pondicherry tourism travels

• Work with me
• Privacy policy

• Years in review
• United Kingdom
• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• North Macedonia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• South Africa
• Africa Overlanding
• Central America
• New Zealand
• Solo Travel
• Budget travel
• Travel tips
• Travel itineraries
• Hidden gems
• Bucket list
• Travel resources
• Digital nomadism
• Blogging tips
• Start a travel blog

Complete Pondicherry Travel Guide & Things To Do

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

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,

For more travel content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

Ps. Liked my Pondicherry tourist guide? Pin it for later!

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

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/

Explore Pondicherry

Plan your trip to pondicherry: best of pondicherry tourism.

Essential Pondicherry

Trending in the forums

Pondicherry Is Great For

Cultural tours.

Eat & drink

Historical Tours

Walking Tours

Shopaholics

Places To Visit In Pondicherry

Top hotel collections.

Beach Resorts

Pondicherry Beach

Best Hotels

• Filter (48)
• Monument (5)
• Historical Site (3)

1. Paradise Beach, Pondicherry

4 km from city center 1 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Paradise Beach, also known as Plage Paradiso, is a serene and secluded beach located in Chunnambar, near Pondicherry town in Tamil Nadu, India. Accessible only by ferry across the backwaters, the journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes and offers stunning views of lush mangrove forests and abundant birdlife. Along the main entrance to the beach, visitors can find a few shacks offering fresh coconut water and simple snacks, adding to the rustic charm of the area.

2. Aurobindo Ashram

3 km from city center 2 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

The Aurobindo Ashram, located in Pondicherry, India, is a spiritual community founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo Ghose, a philosopher, poet, and yogi, and his spiritual collaborator, known as The Mother. The ashram is dedicated to the practice of Integral Yoga, a spiritual path that seeks to integrate the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions of life. Sri Aurobindo initially came to Pondicherry in 1910 seeking spiritual solitude and liberation from the political turmoil of the Indian independence movement.

3. Auroville

3 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

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

4. Eden Beach

3 km from city center 4 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

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

Pondicherry Travel Packages

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

2 Nights 3 Days Pondicherry Holiday Tour Package

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

2 km from city center 5 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

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

6. Cafes in Pondicherry

6 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

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

Top Hotels In Pondicherry

₽ 2,108 onwards

₽ 1,498 onwards

₽ 831 onwards

₽ 1,997 onwards

₽ 13,318 onwards

₽ 554 onwards

7. Seaside Promenade

3 km from city center 7 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

The Seaside Promenade is a picturesque waterfront stretch located in the heart of Pondicherry, India. Spanning approximately 1.2 kilometers along the Bay of Bengal, this iconic promenade is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering stunning views of the sea and a vibrant atmosphere. The Seaside Promenade has a rich history dating back to the colonial era when Pondicherry was under French rule. Originally constructed in the late 19th century, the promenade served as a leisure spot for French colonists and a hub for social gatherings.

8. Matrimandir

10 km from city center 8 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Matrimandir, which is the Sanskrit word for 'Temple of The Mother', is the most important edifice of the Auroville township in Pondicherry. Located just in the middle of Auroville in a large open area known as 'Peace', Matrimandir is fondly known as the 'soul of the city' and holds crucial spiritual significance for those who practice Integral Yoga. Popular as the golden globe of Pondicherry, it is a place for individual silent concentration. You can visit Matrimandir from inside.

9. White Town

3 km from city center 9 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

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

10. Promenade Beach

12 km from city center 10 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Promenade Beach, also known as Rock Beach, is one of the most popular and iconic beaches in Pondicherry, India. Situated along the eastern coast of the city, this picturesque stretch of coastline is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, scenic beauty, and cultural significance. With its golden sands, rocky promenade, and stunning views of the Bay of Bengal, Promenade Beach attracts both locals and tourists seeking relaxation and recreation.

11. Serenity Beach

7 km from city center 11 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Located at a distance of 10 kms, on the outskirts on Puducherry in Kottakuppam, Serenity Beach gets its name from the Spa-Resort-Inn located at the spot with the same name. Originally, the beach was called Thanthirayan Kuppam Beach or plain Kottakuppam Beach. Boasting of supreme tranquility and sun-kissed sands, the beach is a gorgeous getaway from the city lapped by sparking waters of the scenic Bay of Bengal. The peaceful stretch is lined with a trail of rocks and dotted with sea-facing resorts ideal for honeymooners.

12. Cycling in Pondicherry

12 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

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

Discover More About Sightseeing & Tourist Attractions in Pondicherry

Beaches & Islands

Amazing Beaches in Pondicherry

Sightseeing

Things to do in Pondicherry

Bike on Rent in Pondicherry - All You Need To Know

Travel Tips

Bicycle on Rent in Pondicherry

Food & Drink

Best Malls in Pondicherry for your Shopping Woes!

