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Plan Your Trip to Pondicherry: Best of Pondicherry Tourism

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• Ocean Spray
• Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay
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• The Promenade
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• Villa Shanti
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• Sri Aurobindo Ashram
• Chunnambar Boat House
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• Guided City Tour in Pondicherry with complimentary refreshments
• The Unique Pondicherry City Bike Tour
• The Best of Pondicherry: A Private Sightseeing Tour
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Complete Pondicherry Travel Guide & Things To Do

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If Jaipur is the Pink City and Jodphur is the Blue City, then Pondicherry is certainly the Yellow City. In this Pondicherry travel guide, I’m going to share my experiences and help you have the best possible visit! Known by the locals as Pondy, this charming city in Tamil Nadu is yet more proof of India’s diversity. My first two months in India had already included snowy mountains, desert, busy cities, tranquil nature, Hindu temples and Sikh pilgrimage sites, so why not throw a tropical Catholic town into the mix?

PONDI ESSENTIALS India Lonely Planet Accommodation: Booking.com / Hostelworld Getting there: flight ( Skyscanner ) / bus / train ( 12Go ) Travel insurance:   True Traveller  (European travellers) /   Hey Mundo  (other nationalities) /   Safety Wing  (digital nomads)

Like many other Asian settlements – Hoi An in Vietnam for example – the French are responsible for the look of Pondicherry. While I did really enjoy my time in Pondy, the colonialist influence made me feel uncomfortable. Probably because I’ve learnt so much about the British involvement in India and the atrocities that came with it. That’s not the most upbeat way to start this Pondicherry tourist guide but I had to get it out of the way! Pondicherry is a perfect destination for solo female travel in India . If the fast pace of life has got on top of you while in India, Pondy is the perfect place to unwind. You can relax in cute cafes, drink good coffee and simply relax a little.

In this Pondicherry travel guide, I’ll cover some of the things to do in Pondicherry and share the cutest cafes, something I’m always sniffing out. Pondicherry wasn’t the best budget destination in India because there weren’t many hostels and I got sucked into the fancy brunch scene! Still, you can see the whole town on foot and eat street food when you want to save money.

Pondicherry travel guide

Let’s start with a quick history. There aren’t any records of Pondicherry before the colonial era so it’s only been known as a European settlement. While it was originally French in the 16th century, Britain and France repeatedly fought over it during the Anglo-French wars. They each both took control three times. During the lengthy British rule before Indian independence, France was allowed to maintain Pondicherry. It’s crazy to think that this town has only been independent for 70 years in the last 350. Understandably, the effects have lasted. Today, Pondicherry looks French rather than Indian and many locals speak French as well as Tamil.

When to visit Pondicherry

If you don’t want to die of heat exposure, consider timing your trip between October and March. I visited in early April and genuinely have never been so hot in my life. I wasn’t expecting it because my research had told me that temperatures were only in the mid-30s. What I hadn’t gaged from Google weather was the humidity. The south of India has a humid rather than dry climate which makes everything feel so much hotter. While the temperatures were in the low 40s in Rajasthan, it felt so much worse in Pondy. For more about visiting India during all seasons of this year, research the best time to visit India here.

Getting to Pondicherry:

I flew into Chennai and caught a bus to Pondicherry which is the most common way to arrive. Check buses on 12Go Asia .

Things to do in Pondicherry

Aside from just chilling out and seeing a different side to India, get stuck into these things to do in Pondicherry…

Visit Cafe des Arts

More than just a cafe, this sunny yellow building takes up the whole corner of Surcouf Street and Suffren Street. It’s usually packed with weekend guests snapping photos for social media. It’s a cute place for lunch and brunch, as well as one of the most iconic sights of pretty Pondi .

Read next: the best cafes in Pondicherry

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Over 90 years old, this ashram is named after a well-known Indian philosopher and yogi, Sri Aurobindo. If you don’t know already, an ashram is a spiritual house for Hindus. O ften they offer accommodation, meals and yoga classes, but this one is just for day visits. Today, around 2,000 locals use Sri Aurobindo Ashram to pray and meditate. Visiting is one of the most popular things to do in Pondicherry. It’s free and, although I wasn’t allowed to take photos inside, I can promise it’s very pretty and peaceful. Take 30 minutes to relax and let all that fast-paced travel stress go.

Wander White Town (especially Rue Surcuof)

White Town is the area close to the sea, once known as the French Quarter. This is the area that French colonialists would have lived and socialised. While they’re no more, the area has remained as charming as I imagine it once was. Cobbled streets, sunny yellow buildings and old-fashioned lampposts give it a very European feel, while charming cafes and restaurants serve a mix of South Indian and French-influenced food. For this alone, I’m going to say Pondicherry is one of a kind!

Sample local food & chai

I don’t want to paint Pondicherry as a totally idyllic French village because, while there’s a lot of that, it’s definitely still India – in the best way! After a few days of feeling like I was back in Europe, I was seeking out chai stands and more affordable local food as much as possible.

Since no Pondicherry tourist guide would be complete without food and drink, I’d recommend you prop yourse lf at a chai stall and watch the local vendors ‘pull’ the tea. They’re incredibly skilled at what they do, pouring hot tea from great heights in the process of frothing the milk. The guy I watched was so charming. He was obviously proud of his work and, seeing my camera, encouraged me to take as many photos as possible, all while acting nonchalant like he had no idea. When another customer leaned across me, he was agitated, telling him to stop blocking my view. I had to smile!

Chai will set you back about 10 rupees, and the street food won’t cost much more. This yoghurt dish from KBS Coffee scattered with pomegranate and mint was so refreshing in the heat. This hawker stand has lots of traditional South Indian dishes to try for pennies. You can take away or perch at a makeshift table. Read about where to eat and drink in Pondicherry here.

Browse the Sunday Market

If you’re keen to see the real India, rather than just pretty White Town, the Sunday Market is a great place to start. This runs all along Mahatma Gandhi Rd which was conveniently right in front of my hostel. The Sunday Market sells everything from silverware to gadgets, books, home items, toys and anything else you can think of. It’s very local so you might not buy anything, but it’s worth the wander. It runs from morning to night.

Check out the beach

I’ll give the beach a quick mention but it’s not the greatest thing to do in Pondicherry. The strip of sand is used by locals for paddling but the strong currents prevent anyone from swimming. I had a little wander along the sand and took a few (uninspiring) photos of the pier. It was nice to see the sea after 2 months in landlocked cities. While Pondy is less conservative than North India and you don’t need to worry so much about covering up, it would definitely be inappropriate to strip into your swimwear.

Related read: what to pack for a trip to India (female)

Take a trip to Auroville

One of the best things to do in Pondicherry is take a day trip to Auroville. In fact, this spiritual settlement is the reason some people visit Pondicherry in the first place. This alternative community is based around the Matrimandir, a giant gold dome in the countryside, set up by an Indian woman named The Mother. During the Cold War, there was a call for a new society, a place away from politics where people could be accepted regardless of race, religion and gender. This was the result! Auroville is a 20-minute drive from Pondicherry. You can take a tuk-tuk for 400 rupees each way or do what I did, catch the local bus (see details in this blog post below).

Read next: Visiting Auroville from Pondicherry

If you turn up for a day visit, you have to register at the visitor’s office before walking over to view the Matrimandir. There’s also a museum where you can learn more about it. While there, I also registered for a meditation session inside, something that you have to do in person a day in advance. It’s a bit of a faff as the registration office is only open during certain hours (and closed on Tuesdays) but again, all the details are in my blog post. Overall, I found this hippie community quite strange. It was certainly interesting, and the inside of the Matrimandir is like something from a sci-fi movie, but I wonder how it operates day-to-day. It was hard to gather during a quick visit and it seems like you have to be quite wealthy to join. Whatever your view, it’s a thing to do in Pondicherry.

Related activity: Auroville walking tour with a local guide ($10)

Our Lady of Angels Church

The churches in Pondicherry are charming. I don’t really like seeing colonial landmarks in countries that suffered at their hands but it’s definitely a popular thing to do in Pondicherry. I find it so interesting that the locals still use them today – there’s a big Catholic population among the Tamil-speaking Indians in this area.

Our Lady of Angels is a pink-washed church in White Town built in 1855, offering services in French, English and Tamil. It’s gorgeous both outside and inside with its pale pink and blue-domed ceiling.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral

If you have time or find yourself passing by, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral is another photo-worthy spot in Pondicherry. I didn’t go inside but I took some snaps of the white and yellow church at sunset with birds flitting around the spires. Very pretty and peaceful!

Where to stay in Pondicherry

There’s only one hostel that I know of in Pondicherry, Nomad House . I forgot to take photos but it was lovely: the beds were comfy and the aircon was icy. There’s a rooftop area where you can bond with fellow travellers. They don’t run any hostel activities like the ones up north but it was still a good place to meet people. Check availability from 600 rupees a night .

Thanks for reading my Pondicherry travel guide

I hope you’re excited to visit and ready to indulge at all the best cafes in Pondicherry. Bon appetit!

Check out my other India posts:

• Backpacking in Rajasthan itinerary
• Auroville to Pondicherry day trip
• Pondicherry cafe guide
• Places to travel solo in India
• India packing list for women
• Why to visit Pushkar
• What to do and see in Pushkar
• The best restaurants and cafes in Pushkar
• Ultimate Rishikesh travel guide
• Seeing tigers in Ranthambore National Park
• The perfect 3 day Jaipur itinerary
• Jaipur Instagram guide
• Amristar travel guide
• Dharamsala travel guide
• Travel tips for Holi festival

See you next time for more adventures,

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VISITING INDIA?  These are my trusted resources: Getting around by air – it’s easy to get between cities by flight. I use Skyscanner and search by whole month to find the best value dates. Buses – buses are comfy and efficient. Use 12Go to book . Trains – these are a good option for long journeys because you have a bed rather than a seat. Use 12Go to book . For hotels , I use Booking.com – they also have self-catering apartments. You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld . Browse tours and activities on GetYourGuide . I also check Viator and Klook in case they have a better price. For food tours with passionate local chefs and foodies, check out EatWith . Pack the latest copy of India Lonely Planet . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and tips!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

5 thoughts on “ Complete Pondicherry Travel Guide & Things To Do ”

Need to visit those cute cafés ?

Nice write up. Couple of times you have mentioned that you are nervous or not comfortable about places because people had suffered under colonial rule. Even today many parts of the world people are suffering under many undemocratic governments. It is part of life, we should move on and enjoy the good moments of life rather than living in guilt for someone’s deeds. Not all foreigners who governed India were bad.

Thanks for reading and your comment, PJ! Good to hear your view 🙂

Rose thank you for the beautiful pictures and perfect articulation about my home town Pondy.

Hi Pravin! Thanks for reading, you have a lovely hometown

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Puducherry (Pondicherry)

The union territory of Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry; generally known as ‘Pondy’) was under French colonial rule until 1954. Some people here still speak French (and English with French accents). The internationally famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram and its offshoot just north of town, Auroville, draw large numbers of spiritually-minded visitors. Thus Pondy’s vibe: less faded colonial-era ville, more bohemian-chic, New Age–meets–Old World hang-out on the international travel trail.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Pondy is a seaside town, but that doesn’t make it a beach destination; the city’s sand is a thin strip of dirty brown that slurps into a seawall of jagged…

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo and a French-born woman, ‘the Mother’, this famous spiritual community has about 2000 members in its many departments…

Puducherry Museum

Goodness knows how this converted late-18th-century villa keeps its artefacts from disintegrating, considering there’s a whole floor of French-era…

Institut Français de Pondichéry

This grand 19th-century neoclassical building is also a flourishing research institution devoted to Indian culture, history and ecology. Visitors can…

Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Pondy may have more churches than most Indian towns, but the Hindu faith still reigns supreme. Pilgrims, tourists and the curious get a head pat from the…

Notre Dame des Anges

Looking out to sea, past a statue of Joan of Arc (opposite), Notre Dame des Anges was completed in 1855, and is arguably Pondy's most attractive church…

École Française d'Extrême-Orient

This handsome heritage building and library is home to over 11,000 Indology books and a series of Sanskrit, Tamil and Manipravalam palm-leaf manuscripts…

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Begun in 1779 but not completed until 1791, this splendid Jesuit church (in whites, blues and yellows) is reminiscent of Goa's Portuguese-style churches,…

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States › Pondicherry

PONDICHERRY TRAVEL GUIDE

Oh the charm of the French world meeting the sea life - how can one not fall for something so surreal yet so real? The quietude of the alleys and the bustling boulevards; the amalgamation of Tamil and French cuisines and architecture; and the jaunty crowd, all make Pondicherry a compelling place to visit in India. The Union Territory of Pondicherry blessed with picturesque coastline is indeed a destination for beach lovers where they can enjoy multiple water activities. The colonial architecture compliments the beach life whereas the far situated Auroville add another dimension to Pondicherry tourism. If there is one tourist destination in India that can cater to your need for a relaxing holiday, Pondicherry has to be it.

Capital: Pondicherry/Puducherry Location: Southeast India

Best Time to Visit Pondicherry:

The months between October and February are ideal for visiting Pondicherry.

Why Visit Pondicherry?:

For picturesque beaches, French architecture, Auroville, Aurobindo Ashram, heritage, history, French cuisine, honeymoon, watersports, cheap alcohol, relaxing holiday, family vacation, pilgrimage tour.

Temperature

30°c to 45°c.

March to May

20°C to 35°C

June to September

17°C to 25°C

October to February

Popular Tour Packages Pondicherry

See the Best of Puducherry

Puducherry Tour with Chennai and Mahabalipuram

Kanchipuram Mahabalipuram and Puducherry Tour

Wonderful Puducherry - Chennai Tour

An Insight into Pondicherry Tourism

The silhouette of Pondicherry comprises the famed French Town or White Town, spectacular churches, temples, and statues with an additional charm of the sea and that of the swaying palm and coconut trees. On the Southeast side of the Indian subcontinent Pondicherry or Pondy or Puducherry, whatever you like to call it, is a tourist destination for a calm and relaxed holiday any time of the year. Once the part of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry displays a great influence of it in its cuisine, architecture as well as language. Hence, you can expect to relish potpourri of Tamil and French culture in this is beautiful union territory. Pondicherry is indeed a synonym of Auroville. Of course, tourists know it for its French houses and cafes, but Auroville certainly has its own importance when it comes to must-see places in Pondicherry.

The much revered Matri Mandir and the concept of human unity in diversity are a big draw for people who spend days, weeks, and months here volunteering, meditating, and interning. Once, out of the spiritual realm of Auroville, tourists have the chance to relish the beach life of Pondicherry. The Promenade Beach that flanks the White Town area may not have a sandy area to stroll on but it does offer quite a scenic spot for visitors to spend hours at. The Paradise beach, on the other hand, has everything a beach lover is looking for - golden sand, azure water, water activities, and the coolest crowd.

Keep some time at hand to relish the French and Tamil culture and tradition meld where you have the opportunity to witness Pondicherry’s cuisine, rural life, cooking demo of old recipes, weaving workshops, sculpture art, musical trail, the local game "petanque", puppet shows along with an experience of handmade paper tours with workshop and much more. Another major attraction of Pondicherry that cannot be missed is Aurobindo Ashram. Yes, you may have to stand in a long queue for your turn to enter but the place is worth the wait. Pondicherry, when compared to other tourist destinations in India, may have a slower pace of life, but this attracts anyone looking for a quiet holiday time with an opportunity to cycle everywhere and relish cheaper booze, and delectable food coming from the Tamil and French kitchens.

