come here to see the sunrise and sip coconut water, or to enjoy a hot coffee while watching the sunset and walking down the beach to catch the waves. There are numerous restaurants around Serenity Beach that provide a range of cuisines such as Italian, French, and South Indian.

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  • Pondicherry
  • Places To Visit In Pondicherry

Places to Visit in Pondicherry

A fascinating, small town with enough elements to charm its visitors, Pondicherry whose official name was changed to Puducherry in 2006, was once the largest French colony in India.

Pondicherry_food

Things To See & Do

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Peaceful ashram.

40 minutes to 1 ...

Suggested Time

Basilica Of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus Pondicherry

Basilica Of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus Pondicherry

Beautiful gothic church.

Promenade Beach

Promenade Beach

Stunning rocky beach.

1 to 2 hours

Paradise Beach, Pondicherry

Paradise Beach, Pondicherry

Lively & gorgeous beach.

Chunnambar Boat House

Chunnambar Boat House

Ideal for boating.

Tranquebar, Tamil Nadu

Tranquebar, Tamil Nadu

Popularly known as the land of singing waves.

Auroville

Unique Experimental Township

1 to 1.5 hours

Serenity Beach

Serenity Beach

Golden sand beach.

Cafe Xtasi

Amazing Wood-Fired Pizzas

More than 1 hour

Toxic

Pretty Rooftop Bar

Le Dupleix Near Puducherry

Le Dupleix Near Puducherry

Amazing french cuisine.

Bay of Buddha

Bay of Buddha

Amazing asian food.

Kofi Bar

Rustic Snack Café

L' Aqua Bar

L' Aqua Bar

Awesome beach views.

Poudou Poudou

Poudou Poudou

Multi-cuisine budget restaurant.

Le Pondy

French-Inspired Hotel

Overnight stay

The Promenade

The Promenade

Next to promenade beach.

The Windflower Resorts & Spa

The Windflower Resorts & Spa

French-style rooms.

Le Dupleix

Colonial-Style Rooms

Ocean Spray

Ocean Spray

Amazing ocean views.

The Ashok Beach Resort

The Ashok Beach Resort

Sea-facing rooms.

Prince Park Farm House

Prince Park Farm House

Beautiful cottages, best time to visit pondicherry, ideal winter destination, peak season, moderate season.

  • What To Expect : The weather is comparatively cooler.
  • Things You'll Love : Sightseeing, beach fun and water sports.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Bastille Day_France's National Day): 14th July

Rishi Aurobindo�s Birth Anniversary 15th August

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Best places to visit in pondicherry.

Pondicherry is a small city but the list of Pondicherry attractions is endless. With boulevards and rues and churches to beaches in pondicherry , the places to visit in Pondicherry will entice you with their charm. Moreover, there are a few hill stations near Pondicherry that add to the overall charm of the city.

Most Loved Places to Visit in Pondicherry

Aurobindo Ashram is among the most beautiful places in Pondicherry. Ashram is a place of samadhi for Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, and you can explore these places to visit in Pondicherry in 1 day.

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Holding great religious significance, this Gothic-style building is a must-explore in the places to see in Puducherry. If you are in search of peace and quite, then this religious shrine will prove to be worth a visit.

Promenade Beach is one of the most popular places to go in Pondicherry. Moreover, it is also popular among the places to visit in Pondicherry at night, the beach looks equally alluring. You can unwind at this beach with your loved ones or simply stroll along the shore.

The serene Serenity Beach is among the best tourist spots in Pondicherry, attracting thousands of tourists with its sparkling water and scenic beauty. Here you can catch a stunning sunrise or sunset or simply gaze at the crashing waves.

Chunnambar boat house is among the top places to visit in Pondicherry and is famous for its serene beauty along with its pristine beach.

Best Time to Visit Pondicherry

Summer is considered off-season, for tourist places in Pondicherry. The months from March to June experience the hottest of days that offer unfrequented beaches and a soothing vacation.

The months from October to February offer ideal weather for the popular places in Pondicherry. The days are relatively fine for water sports, sightseeing, and beaches.

The months from July to September experience heavy rainfall and during the season you can explore the unique places to visit in Pondicherry.

Places to Visit With Family and Friends

Auroville is a unique experimental township and is one of the major attractions in places to visit in Pondicherry.

French War Memorial

Dedicated to the soldiers of WWI, the French War Memorial is a great place to spend with your family and friends.

Pondicherry Museum

Displaying a fascinating collection of sculptures, the Pondicherry museum holds the archaeological findings from Arkimedu Roman Settlement.

Best Places for Couples

Botanical garden.

Home to a wide array of rare and exotic plants and an aquarium, Botanical Garden is a fine place to explore with your significant other.

Paradise Beach

Another popular spot in the places to visit in Pondicherry for couples is Paradise beach . A little secluded from the crowd with golden sand, the pristine beach is a mesmerising site.

Auroville Beach

Among the most popular places in Pondicherry, Auro beach is a great sight for spending your day and mesmerising Pondicherry sightseeing.

Places to Visit at Night in Pondicherry

With cosy ambiance, Le Club offers great food, and a variety of alcohol with an outdoor sitting, for enjoying the best of Pondicherry nightlife.

Known for its tranquil atmosphere, Kofi Bar is an amazing bar to unwind your day after exploring the places to visit in Pondicherry.