10 Cafes In Pondicherry - The Heart Of French Cafes

13. Auroville Beach

9 km from city center 13 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

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

14. Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam

3 km from city center 14 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is said to have been established almost 5 centuries ago. Situated behind the Raj Niwas, the sanctum is enshrined with a grand idol of Vinayaka called Vellakkaran Pillai. The temple attracts a large number of devotees especially on the 18th day of Brahmotsavam festival. Vinayaka Chaturthi is another major festival here celebrated with great zest and fervor. Persuaded with the power of the idol, the Frenchman converted as an ardent devotee of the lord.

15. Chunnambar Boat House

3 km from city center 15 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

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

16. Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

2 km from city center 16 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

One of the most sacred and religious places of Pondicherry, the Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus is situated 2.5 km away from the Pondicherry Bus Station on the south boulevard of the town. One of the 21 Basilicas in India and the only one in Pondicherry, this church was set up by the French missionaries in 1908 which was given the status of the Basilica in 2011. One of the most beautiful Catholic Churches of Pondicherry, the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus beautifully showcases the Gothic architecture.

17. Water Sports in Pondicherry

4 km from city center 17 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

With a unique, peaceful coastal beauty to it, Pondicherry is quickly becoming every beach lovers' favourite hideout. A number of water sports options along its white sandy beaches are another reason for travellers to love Pondy, as it is lovingly known. With its offerings of not only multiple water sports activities like scuba diving, parasailing, banana boat rides etc, but also its unique cultural traits, excellent food varieties and innumerable sightseeing options, Pondicherry is a true delight to travelers who long for an off-beat travel experience

18. Arikamedu

1 km from city center 18 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Situated within a half hour drive of the French colonial town of Pondicherry, Arikamedu is an ancient Roman trade centre hidden from the eyes and ears of the commonplace Tamil tourism. Its name has been taken from the Tamil word- 'Arikanmedu' which means 'eroding mount'. Very little is known about any Indo-Roman ties in the Before Christ era, but with the discovery and excavation of Arikamedu, extensive proofs were unearthed.

19. Botanical Garden, Pondicherry

2 km from city center 19 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

The Botanical Garden in Pondicherry is a sprawling green oasis nestled in the heart of the city. Spanning an area of over 22 acres, this lush garden is a haven for nature lovers, botany enthusiasts, and tourists seeking tranquility amidst verdant surroundings. Established in 1826, the Botanical Garden is one of the oldest of its kind in India, showcasing a diverse collection of plant species from across the globe.

20. Pondicherry Lighthouse

20 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

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

21. Jawahar Toy Museum

3 km from city center 21 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

The Jawahar Toy Museum in Pondicherry is a charming attraction that celebrates the colorful world of toys and childhood nostalgia. Situated in the heart of the city, this unique museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing a diverse collection of traditional and contemporary toys from India and around the world. Established in honor of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, the museum serves as a tribute to his vision of promoting education and cultural heritage.

22. Raj Niwas

3 km from city center 22 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Raj Niwas, located in Pondicherry, is the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, India. Originally built during the French colonial period, this historic building serves as the administrative headquarters and official residence of the highest-ranking official in the Union Territory of Puducherry. Raj Niwas holds significant historical and architectural importance and is open to the public for guided tours, providing insights into the region's rich cultural heritage and colonial legacy.

23. French War Memorial

3 km from city center 23 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

The French War Memorial, located in Pondicherry, India, is a solemn tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I. Erected in 1971, this memorial stands as a symbol of remembrance and gratitude, honoring the valiant soldiers from the French Indian territories who laid down their lives in service to their country. The memorial's serene ambiance and elegant design make it a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought bravely for freedom and justice.

24. Veerampattinam Beach

3 km from city center 24 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

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

25. Gokilambal Thirukameswar Temple

6 km from city center 25 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

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

26. Chidambaram

59 km from city center 26 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Chidambaram is a highly revered temple town located about 58 km from Pondicherry. The town is known for its several ancient shrines and historic buildings. The main deity of the town is Nataraja, Lord Shiva in his dancing form. The temple complex of the town displays a detailed depiction of natya shastra, an ancient dance text of India, through intricate engravings. Beautiful sculptures in various Bharatnatyam poses, adorns the interior of the temple.

27. Bharathi Park

3 km from city center 27 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Located at the centre of the Old Colonial region at Rue Saint Gilles Street, White Town in Pondicherry, Bharathi Park (also known as the Government Park) is a vast lush green park flanked by some of the most prominent government buildings in the town like Lt. Governor's Palace, the Legislative Assembly, Government Hospital, Ashram Dining Room and the Cercle de Pondichéry private club. The well-maintained lush green lawns house the very famous Aayi Mandapam- the monument made in honour of the lady courtesan Aayi at the time of the French ruler- Napoleon III.

28. Immaculate Conception Cathedral

3 km from city center 28 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

The Immaculate Conception Cathedral, situated in Pondicherry, India, stands as a magnificent testament to the city's rich cultural heritage and architectural grandeur. Also known as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, this historic church holds a revered place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. With its stunning Neo-Gothic architecture, intricate detailing, and spiritual significance, the cathedral attracts pilgrims, tourists, and architecture enthusiasts from far and wide.

29. Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple

3 km from city center 29 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

The Varadaraja Perumal Temple, an ancient temple dating back to the 12th century, is of great religious significance. Situated in Villiannur, the structure of the temple is very attractive and is highly revered by its devotees. This significant Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Varadaraja Perumal, a form of Lord Vishnu, and serves as a spiritual beacon for pilgrims and visitors alike. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant festivals, the Varadaraja Perumal Temple is a cherished landmark in Pondicherry.

30. Our Lady of Angels Church

3 km from city center 30 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

The Our Lady of Angels Church, also known as Église de Notre Dame des Anges, stands as a majestic symbol of colonial heritage in Pondicherry. Constructed in the late 19th century by the French missionaries, this iconic church is renowned for its stunning architecture and historical significance. The church's façade features a distinctive blend of French colonial and Tamil architectural styles, characterized by elegant arches, ornate pillars, and intricate sculptures.

31. The Statue of Dupleix

3 km from city center 31 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

The Statue of Dupleix, located in the heart of Pondicherry, is a significant landmark that pays homage to François Dupleix, the former French governor of the region during the 18th century. Erected in the town's historic center, the statue stands as a testament to Pondicherry's colonial past and its enduring French influence. Crafted in bronze, the statue portrays Dupleix in a dignified pose, reflecting his pivotal role in shaping the region's history and governance during the French colonial era.

32. Aayi Mandapam

3 km from city center 32 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Standing sturdy at the centre of the Bharathi Park in Pondicherry, Aayi Mandapam or Park Monument is a pearly white edifice built during the reign of Napolean III, Emperor of France. The monument was built in the honour of the female courtesan Ayi who tore down her own house to build a water reservoir for the city. Constructed in the brilliant Greco - Roman architectural design, the Mandapam is situated amidst beautiful well-maintained lawns, gorgeous fountains and vibrantly blooming flowers.

33. Meeran Mosque

2 km from city center 33 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

One of the most revered religious spot by Muslims; Meeran Mosque was built about three hundred and fifty years ago. In fact, it serves as the oldest mosque in Pondicherry with a distinct type of architecture. Established by the Arcod Nawabs in Gothic Islamic style, there are four pillars supporting the dome of the structure. The beauty of the shrine is further enhanced by the placement of Bronze Kallasa on the front facing minaret. This sacred place also serves as the resting place of graves of the one who built it and another of Suubhi Erai Perriar Mullah.

34. Cluny Embroidery Centre

3 km from city center 34 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

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

35. Ananda Ranga Pillai Mansion

3 km from city center 35 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

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

36. Ganesh Garden

2 km from city center 36 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

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

37. ISKCON Pondicherry

4 km from city center 37 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

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

38. Ousteri Wetland and National Park

9 km from city center 38 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Ousteri Wetland and National Park, located in the union territory of Puducherry, is a significant ecological reserve renowned for its rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystems. Spread across an area of approximately 390 hectares, this wetland sanctuary serves as a vital habitat for numerous species of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

39. Sri Karneshwar Nataraja Temple

3 km from city center 39 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

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

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

8 km from city center 40 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

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

41. Mahatma Gandhi Statue

3 km from city center 41 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

The Mahatma Gandhi Statue in Pondicherry, a towering four-meter-high monument surrounded by eight majestic granite pillars sourced from the Gingee fort, located approximately 70 kilometers away, stands as a symbol of reverence and tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Situated in the heart of Dumas Street, this iconic statue serves as a focal point of the city's landscape, drawing tourists in large numbers to admire its grandeur and significance.

42. Pondy Sunrise Beach

4 km from city center 42 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Witnessing the mesmerizing sunrise in Pondicherry is truly an unforgettable experience that should not be missed. Whether you choose to admire it from the beautiful beaches, colonial architecture, or scenic promenades, the sight of the orange sun rising above the horizon is bound to leave a lasting impression on you. It's undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Pondicherry, and the memories of this serene moment will stay with you for a long time to come, serving as a reminder of the city's timeless charm and natural beauty.

43. Yanam Beach

43 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

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

44. Vedapureeswarar Temple

133 km from city center 44 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

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

45. Karaikal Beach

111 km from city center 45 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

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

46. Quiet Beach

5 km from city center 46 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

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

47. Mahe Beach

3 km from city center 47 out of 48 Places To Visit in Pondicherry

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

48. Reppo Beach

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

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

Places To Visit In Nearby Places

FAQs on Pondicherry

How much does a package cost for pondicherry, what are the top hotels in pondicherry, what are the top activities in pondicherry, what are the top sightseeing places in pondicherry, what are the top restaurants in pondicherry, how can i commute within pondicherry, can you suggest an itinerary for pondicherry, browse package collections, pondicherry package collections.