Apart from this, Pondicherry also houses a number of must visit Hindu temples and Churches that have spectacular architecture to adore. The churches in Pondicherry mostly date back to 18th or 19th century, whereas the Hindu temples have a history going back to the 17th century. Amongst the popular temples in Pondicherry are Villianur Thirukameeswarar Temple and Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam. Library, museums, war memorial, and statues are some other important places for sightseeing in Pondicherry and missing out any of these is not suggested.

A quiet holiday on balmy beaches soaking up the sun await you in Pondicherry. Make the most of this travel destination by booking your Pondicherry vacation with us. Choose from an assorted tour packages that are designed keeping in mind your specific needs and preferences. Up for grab are affordable Pondicherry vacation packages that without compromising with the quality offer the kind of holiday you like.

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Popular Tourist Attractions in Pondicherry

The White Town charms with its French style houses, shops, churches, and cafes, while Auroville assures you a spiritual journey in Pondicherry unlike any other. The Union Territory also draws attention to pristine beaches, revered Aurobindo Ashram, Hindu temples, and French style Churches, museums, and palaces.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Promenade Beach

Aayi Mandapam and Bharathi Park

Chunnambar Boat House

Top hotels in pondicherry.

There is no dearth of accommodation when you are in a welcoming destination like Pondicherry. The French part of the city is replete with dreamlike hotels and resorts done in the authentic French architecture style. From budget to luxury, rest assured that the staying options are in plenty that will add to your holiday experience in Pondicherry an unmissable charm.

Kohima Imphal Tour

Fascinating imphal tour, scenic north east, uncover the beauty of manipur, top things to do on your holiday to pondicherry.

Ideal for a relaxing vacation, Pondicherry is a destination for cycling through beautiful French alleys, relishing flavoursome French and Tamil cuisines, enjoying water activities including scuba diving at pristine beaches, and finding the best yoga and meditation centres.

Azure sea, long coastline, golden sand, and a vivacious vibe await you in the beaches of Pondicherry. Here, neither fun ends nor the quietude fades away; thus a beach holiday in Pondicherry is everything you could ask for.

Heritage Tourism

The meticulously metalled streets lined-up with French-style churches, government offices, palaces, museums, and houses make for the best heritage tourism destination in South India. It is in Pondicherry, a walk back in the time is possible.

Dotted with a plethora of French-style churches and Dravidian-style Hindu temples, Pondicherry is where seeking the blessings of the almighty seems easiest. Boasting rich architecture and history, these sacred sites in Pondicherry are not be missed.

Reflecting the opulent art and culture, the museums in Pondicherry are the haven for every history buff. Offering a sneak peek in the history of the trade prevailing in Pondicherry and the transport used in the ancient colonial era, they make for a perfect historical tour destinations.

Gifted with a potpourri of French and Indian culture, Pondicherry is the destination where the celebrations have no end. From Villianur Temple Car Festival to the Bastille Day to food festival, the festivities keep the locales and the tourists engaged around the year.

The seamless Bay of Bengal has a lot of adventure in store in Pondicherry. From taking that breathtaking plunge for scuba diving to soaring high in the sky while parasailing, there is one or the other adventure awaiting you.

Arts & Crafts

The diversity and rich history have blessed pondicherry with an array of exclusive local art and craft. From stunning woodwork to paper and glass products are capable enough to steal your heart in Pondicherry.

Health and Wellness

Amidst the tranquil surroundings of Pondicherry, it is ideal to relish age old Ayurveda or Siddha, Marma and several variants of Yoga. This tourist destination can be a heaven for those seeking rejuvenation of mind, body, and soul.

Cuisine of Pondicherry

The melange of culture influence the food in Pondicherry making it more delicious, decorative, and desirable. The flavours in Pondicherry are authentic and you have the chance to choose from fine taste of France to that of South India.

Film Tourism

Picture perfect beaches, streets with beautiful French-style building and a rustic charm make Pondicherry an idyllic destination for film tourism. Be a modern-day love story or a one based in 17-18th centuries, Pondicherry offers the perfect location and background.

From the weekend Beach Bazaar to markets with charming shops and boutiques to factory outlet of Hidesign, Pondicherry offers an unparalleled shopping experience. Enjoy the laidback settings, and haggle your way to buy everything that the union territory has to offer.

Scenic and full of serendipity, the backwaters in Pondicherry are everything a nature lover wish for. Making for a perfect vacation destination, these add charm to the landscape of Pondicherry.

Nature Parks & Gardens

Adding to the charm of the landscape, the nature parks and gardens in Pondicherry are nothing short of surreal. Proffering a quiet ambiance and the best of the flora, they make for places to give your heart to.

Bird Watching

Pondicherry along with inviting tourists from around the world gives a warm welcome to its feathered guests as well. Offering Ousteri Lake site to the migratory as well as indigenous birds, Pondicherry claims to be one of the best birdwatching sites in India.

Pondicherry Travel Information at a Glance

Find the detailed information on how to plan trip to Pondicherry conveniently. We offer authentic information on how to reach Pondicherry by different means of transport along with details on best hotels, places to see, and things to do. Also, rely on us for trustworthy weather and best time to visit information. Also explore different sightseeing attractions in Pondicherry with the help of the map made easy for you to navigate.

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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.

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!

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

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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

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

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

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

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

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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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! 😉

Suzanne Borders

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What travellers are saying.

Pondicherry Travel Guide 2024 with Top Things to Do!

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: January 1, 2024

Categories PONDICHERRY , INDIA

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

Pondicherry was like a dream. A beautiful dream that was full of clean sandy beaches, laid back colourful streets and European architecture.

I kept asking myself ‘am I in India or France?’.

It’s quite a bizarre feeling seeing all French on street signs, cafés and from people’s mouths here! But, the food was to die for. A perfect taste of home and welcome comfort food.

They even had a mini Notre-dame, but here it was a lovely shade of salmon pink and was framed with palm trees.

It was like it had its own mood, a rhythm. As you walk around the laid back atmosphere is catching.

The people are so friendly and it’s far less touristy than Goa in the West. This was one of my favourite places in South India.

So without further ado, here’s the ultimate Pondicherry travel guide!

How to reach Pondicherry in India

If you’re travelling from Delhi, your best bet is to fly. The nearest major airport that runs flight services daily is Chennai. From here, you can grab a taxi from the airport straight to Pondicherry.

Always leaving things to the last minute, I ended up getting a pre-paid taxi from the airport but this had a hefty price tag of 3000 rupees! (ouch) You will pay more for air conditioning.

I would highly recommend booking via an online cab service in advance to ensure you don’t have the same dent in your wallet.

I also misjudged how long it would take. Google maps will tell you around 2 hours and a half but it was actually more like 3 hours and a half!

If you’re heading here from Bangalore, they run daily flights to Puducherry airport which will save you some time and money.

It is also well connected via rail services from Chennai, Bangalore and Mumbai which run three times a week. New Delhi and Kolkata  have weekly trains which run here – but it will take you 3 days!

According to the official Pondicherry tourism board, the road is your best option. It is well connected by bus from most major southern cities like Bangalore and Chennai.

Where to stay in Pondicherry

Pondicherry has a wealth of suitable hotels to stay in, whatever your budget!

I decided to stay in White Town which is a heritage area. Being a history buff this suited me perfectly.

It was right next to the rock beach by the sea and all major attractions were within walking distance.

I booked a cute heritage hotel called Le Dupleix. It was a quaint little place with friendly staff and they only had 14 rooms available.

They also had a really good restaurant which served up authentic French cuisine. After 9 months of living in India, it was heavenly and my tummy was very happy.

For available dates and prices for Le Dupleix check here.

Things to do in Pondicherry

Explore white town.

White Town is like every photographer’s dream. The typical Pondicherry scenes were vintage bicycles perched up against vibrant yellow walls with oil lamps.

All the electric blue street signs will begin with ‘Rue’ and palm trees will sway on nearly every road! It’s truly a feast for your eyes if you’ve been used to seeing Indian architecture.

I simply enjoyed just walking around the streets here. Seeing all the effortless beauty of the buildings and the life which was going on around them.

The Tuk-Tuk drivers taking it easy, the fruit stalls and the smell of the patisseries baking in the air. As I say, like a dream.

Take a snap outside Cafe Des Artes

One of the coolest and most ‘Instragrammable’ walls of Pondicherry is the famous Cafe Des Artes’.

When I visited the cafe it was closed, presumably because of the monsoon season.

But, their beautiful wall was still there for some fantastic picture opportunities! I guess Instagram locations are that way for a reason, right?

Visit Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple

One of the famous temples in this area is the Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple.

Its colourful dioramas of Hindu religious scenes are beautiful but most notably it draws visitors for a daily blessing from the Lakshmi elephant.

Shamefully, I did pay for a blessing of this elephant when I travelled there two years ago. But, I would encourage you NOT to do it.

Although I would never attempt to try to assume Hindu culture and how the temple treat their animals (when I visited she seemed healthy).

From recent research on PETA it seems that Lakshmi’s health and well being has fallen into decline.

Lakshmi attends certain ‘rejuvenation camps’ each year for her ‘wellbeing’ according to the government in Tamil Nadu.

But, there seems to be a blatant disregard for her health recently. She has a foot fungus and this is not being treated properly for it.

Despite all this, no wild elephant should be kept in a temple for profit or entertainment. This treatment is barbaric.

Take a stroll to Rock beach

I love being by the sea and when I reached the water’s edge in Pondicherry, it brought it home just how much I missed the ocean air.

Although this beach isn’t as sandy as others in the area, it’s still a really nice place to visit and stroll along the promenade.

Have a coffee in Le Cafe

This beach is a great place to wander at any time with the best being at sunset.

Make sure you visit the famous ‘Le Cafe’ which is open for the finest south Indian coffee 24 hours a day!

I sipped an iced coffee on the rocks while enjoying the view. This is White Town’s only waterfront cafe, so make sure you pay it a visit.

Visit the Pondicherry Promenade

The Promenade is lined with famous attractions and statues.

The most notable being Gandhi Ji.

You’ll see locals taking selfies and in the evening there was a brass band playing which draws in a huge crowd!

Visit one of the many churches in Pondicherry

Being a French colony all those years ago, their legacy has left a lot of French culture in Pondicherry.

Along with the French language, patisseries and signs, they have also left a lot of churches with a European influence.

Being from the UK, churches in India aren’t really my bag. I get enough of them at home and I came to India to experience a culture that isn’t my own. But, these churches were different.

They were so colourful and had some glorious architecture inside.

You can visit the Church of the Sacred Heart, the Notre-dame des Ange and the Immaculate conception cathedral to mention a few. Mass and services are still read in French.

Take a trip to Serenity beach

My favourite place in Pondicherry was Serenity Beach. It’s one of the cleanest beaches in the area and the scenes are just perfect.

You can reach here via an auto, motorbike or taxi and it’s around 20 minutes away from the main town on the East Coast Road (ECR to locals).

Fishing boats line the shore, with fishermen sewing and preparing their nets for the catch of the day.

The palm trees, colourful guesthouses and cabanas all contribute to making this the perfect place to spend an afternoon.

The community here are very conscious of making sure this beach remains clean and they’re doing a pretty good job.

Littering is a constant struggle in India wherever you go and beaches, even as pretty as this, aren’t immune to it.

But at Serenity, there’s hardly any rubbish and so it’s just clean sands to enjoy.

Take a day trip from Pondicherry to Auroville & the Matrimandir

Auroville is an experimental township in India.

The land was bought by “The Mother” or Mirra Alfassa in 1968 and today, it is a community where everyone of all creeds and class is welcome.

Here, you can visit the ‘soul of the city’ their famous Matrimandir.

The orb made of gold is a symbol of spiritual significance to those who practice integral yoga, a philosophy which was practised by Shri Aurobindo and “The Mother” here. It took 37 years to build.

If you’re only here for a couple of hours, you can obtain a free pass from the visitor centre to walk to the viewing point. This is open daily to visitors and only in the morning on Sundays.

If you’re a first time visitor and would like to enter the temple for concentration, all bookings must be made in person and on an individual basis (no group bookings). You will be issued a pass one day in advance.

The locals say you can feel the energies in your blood if you meditate here and it’s recommended to spend some time doing so.

Once you’ve finished make sure you pay a visit to their restaurant. Using mainly organic ingredients from the Auroville farms in the area, they serve the best mix of South Indian and European cuisine. Their cakes are also some of the best I’ve had in India.

It can be a little bit of a mystery getting here as it’s deep in the Pondicherry jungle. But, if you ask any of the taxi drivers in the area, they will know where you want to go!

To read more about Auroville and the reasons to visit, see my article here.

So, that’s my Pondicherry Travel Guide!

Pondicherry, for me, was simply perfect. It had everything.

Beaches, culture, history, yummy food and friendly locals.

I was sad to leave this place and the amazing cakes behind, but I’m sure I will be back in the near future.

Make sure you add Pondicherry to your South Indian adventure! You honestly cannot miss it.

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Save this Pondicherry travel guide for later!

Saturday 16th of April 2022

With all due respect to the blogger, Le Cafe is to be avoided at all costs. The coffee is not spectacular and the view even less so. The staff is not welcoming and it seems they put even less effort into their food and cleanliness than they put into their name.

Sophie Pearce

Tuesday 19th of April 2022

Hi Dhruv, sorry to hear you had a bad experience. It wasn't the same for me. Sophie x

Shashank Shekhar

Thursday 11th of November 2021

Thanks,Very nicely depicted, described and well narrated description of pondi, which is so good as if I was physically roaming arround the place. Touring clips and clues are really a welcome and helping tips.Loved it. Thanks again.

Friday 12th of November 2021

Hi Shashank, thanks so much for your kind comments! I’m glad you had a good time.x Sophie x

Thursday 18th of March 2021

Nice Guide of Pondicheery. Loved it such a simple and neat post. Have a look of some more attraction of pondicherry which may be useful for your trip.

Thursday 15th of April 2021

Hi Nishi, thank you for your kind words! I'm glad you like the post. I loved Pondicherry and would love to return one day. Sophie x

Laxmi narayana

Saturday 24th of October 2020

Thanks for reading! Sophie x

Friday 16th of October 2020

Dear Sophie, you do not seem happy and almost derogatory about most things Indian and Hindu. Well, guess what! Unlike the French and the whites, we never enslaved people, captured and colonised countries and are not snobs. Every country you visit has a culture of its own- you need to respect that. Like all cultures on this Earth we too have our negatives but, your genalisation of the HINDU treatment of animals shocked me- how ignorent are you! Typical white! Well most Hindus are vegetarians and what about your Fox hunting and rampant animal killing and eating in the west?! The British nearly wiped out the tiger population in India by their hunting practices. Your Blog is so insensitive. I will take this up so that whites like you are not allowed to stay on for so long in our beautiful country!!!

Hi there Anushua, to say that I am ‘unhappy’ and ‘derogatory’ about all things Indian and Hindu is a vast generalisation and quite ignorant. You do your own country a disservice. I have currently travelled to over 22 states in India and they are all different and, remember, not everyone in India is HINDU! I could say ‘typical Hindu’ and ‘typical religious intolerance based on a totalitarian pro-Hindu government that casts out minor beliefs and the lower caste’. But I won’t, because that’s not always true. There are Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, Christians, Jains and more that I always Refer to and respect on my Blog. Even the North East cultures. I know most Hindus are vegetarian that’s why this mistreatment shocks me. Just because I don’t believe a poor elephant should be chained up at the temple, beaten by mahouts and then made to give blessings is right. That doesn’t mean I’m an ‘ignorant’ white. Funnily enough, I know that the British did bad things before and almost wiped about many beautiful creatures and cultures. Are all us ‘whites’ responsible for our elders actions? So would you like me to support animal cruelty still and then ask people to further mistreat your elephant population? What is it, Kya? Go on your racist, bitter and intolerant tirade if you must and campaign for all whites to be chucked out of India. It’s very short sighted. But, I think the real issue here is animal cruelty. hain na? Should that elephant be kept at the temple and chained up? Yes the Whites and the French DID bad things. We don’t forget that. But what really matters is what we do NOW. AND giving Laxmi fair treatment and a better life would be better than being treated like a circus animal. Maybe use your channeled aggression for something good that makes a difference instead of attacking people Based on assumptions you’ve made about a person online.