Toxic is a rooftop cafe that is an open bar cafe with a wide, variety of drinks, alcohol, and so much more along with a stunning view.

Best Places to Visit Around Pondicherry

Mahabalipuram.

Mahabalipuram is famous for its intricately carved stunning temples and rock-cut cave and is a well-known tourist spot around the places to visit in Mahabalipuram.

Vedanthangal

Known for its bird sanctuary, Vedanthangal is home to nearly 30 thousand bird species during the migratory season. The bird sanctuary is among the popular places around Pondicherry and attracts tons of tourists and bird lovers every season.

Among the places near Pondicherry is Thanjavur, which is known for its Tanjore paintings and cultural value. It is among the places to visit in Pondicherry in 2 days, you can enjoy every bit of the Tanjore antiquity in the town.

The places to visit in Pondicherry are a fine amalgamation of gorgeous French architecture and traditional Indian sensibilities making it an ideal place for your vacations. If you are looking for a fun time in a complete off-beat location, then you can definitely plan a trip to Pondicherry.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Pondicherry

What are the things that you should not miss out on when you are in pondicherry.

If you are a true traveller, you should definitely not miss out on Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Promenade Beach when you are in Pondicherry to make a funfilled vacay.

What are the best places to visit in Pondicherry?

Pondicherry has loads of places that you can visit on your vacation. Our recommendation of the best places to visit in Pondicherry include - Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Promenade Beach. Apart from these, there are multiple other places to visit that you can explore if you are on a longer trip!

What are the top things to do in Pondicherry?

Pondicherry is an incredibly lively place and is popularly known for its topmost things to do like Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Promenade Beach. You will have a great time here, then why wait? Book your trip now!

Destinations Near Pondicherry

Top places to visit in nearby destinations, similar places to visit in other destinations, more places & things to explore in pondicherry, best time to visit in similar destinations, explore more, best places to visit in months.

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Attractions to Visit in Pondicherry in One Day

Here are some of the best places to visit in pondicherry in one day:, quick navigation.

Jetski at the backwaters of Chunnmabar River

Begin your journey with ‘The City Of Dawn’. Arguably one of the most tranquil sights in Pondicherry, Auroville was built in 1968 as a futuristic township where people from all walks of life can live in peace and progressive harmony. A visual treat here is the Matrimandir, a dodecagon marble dome dedicated to meditation, with an optical glass globe at its centre, allowing a shaft of sunlight to stream in. This focused sunlight is believed to enhance concentration whilst in the midst of peace. Make sure you visit the boutiques, the bookshop and the cafeteria and ride along on e-cycles while here. Location : Auroville Universal Township, Town Hall, Auroville, Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu 605101, India Timings : Daily 9:30 am - 5:30 pm Price : Free Entry.

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Old Lighthouse

Old Lighthouse

The Old Lighthouse was built by the French, back in 1836, as a guidance for mariners, who up until then relied only on the Red Hills to approach Pondicherry. It was originally a simple rectangular base with a shop, an area for the watchman and an inner staircase leading to the light which shone up to a distance of 29 kms. As time moved on, a second storey was added and a 1000-watt revolving light replaced the original one. Today, the Old Lighthouse has been converted partly into a museum while a new one has been constructed to the south of Pondicherry. Location : Goubert Ave, White Town, Puducherry, 605001 Timings : Tues - Sat - 9 am to 5 pm | Sun-Mon - 3 pm to 5 pm Price : Rs. 10 per person Must Checkout:  Pondicherry Tour Packages From Kerala

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Bharathi Park

Bharathi Park

Surrounded by lush greenery, a picturesque pond, a hill, and granite benches, Bharathi Park is an ideal picnic-spot if you’re travelling to Pondicherry with family. The area around the park is dotted with ancient sculptures, statues and stately buildings, including the Raj Nivas, the Museum and more. Take a stroll, sit by the pond, enjoy some quality time with your loved ones, whilst you make the most of an unhurried experience. Location : 20, Rue Saint Gilles Street, White Town, Puducherry, 605001 Timings : 6:30am–8:30pm Price : Free Entry. Planning a honeymoon trip to Pondicherry? Checkout:  Pondicherry Tour Packages For Couple

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Botanical Gardens

Botanical Gardens

Built in colonial times, the Botanical Gardens boast of French architecture, standing out from the Southern-style surroundings. The sprawling 22-acres garden has more than 1500 species of plants, including endangered and exotic ones, making it one of the best gardens in South India. The garden also offers toy train rides, musical and dancing fountains that you can catch only on the weekends, an aquarium, pruned trees and beautiful flower beds, all which add to the aesthetic of the venue. Location : Maraimalai, Maraimalai Adigal Salai, Near Anna Statue, Ambedkar Nagar, Orleanpet, Puducherry, 605001 Timings : Daily, 10 am - 5pm Price : Adults - Rs. 10 / Children - Rs. 5. You May Also Like:  Pondicherry Tour Packages From Cochin