Pondicherry Honeymoon Packages

Nearby Destinations for Packages

Mahabalipuram

Kanchipuram

Thiruvannamalai

Browse Hotel Collections

By hotel type.

Best Resorts in Pondicherry

Best Hotels in Pondicherry for a Luxe Stay

Airbnbs in Pondicherry for a Unique Beach Stay

Best Homestays In Pondicherry

Backpacker Hostels In Pondicherry

Villas In Pondicherry

French Villas In Pondicherry

Cottages In Pondicherry for a Romantic Getaway

Heritage Hotels in Pondicherry

Camping In Pondicherry

Boutique Hotels in Pondicherry

By Budget Category

Cheap Hotels In Pondicherry

Luxury Resorts In Pondicherry For An Exquisite Getaway

Luxury Hotels In Pondicherry

Budget Resorts In Pondicherry

Affordable Hotels In Pondicherry

By Star Category

3 Star Hotels In Pondicherry

With Specific Facilities

Best Resorts In Pondicherry With Private Pool

Treebo Hotels In Pondicherry

Hotels Near Promenade Beach

Hotels In Pondicherry With Bathtub

Near Landmarks

Hotels Near Serenity Beach

Hotels Near PNY Airport

Hotels Near Rock Beach

For Special Purposes

Beach Resorts In Pondicherry

Beach Hotels in Pondicherry

Resorts In Pondicherry For Family

Pet-Friendly Hotels In Pondicherry

Resorts In Pondicherry For Couples

Villas Near Pondicherry for a Fun Getaway

Similar Places

Filter ( 0 selected)

Get the best offers on travel packages.

Compare package quotes from top travel agents

Compare upto 3 quotes for free

• India (+91)

*Final prices will be shared by our partner agents based on your requirements.

Log in to your account

Welcome to holidify.

Forget Password?

Share this page

Uncover the Best Things to Do in Pondicherry: A Comprehensive Guide

Your ultimate guide to hotels in pondicherry, 10 reasons why pondicherry should be your next getaway, pondicherry weather, editors' choice, tips for pondicherry cycle tour, things to do in pondicherry.

Nestled on the southeastern coast of India, Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry, is a captivating blend of rich history, vibrant culture,…

Discover tips for an unforgettable cycle tour in Pondicherry. Introduction Embracing the Tranquil Charms of Pondicherry The Joy of Exploring on…

Unforgettable Experiences: Discover the Best Things to Do in Pondicherry

Explore the Best Things to Do in Pondicherry – Unveiling Hidden Gems Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry, is a charming coastal…

Lasest Posts

Uncover the Best Things to Do in Pondicherry: A…

Please Follow Us On

Adventure activities in pondicherry, top 10 budget hotels for your pondicherry stay, a foodie’s guide to pondicherry: must-try local cuisine.

Water Sports in Pondicherry

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Explore Pondicherry

Plan your trip to pondicherry: best of pondicherry tourism.

Essential Pondicherry

Trending in the forums

Pondicherry Is Great For

Cultural tours.

Eat & drink

Historical Tours

Walking Tours

Shopaholics

• Ocean Spray
• Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay
• Le Pondy Beach Resort
• Le Royal Park Puducherry
• The Promenade
• Coromandel Cafe
• Villa Shanti
• The Spot by Villa Shanti
• Paradise Beach
• Sri Aurobindo Ashram
• Chunnambar Boat House
• Serenity Beach
• Guided City Tour in Pondicherry with complimentary refreshments
• The Unique Pondicherry City Bike Tour
• The Best of Pondicherry: A Private Sightseeing Tour
• Indian Cooking Class in Pondicherry
• Excursion to Pichavaram Mangrove & Nataraja Temple Chidambaram from Pondicherry

Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images

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.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Puducherry (Pondicherry). Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

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,…

Plan with a local

Experience the real India

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

Latest stories from Puducherry (Pondicherry)

Wildlife & Nature

Nov 5, 2018 • 5 min read

While feted for its year-round good weather, feet-friendly markets and tree-shaded lanes, Bengaluru is no stranger to the relentless march of urban…

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Puducherry (Pondicherry)

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of Puducherry (Pondicherry) with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

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.

Heading around the south of India? Read more of my articles!

Goa beyond beaches guide

A first-timers guide for Mumbai

My one week in Kerala Itinerary

Things to do in Fort Kochi

Places to visit in Munnar

Amazing things to see in Alleppey

A guide for the Kerala backwaters

The best Munnar tea plantations

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.

Type to search

The Best Pondicherry Itinerary for 3 days (Updated – 2023)

Last Updated on March 23, 2024

Pondicherry 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.

A Quick Outline

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.

Let’s stay connected on  Facebook ,  Instagram , and  Twitter . You can also  subscribe  to get notified by email when a new post comes in.

Author Alice is a full-time business professional with a penchant for writing and travel planning. She shares her travel stories and exclusive practical tips on Backpack & Explore, that you won't find anywhere else.