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PONDICHERRY TOURISM | TOURIST PLACES TO VISIT & TRAVEL GUIDE TO PUDUCHERRY

• Pondicherry Overview
• Top 39 Places to Visit in Pondicherry
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About Pondicherry

Country: india | state: pondicherry, #1 of 2 places to visit in pondicherry | #21 of 100 places to visit in india, ideal trip duration: 1-2 days, base station: pondicherry, nearest city to pondicherry: pondicherry, best time to visit pondicherry: october to march, peak season: december to january, pondicherry weather: summer: maximum - 40°c and minimum - 24°c winter: maximum - 30°c and minimum - 18°c.

At a distance of 170 km from Chennai, 204 km from Trichy, 233 km from Tirupati, 335 km from Madurai, 639 km from Trivandrum, 578 km from Kanyakumari, 96 km from Mahabalipuram , 368 km from Bangalore and 564 km from Kochi, Pondicherry or Puducherry is a city and capital of the Union Territory of Pondicherry and is one of the most popular tourist destinations you must include in honeymoon packages . It is among top 2 day trip from Bangalore and Chennai. Pondicherry is located along the Coromandel Coast of Bay of Bengal. The Union Territory of Puducherry comprises of four coastal regions namely Puducherry, Karaikal , Mahe and Yanam. Puducherry and Karaikal are situated on the East Coast of Tamil Nadu, Yanam in Andhra Pradesh and Mahe on the West Coast in Kerala . According to legend, Pondicherry was known by the name Vedapuri and this place is also believed to be the abode of the revered sage, Saint Agasthya. Pondicherry had trade relations with Rome during 1st century AD. Roman pottery excavated from Arikamedu near Pondicherry dates back to 1st century AD. Pondicherry was ruled by the Pallava dynasty in 4th century AD followed by different southern dynasties like the Cholas, Pandyas, Vijayanagar kings and later by the Sultanate of Madurai . The unique location of Pondicherry captured the attention of Portuguese, Dutch, English and French. Pondicherry came under the rule of the French in 1673 and since then it became the site for the battle between the British and the French. Pondicherry remained as the capital of French India for about 300 years, before it attained its independence in 1954. It was in 2006 that the name Pondicherry was changed to Puducherry, which means 'New Village' in Tamil language. The city is separated into two quarters known as French quarter and the Indian quarter. The French quarter is characterized by building of typical colonial architecture and the latter boasts of ancient Tamil styles and designs. The strategic location, awe-inspiring natural beauty, coupled with its French past and cultural heritage make Pondicherry a major tourist destination. Pondicherry is also famous for its serene beaches. Hotel de Vile, French War Memorial, Puducherry Museum, Aayi Mandapam, Auroville Ashram, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Promenade, Chunnambar Resort, Old Light house, Romaine Rolland Library are some of the major Places to visit in Pondicherry . The nearest airport is at Chennai, which is about 148 km away. Pondicherry Railway Station is well connected with cities like Chennai , Kanyakumari, Tirupati, Bangalore, Villupuram, Howrah, Mumbai, New Delhi and Mangalore. Villupuram Junction is the nearest major railway junction, about 39 km from Puducherry. It has trains from Chennai, Madurai, Mumbai, Rameswaram , Tirunelveli, Trichy, Mangalore, Karaikal, Tirupati, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari, Trivandrum, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar and Varanasi. Pondicherry is well connected by bus with Chennai, Villupuram, Coimbatore, Trichy, Madurai, Bangalore, Trivandrum, Calicut, Palakkad, Thrissur and Ernakulum.

...read more

Nearest Airport: Chennai - Chennai International Airport (148 Kms)

Direct flights to chennai, nearest train station: pondicherry railway station (0 kms) villupuram railway station (39 kms), direct trains to pondicherry, villupuram, nearest bus station: pondicherry bus station (0 kms), direct buses to pondicherry, distance chart, distance chart & driving directions to pondicherry, top 15 places to visit in pondicherry, paradise beach.

#1 of 39 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 .....

Pondicherry Beach / Promenade Beach

#2 of 39 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

#3 of 39 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

#4 of 39 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

#5 of 39 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

#6 of 39 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

#7 of 39 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

#8 of 39 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

#9 of 39 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 .....

French Quarters / White Town

#10 of 39 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 .....

Mahatma Gandhi Statue

#18 of 39 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

#19 of 39 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 .....

#20 of 39 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

#21 of 39 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

#22 of 39 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, .....

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The Best Pondicherry Itinerary for 3 days in 2024

Last Updated on May 9, 2024

Pondicherry (officially known as Puducherry) is a historic beach town in India that has everything – colonial architecture, a modern seaside promenade, historic sites, and golden beaches.

Here I'll share with you the perfect Pondicherry itinerary for people who can spare only two to three days in this beautiful city. And it's not just one, because one plan doesn't fit all.

This article covers what to do in Pondicherry in 3 days along with recommendations for a longer trip. I have the perfect Pondicherry tour plan for every type of vacation.

But before all that, as always, I will start with a brief background of this heritage town.

Click here to jump to the Pondicherry Trip Plan if you are short on time.

Pin the image below to save on Pinterest!

The post contains affiliate links for tours, hotels etc. This means if you make any purchase through the links in the post, I may get a commission without any additional cost to you.

Pondicherry – A Brief Background

Located on the Eastern coast of India, Pondicherry is often called the French Rivera of India.

In the 17th century, the French came to a small fishing village called Putucerri, which roughly translates to “new village” in Tamil.

They transformed it into a grand port town called Pondicherry. It was renamed Puducherry in 2006, but it’s still popularly called by the anglicized name.

The prime attraction of Pondicherry is its French vibes. The pastel-colored residential buildings, cute art cafes, and whitewashed monuments reflect an unmistakable essence of French aesthetics. It’s like discovering a piece of France in India.

However, the French colony is just about 10% of the entire area of the Union Territory.

When I first drove down to Pondicherry, my imagination ran wild, and I thought I will be greeted by those Instagram-friendly French alleys. Instead, we drove into the overcrowded streets, large Dravidian-style temples, mosques, bustling bazaars (markets), locals clad in traditional attires and a riot of colors. That’s just another coastal town in South India for you. Sinjana's travel notes

In a 3-day trip we will cover both sides of Pondicherry. Let's check out the plan.

Pondicherry Itinerary for 3 days : A Quick Walkthrough

Since the check-in time for hotels is usually 1 p.m. or 2 p.m., it's a good idea to explore the city a bit before you check into the hotel.

If you are travelling with kids then inform the hotel of an early check-in. The ideal itinerary I've described may be too hectic when you are traveling with kids, so I have also given an alternate itinerary later.

My Ideal Pondicherry Itinerary for 3 days

Day 1 in Pondicherry:

• Reach Chunnambar Boat House by 10 am. Then take a boat to Paradise Beach.   
• Trip to the Botanical Garden before you reach your hotel
• Have fresh local seafood for lunch and take some rest. 
• Start your evening walking tour in White Town. The hot Pondicherry roads would have started to cool down by now
• Have dinner at a cafe on the promenade or the Heritage Street

Day 2 in Pondicherry:

• Head to Auroville in the morning and enjoy brunch at Auroville’s cafes
• If you are an archeology enthusiast, then head to Arikamedu, or If you love nature and forests, then head to Pinchavaram Mangrove forest
• Come back and watch the sunset at Serenity Beach

Day 3 in Pondicherry:

• Enjoy shopping and walking in the heritage street, before your return journey.
• If you're driving to Bangalore, it's great to stop at the enormous Ginjee Fort located 67 km from Pondicherry on the way to Bangalore. You won't have the time or energy to trek in the fort and then drive all the way to Bangalore. But just stop there, explore the well-maintained gardens, and be stunned at the magnanimous fortress.

Don't have three days to travel? Here's a modified Pondicherry itinerary for 2 days .

Day 1 : Reach Pondicherry early by overnight train or drive. Start with Chunnnambar Boathouse , Paradise Island, and then reach your hotel to freshen up. Reserve the evening for a walking tour of the white town of Pondicherry, the Promenade, and the Rock Beach

Day 2: Start with a morning trip to Auroville, explore the local markets Then visit the Serenity beach before you head back from Pondicherry.

Traveling with small kids or elderly parents? Here's a modified 3-day Pondicherry itinerary for a family trip.

Early check-in at the hotel to freshen up.

Then start with the Botanical garden which is cool even during the hot afternoons because of the greenery.

Then explore the promenade, the rock beach, and the white town.

Visit Auroville, have lunch there, and then take a break in the hotel to escape the hot sun.

After a short rest, reach the Chunnambar boathouse park, and take a ferry to the paradise beach to enjoy the sunset.

Visit the temple and shop and explore the heritage street, before you leave for your hometown.

A Pondicherry itinerary for 4 days will include everything in the 3-day plan, plus an amazing trip to Mahabalipuram – a treasure trove of ancient Indian architecture.

Or if you are more interested in the historic fort, you can skip the Arikamedu trip and hike the Ginjee fort on day 2.

Short on time? Here's a quick glance at my top recommendations for this trip, so that you can book them at one go.

My Top Recommendations For Pondicherry

🚲Book an unique bike tour of Pondicherry in a vintage-style bicycle

🚘Prefer AC car in the hot weather? Book the best tour to discover Pondicherry in one day including Auroville . This is highly recommended for trips with kids and elderly people.

🛏️My top recommendation for stay in The Promenade , overlooking the Promenade Beach

🧑🏼‍🍳Want to try something exciting? Book a highly rated Indian Cooking class in Pondicherry

How to reach Pondicherry?

I have traveled to Pondicherry via road trips from Bangalore. However, there are several ways to reach Pondicherry via public transport. 

Pondicherry has its airport, so you can land directly in Pondicherry. However, it’s a small one and the chance of getting a direct ticket is scarce.

Chennai is the nearest city with a bustling international airport which is only 150 km from Pondicherry. It’s connected by the ECR highway so you can reach it in 2.5 hours.

✈️Flying soon? Get Airhelp to earn up to $700 compensation for delayed or canceled flights! Use coupon code ETPOUTS8 to avail 8% discount! 🧑‍✈️

You can also book overnight buses from Bangalore to reach Pondicherry in the morning.

There are overnight trains to Pondicherry as well, but you need to book it in advance. The advantage of an overnight train journey is that you can sleep comfortably and reach Pondicherry early in the morning.

People in Chennai can easily visit Pondicherry for a day trip or over a normal weekend.

For us living in Bangalore, Pondicherry is about 300 km away. But you should leave early, by 5 am so that you can avoid traffic and reach Pondicherry at 11 am.

After that, the road is mostly good if you follow the map on the link. Some parts of the highway (about one-fourth of the road) are quite rough. But it’s a smooth enjoyable drive overall once you enter the Eastern Ghats of India .

Day 1 in Pondicherry: Paradise Beach and White Town Tour

I have tried and tested two other itineraries and have come up with the best one here. In fact, on my recent trip, I planned it all and wanted to visit the Thirukameswarar Temple in Pondicherry on the way to our hotel.

The plan was a total flop because the route to the temple had very bad roads and the temple was closed when we reached. What’s worse, we had to miss the amazing NH32 tollway leading to Pondicherry which is a driver’s delight.

Anyway, I try out these experiments, learn from them, and curate the best itineraries for you. So let me take you on a virtual trip to Pondicherry following my ideal itinerary.

Chunnambar Boat House – the first stop

Chunnambar Boat House is the most popular gateway to the beautiful Paradise Beach. This is where you can buy tickets to different types of boats that will take you to Paradise Beach.

The rate starts from Rs. 150 per person and increases depending on your choice of ride. The entry fee to the park itself is Rs. 7 only and it's a nice place for families with kids to enjoy.

Paradise Beach – My favorite beach in Pondicherry

Paradise Beach is slightly isolated from the rest of Pondicherry. The seclusion doesn’t prevent tourists from thronging into the place because it’s that beautiful.

It’s undoubtedly my favorite beach in Pondicherry and one of the most beautiful beaches in India . The best way to reach this island-like place is by boat from Chunnambar.

You can also drive to Paradise Beach, but you have to park your vehicle about 1 km away. The walkway from the backwaters to the beach is also very charming.

You can spend some time walking on the soft golden sand and bathing in the Bay of Bengal before you return to the boathouse.

Drive to Botanical Garden

Depending on how much time you spent in Paradise Beach, you can either go to the hotel, have lunch and take some rest, or first visit the Botanical Garden.

The botanical garden of Pondicherry is a colonial gem that was laid out by the French in 1826. This 22-acre large green oasis stands out for its French style in the middle of an old Tamil locality. The French architecture, the pruned trees, flower beds, and over 1500 varieties of exotic plants make it one of the best botanical gardens on the peninsula. Besides these, the garden boasts a toy train ride, an aquarium, a musical fountain, and a Japanese rock structure.

Open times: 10 am to 5 pm

French Colony walk

After a trip to the botanical garden, it's time to have lunch and freshen up at your hotel. By this time, it must already be 2-3 pm.

Pondicherry is quite hot and humid throughout the year, so it is a nice idea to relax and go out for a walk by 5 p.m.

This is why staying close to the French colony is recommended. This is one part of Pondicherry where you have a lot to do and see in the evening till night.

Walk in the heritage street marveling at the old colonial buildings.

The Vylial street stands out large canopies of trees on both sides providing a natural shade to the narrow lanes.

You will find cute cafes, heritage buildings transformed into boutique hotels, colorful rickshaws, and rental bikes. You can rent a bicycle if you want.

Aurobindo Ashram

Our first stop in the evening walking tour was the Aurobindo Ashram. This is a large community of 2000 members including 400 students and 1600 devotees.

Aurobindo Ashram is a peaceful abode that is open to visitors between 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

You need to keep your shoes outside and maintain complete silence on campus.

Phones should be switched off or on silent mode, and photography is prohibited. There is no entry fee, and even the community members who are in charge of the safekeeping of the shoes left outside refuse payment.

Bharathi Park

Located in the White Town right across the magnanimous Governors’ Residence is the Bharthi Park. Described as the historic heart of French Pondicherry it was here that “la Compaigne Des Indes” was established for trade between India and Europe.

The Park monument in the picture also known as Ayi Mandapam was raised in memory of a French courtesan lady named Ayi. She is said to have destroyed her own house to create a water reservoir for the city. The land here was used as a military training center by the French for 150 years.

As you leave the park through the exit gate you will come across a Nehru statue on one side and the iconic Mahatma Gandhi statue on the other side facing each other. Behind the Mahatma Gandhi statue is the Seaside Walk starting with the rock beach.

The Rock Beach and Seaside Promenade

Rock Beach is explained by its name itself. The stretch from Rock Beach to the Promenade Seafront is a pedestrian’s dream. With vehicle restrictions in place, you can freely hop along the gorgeous area stopping, posing, and clicking wherever you want. This part looks as polished as a first-world European city but is lined with monuments and street art showcasing great Indian icons. Bathing is prohibited in Rock Beach, but I saw many people doing so anyway.