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Mahatma Gandhi Statue

Mahatma Gandhi Statue

The Mahatma Gandhi statue pays homage to the Father of The Nation. With a foundation laid in 1866 and the inauguration done a century later, the 13-feet high statue is apparently one of the biggest Gandhi statue in Asia. The monument is encircled by eight exquisitely carved granite pillars brought in from Gingee, a fort close to Pondicherry. There is also a tunnel below the statue, which leads right up to Gingee, but owing to some unfortunate mishaps, the entrance was sealed soon after. The statue stands strong, right in the city centre, so make sure you pay it a visit on your one day trip in Pondicherry. Location : No. 40, Goubert Avenue, Beach Rd, White Town, Puducherry, 605001 Timings : Open 24 Hours Price : Free Entry. Click Here To Book:  Pondicherry Tour Packages From Trivandrum

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Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Known to be one of the wealthiest Ashrams in India, this is a must visit on your one day trip in Pondicherry. It is built on the spiritual philosophies of Aurobindo Ghosh, a globally renowned philosopher-poet and yogi. Visitors from across the world flock the Ashram to seek blessings from the mortal remains of Aurobindo and his entrusted disciple called Mirra Alfassa or ‘The Mother’.The remains lie in the courtyard of the main Ashram building, under a frangipani tree, accessible to all. Location : Near Junction of Manakula Vinayagar No. 9 Marine Street, Manakula Vinayagar Koil St, Near Junction of, Puducherry, 605002 Timings : Samadhi - 8 am - 12 pm and 2 pm - 6 pm Price : Free Entry. Click Here To Book:   Pondicherry Tour Packages From Visakhapatnam

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Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Standing magnificently tall, this temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, was built three centuries ago. The interiors bear forty incarnations and forms of Lord Ganesha, intricately carved on the temple walls. A golden pyramid crowns the temple and the premises are home to Lord Murugan’s shrine, who is believed to have been the younger brother of Lord Ganesha. Together, the shrine and pyramid, create a blissful aura.Rest assured, once here, you’ll be amused by the temple elephant Lakshmi, who gathers coins from tourists and blesses them with her trunk! Location : Manakula Vinayagar Koil St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001 Timings : 5:45 am - 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm - 9:30 pm Price : Free Entry.

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Pondicherry Museum

Pondicherry Museum

Housing a rare collection of bronze and stone sculptures, steeped into our history, excavated from the Pallava and Chola dynasties and Arikamedu, the local museum is definitely one of the many places to visit in Pondicherry in one day. A major attraction here is the coach, the palanquin and the pousse-pousse, which was an ancient rickshaw, needed to be operated by two people at a time. Once here, you’re sure to be transported to the mythological era. Spot the fossilised tree trunk, Greek and Roman relics, Hindu deities, handicrafts, coins, French furniture and more. Location : Eswaran Kovil Street, Canteen St, Puducherry, 605001 Timings : 9 am - 5:00 pm. Monday closed Price : Rs. 15 per person. Must Checkout :  Pondicherry Tour Packages From Bangalore

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Aayi Mandapam

Aayi Mandapam

Among the many places to visit in Pondicherry in one day, the Aayi Mandapam is on our list for its history. Legend has it that the memorial is dedicated to Aayi, a courtesan, whose brothel was ordered to be torn down by the King. After bringing it down herself, Aayi built a pond there to make potable water accessible to the residents. Her generosity is marked by the structure in Bharathi Park, which is illuminated in all its glory in the evenings. It is flanked by monuments and statues that also make for interesting tourist spots. Location : White Town, Puducherry, 605001 Timings : 9 am - 7 pm Price : Free Entry. Also Checkout:    Pondicherry Tour Packages From Coimbatore

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French War Memorial

French War Memorial

The French Memorial is a beautiful but grave reminder that pays tribute to the bravehearts who laid down their lives during World War I. It was erected in 1937 and inaugurated a year later. While nobody is permitted to enter the grounds of the war memorial, on the occasion of Bastille Day, every year, the memorial is beautifully illuminated so as to pay homage to the valiant martyrs. Behind the memorial is a bronze carving that marks the day the then Governor-General of France, Joseph Dupleix, arrived in Pondicherry in 1742. Make sure you visit this too. Location : Mahe de Labourdonnais St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001 Timings : 10 am to 5 pm Price : Free Entry. Also Checkout and Book:   Pondicherry Tour Packages From Mumbai

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Promenade Beach

Promenade Beach

If you’re looking for places to visit in Pondicherry in one day, don’t miss the infamous Promenade Beach. The 1.5 km stretch is often called the Pride of Pondicherry for its sparkling sands and glistening waters.You’ll spot a juice vendor early in the day, and street-foods lining the beach late in the evenings. That’s not all, tourists and locals alike, frequent this beach for their evenings strolls or jogs, while a majority are here to simply enjoy the vibe at the popular Le Cafe. After all, iIt isn’t everyday that you can sip on some delicious coffee and bite into some lip-smacking food while the waves lap at your feet, right? Location : White Town, Puducherry, 605001 Timings : Open 24 hours Price : Free Entry.