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

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Copyright Disclaimer

All images and content in the blog Backpack & Explore are copyrighted. Using these anywhere without permission of the blog admin can lead to legal action.

Affiliate Disclaimer

The site is mainly monetized through affiliates. This means when I recommend a hotel or service or any product, they are likely affiliate links. If you buy something by clicking on these links, we get a small commission for referring you, WITHOUT any additional cost to you.

We are affiliate partners of Amazon , Booking.com , and GetYourGuide , among others.   All product or service recommendations on our blog are based on personal experience and research. It is not influenced by any brands or affiliate partnership.

Feature of the Month - Europe Trip Planning

• Is Keukenhof worth visiting? A guide to Holland's Tulip Landscape
• Most Walkable Cities in Europe
• How To Plan a Europe Trip on Budget
• Best of Madrid in 3 Days
• Best of Amsterdam in 3 Days
• Best of Paris in 4 Days

Join India Travel Community

Popular posts on blog.

• 23 Beautiful Hill Stations near Bangalore to visit in 2023
• Road Trip Essentials - Checklist
• Road Trip with Baby- Checklist
• Best Cameras in India - 2023
• Best Resorts for Affordable Luxury

Dig Into Archives

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Asia » India » EPIC 3-Day Pondicherry Itinerary! (2024 Guide)

EPIC 3-Day Pondicherry Itinerary! (2024 Guide)

Pondicherry is an Indian gem. A small seacoast town in southeast India, it contains a unique blend of Indian and European cultures. You’ll find Hindu temples within walking distance from Catholic cathedrals, and Indian restaurants serving food from distinctly colonial French buildings.

Pondicherry remains one of India’s best-kept secrets. If you Google, “best cities to visit in India”, you’re likely to see heavy hitters like Delhi, Mumbai, Agra, and much more pop up long before you see Pondicherry. What does this mean for you? Is Pondicherry a “meh” place no one wants to go to? Far from it.

Pondicherry actually offers a near-perfect blend of the qualities many travelers often seek. Because it’s a smaller city and not too well-known yet, it has tons of “off-the-beaten-track” attractions and activities. You shouldn’t be surprised when you go to some of the places on this itinerary and you find that you’re the only foreigner in sight.

But what’s so nice about Pondicherry is that it’s just touristy enough; so you’ll still have the ease and convenience that are present when a city is accustomed to dealing with visitors. It’s easy to get around, easy to find accommodation, and easy to make friends—but at the same time, it’s absolutely not overly touristy.

But if you’re reading this article, chances are you already know all this. So let’s proceed.

A Little Bit About This 3-Day Pondicherry Itinerary

Where to stay in pondicherry for 3 days, pondicherry itinerary day 1: the spirit of india, pondicherry itinerary day 2: the sands of time, pondicherry itinerary day 3: everything else, what to do with more than 3 days in pondicherry, best time to visit pondicherry, how to get around pondicherry, how to prepare before visiting pondicherry, final thoughts.

I’m sure you want to get right into the details, but first, there are some important, general things about Pondicherry, and this itinerary, that I want to tell you about.

Pondicherry is a small city, which means that lots of the “city center” attractions are clustered right near each other. But this also means that some of the best highlights are in the surrounding countryside. So this itinerary is going to take you on a bit of a zigzagged course around (and slightly outside of) the city. I tried to give each day a bit of a theme, so you can really immerse yourself fully in the character and culture of this wondrous city.

As I said, Pondicherry isn’t huge by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s still pretty important to choose a nice area to stay in. You can find a variety of options, ranging from luxurious hotels to unique cottages that perfectly match your needs.

You’ll be taking buses and tuk-tuks, but you’ll also be doing a lot of walking, as this is the best way to really see the main areas of the city. Also, not every area has the same number of hostels and guesthouses. So it can’t hurt to do some research and find your favorite area, both in terms of vibe and in terms of convenience—more on this in the next section.

Finally, why 3 days? Why not 5? Or 2?

I don’t really have a good answer for you. When you’re dealing with romantic matters such as exploring new cities and countries, answers aren’t always so cut-and-dried. What I can say is this: if you really want to “get to know” Pondicherry, you shouldn’t try to do it in less than three days.

In fact, you could easily spend a week here and not run out of things to do in Pondicherry . I’m nearly certain you’ll discover more amazing things and meet more amazing people. For that reason, you’ll see that I’ve included some additional highlights near the end of this article. Definitely don’t miss out on these if you’re going to spend more than 3 days in Pondicherry.

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

3-Day Pondicherry Itinerary Overview

• Day 1 in Pondicherry: Sri Aurobindo Ashram | The Promenade | French Quarter | Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple | Goubert Market
• Day 2 in Pondicherry: Paradise Beach | Arikamedu | Pondicherry Museum | Pondicherry Lighthouse
• Day 3 in Pondicherry: Immaculate Conception Cathedral | Matrimandir | Auroville | Pondicherry Botanical Garden | Cluny Embroidery Center | French Quarter | Le Club

If you’re really serious about seeing the best of what Pondicherry has to offer, you’ll have to accept the fact that you’ll be traveling all over the city and surrounding regions. It’s not really ideal to just stay in one tiny neighborhood for most of the time.