The Mahatma Gandhi statue , Bhimrao Ambedkar memorial , the French War Memorial dominate the starry Promenade.

Cafes and hotels have a synchronized color scheme and architecture that’s a great blend of French and Indian styles.

Don’t forget to include the beautiful Sacred Heart Basilica, Lady of Des Angels Church, and Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church on this walking tour.

Check out the complete account of the walking tour of the French colony of Pondicherry and Auroville in our next post.

Note: Vehicle restriction in the area is taken seriously. We saw multiple illegally parked cars that were booked by the police in front of our eyes.

I try my best to give you all the information that you need to explore the place on your own. However, guided tours and experiences are a great way to socialize and take the best of a place, especially on your first trip.

Discover Pondicherry in a day using these tours

🌟A Heritage Walking Tour of Pondicherry

🌟A guided city tour in air-conditioned car with complimentary refreshments

Dinner at the Heritage Street

End the day with dinner at one of the many amazing restaurants or cafes on Heritage Street. Or you can also head to the promenade for food, music, and the sea breeze at night.

Day 2 in Pondicherry

You can begin the second day at Pondicherry with a wholesome breakfast at Le Cafe. All the hotels I have recommended later in the post have a sumptuous buffet spread for complimentary breakfast as well.

After breakfast we will start with a tour of Auroville. Then we can either visit Arikamedu and Murungapakkam art village, or we can go for a day trip to Pinchavaram Mangrove Forest.

Auroville – A City of its kind

Auroville is an experimental self-sustained city that was created by Mirra Alfassa, a disciple and spiritual collaborator of Rishi Aurobindo, who is fondly remembered as the Mother.

A Parisian by birth, she met Rishi Aurobindo in Pondicherry and worked with him in popularizing yoga.

Auroville was a vision shared by the Mother and Aurobindo. The Matrimandir in the picture is a place for guided meditation.

Entry to the large garden surrounding the Matrimandir is restricted to maintain a calm ambiance inside.

There are a large number of cafes serving the most delicious sandwiches, salads, shakes, etc. You can easily spend 2 hours here, have a fulfilling brunch, and head out for the rest of the exploration.

Auroville Beach or Auro Beach is located close by. It’s relatively less crowded and peaceful than the others.

You can book a guided tour to Auroville at just 10 Euros

Arikamedu is an archeological site where the ancient ruins of the Roman Empire were found. This is evidence of the existence of trade relations with Europe in the ancient ages.

On our first trip, we went with our family and tried to reach Arikamedu. But we got stuck in a narrow lane and couldn’t find our way.

So don't waste your time and book a tour of Arikamedu . This historic archeological site must not be missed. You will meet your guide at the church gate of The Sacred Heart Basilica.

Murungappakkam Art Trails

If you choose to visit Arikamedu instead of a day trip to Pinchavaram Mangroves, then a walking tour of Murungapakkam is unmissable. It is a government-run art and craft village which gives you a unique insight to the art history of Pondicherry through audio-visual guides and live demonstration.

Book a tour of Murungapakkam here. It is a wonderful place to visit with kids.

Pinchavaram Mangrove Forest

If you are not much into archeology, you can head to the Pinchavaram Mangrove Forest located about 60 km away from the White Town.

If you don’t have your car you need to hire one for the same. This is the second largest Mangrove Forest in the world next to Sundarbans of Bengal.

Separated from the Bay of Bengal by a narrow strip of sand the vast expanse of water-body covered with Mangroves attract a large variety of migratory birds during the winter season.

Book a private group tour to Pinchavaram Forest and Nataraja Temple in Pondicherry.

Including the journey, you will need at least 3 hours for this trip from Pondicherry.

Serenity Beach

Another beautiful beach in Pondicherry which is not as popular as the others Serenity beach.

Make no mistake, even the not-so-popular beaches have a lot of people, especially during the peak season of November to January.

It is a sand beach with rock strips protruding into the sea in between. Rewind after the long day at Serenity Beach while watching the beautiful sunset.

While the beaches are open till 11 pm it’s advisable not to stay there after 7 pm.

So, if you have the energy to hit the streets at night you can head to the Promenade once again. Le Cafe, the famous French cafe in the Promenade is now open for 24 hours!

Day 3 of Pondicherry Trip Plan

This is the day to end your 3-day trip to Pondicherry and head home. If you are on a road trip from Bangalore , you can spare some time for shopping and then stop at Ginjee Fort for about an hour or so.

Shopping at Pondicherry

Pondicherry is a great place for exploring street markets. Apparels, paintings, and local handicrafts also called “Pondicherry Bommai”- all available at cheap rates are a pleasure for any thrifty shopper. It's so nice to just look at it even if you don't buy it.

On our day of return, the heritage street was filled with Ganesha idols on sale for Ganapathi puja. On any day you'd find local handicrafts on sale in this area.

Other great places for shopping are Promenade, Gandhi Market, and Bharathi Park Market.

Gingee Fort

Gingee is a small fort town close to Pondicherry which is right on your way to Bangalore. It’s impossible to not notice the imposing hill forts on both sides of the road while driving.

We didn’t have the energy to go for a full trek to all the four forts here but we stopped and roamed around the foothills. The place is beautifully maintained with free toilet facilities, gardens, and dustbins. There is no entry fee for the forts.

Where to Stay in Pondicherry?

My favorite area to stay in Pondicherry is in and around the White Town which is on the Eastern coastline. Many Colonial French-style houses have been transformed into boutique hotels on Heritage Street.

We stayed at the Shenbaga Hotel , a 4-star luxury hotel located 1.5 km from the White Town. All major attractions of Pondicherry’s French colony were within a walking radius of the hotel.

Trivia: As of today, Shenbaga Hotel is the tallest hotel in Pondicherry offering the best panoramic view!

The second-best option is to stay in Auroville , which is a self-sustained city within Pondicherry. It is close to the White Town, but you have to book your stay there from their official website.

Other hotels I recommend based on location and reviews:

• The Promenade – This was my top choice on the last trip but missed it by whiskers.
• Le Pondy (luxury beach and lake resort)
• Hotel Atithi (mid-budget hotel opposite Shenbaga Hotel )

I hope this detailed and exhaustive travel guide to Pondicherry will help you plan your next vacation. Let's conclude with some frequently asked questions about Pondicherry.

What is the best time to visit Pondicherry?

Given the hot and humid climate throughout the year, the best time to visit Pondicherry is in the winter, that is, between December and early February. It is in fact one of the best places to visit in December in India .

How many days are enough for Pondicherry?

You need at least two days to explore Pondicherry and Auroville. A three-day trip will be ideal if you are commuting from Bangalore or any nearby city. If you're planning a family vacation four days will be enough to explore Pondicherry, go for excursions nearby, visit Mahabalipuram, and enjoy the culinary delights.

How much does a Pondicherry Trip cost?

Pondicherry is much cheaper than Goa as a beach holiday destination. You can book premium rooms in Auroville at as little as Rs. 1500 per night and can also book beachside luxury resorts at higher prices.

There are many boutique hotels and homestays starting from less than Rs. 1000 and going up to Rs. 30000/-. Going around in Pondicherry is cheap, by hiring a cycle or an auto-rickshaw, or even a manual rickshaw.

Is Pondicherry safe for solo women travelers?

Pondicherry is very safe for women. Not just the promenade beach but even the interior town which is not so glamorous. The people are very well-behaved and especially respectful towards women. However, they have a conservative outlook. Outside the French colony, short clothes will invite stares. It is advised not to stay on the beaches after 7 pm, except for the rock beach and the promenade of course. White Town has great nightlife too.

That's the end of my short travel guide to Pondicherry. If you liked the post, share it to plan your next vacation with your family. Here are some other beach-town itineraries that you can check out:

• Rameshwaram in 2 days
• Mahabalipuram in 1 day
• Goa in 3 days

Liked the post? Please share with your friends and family, and plan the trip now. Or you can save this guide to plan later.

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Love reading your post. Reminds me of my visit to this place almost a decade ago. Thanks for the lovely share.

thank you so much. Glad to rekindle your travel memories.

I had never even heard of Pondicherry before reading your post, thank you 🙂 And great job on the blogpost, I know how much work it takes to do one like yours, great read!

Cheers from Stockholm Sweden 🙂

Thanks Ann.

I’d definitely love to have a look around Auroville, I love it when people try to create something a bit different and experimental inside a city 🙂

I really appreciate your efforts and I will be waiting for your next post thank you once again.

Pinned this so that we have this when planning a trip to Pondicherry. The archeological sites look quite interesting.

thanks for reading. I’m sure you will love exploring Pondicherry

Pondicherry looks like a nice place to visit, I have heard of Auroville, would love to visit one day

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Perfect 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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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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Pondicherry Tourism

• Pondicherry
• Immaculate Conception Cathedral Pondicherry
• Goubert Avenue (Beach Road)
• Raj Niwas Pondicherry
• Pondicherry Museum
• Serenity Beach
• Ousteri Lake
• Bharathidasan Museum
• Bharathi Park
• The Pondicherry Botanical Garden
• View all 20 places
• Things to do
• Best time to visit
• How to Reach
• Tourist Map

Other Suggested Reads for Pondicherry

• Places To Visit in Pondicherry
• Things to do in Pondicherry
• How to Reach Pondicherry
• Best time to Visit in Pondicherry
• Pondicherry Tourism History
• Food in Pondicherry
• FAQS about Pondicherry
• Pondicherry Tourist Map

Pondicherry Tourism and Travel Guide

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Best Places To Visit In Pondicherry

Itineraries For Pondicherry

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Places To Visit Near Pondicherry

Best Time To Visit Pondicherry

The best time to explore Pondicherry tourism is during the winter season. Situated along the Bay of Bengal, Pondicherry experiences hot summers, severe monsoons and pleasant winters. 

The months from October to March are ideal for travellers who want to explore all facets of Pondicherry tourism. You can enjoy sightseeing tours, explore the local markets, participate in heritage walks and take a tour of the best cafes without the weather ruining your plans.

The months between June and September are marked by monsoon and it may not be the best time to plan your trip to explore Pondicherry tourism. However, budget travellers can take advantage of the slow tourist season and enjoy great deals on flights and hotels. Besides the unpredictable rainfall, there is nothing else stopping you from enjoying your vacation. Some travellers say that Pondicherry is best experienced in monsoon when the entire region is covered in hues of green and blue.

Summer in Pondicherry is between April and June and days are hot. The evenings during summer are bearable owing to the sea breeze but most travellers avoid exploring Pondicherry tourism during this time.

Top Attractions In Pondicherry

Aurobindo Ashram

Pondicherry tourism attracts travellers owing to a large number of spiritual centres. Aurobindo Ashram is the first spiritual centre which put Pondicherry on the global map. Established by Shri Aurobindo Ghosh in 1926 as a platform for spiritual seekers, the ashram has grown leaps and bounds since its conception. Based on no religious principles but on the tenets of spiritual knowledge, the ashram is a refuge for people from all walks of life. 

Acknowledged as of the wealthiest ashrams in the world, there are no branches of this ashram besides the one in Pondicherry. The ashram is located in White Town or the main town and is a significant contributor to Pondicherry tourism. Aurobindo Ashram is home to more than five hundred seekers and continues to spread the teachings of Shri Aurobindo. After Shri Aurobindo’s death in 1950, Mirra Alfassa or Mother took over the ashram responsibilities and helped it grow further as a spiritual retreat. 

To visit the ashram, you only need a gate pass from the Bureau Central. The pass gives you access to the library, the gardens and the main building. If you want to learn more about the history of the ashram and its teachings, you can book a guided tour or get in touch with the management of the ashram. Several workshops, meditation retreats and exhibitions regularly take place here. If you’d like to include any of these in your Pondicherry tourism itinerary, we recommend booking in advance. 

Paradise Beach

Beaches are the highlight of Pondicherry tourism and a day spent on the beach is the best way to experience this laidback city. Located eight kilometres from the main town of Pondicherry is Plage Paradiso or Paradise Beach. A popular attraction you can’t ignore in your Pondicherry tourism itinerary, it promises to take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

The most exciting feature of the beach is the 30-minute ferry ride that takes you from Chunnambar to Pondicherry. Promising surreal views of the villages in and around Chunnambar, the ferry ride across backwaters is one of the best experiences of Pondicherry tourism. The beach, on the other hand, is a classic example of a scenic beach complete with small coconut shacks, local eating joints, a few local bars and a small market. Even though Paradise Beach features on all Pondicherry tourism itineraries, it’s surprising to note that the beach is not crowded. 

Most travellers prefer heading here in the morning or in the evening so that they can catch a glimpse of the breathtaking sunsets and sunrises. This is not the best place to try swimming since the current is quite high. You can relax on the comfortable beach chairs, enjoy a meal of fresh fish curry and rice and of course indulge in some retail therapy. If you are interested in fishing, the beach is the ideal place to improve your skills. You can rent fishing equipment from the fishermen on the beach. 

Often referred to as the ‘Universal Town’ and the ‘City of Dawn’, Auroville is among the top highlights of Pondicherry tourism. The township is a few kilometres from Pondicherry and is built on a unique concept. Home to thousands of people from all cultures and countries, Auroville was founded by Mother. Envisioned as a free township which functions on the principles of harmony, sustainable living and peace, it’s a must-include in your Pondicherry tourism itinerary. You need at least five to six hours to explore the township so we recommend keeping aside sufficient time. 

Auroville is divided into different sectors including Peace Area, Industrial Zone, Residential Zone, International Zone, Cultural Zone and Green Belt.. The area around Auroville is entirely transformed owing to the efforts of the residents. What earlier was barren land is today rows and rows of lush fields. There are many tours for Auroville which are organised by good tour agencies and should be part of your Pondicherry tourism itinerary. Depending on your itinerary and interests, you can spend anywhere between two to six hours in the township. 

There are a number of attractions in Auroville which contribute to Pondicherry tourism. Matrimandir, set in the midst of the Peace Area, is visited by hundreds of people from across the world. The globe-shaped lotus symbolises peace and harmony for the residents and functions as a place for self-contemplation and group meditations. You have to take permission to enter Matrimandir as only a limited number of people are allowed inside every day. An example of brilliant architecture, Matrimandir is part of all Pondicherry tourism itineraries. 

Auroville is home to a number of cafes that are an integral part of the way of life here. Most locals begin their day with strong coffee and end it with a locally made dessert at one of the scenic cafes. If you want to learn more about Auroville and the culture here, there isn’t a better way than interacting with the locals. Some of the best cafes in Auroville that are part of Pondicherry tourism are La Terrace Cafe, Marc’s Cafe, Frites Corner, Tanto’s Pizzeria and Gelato Factory.

Promenade Beach

Another highlight in most Pondicherry tourism itineraries is Promenade Beach. The 1.2-kilometre-long beach stretches from War Memorial to Goubert Avenue. One can say that the beach is the centre for all activities including morning walks, sunsets, yoga, and of course swimming. 

This is one of the first beaches that tourists head to and is brimming with travellers as well as locals. While mapping your Pondicherry tourism itinerary, you can combine a visit to Promenade Beach with other landmarks including the statue of Joan of Arc, old lighthouse, Dupleix statue and Town Hall. 

If food is one of the primary highlights for you on a holiday, then you shouldn’t miss eating at one of the many restaurants here. Le Cafe is the most popular cafe here and you can expect a memorable experience as well as a wide variety of delicacies. The food is a mix of local seafood and French cuisine. For those who are interested in trying local food, there are several local joints dotting the beach that serve a variety of street food. The beach is also lined by a number of shops selling local handicrafts including shell jewellery, wooden items and scarves. If bargaining is one of your assets, you can expect to take home a good deal. 