Rock Beach

Known to be one of the finest beaches Pondicherry has to offer, feel free to lose yourself amidst nature’s charm at the Rock Beach. Situated in the heart of the city, right next to the Promenade Beach, and surrounded by the most popular sights in town, the beach is lined by huge rocks. A trip here during sunrise or sunset is absolutely surreal, as you watch the mighty waves crash against the rocks ever so often. Location : White Town, Puducherry, 605001 Timings : Open 24 hours Price : Free Entry. You May Also Like:  Pondicherry Tour Packages From Chennai

Our Lady of Angels Church

Our Lady of Angels Church

Translated from the French term, Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges, the Church should certainly feature on your list of places to visit in Pondicherry in one day. With a mix of limestone and egg whites, lending it a white marble texture, the structure is built in Greek-Roman architectural style. Inside, you’ll be welcomed by rare oil paintings and pastel colours which soothe your senses as you walk in. Bang opposite the church is a statue of Virgin Mary cradling Baby Jesus in her arms. The diversity here is visible through the Mass, which is read in French, English and Tamil. Location : Dumas St. and Surcouf St, Puducherry, India Timings : 7 am - 6:30 pm Price : Free Entry.

Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach

Looking for Paradise? It’s right here amidst the pristine beauty of Pondicherry! Offering a rustic ambience, Paradise Beach is where time stands still, yet the endless activities are a good reminder of how quickly time flies by. Feel the sand between your toes, the waves lapping at your feet, and the soft rustle of the coconut trees that transport you into a surreal space. You can dine at the multi-cuisine shack here, take a dip in the waters, indulge in some beach sports with your loved ones, or even enjoy a game ot two with strangers. Everyone’s welcome here! All of this and more makes Paradise Beach a must-visit on your one day trip in Pondicherry. Location : Chinna Veerampattinam, Puducherry 605007 Timings : 9 am - 5 pm

Price : Boat rides and activities are charged. Recommended Read:  Pondicherry Tour Packages From Mysore

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Chunnambar River

Chunnambar River

End your day with a serene boat ride or even better, a tree-house stay, at the Chunnambar River, 8 kms from Pondicherry. Yes, a tree-house stay! You read that right. Following your picnic at the adjoining Paradise Beach, the backwaters are not only home to a quaint resort, but also offer a host of activities including trekking, yachting, boating and beach sports. With a panoramic view of abundant greenery, a slice of ‘Paradise’ by its side, quite literally, and the gently flowing river, an overnight stay or a short trip to Chunnambar is probably the nicest ways to end your day at Pondicherry. Location : Pondy-Cuddalore Road, Nonankuppam, Puducherry 605101 Timings : 24 hours Price : Boat rides and activities are charged. Click Here to Book Now :  Pondicherry Tour Packages From Mangalore

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Aurobindo Ashram or the Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a spiritual group (ashram) situated in the union territory of Pondicherry. The ashram was a small community that expanded over some time as more and more disciples of Aurobindo Ghose gathered around to seek spirituality. Aurobindo Ghose founded this ashram after he left his political career and aspired to inherit spiritualism in his life. A few followers of Aurobindo joined him in the ashram with the same aim of seeking spirituality. Located in eastern Pondicherry, Sri Aurobindo Ashram has become a hub of tourists who are inclined towards divinity and simplicity in their lifestyle. The ashram is popular not only in India but also in other countries because of the work put forth by the community towards the healing of humanity. The ashram in its initial days only had a few buildings but later, as more and more people joined, the ashram grew bigger and presently, it consists of many small buildings that are adjacent to each other. The ashram provides all the basic needs of its members for living a healthy and simple life. There is a library in the ashram where members can read and learn about the history and teachings of the place. Also, there are various cultural facilities like dance, theatre, music, arts, and sports for the all-round development of the members. The ashram is managed by a board of five trustees who make sure that the legacy and vision of Aurobindo Ghose remains in the ashram.History of Aurobindo Ashram:After quitting politics, Aurobindo Ghose spent most of his time writing and meditating in the ashram. From 1910 to 1920, the ashram had a few members alongside Aurobindo who all lived a simple life involving reading, writing and doing their daily chores. In 1920, Mirra Alfassa or “The Mother” who was regarded as the “spiritual collaborator” of Aurobindo returned to Pondicherry and lived in the ashram. Soon, more and more people came in the ashram and it gradually became a community under the umbrella of Aurobindo and the Mother. In 1926, the formal foundation of the ashram was done and this resulted in more and more people coming to the ashram. From just 24 people in 1927 to 150 in 1934, the ashram started to grow like a community. Over the years, as the ashram grew in numbers more and more departments were formed and the sadhaks looked after the departments as a part of their sadhana. Today, the ashram is spread throughout the town in around 400 buildings and houses more than 2000 sadhaks. Highlights of Aurobindo Ashram:-Aurobindo Ghose founded the ashram in 1926 after quitting his career in politics -Mother (Mirra Alfassa) companion of Aurobindo carried on the legacy of the ashram after Aurobindo’s death in 1950.-One of the biggest Ashrams in India, Aurobindo Ashram housing more than 2000 people living and serving each other. -Auroville, the city of dawn was the brainchild of Mother. Auroville is associated with the ashram in its ideological structure and well-being.-Aurobindo Ashram publishes many periodicals about the essence of spirituality and peace in life-It takes around 2-3 hours to see the entire ashram 