The reason? Many historical and religious attractions are located to the east, near the sea. But the main bus station is to the west, closer to the geographical center of the city, and other small towns and some of the most famous sites are located a bit outside of the city, either to the north or south.

So you’ll inevitably be zigzagging and crisscrossing your way all around Pondicherry and the surrounding areas. Nonetheless, it’s just a fact that the French Quarter, to the east, contains the densest grouping of must-see places, especially if you’re visiting Pondicherry for the first time.

Therefore, I highly recommend you stay in White Town. It’s right next to the beach and right in the heart of the city. It’s also a major cultural hub, containing some of the most prominent colonial French architecture in the whole city.

The only downside of White Town is that it tends to be a bit more on the expensive side (but let’s be real—India’s “expensive” is still super cheap). If you’re planning on renting a scooter or a car, you have the luxury of staying either on the outskirts of the city or in a more off-the-beaten-path area like Orleanpet, Mudaliarpet, or Vandrapet. It will probably be harder to find hostels or guesthouses in these areas, but if you do, prices are sure to be lower than in White Town.

But trust me, White Town is awesome—you can’t go wrong here. There are so many accommodation options to choose from hostels to villas in Pondicherry , but below are three of my personal favorites.

Best Hostel in Pondicherry – Eness Hostels

Eness Hostels is cheap, but also clean and modern. It’s located right in the heart of White Town, which means you’ll easily be able to walk to many of the main attractions on the itinerary. This chill Pondicherry hostel also has the ultimate “cool kids” hangout spot: a rooftop terrace!

The dorms are the cheapest, but they also offer private rooms for extremely reasonable prices. Overall, Eness Hostels is your best bet for a budget option in White Town.

Best Budget Hotel in Pondicherry – Maison Blanche

For those who are looking to save money, but whose noses instinctively turn up at the thought of stooping so low as to stay in a hostel, check out Maison Blanche. Also perfectly located right near White Town, it has a cozy, homely feel. The hotel offers around-the-clock front desk service, and every room has a nice flatscreen TV. Pretty hard to beat, given the low prices!

Best Luxury Hotel in Pondicherry – La Villa

Maybe you had a tough week at work, and your vacation needs to be pure tranquility and relaxation. I get it. In that case, you’ll want to book yourself a stay at La Villa Hotel – one of the most luxurious in the region. Whether you’re swimming in the pool, reading in your room, or even just sitting on the porcelain throne, you’ll feel like you’re living in a magazine; it’s just that nice.

Day 1 is a headfirst dive into the authentic, spiritual side of Pondicherry. The pace is a little more laid-back, so take your time, enjoy coffee and tea breaks as you see fit, and begin your stay in Pondicherry with some quiet moments of respect and devotion.

Every map that you see in this article includes a hyperlink to an interactive version on Google Drive. After clicking the map image, the interactive version will be opened in a new tab.

8:30 am – Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Sri Aurobindo Ashram is first on the list because it’s one of Pondicherry’s most iconic places.

To give you a bit of background, Sri Aurobindo was a revered Indian philosopher and yoga teacher. His long-time collaborator and companion was a mysterious woman known as The Mother. Together, they built some remarkable places of spiritual reflection, yoga, and meditation—the Ashram is one of them.

Pranam and meditation are performed every morning from 8:00 am to 11:30 am. If you feel comfortable, channel your inner monk and meditate with the members of the Ashram. If that’s not your thing, just have a look around and explore the grounds. Regardless, be sure to wear appropriate clothing and conduct yourself with respect—you’ll be on holy ground!

• Cost –  Free from 8:00 am to 11:30 am, and from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. After that, you will need to get a visitor’s pass.
• How long should I stay here? – 1-2 hours.
• Getting there – If you’re staying in White Town, it’s a short walk. If not, there’s a bus stop on H.M. Kassim Salai, the big road just outside the Ashram.

10:30 am – Brunch at The Promenade

For totally different reasons, the Promenade is also one of Pondicherry’s most iconic places. It’s basically a long, wide walking path that runs parallel to the shoreline. There’s a gigantic selection of cafés and restaurants along the entire length of the street. You’ll have no trouble finding a tasty brunch spot that suits your fancy. And that brings up another one of Pondicherry’s perks. Because of the combined Asian and European influences, food of every variety and nearly every culture can be found here.

After you eat, feel free to make a little detour to Promenade Beach, which is right off the Promenade. There are rocks bordering the sea, so it’s not the best for swimming—but for a serene beach walk? Yes, please!