Serenity Beach

Serenity Beach is among the lesser-known gems of Pondicherry tourism. The beach is located almost 10 kilometres from Pondicherry and is a must-visit for those who are looking for a quiet day at the beach. The beach is best known for a spa-resort by the same name which is located on the beach. Promising pristine views of the azure waters, sunsets here are divine and photographers ensure that they spend at least one evening here. Most of the resorts on Serenity Beach are visited by honeymooners and nature lovers. If you are looking for a beautiful escape from the city, then you can’t find a better place.

If you are interested in surfing and want to learn about this enthralling sport, there are a few surfing schools on Serenity Beach. These schools offer short-term courses on surfing and amateurs can easily spend three to four hours tackling the mighty waves.

Auroville Beach

Beach lovers have a lot to keep them busy in Pondicherry. Auroville Beach is situated 12 kilometres from Pondicherry and has a special spot on all Pondicherry tourism itineraries. The beach is under the management of Auroville Ashram and is among the quietest beaches here. There aren’t too many street food stalls lining the beach so you can expect a peaceful experience with only the blue sea and the vibrant sky for company. The beach is maintained by the ashram and immense efforts are made to ensure cleanliness. There are a few resorts on Auroville Beach and if you are in the mood, you can head to any one of these for a cup of coffee or a meal.

If you decide to include Auroville Beach in your Pondicherry tourism itinerary, we recommend heading here in the morning or during the day. The beach closes at 6:30 pm so you should plan your itinerary accordingly. If you want to admire the gorgeous sunset from Auroville Beach, coming on time is important. Owing to the views and the serenity, the beach tends to get busy on weekends. One of the reasons that Auroville Beach is a favourite with travellers is due to the ideal conditions it offers for swimmers. The tide is low and you can easily dive in to enjoy the soft waves.

Activities And Things To Do In Pondicherry

Spend a day exploring Arikamedu

If the idea of exploring an erstwhile port town is how you’d like to spend your vacation in Pondicherry, we highly recommend visiting Arikamedu. Located fewer than ten kilometres from the main town, this is one of the hidden gems of Pondicherry tourism. An ancient Roman trade centre, this port town was occupied by the Romans, the French and the Cholas at different points in time. 

Arikamedu was discovered in the 1940s and the city has since been on the radar of history lovers. While you might think there is not much to see in the town but this is where the beauty lies. History lovers will surely admire the two perpendicular walls as well as the French Jesuit Mission House. 

Amidst rows and rows of coconut trees, you can spot the markings of an erstwhile flourishing port city. You might find a lot of things of interest here but to understand the historical and archaeological significance, we highly recommend including a guided tour in your Pondicherry tourism itinerary. Photographers must keep aside a couple of hours in their itinerary since there is much to capture here.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is an unmissable highlight when you are exploring Pondicherry tourism. In fact, it’s among the few places in the country which offers an exceptional scuba diving experience. Divers can expect to see a range of underwater life including kingfish, sea snakes, lionfish, moray eels and manta rays. There are some diving spots which also offer you a glimpse into the vibrant world of red snappers and blue lines. 

The best way to enjoy scuba diving during your trip is by booking a tour through Pondicherry tourism approved agencies. This ensures that you have a memorable experience within your budget. You can also rest assured that the scuba diving excursion will be under the supervision of experts. 

A single divecan cost between Rs.4000 and Rs.6000. This amount can vary depending on the number of people and the number of dives. Temple Adventures is among the best agencies that can arrange a memorable scuba diving tour for you. If you book a separate tour package to explore Pondicherry tourism, we suggest including scuba diving in your Pondicherry itinerary.

Watch The Sunset From Pondicherry Lighthouse

Pondicherry is home to two lighthouses and this often confuses travellers. However, the old lighthouse has been closed for the general public. At the same time, you can include a visit to the new lighthouse in your Pondicherry tourism itinerary to enjoy the breathtaking views of the city.

The lighthouse in Pondicherry attracts visitors owing to its importance during the French rule. One of the only landmarks for mariners, the old lighthouse was built under the leadership of L. Guerre. If you choose to include a historical tour of the beautiful town of Pondicherry, you will be taken to both these landmarks. 

The new lighthouse is visited by numerous travellers every day and for good reason. The view of the sunset from here simply takes your breath away and you will find yourself returning time and again. If you plan to head here to admire the sunset, we suggest coming a little ahead of time so that you can find the perfect spot to capture the mesmerising skies.

Where To Stay In Pondicherry

Pondicherry tourism has always welcomed all kinds of travellers. From solo travellers, couples, nature buffs to spiritual seekers, beach bums and adventure enthusiasts – everyone finds a spot to call their own in Pondicherry. It's no surprise then that there are numerous accommodation options in the city. You can opt for five-star properties, budget resorts, hostels and guest houses depending on your Pondicherry tourism itinerary and budget.

Luxury hotels in Pondicherry

There are several luxury hotels in Pondicherry that offer breathtaking views and promise a series of services including a spa, in-house restaurants, cruises and customised sightseeing tours. Here are some of the best resorts which are part of Pondicherry tourism.

• Palais de Mahe
• The Dune Eco Village & Spa
• The Promenade
• The Windflower Resort and Spa Pondicherry

Mid-budget hotels in Pondicherry

What do you do when you want a mix of both comfort and budget? You opt for mid-budget hotels and Pondicherry doesn't disappoint. The hotels here offer comfortable rooms, efficient service and ensure you experience the best of local hospitality. Here are some of the best mid-budget hotels which are part of Pondicherry tourism.

• Anantha Heritage Hotel
• Villa Kalifie
• Sunway Manor
• White Pearl Residency

Budget hotels in Pondicherry

Budget hotels and hostels are the ideal accommodation options for those who want to experience Pondicherry tourism on a budget. Backpackers contribute immensely to Pondicherry tourism and the tourism department has not left a stone unturned to ensure that the city remains budget friendly. Here are some of the best budget hotels which are part of Pondicherry tourism.

• Blue Lotus Hostel
• Holi Wood Guesthouse
• Hotel Coramandal Heritage
• Hotel Corbelli

Cuisine And Best Places To Eat

The local food of Pondicherry is influenced by French and South Indian cuisines. You will find a variety of restaurants and cafes serving an array of both Indian and French dishes. This has made Pondicherry a favourite with food lovers. You can find the perfect cup of coffee in almost all cafes, each of which also keeps freshly baked bread. Baguettes and croissants are available almost everywhere and you'll be surprised by the authentic flavours.

You might think that seafood is available only in restaurants but you'll be glad to find various renditions of fish and crab curry at most local restaurants. Fried prawns and fish fry are also easily available at reasonable prices. The combination of fresh seafood with local spices and thick coconut cream is something you'll miss when you are back home.

Mutton sambar , beef patties, traditional Pondicherry white chicken curry and crab masala are some of the favourites which are available almost everywhere. The best thing about enjoying a meal in Pondicherry is that you can eat according to your budget and still have the best experience. Whether you choose a roadside stall or a luxurious restaurant, the experience is completely worth it. 

Cafe hopping is an integral part of all Pondicherry tourism itineraries and you can’t help but appreciate the vibrant cafes, welcoming owners and huge variety of finger-licking food.  Some of the best cafes and best restaurants in Pondicherry are La Maison Rose, Cafe Des Arts, Well Cafe, Carte Blanche, Crepe in Touch, Rendezvous Cafe, Kasha ki Asha and Tanto.

How To Travel In Pondicherry?

One of the most attractive features of Pondicherry tourism is that the city urges you to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. You can explore White Town completely on foot whereas nearby areas can easily be explored on a cycle. In fact, a cycle is one of the most popular means of transport in Pondicherry. You can rent a cycle from one of the many tour agencies here and keep it for the entire duration of your trip or rent it by the hour. You can also book a cycling tour in your Pondicherry tourism itinerary since there are fun tours that regularly take place. 

If you want to explore places such as Auroville Beach and Serenity Beach, you can hire a cab. The prices for most sightseeing spots is fixed so you don't have to worry about exceeding your budget. There is public transport in the city but we highly recommend having a reliable means of transport so you can enjoy your trip without any hassle.

Typical Costs In Pondicherry

If you are planning to explore Pondicherry tourism, you can prepare a customised itinerary without worrying about costs. The city is open to all kinds of travellers and the kind of trip you expect is completely dependent on the season you travel in and the accommodation you choose.

Luxury travellers can expect to spend between Rs.6000 and Rs.8000 per day. The cost is only inclusive of food, sightseeing and the activities you choose and doesn't take accommodation into account.

Mid-budget travellers can have a wonderful trip exploring Pondicherry tourism and expect to spend between Rs.3000 and Rs.5000. This amount may vary depending on the activities you include in your Pondicherry tourism itinerary.

Budget travellers should consider planning their trip to explore Pondicherry tourism during shoulder season or off-season. If you plan your trip well, you can expect to spend between Rs.500 and Rs.1500 per day.

Written by Kirat Sodhi. She is a proud mom of three cats and lives for lemon tea, a good book and spontaneous travel plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best places to visit in Pondicherry tourism are Auroville, Paradise Beach, Serenity Beach, Old Lighthouse, Auroville Market, Arikamedu, Chunnamber Boat House and Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Pondicherry is located 150 kilometres from Chennai. There are numerous ways to travel between the two places and depending on your budget, you can choose any one. Buses are the cheapest and take about four hours. Tickets for an AC bus will cost you between Rs.250 and Rs.350 depending on the bus service. You can even rent a self-drive car or a taxi for your journey. A taxi will cost you between Rs.3000 and Rs.4000.

The best beaches which are part of Pondicherry tourism are Serenity Beach, Paradise Beach, Auroville Beach and Veerampattinam Beach. 

Pondicherry is known for one of the most thriving artificial reefs in the world. You can scuba dive at any of the 22 sites in the city and we highly recommend booking through an authorised travel agency.

The best cafes in Pondicherry are Coromandel Cafe, Domus, Artika Café Gallery, Café des Arts and Café Carte Blanche.

The best historical sites of Pondicherry tourism are Gingee Fort, The Statue of Dupleix, Arikamedu, the French War Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Statue.

Pondicherry tourism has something to offer all types of travellers and all you need to do is pack a bag for your trip. Here are three tips for exploring Pondicherry tourism.

• Book a scuba diving tour and a cycling tour if you want to include unique experiences in your Pondicherry tourism itinerary
• Book a hotel or a resort that offers you a peek into the local way of life
• Plan your trip at the end of the monsoon season – just before the peak season is about to begin.

In recent years, a number of homestays and boutique accommodations have come up in an effort to boost Pondicherry tourism. Some of the most welcoming homestays that are part of Pondicherry tourism are La Maison Radha, Ponni Illam, Mantra, A La Villa Creole and Villa Umar. 

Shopping is one of the major highlights of Pondicherry tourism and you can expect to bring back an array of souvenirs. From locally designed clothes, handmade jewellery and incense sticks to local spices, wooden artefacts and home decor, Markets in Pondicherry are a delight for shopping enthusiasts. Some of the best markets and shops that are part of Pondicherry tourism are Casablanca, Kalki, Janaki, Goubert Market, Cluny Embroidery Centre, Serenity Beach Bazaar, Titanic, the Cotton House and Auroville Market. 

The cafe culture in the city is one of the most attractive features for globetrotters. Almost every corner of the city has something special to offer food lovers and cafe hoppers. On your visit to Auroville, you will notice a plethora of vibrant and welcoming cafes. Some of the cafes that should be part of your Pondicherry tourism itinerary are Dreamer’s Cafe, Tanto’s Pizzeria, Garden Cafe, Solitude Organic Farm and Sustenance Farm.

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Pondicherry Holiday Packages : rated 4.1 /5 (based on 47 reviews) | Packages starting from ₹7,500/-

Pondicherry Holiday Packages

Enhance your Pondicherry experience with our exclusive Pondicherry trip packages , curated to immerse you in the city's enchanting blend of French elegance and Indian vibrancy. Indulge in the cultural richness of Pondicherry's historic churches and diverse museums, all seamlessly woven into the fabric of its colonial history. Our Pondicherry packages cater to every traveller's preferences, offering a delightful journey through the city's architectural marvels and tranquil beaches. Immerse yourself in Pondicherry tourism , and let our thoughtfully crafted Pondicherry holiday packages unveil the hidden gems of this French-inspired haven, making your trip a truly mesmerising and unforgettable experience.

10 Best Places to Explore in Pondicherry Tour Package

From beaches to ashrams, Pondicherry presents an endless list of places that one can visit on a vacation. Therefore, mentioned below is a list of places that one can plan to visit on a Pondicherry trip , ensuring a diverse and enriching experience in this charming city.

1. Promenade Beach

What’s Special: Scenic Beauty

Nearby Attractions: French Colony, Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Entry Fees: Free

Distance From City Center: 400 m

Transportation Options: Two-wheeler

Watch the waves crashing over a rocky beach when you get to visit the surreal Promenade Beach. It is locals and touirts’s favourite place to spend leisure time. One can spot many people indulging in beachside sports and practicing yoga. One of the best reasons why tourists often flock at this beach is because it is within close proximity to many attractions.

2. Auroville

What’s Special: Community where people from all origins live in peace

Nearby Attractions: Promenade Beach, French Town, Matrimandir

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

Built By: Mirra Alfassa (known as "the Mother")

Built In: 1968

Distance From City Center: 12 km

Transportation Options: Bus, two-wheeler, cab

If you like the idea of visiting a place that is untouched by the worldly vices, then Auroville is a must add to your itinerary. Located at a distance of just 11 km from Pondicherry, the city of dawn has for you a dreamlike cityscape.

3. Sri Aurobindo Ashram

What’s Special: Spiritual Community

Nearby Attractions: Arulmigu Manakula Temple, Promenade Beach

Timings: 8 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 6 PM

Built By: Sri Aurobindo

Built In: 1926

Distance From City Center: 1.3 km

Transportation Options: Two-wheeler, auto

Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a top tourist attraction when it comes to visiting Pondicherry. This places has restored the teachings of Sri Aurobindo Gosh and surrounds around his many spiritual learnings. This spiritual center is a must visit place for any type of traveler.

4. Paradise Beach

Nearby Attractions: Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Ma Pondy Cherie, Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Entry Fees: INR 150

Distance From City Center: 12.8 km

Transportation Options: Boathouse

Paradise beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Pondicherry. This hidden gem is not known by a lot of people. One needs to get on a ferry/boathouse and sail for 10 to 15 minutes to finally get deboarded in this island. Paradise Beach stands true to its name and is absolutely spectacular. One can spend hours here but since the water is choppy with strong current, it is advised that one does not go deep. There are a few shacks that have opened up on the beach from where people can purchase a few knick-knacks. While on the way to the beach in the boathouse, you will be taken amidst the backwaters with gorgeous thick mangroves. If you are a bird lover, then you can spot various kinds of birds here.

5. French Colony

What’s Special: Beautiful french houses

Nearby Attractions: Promenade Beach, Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Distance From City Center: 2 km

Transportation Options: Vespa, cycle, auto

Pondicherry is one of the most famous places in Pondicherry. It is actually because of this small colony why Pondicherry sees a whole lot of tourists every year. Pondicherry is also known as the French town thanks to the many beautiful houses and colorful streets. When get see the preserved history of the time when french ruled in India. Their history, legacy and food have been well-preserved here. Get lost amidst the colorful lanes of Pondicherry and indulge your taste buds in some exotic and authentic French cuisines. One can go on a shopping spree here as some very niche brands and other stores have opened up here along with several cafes and restaurants. There are also many tours that will take you to the most important places in this French colony. Get on your Vespa or simply walk and get mesmerized by the beauty fo this place.