Rock Beach

Rock Beach, often referred to as the Promenade Beach or Pondicherry Beach is a beachfront located along the Bay of Bengal. The coastline of this beach is 1.5 km long and starts at the War Memorial built at the beginning of the beach, while ends at the Dupleix Park built at the Goubert Avenue. Unfortunately, this beach is not open for taking dips in the sea or any water sport activities, but many visit the place during sunrise and sunset for walking, jogging or taking a stroll. The beach is clustered with tetrapods along the coastline, while a concrete pathway has been constructed which is flanked with cafes, restaurants and pubs. These restaurants serve various cuisines including French, Indian, Arabic and Chinese. Some of the places have live band performances that attract many tourists. The restaurants and pubs do not allow any customers after midnight and shut down before 1:00 AM.Apart from restaurants, there are shopping boutiques that sell textile materials, home décor and souvenirs for you to take home. The various hotels built around the beach provide several stay-at options for foreigners and local travellers. There are no vehicles allowed on the concrete and paved path, but there is a parking space provided at the entrance where you can give a fee of NR 5 and let the watchman take care of your vehicle.One may encounter various hawkers and vendors selling balloons, neon bands and tiaras whose presence may be vexing. The beach is not as crowded on weekdays as it is on weekends.

Raj Niwas

The Raj Niwas building is constructed on the foundation of a hotel named Hotel De La Compagnie. This is the government house of the Pondicherry and is a blend of both Indian and French architecture. The previous name of this Raj Niwas is Palais du Government. The Raj Niwas isn’t open to public but it is one of the attractions in Pondicherry. Most of the people who went on a trip to Pondicherry will surely pay a visit to this Raj Niwas to enjoy the Indo-French architecture. The monolithic pillars, fountain are the biggest asset of this Raj Niwas. They enhance the look of the construction as well as add royalty too. The public can go into the Raj Niwas on some special days and occasions only.Location:White TownPondicherry 605001Best Time To Visit:The Best Time To Visit: Raj Niwas will be between 12 pm and 1:30 pm as you will be allowed into the house. The point to remember here is the passes are limited to 40 per day.TimingsThe Raj Niwas will be open between 12pm and 1:30 pmDistance Between Pondicherry Bus stand and Raj NivasThe distance from Pondicherry bus station to Raj Nivas is 2.6 kms which can be travelled in 4-5 mins.Image Credits: thehindu.com

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3 Days Pondicherry (Top Places to visit in Pondicherry in Three Days)

Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry, is a popular tourist destination among travelers from across the globe. It is a former French colony that offers a beautiful blend of traditional Indian sensibilities and French architecture, creating a romantic getaway that gives the best of both worlds.

The streets of Pondicherry's French Quarter, also known as White Town, are lined with lovely mustard-yellow colonial houses with bougainvillaea encrusted walls. These are intermingled with quaint cafés and fashionable stores serving excellent French food and beverages. Simply wandering around these alleyways might provide visitors with a glimpse of Pondicherry's magical appeal.

Pondicherry is also perfect for those looking for an adrenaline rush. You may participate in numerous water sports like surfing, scuba diving, and so on. Pondicherry is known for its stunning beaches and offbeat places like Aurobindo Ashram or Auroville.

You can plan a 3 days trip to the most popular tourist destinations in Pondicherry to get a peek at majestic sights that will steal your breath away.

Pondicherry Places to Visit in 3 days

Day 1 pondicherry places to visit.

  • Sri Aurobindo Ashram
  • Seaside Promenade
  • Statue of Dupleix
  • Aayi Mandapam

Day 2 Pondicherry Places to Visit

  • Botanical Garden
  • Chunnambar Boathouse
  • Paradise Beach

Day 3 Pondicherry Places to Visit

  • Immaculate Conception Cathedral
  • Serenity Beach

1. Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Places to Visit Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry

Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a place of enlightenment where visitors from all over the world practice meditation. It is a great place for spiritual experiences and moksha. The ashram was founded by Sri Aurobindo Ghosh. Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a place where you can find peace in an atmosphere full of serenity. The setting will leave your mind at ease and inspire tranquillity with its beautiful backdrop.

2. Seaside Promenade

Places to Visit Seaside Promenade, Pondicherry

Seaside Promenade is one of the most popular places to visit in Pondicherry. You can explore the French roots of the beautiful coastal city at this beach. Stretching almost 1.5 kilometers, the beach offers a plethora of tourist spots. The statue of Joan of Arc, the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, the old heritage hall, and the old lighthouse greet visitors at the beach. You can enjoy the splendid scenery and enjoy photography with your loved ones.

3. Statue of Dupleix

Places to Visit Statue of Dupleix, Pondicherry

Located on the Promenade Beach is a captivating monument of the French ruler, Joseph Francois Dupleix. It dates back more than 150 years. In 1870, the French appreciated Dupleix's work and commissioned two of his sculptures. One was established in France, and the other was moved to Puducherry in India.

The 2.88 meters tall statue is a local icon and a popular tourist destination. The surrounding active children's park enhances the statue's charm. In the statue, Dupleix is wearing a court gown and a bag wig. His towering size is reflected in his long riding boots, large nose, and massive jaw.

4. Aayi Mandapam

The Aayi Mandapam or Park Monument, which stands tall in the heart of Pondicherry's Bharathi Park, is a pearly white building created during the time of Napoleon III, Emperor of France. The monument was erected in memory of Aayi, a female courtesan who demolished her own home to construct a water reservoir for the city.

The Mandapam, built in the spectacular Greco-Roman architectural style, is set among stunning well-kept lawns, gorgeous fountains, and vibrantly flowering flowers. For the convenience of visitors, the beautiful green garden has several tiny granite seats. It is especially popular among young couples and photography aficionados.