• Cost –  It depends on where you eat. Cheap Indian food will be ~$3, whereas some Western food restaurants can run up to $10 or more.
• How long should I stay here? – As long as you feel like it!
• Getting there – It’s less than a 10-minute walk from Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

12:00 pm – French Quarter

Pondicherry was colonized by the French for a total of 150 years. France, and other European nations, clearly left their marks on this Asian city. The French Quarter is perhaps the most distinctly European area of Pondicherry; and actually, White Town and the Promenade are both located within the French Quarter.

I recommend you rent a bicycle and just explore. A bike allows you to see the city the same way you can while walking—you’ll be going slow enough that every street corner, every facade, and every little boutique store will stand out to you. But it’s a lot easier and less sweaty than walking.

From the architecture to the landscaping to the people, the French Quarter is seriously stunning. Take pictures, because it’s definitely postcard material! You’ll be in one of the most unique places in all of Asia.

Once you’ve seen enough, stop at a local restaurant (there are a lot) for a late lunch, an iced coffee, and maybe a quick afternoon doze in your chair.

• Cost – Food can be anywhere from $3 and upwards.
• How long should I stay here? – 2-3 hours.
• Getting there – The Promenade is technically in the French Quarter already—so just start walking!

3:30 – Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Try saying “Sri Manakula Vinayagar” three times quickly. Yeah, I can’t even say it once. No matter how you choose to pronounce it, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple remains one of Pondicherry’s most hallowed religious sites.

This temple was built around 500 years ago for the Hindu god Ganesha. Aesthetically, it’s a marvelously ornate jumble of past pinks, blues, greens, yellows, and oranges. One of the main highlights is the golden chariot, located inside the temple. Generous donations from devout Hindus yielded more than 16 pounds of pure gold, which was used in the construction of the chariot. Trust me, it’s a sight to see.

Don’t be shy about offering something to Ganesha, or even just praying and meditating quietly on your own. If you’re respectful about it, the locals usually love to see foreigners who take their religion seriously. If you don’t want to do that, just sit and think about the resources and manpower needed to construct such a prestigious building way back in the 1500s.

People from nearly everywhere in India have been known to make pilgrimages specifically to visit this temple. As you remove your shoes and enter, think about how lucky you are to be here!

• Cost –  Free!
• Getting there –  No matter where you are in the French Quarter, the temple shouldn’t be more than a 15-minute walk away.

5:30 – Goubert Market

At this point, I’m thinking you’ll be feeling a little bit too calm and peaceful inside—so we’re changing things up with your final stop of the day. Get ready for a shock (the good kind!)

Goubert Market is a sprawling wonderland of streets and tiny walking paths, every spare bit of space crowded with food stands. Local merchants are hawking every sort of edible good you can think of; fish, vegetables, rice, spices, etc. Different items are available in different sections, with some people even selling clothing, jewelry, baskets, and more.

If you’ve never been to an Asian market like this before, it will probably be a bit overwhelming. You’ll also find that it’s very easy to get lost. When you’re a foreigner in a place like this, the best advice I can give you is to just get lost in the experience.

Of course, be safe—but don’t worry so much about keeping your bearings or even understanding everything that’s going on all around you. You’ll be bumped into, coughed on, and sneezed on. And whether it’s fish or just bodies that haven’t seen the inside of a shower for too long, your nostrils will be assaulted by some seriously questionable smells.

But that’s just the magic of these types of places. If you need the comforts and familiarity of home everywhere you go, then why even leave?

• Cost – Free, unless you buy something. And don’t be afraid to haggle!
• How long should I stay here? – 1 hour is plenty.
• Getting there – From Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple, it is a 10-minute walk to the market.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Day 2 in Pondicherry is going to be very sandy, very historical, and very fun. You’ll be starting off at the beach, and even though there are tons of shops nearby, it always helps to be prepared. So make sure you bring plenty of water, towels, and anything else you deem essential for a beach day.

9:00 am – Paradise Beach

Pondicherry is a coastal town, so there’s really no shortage of pristine beaches . But among all the pristine beaches surrounding the city, Paradise Beach stands… pristine.

First off, even getting to Paradise Beach is an adventure. You have to go to Chunnambar Boat House, where you’ll purchase a cheap boat ticket and take a beautiful, 15-minute ride over to the actual beach. Before you do that though, you might want to hang around the boat house for a bit.

The best way to experience the coast charm of Pondicherry is by opting for a stay at a beach house . It’s the perfect place to enjoy the sunshine and nature while also being just steps away from the beach.

Outdoor sporting enthusiasts will have a field day in this place. You can rent a kayak and peacefully paddle the morning away, or rent a jet ski or go for a speed boat ride if you want to start the morning off with a bang.

Once you get tired of these hardcore activities (if you ever do!) snag a ticket and head to Paradise Beach; the boats start taking people across at 9:00 am. Once you arrive, you’ll find yourself in a serene, natural beach area with a nearby mangrove forest and powder-fine sand. Work on your tan, or just float in the warm, aqua-blue waters of the Indian Ocean—tough choices, I know!