6. Auroville Beach

What’s Special: Surreal views, beach huts, seafood

Timings: Open 24/7

Major Attractions: Mahatma Gandhi Statue, Promenade Beach, Rock Beach

Distance From City: 9.5 km

Transportation Options: Bus, cab, auto

Auroville beach is one of the most popular beaches in Pondicherry which ironically receives a less crowd than the rest. Situated near Bommayapalayam on East Coast Road is a tranquil area featuring spectacular views especially during the time of sunrise. There are beach huts and resorts that provide accommodation and food. Include this beach in your itinerary of Pondicherry tour packages and enjoy the soothing aura of this beach.

7. Serenity Beach

What’s Special: Serenity Beach Bazaar, sunbathing, swimming, kayaking, surfing, canoeing

Major Attractions: Auroville Beach, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Promenade Beach

Distance From City: 7 km

Environed by palm trees and blue waters, graced by white sands this is a picturesque place for travellers. A clean, calm, and less crowded, Serenity beach is a wonderful tourist destination close to East Coast Road. The beach offers multiple adventure activities like boating, canoeing, kayaking, and surfing. For all the thrilling activities it features make this an ideal place in Pondicherry for sunbathing, swimming, or simply relaxing. If you are visiting the beach on the weekends then stop by at the Serenity Beach Bazaar to shop for some handicrafts, garments, and leather goods.

8. Varadaraja Perumal Temple

What’s Special: Mirror room, oldest temple, Dravidian architecture

Timings: 6 am - 12 pm, 4 pm - 9 pm

Major Attractions: Pondicherry Museum, Promenade Beach

Distance From City: 2.5 km

Transportation Options: Bus, cab, auto private vehicles

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Varadaraja Perumal Temple is famed for its Dravidian architecture, sculptured towers, front gopurams, and overall aesthetics. Situated on the M.G Road, this religious place is believed to be one of the oldest temples in Pondicherry that dates back to 970 AD. There is a mirror room inside the temple, along with that it houses assorted avatars of Lord Vishnu, idols of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, lord Lakshmana, Lord Hanuman, Lord Navaneetha Krishna, Sri Santhanagopala, and Sri Venugopala.

9. Botanical Garden

What’s Special: Japanese rock, aquarium, marine life, toy train, flower beds

Timings: 10 am - 6 pm

Major Attractions: Pondicherry Museum, Promenade Beach, The Sacred Heart Basilica

Distance From City: 1.5 km

Spread with pruned trees, flower beds, and fountains the Botanical Garden covers an area of 22 acres in the city’s centre, the garden is a famous retreat for natives as well as tourists. After 1960, the garden became a hub of horticultural development in Pondicherry. Inside one can explore 28 plots and each one has its own separate theme. The other attractions of the tourist place include a Children’s toy train, an aquarium, a Japanese rock, and a musical fountain.

10. Pondicherry Museum

What’s Special: Artefacts, glass paintings, remains from different periods

Timings: 10 am - 5 pm, closed on Mondays and National Holidays

Major Attractions: Promenade Beach, Rock Beach, The Sacred Heart Basilica

Distance From City: 3 km

Pondicherry Museum features an exclusive collection of sculptures, remains of archaeological findings from the Arikamedu Roman settlement, a wide collection of snail shells, and glass paintings in its remarkable gallery. The gallery houses artefacts that go back to the period of Cholas, Karaikal, and Pallavas. Remains include French furniture, terracotta figures, crockery, guns, mirrors, burial urns, and several things from different periods. In addition to the historic collection, this place is also popular for its breathtaking views. While crafting your Pondicherry itinerary add this place to your Pondicherry tour package.

Best Pondicherry Tour Packages From Tops Cities Of India

Famous as the ‘French Capital of India’, Pondicherry is without a doubt one of the vibrant places situated on the southeastern coast of India. Brimming with French headquarters, archaic temples, churches, pristine beaches there is so much to tour in Pondicherry. With our Pondicherry tour packages, you can plan the best trips to Pondicherry to various destinations.

The Pondicherry tourism packages are diligently crafted to make your journey easy, accessible and wholesome. Following is our list of packages from various Indian cities: Puducherry Packages from Delhi, Puducherry Packages from Mumbai, Puducherry Packages from Bangalore, Puducherry Packages from Hyderabad, Puducherry Packages from Chennai, Puducherry Packages from Ahmedabad, Puducherry Packages from Kolkata.

What is the Best Time to Visit Pondicherry?

Pondicherry tour plans are mostly made in the month of October. This is because the temperature in this month is between 15 degree to 30 degree Celsius which is the best and most friendly temperature that this city can offer. So plan your pondicherry trip itinerary during October. It is the best time of the year to visit this city and enjoy to the fullest without any discomforts.

With a beautiful cityscape, the city does not shy away from offering you some of the best things to see and memorise. With a number of forts, complexes, and museums to visit, there is just so much to do in this city! that can be explored through Pondicherry travel packages . Now well-known as Puducherry, this Union Territory is a place filled with wonder and amazement located in the Southern end of India. From the spiritual space of Sri Aurobindo Ashram to the scenic spot of Promenade Beach, it is home to many such tourist places. Find your way around the city and enjoy the changing colors of Pondi with the help of our Pondicherry trip package .

How to Reach Pondicherry?

Pondicherry is one of the most preferred holiday destinations for all those looking for a peaceful vacay. Serene beaches and colourful streets best describe this wonderful destination. Pondicherry is well-connected by major Indian cities through different modes of transportation like air, bus, and rail. The Chennai airport is the nearest airport, while Villupuram railway station is the nearest rail head to Pondicherry. Let’s look at the different travel options in detail to plan your ideal Pondicherry tour.

Chennai International Airport is the nearest airport from Pondicherry located at a distance of about 150 kms. It is well-linked with all the major Indian cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore as well as international destinations.Once you reach the airport, there are many taxis available which you can hire to reach Pondicherry.

Located just 37 kms away, Villupuram Junction railway station is well-linked to places like Chennai and Madurai. Travelers can hire taxis or avail bus services to reach Pondicherry once they reach the railway station.

Road is the most cost-effective and the best medium to reach Pondicherry because of the well-maintained road. There are a number of buses plying from nearby cities at regular intervals. On the other hand, you can also hire a taxi or self drive from nearby cities to reach Pondicherry.

Planning to check out a few more tour packages ? We offer packages for the best ones. Check out the link below.

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Pondicherry Packages By Cities

Duration ( in Days )

Budget Per Person ( in Rs. )

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Showing 32 Pondicherry Tour Packages

Pondicherry Sightseeing Tour Package

₹ 14,090/- ₹ 15,484/-

Per Person on twin sharing

• Botanical Garden
• War Memorial

Hotel included in package:

• Pondicherry (3D)

Pondicherry is known as the French Colony for long historic war and trade. Though the c....

Upto 2 Stars

Sightseeing

South India Beach Tour Package

₹ 16,774/- ₹ 18,233/-.

• Best sellers

The South India beaches tour package offers a visit to a city which is....

Exciting Pondicherry Tour Package From Trivandrum

₹ 33,672/- ₹ 36,600/-.

• Marina Beach
• Chennai (1D)
• Mahabalipuram (1D)

India is a land of diverse cultures and traditions. People all around the world come to....

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Expert Rating

Le Pondy Beach Resort Pondicherry

8 km from City Center

The Promenade Pondicherry

2 km from City Center

The Ashok Beach Resort Pondicherry

11 km from City Center

The Sunway Manor Pondicherry

Grand serenaa pondicherry.

7 km from City Center

Le Dupleix Pondicherry

The richmond pondicherry, annamalai international pondicherry.

1 km from City Center

Dune Mansion Calve Pondicherry

Tulip inn pondicherry.

Pondicherry Tour Packages For 2 Nights 3 Days

₹ 15,433/- ₹ 16,959/-

Step into the land of Pondicherry and you can definitely know about the local community....

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Chennai Tour Package For 2 Nights 3 Days

₹ 13,420/- ₹ 14,430/-

• Ancient temples

The Tamil Kingdom carries a rich history from a distant past. The cultural grandeur, ex....

Pondicherry Mahabalipuram Chennai Tour Package

₹ 28,060/- ₹ 30,500/-.

• art gallery

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Pondicherry Package For 4 Nights 5 Days

₹ 17,957/- ₹ 19,519/-.

• Lighthouse Beach

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₹ 14,030/- ₹ 15,250/-.

Mahabalipuram: A remnant of a bygone era

₹ 16,299/- ₹ 17,716/-.

Pondicherry Tour Package From Lucknow

₹ 10,102/- ₹ 10,980/-.

Are you waiting to grab some memories on a budget? So here we give you an opportunity t....

Pondicherry Honeymoon Package From Kolkata

₹ 13,468/- ₹ 14,482/-.

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Top-Selling Pondicherry Packages From Delhi For A Wonderful Holiday Trip

₹ 20,763/- ₹ 22,569/-.

4 Days Pondicherry Tour Package From Chennai

₹ 18,519/- ₹ 19,913/-.

• Bird Watching
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When you’re at work and you will ultimately get exhausted of the similar monotono....

Soak in the pristine views of Pondicherry

₹ 9,800/- ₹ 10,652/-.

Captivating Pondicherry Honeymoon Package From Bangalore

₹ 16,775/- ₹ 18,434/-.

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• Spiritual Sites

Pondicherry’s origin roots from the Pallava Kingdom of Kanchipuram in 4th Century....

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₹ 20,202/- ₹ 21,959/-.

Pondicherry Mahabalipuram Tour Package From Chennai

• Pondicherry (2D)

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Chennai Pondicherry Mahabalipuram Tour Package From Chennai

₹ 25,254/- ₹ 27,450/-.

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Pleasant Serenity Of Thirunallar

₹ 12,000/- ₹ 13,187/-.

• Thirunallar (2D)

The Best-Selling Pondicherry Package From Chennai

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Fun-Filled Hyderabad To Pondicherry Tour Packages

₹ 16,103/- ₹ 17,696/-.

Spectacular Pondicherry Honeymoon Package From Chennai

Pondicherry officially known as Puducherry is one of the most preferred tourist destina....

Heavenly Pondicherry Tour Package From Ahmedabad

₹ 16,275/- ₹ 17,690/-.

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₹ 13,469/- ₹ 14,640/-.

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Property Types in Pondicherry

Faqs for pondicherry, how much does a tour to pondicherry cost.

The cost of your Pondicherry trip will depend on the number of days you spend there, the places you visit and the type of hotels you stay at. For a simple 2 nights tour of Pondicherry, you can expect to pay nearly INR 10,000, whereas for a 5 days tour you might have to shell out INR 34,000.

How can I plan a tour to Pondicherry?

You can easily plan your Pondicherry tour by following this rough itinerary: Day 1: Arrival. Relax and check out local markets Day 2: Visit Aurobindo Ashram, French War Memorial, Botanical Garden, Chunnambar Boat House Day 3: Visit Auroville, Matrimandir. Enjoy shopping Day 4: Departure

Which is the best time to visit Pondicherry?

Visit Pondicherry between October to March for a relaxing vacation. Pondicherry is a delight almost all through the year, but try to avoid the summer season, from April to May. June to September bring rains with them, so your sightseeing plans might be in jeopardy.

What are the best Pondicherry tour packages offered by TravelTriangle?

Below listed are some of the best Pondicherry tour packages offered by us:

What is the ideal duration for a trip to Pondicherry?

The ideal duration of a trip to Pondicherry is 3 days & 2 nights. This trip duration is apt for you to indulge in a sightseeing tour as well as spend leisure time by beaches and botanical gardens in Pondicherry.

Where in Pondicherry can I get the best seafood?

Pondicherry is praised for its seafood and if you are headed to savor that, then the below-mentioned restaurants should be on your list.

• Theevu Plage: Seafood, Vegetarian
• De BlueFin Seafood Restaurant: Seafood, Chinese, Indian, Italian, Fusion
• Villa Krish: French, Seafood, Vegetarian
• Finz: Seafood, Indian,
• Prawn and Crab: Indian, Seafood, Southwestern

What are some of the most popular places in Pondicherry?

Some of the most popular places in Pondicherry are:

• Sri Aurobindo Ashram
• Promenade Beach
• Arulmigo Manakula Vinayagar Temple
• Pondicherry lighthouse
• Matrimandir
• Paradise Beach
• Auroville Beach
• Mangrove Forest
• Auroville Visitors centre

What are some of the popular restaurants in Pondicherry?

Some of the most popular restaurants in Pondicherry are:

• Cafe Des Arts
• Carte Blanche
• Dilliwaala 6
• Appachi Chettinad
• Va Villa Helena
• Villa Shanti
• Lighthouse Rooftop Grill

What is the elevation of Pondicherry?

Elevation of Pondicherry is 3 m.

Which is the biggest lake in Pondicherry?

Ousteri Lake is the biggest lake in Pondicherry.

Can I use Hindi to communicate with the locals?

Localities usually speak English, Tamil and French. They might know Hindi, you can always try.

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5 Best Things To Do In Pondicherry

The French Capital of India, Pondicherry offers a soul-stirring experience to its visitors. Commonly referred to as Pondy, it is a dreamy escape from the hustle bustle of city life. Known as White Town, the city is a perfect blend of French architecture and traditional Indian setup. It is dotted with several amazing beaches, cosy cafes, temples. You can casually stroll or opt for a cycle ride. There is absolutely no dearth of things to do in Pondicherry. It literally includes everything from beaches to temples to diving. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular things to do in Pondicherry on your next vacation.

1. Enjoy A Beautiful Sunrise At Promenade Beach

Promenade Beach is one of the most beautiful and untouched beaches in Pondicherry. If you want to enjoy the best sunrise view, this is the perfect place. Wake up early morning or stay up all night but don’t miss out the chance to visit this beautiful location for watching the sunrise. It is indeed one of the best things to do in Pondicherry. It is also an ideal place to visit for nature and photography lovers. Make sure to wear comfortable clothes while you visit the beach for a safe and happy trip.

2. Birdwatching At Ousteri Lake

Ousteri Lake is one of the most beautiful and picturesque man-made lakes in Pondicherry. This serene lake is a paradise for bird watchers. The marshes are rich in biodiversity and hence invite many migratory and residential birds. It is also visited by a large number of tourists because of its gorgeous sunset views. If you are looking for a place for a nice evening walk, this is the best place to be. Winter is the perfect time to visit this lake to enjoy the soft breeze and also different species of birds.

3. Water Activities At Paradise Beach

Pondicherry has a lot in store for adventure enthusiasts as well. The two most popular beaches to try amazing watersports are Paradise Beach and Karaikal Beach. You can enjoy boating, jet skiing, kayaking, canoeing, backwater sailing, and overnight camping and have the most amazing time on your vacation. Not only this, you can also stay for hours and enjoy with your family at these beaches.

4. Pamper Your Taste Buds At Lighthouse

Lighthouse is an amazing place for food lovers. With so many cute and cosy cafes and restaurants, Pondicherry is truly a heaven for food enthusiasts. At Lighthouse, one can explore different cuisines, French food, traditional South Indian cuisine and much more.It is also an ideal place for romantic dinners.

5. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry is a must visit place if you are looking for some peaceful vibes. The spiritual ashram is a favorite tourist venue for all those looking to attain eternal peace. You can watch videos of works of Sri Aurobindo and also visit the book shop and souvenir shop to buy books and other gift related items. The ashram was a small community initially that got expanded over a period of time. It provides basic needs to all its members to meet a healthy lifestyle. Cultural facilities like dance, music and art is also available for all the members.