5. Botanical Garden

Places to Visit Botanical Garden, Pondicherry

Pondicherry's Botanical Garden was designed to be an attractive French garden. It's a peaceful and relaxing refuge where you can unwind and fight the heat. The majestic French architecture of the gate welcomes you to a paradise of flora and calm. The garden has over 1500 plant kinds separated into 30 sections.

The Pondicherry Botanical Garden's features include giant trees and prehistoric flora. With its variety of endangered and exotic plant species, the Botanical Garden of Pondicherry is a nature lover's paradise. Its principal goal is to encourage education and raise awareness about plant protection. There are also flower displays, training courses, and plant sales held here.

6. Chunnambar Boathouse

Places to Visit Chunnambar Boathouse, Pondicherry

Chunnambar Boat is a tropical gem in southern India that offers an exceptional houseboat experience. Chunnambar Boat House, flanked on one side by an exotic stream, is one of Pondicherry's most popular tourist attractions.

There is so much to do at Chunnambar Boat House; you may spend your entire day here either boating or being sun-kissed, or you can play beach sports or simply unwind by lying and reclining on the beach. In addition, Chunnambar Boat House allows you to travel downstream and spend the night camping on the beach. Chunnambar Resort rents out boats to tourists for this purpose. A variety of beach activities are also conducted at Chunnambar Boat House.

7. Paradise Beach

Places to Visit Paradise Beach, Pondicherry

Plage Paradiso, often known as Paradise Beach, is located in Chunnambar, close to the town of Pondicherry. This is a small, secluded beach adorned with golden sand. To get there, you can take a ferry over the backwaters and enjoy a 20-30 minutes scenic ride. There are a few shacks near the beach's main entrance where you can obtain fresh coconut water and modest munchies. Paradise beach is an excellent place to go early in the morning to see the sunrise on the eastern shore. A range of water sports facilities including fishing is also available at the beach.

8. Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Places to Visit Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Pondicherry

Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Puducherry is the mother cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Cuddalore, dating back 300 years. The stunning white and blue color scheme with golden accents adds to its elegance. The monument has a blend of French and Portuguese style architecture.

Over time, the Church has experienced significant renovations and restoration. However, it has been demolished three times in the last 350 years, and what you see now is the Church erected on the foundation the third time it was damaged. The architecture has developed, making it more attractive than its initial design.

9. Arikamedu

Arikamedu, Pondicherry

Arikamedu is a historic Roman commercial center that is concealed from the eyes and hearing of ordinary Tamil tourists. It was named after the Tamil term 'Arikanmedu,' which means 'eroding mount.' From the first century BC to the second century AD, this port town was held by Romans, Cholas, and French, and it was a well-known nautical center. Arikamedu's glass bead production business is known as the "Mother of All Bead Centers in the World."

The town currently consists of two perpendicular walls that have been thrown open and the ruins of French Jesuit Mission House, which was built in the 18th century. In addition, mango and coconut trees may be found in this area.

10. Serenity Beach

Places to Visit Serenity Beach, Pondicherry

Serenity Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Pondicherry, a coastal town in India. The beach is flanked on the shore by palm trees and provides a good view of the Bay of Bengal reaching into the wide ocean. The gorgeous sands of Serenity Beach will fascinate you.

The presence of both sandy and rocky beaches throughout the Serenity Beach stretch is one of its distinguishing traits. The Serenity beach is rarely overcrowded, and travelers may spend quiet and private time with their spouses, family, or friends.

11. Auroville

Places to Visit Auroville, Pondicherry

Auroville is an experimental township in Viluppuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, spiritual guru also known as The Mother. The township is designed by architect Roger Anger. A popular tourist spot now, the township promotes the values of peace, harmony, and sustainable living. It was designed to be a place where people from all over the world could come together and live in peace and harmony. It is home to a diverse community of people looking to attain peace by serving others.

More To Explore In Pondicherry

Pondicherry is an intriguing tourist destination in India, with everything from beaches to historical buildings and temples to churches. There is no dearth of places to visit in Pondicherry on a 3 days trip. You can visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Rock Beach, Ousteri Lake, Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Ousteri Wetland and National Park, Meeran Mosque, and Ananda Ranga Pillai Mansion.

Pondicherry's colorful modest buildings, countless trees on the streets, and local shops will undoubtedly attract you to spend a weekend there. You can explore the city on a bicycle or walk down Pondicherry's most popular shopping areas like Serenity Beach Bazaar, Casablanca, SUND'art, Studio Ebony, Anokhi, and Auro Woodworks.

Pondicherry is a mix of cultures especially when it comes to food. You can try delicious and mouth-watering French, Tamil, and Continental, dishes. Some of the greatest restaurants in town are Auroville Bakery, Café des Arts, Hotel Surguru, Café Xtasi, Le Dupleix, and Tanto Pizzeria.

Top Tourism Places to Visit in Pondicherry

  • Paradise Beach Puducherry
  • Sri Aurobindo Ashram Puducherry
  • Promenade Beach Puducherry
  • Bharathi Park Puducherry
  • Pondicherry Museum
  • French War Memorial Puducherry
  • Mahatma Gandhi Statue Puducherry
  • Botanical Garden Puducherry
  • Pondicherry Lighthouse
  • Arikamedu Puducherry
  • Raj Nivas Puducherry
  • Romain Rolland Library Puducherry
  • Meerapalli Puducherry
  • Auroville Beach Puducherry
  • Old Lighthouse Puducherry
  • Matrimandir - Auroville Puducherry
  • Auroville Visitors Center Puducherry
  • Jawahar Toy Museum Puducherry
  • Serenity Beach Puducherry
  • Statue of Dupleix Puducherry
  • Police Museum Puducherry
  • ISKCON Temple Puducherry
  • Sita Cultural Centre Puducherry
  • Sunday Market Puducherry
  • Karaikal Beach Puducherry
  • Port of Pondicherry
  • Sadhana Forest Puducherry
  • Veerampattinam Beach Puducherry
  • Chunnambar Boat House Parking
  • Bharathidasan Museum Puducherry
  • Cluny Embroidery Centre Puducherry
  • Our Lady of Angels Church Puducherry
  • Varadharaja Perumal Temple Puducherry
  • Ananda Ranga Pillai Mansion Puducherry
  • Ousteri Lake / Ossudu Lake Puducherry
  • Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple Puducherry
  • Sri Kanniga Parameswari Temple Puducherry
  • Immaculate Conception Cathedral Puducherry
  • Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Puducherry
  • Temple Adventures / Scuba Diving in Pondicherry
  • Sri Dharbaranyeswara Swamy Temple Puducherry
  • Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple Puducherry
  • Pogo Land Water and Amusement Park Puducherry
  • Sri Gokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple Puducherry
  • Sri Karaneswar Nataraja Temple - Pyramid Temple Puducherry

places to visit in pondicherry with family

places to visit in pondicherry with family

Pondicherry to Ooty-7 romantic places in South India to visit

Here are seven romantic places in South India that you can visit.

Escape to the secluded beaches of Gokarna for a romantic retreat. Enjoy sunsets at Om Beach, go beach hopping along the coastline, and indulge in seafood dinners by the shore.

Known for its French colonial architecture, charming streets, and serene beaches, Pondicherry exudes romance.

Take a romantic stroll through the botanical gardens, ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and enjoy breathtaking views from Doddabetta Peak.

Experience romance on a houseboat cruise through the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey.Watch the sunset over the water, and enjoy delicious Kerala cuisine onboard.

Stay in a cosy hillside cottage, trek through tea estates hand in hand, and witness stunning sunrises and sunsets together.

Coorg is a perfect romantic getaway. Enjoy scenic drives, explore waterfalls, and stay in charming resorts amidst nature.

Kashmir to Ooty-7 places to visit during spring

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COMMENTS

  1. Things to Do in Pondicherry with Kids

    Fun Things to Do in Pondicherry with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. See Tripadvisor's 80,052 traveller reviews and photos of kid friendly Pondicherry attractions

  2. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Pondicherry

    Things to Do in Pondicherry, India: See Tripadvisor's 80,079 traveler reviews and photos of Pondicherry tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in March. ... South Indian Dinner With A Local Family In Pondicherry. Bus Tours. from . $153. per adult (price varies by group size) Pondicherry, Thanjore & Trichy (5 Days ...

  3. Things To Do In Pondicherry: Ultimate 5-Day Pondicherry Itinerary

    The relaxed, idyllic, and laidback vibes of Paradise beach not only make it one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry with your family but also an automatic inclusion in your Pondicherry itinerary. Note: Visitor timings are 9:00 am - 6:00 pm. 3. Taste the best brewed coffee and smoothies at Bread and Chocolate

  4. 29 Things To Do In Pondicherry 2024 (With Photos, Reviews)

    Here is the list of 29 Things to do in Pondicherry. 1. Take a Ferry to Paradise Beach. Next. 4.4 /5. Also known as the Plage Paradiso, Paradise Beach is situated in Chunnambar, close to Pondicherry town. Adorned with the golden sand, this famous and highly sought after beach is always swaying in a cold sea breeze.

  5. Places To Visit In Pondicherry

    Historical Site (3) 1. Paradise Beach, Pondicherry. Top Attraction 4.4 /5. 4 km. from city center 1 out of 49. Places To Visit in Pondicherry. Paradise Beach, also known as Plage Paradiso, is situated in Chunnambar, close to Pondicherry town. Adorned with the golden sand, this is a little-isolated beach.

  6. Top 30 Places to Visit in Pondicherry During Family Vacation

    8. Gingee Fort. Known as the 'Troy of the East' by the British, the Gingee Fort is situated in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu, 160 km. from the state capital, Chennai, and close to the union territory of Pondicherry. Local people have given the fort some prominent names, like Senji, Chenji, Jinji or Senchi fort.

  7. 14 BEST Places to Visit in Pondicherry (2024 Guide)

    Why it's awesome: A place of immense spiritual significance, Matrimandir is a golden, dome-shaped feat of architecture that might literally take your breath away. If you Google "Pondicherry," you will inevitably see this building among the highlights that pop up. A project engineered by philosopher Mirra Alfassa, known by the mysterious name "The Mother," Matrimandir took 37 years to ...

  8. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Pondicherry

    One day private tour of Pondicherry from Chennai in car with a guide. 34. Historical Tours. from. S$214. per adult (price varies by group size) Mahabalipuram & Pondicherry trip from Chennai by Wonder tours. 6. Historical Tours.