Where to stay in Pondicherry?

Scroll below to see the best options that offer a comfortable stay in Pondicherry

1. The Residency Towers Puducherry

Star Category: 5-star hotel

Price Per Night: INR 4900 onwards

Location: 260/1, Anna Salai Puducherry, 605001 Pondicherry, India

At the Residency Towers Puducherry, the guests can avail the indoor pool and the fitness centre, or enjoy city views from the comfort of its ambience. Continental or à la carte breakfast can be availed at request. The accommodations are equipped with modern amenities, and each of its type is aesthetically pleasing and comforting. Book a stay here to relish a fusion of luxury, comfort without spending much.

2. Hotel De Petit

Star Category: 3 Star hotel

Price Per Night: INR 5800 onwards

Location: 59, Rue Suffren, 59, Rue Suffren,, White Town, 605001 Pondicherry, India

This 3-star accommodation is hardly a 15-minute walk from Aurobindo Ashram, all the rooms here are equipped with basic amenities. The location is tourist-friendly as most of the city’s major attractions are around. In addition to that, the property features family rooms and guests can enjoy the surreal views from the terrace. For a budgeted trip book a stay at this property.

3. Palais De Mahe - CGH Earth

Star Category: 5 Star hotel

Price Per Night: INR 7377 onwards

Location: Door No: 4, R.S NO: 239, Rue De bussy Street (Lal bah door sastri Road), White Town, 605001 Pondicherry, India

Opt for this property to experience the ultimate legacy with your dear ones. The property features an outdoor swimming pool, massage parlour, and laundry facilities. The guests can avail of its multiple services and amenities that are offered in its well-equipped accommodations. Guests can also avail the currency exchange or car rental facilities on requests.

4. La Villa

Price Per Night: INR 9000 onwards

Location: 11 Surcouf Street, White Town, 605001 Pondicherry, India

Book a stay at this lavish 5-star property and soothe yourself with the luxurious facilities available at La Villa. The outdoor swimming pool, garden, and terrace are sure to satisfy your desire to enjoy nature while staying in. The accommodations feature garden views and possess both basic and luxurious amenities. With free parking, and services like car rentals and currency exchange the stay will be more comfortable.

5. Maison Perumal - CGH Earth

Price Per Night: INR 4219 onwards

Location: # 44, (Old no.58) Perumal Koil Street, Heritage Town, 605001 Pondicherry, India

Situated 2 km away from Pondicherry Railway Station, this 3-star accommodation is established in a bustling locality. The property offers air-conditioned rooms, with private bathrooms and free toiletries. Featuring a library and other facilities, a stay here will be wrapped in comfort. Even services like currency exchange and rental cars are available, but with surcharges.

What to eat in Pondicherry?

Checkout the following amazing places and savour a luscious meal with your people

1. Villa Shanti

Cuisines: Indian, European

Timings: 12 pm - 10:45 pm

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5

Location: 14 Rue Suffren Street 14 Rue Suffren, Pondicherry 605001 India

Hop on a scrumptious menu of European and Indian dishes with your favourite group here at Villa Shanti. The excellent and artsy European varieties are something travellers tend to drool over. The interiors of this place sure deserve a compliment for being just aesthetic that goes with all kinds of meals. Beefsteak, prawn salad, and lobsters are the most ordered.

2. Shyama's Kitchen

Cuisines: Indian, International

Timings: NA

TripAdvisor Rating: 5/5

Location: 32 Rue Francois Martin Street, Pondicherry 605001 India

An exceptionally exclusive place to experience the mouthwatering varieties which is not a typical restaurant, but a place to relish a luscious meal. Offering a diverse selection of International varieties, Shyama's kitchen is famed for its authenticity. Many travellers are fascinated by the one of a kind eating space Shyama’s Kitchen is. Do add this place to one of the customizable Pondicherry tour packages if you enjoy exploring

3. Café des Arts

Cuisines: French, Cafe, European

Timings: 9 am - 7 pm

TripAdvisor Rating: 4/5

Location: No 10 White Town Rue Suffren Street, Pondicherry 605001 India

A French cafe serving delectable varieties that are both traditional and nostalgic. With multiple options for vegetarians, Café des Arts take pride in serving its guests inside its warm seating that oozes aroma and hints of a bakery. Its option to avail outdoor seating is what attracts many tourists. Each plate is a careful creation of flavours and dressings that conveys the intended

Cuisines: Seafood, Indian

Timings: 11:30 am - 10:30 pm

Location: R.Sno.200,201 Valluvar Medu Club Mahindra Near Nycer Factory, Manapattu Village, Pondicherry 604107 India

On your Pondicherry tour package stop by at this classic restaurant by the beach and savour succulent varieties of steak, fish, prawn, crab roast amidst the soothing music and cool breeze. Here you can treat your dear ones with the flavoursome seafood varieties and other yummy Indian dishes.

5. Palais de Mahe

Timings: 7:30 am - 10:30 pm

Location: 2 Lal Bahadur Sastry Street, Pondicherry 605001 India

The Palais de Mahe is where you can taste a variety of Indian dishes, all freshly prepared with the appropriate amount of spices. Not only Indian dishes, they even serve a good amount of seafood varieties, so if you love them do not miss this place. Each day the chefs select the day's serving from the incoming boats at the nearby harbour. Add this place to your itinerary if you crave authentic meals.

Get To Know Your Destination With Our Pondicherry Tour Package!

It is the most popular city of the Indian Union Territory. Pondicherry is now officially known as Puducherry and with population of 7,45,600 this city is quite famous in all part of the country. There are many Pondicherry holiday packages that one can avail for visiting this beautiful and the most attractive city in the country. Most of this city’s cultures are shared with its neighbor Tamil Nadu. You will be surprised to know that the official languages of this city are English, Tamil and French. The history of this city is from the time when Dutch, British, Portuguese and French colonists arrived here.

Safety Measures and Travel Tips

• Don't forget to carry a copy of your Covid-19 negative certificate
• Wear a mask and a face shield before leaving for anywhere
• Carry spare masks, hand sanitisers a medical kit
• Do not hesitate to maintain extra distance from a stranger
• Make sure to pre-book your accommodations, and avoid the last-minute hassles
• Carry extra copies of your essential documents in a waterproof folder
• Avoid leaving late in the night
• Be cautious of where you are heading
• Since the climate of Pondicherry is mostly humid, pack a lot of cottons.
• Carry sunscreen to protect your skin
• Book a two-wheeler before reaching the place
• If visiting Matrimandir, get your day pass well in advance
• Keep a full day to explore Auroville
• Make sure to see the beautiful sunrise
• Don't leave your valuables unattended
• Whenever you book a taxi, make sure to agree on the taxi fare before arriving at your destination
• Avoid wearing expensive jewellery in crowded places

Aforementioned are just some of the many places that make Pondicherry a must visit destination. There is a sense of calm and serenity in this place that one cannot find anywhere else. Therefore, it is a place worth wandering if traveling to South India is on your travel list. So, book now choosing from the best Pondicherry tour packages provided by TravelTriangle.

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Pondicherry Travel Guide 2021 | Personal Experience To Plan Out Your Pondy Travel

Pondicherry travel guide – Pondicherry is one of the few places in India where history meets modernity.

Officially known as Puducherry and popularly known as Pondy, Pondicherry is a lively destination that offers everything- colonial architecture, pebbled beaches, historic sites & heritage, a beautiful seaside promenade, and more.  

PONDICHERRY HISTORY & CULTURE

Nestled on the Eastern coast of India, Pondicherry is one of the seven Union Territories of India. The Union Territory of Puducherry includes four coastal regions namely Puducherry, Yanam, Mahe, and Karaikal. Pondicherry was once the home for the French and they blended South Indian culture with their own unique tradition.

Therefore, the beautiful French Quarter in Pondicherry gives you a feel of Indian French culture as the portion of France still exists in India. French-style villas, streets, languages, and cuisine are some of the examples with a touch of Dravidian style culture. 

HISTORY OF PONDICHERRY

Before it’s independence, Pondicherry was under Dutch, Portuguese, British and French rule. While it got independence from French Administration on 1st November 1954, however, it legally became a part of The Republic of India on 16th August 1962.

In addition to that, the province was consecutively ruled under southern Kings such as the Cholas, the Pallavas, Vijayanagara, and the Sultanate of Madurai. 

MODERN PONDICHERRY

Before visiting Pondicherry, I had this imagination that I’ll be welcomed by Instagram-friendly French alleys. On the other hand, we were welcomed by overcrowded streets, roadside shops, Dravidian-style temples, mosques.

The French colony is just a small part of Pondicherry which people refer to as the White Town. The rest of Pondicherry has an Indian vibe.  

HOW LONG TO VISIT PONDICHERRY: 2-3 DAYS 

I visited Pondicherry for 3 days and explore many things. From my point of view, 2-3 days is enough to visit primary attraction if you have limited time. You’ll get to explore, French Quarter, Old Quarter, Auroville, and beaches. 

BEST SEASON TO VISIT PONDICHERRY

Popularly known for its serenity and panoramic attractions, Pondicherry lies in the southern part of Indian and therefore it has a tropical climate.

However, there are specific months when the weather is pleasant and the temperature falls down. Irrespective of what the season is, Pondicherry can be experienced throughout the year. 

Pondicherry in Summer

The summers in Pondicherry starts in mid-March and ends in June. As Pondicherry is a coastal city, it witnesses a long summer. The temperature lies between 26-degree Celsius to 42-degree Celsius making this city extremely hot and humid.

The humidity during these months can exceed as high as 93 percent, which itself makes the weather hot, sticky and sweaty. If you’re interested to experience the history and culture of this beautiful city, it may not be a good idea to visit during this time of months.

The hot weather will most probably make you tired and dehydrated. However, summer is the best season if you want to visit the beach. Because of the hot and humid weather, the beaches are less crowded which makes it perfect to enjoy various water activities such as kayaking, surfing, scuba diving, and jet skiing, etc. or you can just calmly lie or walk around the beach.

During summer, the most famous festival Villianur Temple Car Festival happens. This special religious festival is held between mid-may and mid-June on the full moon. During the festival, a temple car carrying an image of God Sri Gokilambal Thirukameshwara circles around the city. 

Pondicherry in Monsoon

The monsoon season in Pondicherry starts in July and lasts until September and temperature generally varies from 25 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius. During Monsoon, you can expect heavy to light rainfall and it also brings humidity.

It’s a great season to visit Pondicherry as you can experience the charm of the natural essence of Flora and fauna. Monsoon is also an important season for locals as they celebrate the birthday of Sri Aurobindo with great pride and energy. The birthday also falls on Independence day and therefore the celebration happens in Aurobindo Ashram.

Pondicherry in Winter

Winter months starting from November to February and is the ideal time to visit Pondicherry. The temperature ranges from 21 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius. The weather during winter is extremely pleasant. Days are bright and sunny whereas nights can be chilly.

Among all three seasons, winter is the best season to explore the city delightfully. When visiting in winter, do not miss the international Yoga festival which was held on the 7th of January. During the festival, visitors can also experience workshops, seminars, and exchange ideas on various topics.

As winter is the best season to visit Pondicherry, expect some hustle-bustle around the cities and beach area. 

WHY VISIT PONDICHERRY?

Often called “French Capital of India”, Pondicherry is known for its French-style colonial buildings, beautiful temples, splendid promenade, sandy beaches, etc. There are various reasons why you should visit Pondicherry. 

#1 Pebbled beaches- Pondicherry has 4 primary beaches- Paradise beach, Auroville beach, Promenade beach, and Serenity beach. Unlike the other beaches in India, Pondicherry beaches are clean and well-maintained.

The pristine shoreline with sparkling waters and golden sand will allow you to relax and soak up under the sun. 

#2 Beautiful Temples and Churches- There are a lot of magnificent churches as well and some of them are Immaculate conception Cathedral and Gothic Sacred Heart Basilica.

While Pondicherry was home to French, it still reflects the essence of Tamil Culture. There are various temples where you can visit and among them is Manakula Vinayagar Temple which is 500- year old and the Gokilambal Thirukameswar Temple.   

Local Cuisine- The cuisine of Pondicherry is a perfect blend of different cultures. Along with the traditional authentic south Indian food, you can also get to experience the authentic French cuisine. 

The colorful French Quarter- French have left the biggest impression in the cities of Pondicherry, known as “White Town”. This town is filled with bright mustard and white house, pebbled streets, Instagram-friendly cafes, prestigious museums, etc.  

HOW TO REACH

• By Road- Pondicherry is very well connected to nearby states and districts by bus and train. Chennai is the nearest city from Pondicherry and is situated just around 160 km via East Coast Road. It takes around a three-hour road journey from Chennai. Buses are easily available from CMBT in Koyambedu or from Thiruvanmiyur or Guindy and will drop you to Pondicherry Bus Main station on Maraimalai Adigal Salai. Besides Chennai, Bangalore is yet another major city which is well connected with Pondicherry. The distance is around 310 km through the shortest route NH77. We book the bus online in advance which started late at night and we reach early in the morning. You can also book the bus that starts early in the morning. Bus services are also available from major places such as Thanjavur, Chidambaram, Tricky, and Coimbatore. You can also drive or take a cab from these cities to Pondicherry.
• By Train- The nearest railway station to Pondicherry is Villupuram railhead and is well connected to Trichy, Chennai, Bangalore, Kanyakumari, Villupuram, Howrah, Mumbai, New Delhi, Mangalore, and Madurai. You can take a taxi from a taxi stand at the railway station to your desired hotel. 
• By Plane- While Pondicherry has its airports, however, it is a small one and you will have less chance of getting a direct ticket. Chennai is the nearest city with the largest airport that is only 150 km from Pondicherry.  

BANGALORE TO PONDICHERRY

Bangalore is considered the Silicon Valley of India where there is a hub of multinational companies offering many job opportunities.

However, there are no such places to enjoy your leisure time. In this monotonous hectic life schedule, Pondicherry is one such nearest destination where you can rejuvenate yourself. Moreover, Pondicherry can best be explored via road trip. 

As the duration of travel time between Bangalore to Pondicherry is about 6 hours. Hence, a lot of travelers plan their holiday at Pondicherry. Even though the distance between Bangalore to Pondicherry is around 310 km, you can expect a great difference in Terrain, culture, and taste of foods. Check out our detail guide on roude route from Bangalore to Pondicherry .

Pondicherry beaches are one of the coolest beaches in India and are the nearest one from Bangalore. There are a lot of options available where you can stay according to your preference.

Unique and eye-catching cafes serving delicious and authentic foods, beautifully designed temples, a township for people seeking spirituality, Pondcicheerry surely welcomes every traveler with open arms.  

CHENNAI TO PONDICHERRY

Chennai itself is one of the most beautiful places in India. Famous for historical monuments, pristine beaches, temples, etc, Chennai attracts a lot of tourists all around the year. Tourists who visit Chennai, also plan their vacation in such a way that they can also do a road trip to Pondicherry.

A drive from Chennai to Pondicherry is around 3 hours via East Coast Road and you will get to experience the beautiful scenic view with less traffic.

On the way to Pondicherry from Chennai, you can also visit Mahabalipuram- The land of Caves and Carvings. Some spots such as the Panch Rathas (Five Chariots), The LightHouse and the Shore (1400 years old temple are worth visiting). 

GET AROUND IN PONDICHERRY

• By Foot- Pondicherry can be best explored by walking around the streets of White Town and Promenade. Many sightseeing places are within 2-3 kilometers of one another. The promenade beach has the longest seafront and is the best for morning and evening walks.  
• By Motorcycle, gearless scooter or pedal cycle- Renting a bike or pedal cycle is the best and convenient way to explore the city. There are various rental outlets available in northern Mission ST, between Nehru and Vysial Sts. To rent a bike or cycle, you will need to provide some identification document and some advance. 
• By Auto Rickshaws and buses- On the other hand, you can also take shared auto-rickshaws and buses that are cheaper and frequent. However, if you take auto rickshaws without sharing, the driver may quote you a higher price. Prepare yourself for some bargaining. From Serenity beach to French Quarter, White Town, it cost INR 150 and from Pondicherry to Auroville, they charged INR 300.  

YOUR STAY OPTIONS

When it comes to hotels, Pondicherry has a lot of options available according to your budget. We decide to stay at Serenity beach. We booked a romantic studio in Serenity beach with a stunning view of the sea right across to our room.

We booked it through Airbnb. You can also stay near to Promenade beach. Some of the hotels also offer French-inspired decor and hospitality. We have one detail review of the Tanto far Beach retreat stay in Pondicherry.

Some of the luxury options include Le Pondy, Hotel de L’Orient, Villa Shanti, Mango Hill, and La Maison Tamoule. On the other hand, options in affordable hotels are Pleasant Inn, Accord Puducherry, Ocean Spray, etc. 

WHAT TO EAT?

Pondicherry is a paradise for food lovers. You will find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars in Pondicherry offering authentic cuisine. Some of the restaurant where I tried their foods are:

• Villa Shanti- The ambiance of this place is just amazing. This restaurant offers multi-cuisine. We tried there Ravioli & Stuffed Chicken Breast.  
• Le Cafe, Promenade- This is the only cafe where I keep visiting every evening during my trip. This cafe is White Town’s only cafe which is located on the waterfront and is open for 24 hours. This cafe is maintained by the government. We love the place because of the atmosphere and breathtaking view.   
• Gelateria Montecatini Terme (GMT)- If you have a sweet tooth, don’t forget to try authentic Italian style gelato available in various flavors such as mango, guava, pineapple, etc. 
• Tanto Pizzeria and Cafe Xtasi- is one of the best places to enjoy mouth-watering wood-fired Pizza. 

SHOPPING IN PONDICHERRY

Pondicherry is a great place for street shopping. We ended up buying a lot of things without spending too much. There are a lot of shopping spots but we liked the one lined up right outside the Vinayagar Temple. Don’t forget to bargain while going for street shopping. 

You can buy candles, incense sticks, essential oils at an affordable price. 

PLACES YOU CAN VISIT

Here are some beautiful tourist attractions and sightseeing places that you should not miss when in Pondicherry.

1. Explore White Town

White Town is like a heaven for photographers. Vibrant yellow and wite walls, fresh European style streets, beautifully colored doors, hanging balconies, arched gates lined with bougainvillea, Instagram friendly cool cafes make this place even more beautiful and scenic. The White Town is also referred to as the French Quarter. As the name suggests, this section of Pondicherry was a secluded area and was solely reserved for the White (French) people who settled here. 

Walking around the streets of the White Town, witness the beautifully designed French buildings and some old heritage buildings that had been turned into boutique hotels. This French part of  Pondicherry is closely located to the seaside of Promenade facing the Bay of Bengal.

2. Rock Beach/Promenade Beach and the Gandhi Statue

Also known as Rock beach, Promenade beach is one of the most famous and most visited beaches of Pondicherry. It is about a 1.2 km long stretch that starts from the War Memorial and ends at the Duplex Park on Goubert Avenue.

Right in the heat of Promenade, there is a magnificent statue of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. The statue is four-meter high, made up of black stones and surrounded by 8 granite pillars.

The space in front of the statue is a place where various cultural and musical activities performed throughout the year. 

At Promenade beach, you can see half of the town taking a leisurely walk or spending their evening just be sitting near the beach. The roads of the Promenade get close for vehicles from 5 pm in the evening to early morning making it a perfect place to roam around in the evening freely.  

The place also plays a significant role as it is close to many nearby attractions namely the statue of Joan Arc, the War Memorial, Old Lighthouse, the heritage Town Hall, etc.

3. Aurobindo Ashram

Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a spiritual community where you’ll see the Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo, a freedom fighter and a scholar. The ashram is extremely peaceful and calm.

Before entering the ashram you’ll be asked to remove your shoes and maintain complete silence. Phones should be switched off and photography is prohibited. This is a place where peace has its own aura.

The ashram is open to visitors between 8 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm and there is no entry fee. It is a holy destination for people seeking spirituality.

Located in the heart of White Town, Aurobindo Ashram has also a bookstore, where you can buy if you’re interested. What really takes my breath away was the beautiful display of unique and exotic flowers. If you’re someone who enjoys the serenity, this place is for you.

4. Auroville & Matrimandir

Also known as “The City of Dawn”, Auroville is an experimental township located 8 km from Pondicherry. It was founded by Sri Aurobindo and Mira Alfassa in 1968 and designed by the French architect Roger Anger.

The idea of creating the township was people from all over the world regardless of culture and traditions come and live together in peace. This place is considered to be one of the top places to visit in Pondicherry. 

The primary highlight Auroville is Matrimandir (the golden dome) which literally means “temple of the mother”. Standing in the middle of the beautiful garden, Matrimandir is a symbol of spiritual significance to those who practice internal yoga.

To go inside the temple, you need to get a pass in person which you can book at least 2-4 days in advance. Therefore plan your visit accordingly.

However, if you do not have enough time and you’re here only for a couple of hours, you can also take a free pass from the visitor center to walk to the viewing point. According to locals, if you meditate here, you can feel the energies in your blood. 

In addition to that, pay your visit to their restaurants and shops. The use of organic ingredients from the Auroville farms in the area.  

5. Serenity beach

Serenity beach was my favorite spot in Pondicherry. This beach is so beautiful and peaceful. It is one of the cleanest beaches and is properly maintained by the locals.

The view of the Serenity beach was just perfect. Fishing boats line in the shore, fishermen swing and preparing their nets for the pick of the day, colorful houses, palm trees, magnificent rocks makes this beach worth visiting for. This was my perfect place to start a day with sunrise and spend the afternoon feeling relaxed. 

Moreover, this beach is also famous among surfers as the big waves of the beach gives amazing surfing opportunities. You can also find various surfing schools here offering coaching classes for newbies.   

6. Paradise Beach and Chunnambar Boat House

Also known as Plage Paradiso, Paradise beaches us locate in Chunnambar. It is an isolated beach and can be reached by taking the ferry across the backwaters which take around 20-30 minutes from Chunnambar boat house located 8 km away from the main city.

The view of the backwater on the way to the beach is just breathtaking and is surrounded by green and thick mangrove forests. You can also spot a lot of birds on the way to the beach. The sand of the beach is soft & pristine with blue waves of the water. Because of the high current in the water, it is not advisable to go deep. 

At Paradise beach, there are a large number of huts spread across the beach which provide shelter in ran and strong winds. Moreover, they also have a changing room facility where you can change after having fun in the water. 

In addition to that, there are various stalls and shops available offering coconut water, kulfi, and few snacking options. Don’t expect varieties of food though. 

The beach remains open from 9 am to 5 pm. The entry fee is 150 INR  per person with the additional cost of parking, boats, and ferries. The Chunnambar also provides tree houses for overnight stay. 

7. Pondicherry Museum

Pondicherry Museum is a perfect place for those who are interested in the history, arts, cultures and archaeological findings.

Located at St. Louis Street, near White Town, Pondicherry museum has a collection of old sculptures, handicrafts, archaeological findings Arikamedu settlement, rare bronzes and stone sculptures from the Pallava and Chola dynasties, etc. 

PLACES NEARBY PONDICHERRY

There are few other places as well near Pondicherry that can be a part of your 2-3 days itinerary trip.

Arikamedu is an archaeological site in Kakkayanthope which is around 7 km away from Pondicherry. This is the only site in India that confirmed the connections between Indian and Roman Empire. It is famous for manufacturing unique bead jewelry. 

Close to Chidambaram, Pichavara is a village located between the Vellar estuary in the north and Coleroon estuary in the south. The Mangrove forests of Pichavaam is one of the largest in the world and is the second-largest mangroves in India. It is around 78 km from Pondicherry. Enjoy a boat ride into the dense forests for the unique experience. 

OTHER ACTIVITIES TO ENJOY

• Surfing- Lately, Pondicherry has become one of the top places for surfing. There are various schools offering surfing lessons every day. 
• Scuba Diving- Organized by Temple Adventures, Scuba diving has become the most fun things to do in Pondicherry. The marine life gives you a glimpse of kingfish, sea snakes, parrotfish, angelfish, manta rays, etc. 
• Enjoy Nightlife- Pondicherry has an amazing night clubs and bars for all the party animals. Spend your night boozing with your friends. Some of them are Pub Zipper, L’Aqua, Dragone Lounge, Ozone Bar, etc. 
• Experience Yoga- If you’re looking to escape the city’s hustle-bustle for a day, then head over to Yoganjali Natyalayam and practice yoga under the guidance of some professional practitioners.  
• Learn Clay Modelling- If you’re an art lover, then is the perfect place for you. Visit the Golden Bridge Pottery Centre to learn the basic of pottery-making.  

THE GOOD & NOT SO GOOD OF PONDICHERRY

• The cit is well-planned. You’ll be able to explore without getting lost
• The cost of living is quite low.
• Peace and calm
• Clean beaches and backwaters
• Traffic and rash driving
• Hot and humid weather
• Not a good place for Mall lovers
• Pondicherry Airport is yet not fully functional

IS PONDICHERRY WORTH YOU VISIT?

While on a trip to Pondicherry, you’ll experience the traffic and noise everywhere. However, this city has never failed to mesmerize its visitors with its scenic and serene charm all around the year. I recommend checking out government official website for any additional information required.

SAFE FOR SOLO FEMALE TRAVELER

Pondicherry is quite safe for female traveling solo. The people here are well behaved and respectful towards women. However, this place is still a little conservative outside the White Town, therefore it is recommended to wear a proper dress. Take the basic safety precautions and you’re good to go. 

For me, Pondicherry was a perfect place to spend some day relaxing at the beach, exploring the history and cultures, indulging in local and French cuisine. 

Dear readers, I hope the blog post answered some of the questions about the Pondicherry travel guide . Do you still have a question? Feel free to comment or rate us by clicking the 5 stars.

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This is very informative, enjoyed reading the Pondicherry history, Thanks for sharing.

Very nice your blogger, thanks for the useful information,we are sharing one day Pondicherry tour package from Chennai ,door step pickup at 5:30 Am and door step drop at 10:30 Pm, our driver will take you to the sightseeing places in the pondicherry,for more details contact Chennai car travels Pondicherry tour package

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2 Nights 3 Days Pondicherry Holiday Tour Package

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Pondicherry-Mahabalipuram Tour with Kanchipuram

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South India Delight Package

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Tamil Nadu Temple Tour Package

15 Nights / 16 Days

Tiruchi(2N) → Madurai(2N) → Kanyakumari(1N) → Rameswaram(1N) → Tanjore(2N) → Kumbakonam(2N) → Pondicherry(1N) → Chennai(2N) → Tirupati(1N) → Thiruvannamalai(1N)

₹ 55,500* per person

₹ 55,500*

10 Days Tamil Nadu Temple & Beach Tour

9 Nights / 10 Days

Chennai (2N) → Mahabalipuram(1N) → Tiruvannamalai(1N) → Pondicherry(1N) → Tanjore(1N) → Madurai(2N) → Kanyakumari(1N)

₹ 42,000* per person

₹ 42,000*

Unforgettable Pondicherry

Pondicherry (3N)

₹ 10,479* per person

₹ 10,479*

Indulge at Pondicherry and Auroville

₹ 36,662* per person

₹ 36,662*

Spiritual Package - Pondicherry, Rameshwaram, Chennai and More

Chennai (1N) → Pondicherry (2N) → Thanjavur (1N) → Tiruchirapalli (1N) → Madurai (1N) → Rameshwaram (1N) → Kanyakumari (1N)

₹ 28,203* per person

₹ 28,203*

Wonderful Chennai, Tirupati & Pondicherry

Chennai(1N) → Tirupati(1N) → Pondicherry(2N)

₹ 14,999* per person

₹ 14,999*

Fabulous Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry & 4 places

Mahabalipuram → Pondicherry → Kumbakonam → Chettinad → Madurai → Chennai

Medieval Heritage Tirupati, Pondicherry & Mahabalipuram

Tirupati(1N) → Pondicherry(2N) → Mahabalipuram(2N)

₹ 15,700* per person

₹ 15,700*

Exotic Chennai, Mahabalipuram & Pondicherry

Chennai(1N) → Mahabalipuram(2N) → Pondicherry(2N)

₹ 16,299* per person

₹ 16,299*

Misty Chennai, Tirupati & 2 places

6 Nights / 7 Days

Chennai(1N) → Tirupati(1N) → Mahabalipuram(2N) → Pondicherry(2N)

₹ 18,449* per person

₹ 18,449*

Colourful Chennai, Tirupati & Pondicherry

Chennai(1N) → Tirupati(2N) → Pondicherry(2N)

₹ 19,000* per person

₹ 19,000*

Glorious Chennai to Kanyakumari Tour Package

Chennai(1N) → Mahabalipuram(2N) → Pondicherry(2N) → Tanjore(1N) → Tiruchirapally(1N) → Madurai(2N)

₹ 27,919* per person

₹ 27,919*

Tranquil Tamil Nadu Tourism Package

Chennai(1N) → Pondicherry(2N) → Thanjavur(1N) → Tiruchirapally(1N) → Madurai(1N) → Rameshwaram(1N) → Kanyakumari(1N)

₹ 34,399* per person

₹ 34,399*

Mystical Kanyakumari, Pondicherry, Madurai Tour Package

Mahabalipuram(2N) → Pondicherry(2N) → Madurai(2N) → Kanyakumari(1N) → Kovalam(1N)

₹ 29,349* per person

₹ 29,349*

Culture of Tamil Nadu Including Thanjavur Tour Package

Chennai(1N) → Kanchipuram(1N) → Mahabalipuram(1N) → Pondicherry(1N) → Kumbakonam(1N) → Thanjavur(1N) → Trichy(1N) → Madurai(1N)

₹ 32,000* per person

₹ 32,000*

Holiday Package - Gems of Tamil Nadu

7 Nights / 8 Days

Chennai(1N) → Mahabalipuram(1N) → Pondicherry (2N) → Thanjevur (1N) → Trichy(1N) → Madurai(1N)

₹ 24,000* per person

₹ 24,000*

Latest Reviews for Pondicherry

Great service from start to finish..

Varsha's Trip to Chennai (Madras), Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry

(Written on 16 Dec, 2023)

10Days Incredible India Trip with Indeschen Travel

Sulochini's Trip to Chennai (Madras), Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry

(Written on 24 Jun, 2023)

Very nice experience

Nirmala's Trip to Chennai (Madras), Madurai, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry

(Written on 10 Feb, 2023)

Excellent trip

Primethie's Trip to Coimbatore, Madurai, Mysore, Ooty (Udhagamandalam), Pondicherry

(Written on 19 Jan, 2020)

We have enjoyed our wedding anniversary as per we had wished .all arrangements for the tour we're excellent.car provided was of best condition driver was very polite hotels provided were of best standards.

Indravadan's Trip to Chennai (Madras), Thiruvannamalai, Pondicherry

(Written on 23 May, 2019)

TRUE TO THEIR NAME

Saurabh's Trip to Kanyakumari, Rameshwaram, Pondicherry

(Written on 04 Jan, 2016)

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