  9. Pondicherry (Puducherry) with kids: things to do for families

    2. Stroll along the seafront. The large boulders on the shoreline mean the sea at Pondy isn't suitable for swimming but it's still a great place to let the kids run free and throw stones into the crashing waves. Beach Rd/Goubert Avenue, which runs parallel to the seafront, is closed every evening from 6pm, when it springs to life with ...

  10. Perfect 3 Day Pondicherry Itinerary

    3 Day Pondicherry Itinerary - Day 1 in Pondicherry / Puducherry. Gandhi Statue. My wife and I drove down to Pondy from Chennai, and even before we reached there we could not resist visiting Mahabalipuram which is en route on the ECR. The heritage town is a must-see for its wonders, beaches, and sculptures.

  11. Top 30 Things To Do in Pondicherry With Family

    10. Visit the Pondicherry Museums. Steeped in culture and history, Pondicherry is home to many popular museums. These powerhouses depict the art that exists in Pondicherry and makes for quite an enlightening experience. If you wish to soak up a little culture with your family, these Pondicherry museums are the perfect place to visit.

  12. 38 Top Tourist Places to Visit in Pondicherry

    Beach. #16 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry. At a distance of 9.5 km from Pondicherry Bus Station and 6 km from Auroville Matrimandir, the Auroville Beach situated near Bommayapalayam on East Coast Road is a nice and serene beach and also a must visit Pondicherry Beach. The Auroville Beach is one of the popular beaches in Pondicherry and ...

  13. Best Places To Visit In Pondicherry With Kids

    Fishing rods are available for rent at nearby shops in case you are a fishing aficionado. This will be the best place in your Things to do in Pondicherry list. Location: Manaveli Rd, Chinna Veerampattinam, Pudukuppam. Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Entry fee: Rs.150/- per person and Rs.20/- extra for a camera.

  14. Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Pondicherry

    Eglise De Notre Dame Des Anges, Pondicherry. Image Credit: travel sojourns/Shutterstock. Among the oldest churches in Pondicherry's White Town area, Eglise De Notre Dame Des Anges bears a striking resemblance to the Basilica at Lourdes in France.In addition to offering sweeping views of the Bay of Bengal, the church also houses remarkable statues of Joan of Arc and Mother Mary holding baby ...

  15. Things to Do in Pondicherry with Kids

    Fun Things to Do in Pondicherry with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. See Tripadvisor's 79,572 traveller reviews and photos of kid friendly Pondicherry attractions ... This tiny botanical garden is maintained by a French couple and an interesting visit among Pondicherry tourist places... 20. Pondicherry Botanical Gardens ...

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    Activity Location: Pondicherry (the exact location will be confirmed after the booking confirmation) Activity Timing s: Open from 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM or 9.00 AM to 1.00 PM. Activity Duration: 4-5 hours (including training & Scuba Diving) . Diving Time: 15-30 Minutes Pick-up/Dr op-off Location: Eden beach, Chinna veerampattinam. About Scuba Diving In Pondicherry:

  17. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Pondicherry

    Things to Do in Pondicherry, India: See Tripadvisor's 80,079 traveller reviews and photos of Pondicherry tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in March. ... South Indian Dinner With A Local Family In Pondicherry. Bus Tours. from . £122. per adult (price varies by group size) Pondicherry Art Trails (2 Hours Guided Walking ...

  18. 18 Incredible Places To Visit In Pondicherry For A Magical Trip

    Request Callback ›. A list of the 18 most fabulous places to visit in Pondicherry, the French capital of India. These include Our Lady Of Angels Church, Botanical Gardens, Dubrayapet, Serenity Beach, Alamparai Fort, Auroville and many more.

  19. 20 Places to Visit in Pondicherry with Photos and Location

    4. Rock Beach. Most visitors to Pondicherry in India come to enjoy one of the country's most popular tourist attractions, the world-famous Rock Beach. The lovely beach is bordered by lush green mountains and is ideal for a picnic with family and friends.

  20. Places to Visit in Pondicherry

    Places to visit in Puducherry with Family. Toxic, Cafe Xtasi, L' Aqua Bar, Bay of Buddha, Le Dupleix Near Puducherry. ... The places to visit in Pondicherry are a fine amalgamation of gorgeous French architecture and traditional Indian sensibilities making it an ideal place for your vacations. If you are looking for a fun time in a complete off ...

  21. Best Places to Visit in Pondicherry in One Day

    Places to visit in Pondicherry in one day: One day Pondicherry trip includes Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Promenade Beach, Bharathi Park, Auroville and many more. ... Bharathi Park is an ideal picnic-spot if you're travelling to Pondicherry with family. The area around the park is dotted with ancient sculptures, statues and stately buildings ...

  22. 3 Days Pondicherry (Top Places to visit in Pondicherry in Three Days)

    Paradise Beach. Day 3 Pondicherry Places to Visit. Immaculate Conception Cathedral. Arikamedu. Serenity Beach. Auroville. 1. Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a place of enlightenment where visitors from all over the world practice meditation.

  23. Pondicherry to Ooty-7 romantic places in South India to visit

    Here are seven romantic places in South India that you can visit. Escape to the secluded beaches of Gokarna for a romantic retreat. Enjoy sunsets at Om Beach, go beach hopping along the coastline ...