Once you start getting hungry, buy yourself a delightful little lunch (or a delightful big lunch—no judgement here) from the myriad of little restaurants and cafés surrounding the beach. And definitely make sure to sample some bhaji, which is a classic Indian vegetable fritter. Just make sure they don’t make it too spicy for you—the Indian standard of spicy is on another level entirely from what you’re probably used to.

• Cost – ~$0.20 for a boat ticket to the beach. Kayaks and jet ski rentals vary, starting around $5 and going up from there depending on what you rent and for how long. Food will be around $3-4 for a meal.
• How long should I stay here? – 3-5 hours.
• Getting there – To get to Paradise Beach, take the 15-minute boat ride from Chunnambar Boat House. To get to Chunnambar Boat House, your best bet is going to be flagging down a tuk-tuk (these are usually never in short supply). Transport is an area where it’s normal to haggle, so don’t feel pressured to accept the very first offer from your driver.

2:00 pm – Arikamedu

I know you’ll probably be dying for a shower and a change of clothes at this point, but trust me—make a pit stop at Arikamedu first.

Arikamedu is one of the great treasures of archaeology. It’s basically an ancient coastal trading post, established over 2,000 years ago by the Greeks. Hordes of ancient relics have been uncovered at this site, including ones from even before the Greeks arrived!

Today, what remains of Arikamedu is a still-elegant network of stone walls and buildings. It’s all outside, so this is a perfect place to go for a little while on your way back from the beach. It won’t matter that you’re probably damp, sweaty, and sandy.

• Cost – Zero. Did you get that? Z E R O!
• How long should I stay here? – Around 1 hour is plenty.
• Getting there – Arikamedu is conveniently right in between Paradise Beach and the city center. So grab a tuk-tuk for a 10-minute right from Chunnambar Boat House.

4:00 pm – Pondicherry Museum

I hope Arikamedu whetted your history appetite because Pondicherry Museum is really where it’s at. First, head back to your hostel or hotel, shower, and change, and then head out in the cooling afternoon to the museum.

The Pondicherry Museum has so much variety. There are relics here from numerous cultures and numerous eras. Many artifacts are from the Pallava and Chola dynasties, which began around 275 AD. You’ll find relics from ancient Greece, colonial France, and of course ancient India! There are sculptures, pottery, weapons, coins—even old vehicles like palanquins and pousse-pousses, which are essentially different takes on tuk-tuks.

The Pondicherry Museum really is one of the richest sources of culture and history to be found anywhere throughout the city—so take it all in!

• Cost – ~$0.65 per person.
• Getting there – The Pondicherry Museum is located right off the Promenade. If you’re staying in the area, it’s a short walk. Otherwise, there’s a bus stop a few blocks away, on the big road H.M. Kassim Salai.

6:00 pm – Pondicherry Old Lighthouse for Sunset

There are two lighthouses in Pondicherry. The old one was built in 1836 but became obsolete upon the creation of the New Lighthouse in 1971. They’re both beautiful, but the old one is just more aesthetically pleasing—and assuming you like to take pictures, I must recommend the old one.

After the New Lighthouse was built, the Old Lighthouse was converted into a museum. Now, I’m sure your museum battery is depleted at this point, so you’ll probably want to chill outside nearby. The views from the lighthouse area are truly spectacular, especially around sunset. You’ll have the deep orange glow of the setting sun on one side, and the endless blue of the sea on the other. If you ask me, there’s no better way to end a day than with a sunset.

Don’t forget to bring a camera if you have one. You’re likely to get some perfect golden-hour lighting—and a lighthouse during sunset sounds like any outdoor photographer’s dream to me!

After you leave the lighthouse, grab some dinner and head to bed early—the next day is going to be a busy one (and an early one)!

• Cost – Free as long as you don’t go inside the museum.
• How long should I stay here? – 1 hour.
• Getting there – the Old Lighthouse is a three-minute walk from the Pondicherry Museum.

In many ways, I’ve saved the best for last. Today you’ll be spending most of the day in the magical, one-of-a-kind township of Auroville, before heading back to the city center to finish off your trip with a bang!

6:00 am – Sunrise at Immaculate Conception Cathedral

So, I want to be clear that you don’t have to get here for sunrise. In fact, the doors of the Cathedral don’t open until 7:00 am anyway, so you’ll have to just admire the outside until then. But I tend to be a morning person, and I love the still, quiet hours at the day’s inception. For me, there’s no better time to visit a beautiful religious building. But if that’s not you, feel free to visit a little later.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral has a crazy history, a testament to the devout persistence of the early Jesuits. The Cathedral was built and subsequently destroyed three times before the final construction in 1770. The four separate construction attempts took place over nearly 100 years.

Though the Cathedral isn’t huge the way the Cathedral of Notre Dame is huge, it’s beautiful in its own fashion. It’s intricately detailed both outside and inside, with a white, pillared facade and vibrant interior ceiling art.

The devastating history of the Cathedral, as well as the fact that it’s in Asia, makes it quite a profound site.

• Cost – Free!
• Getting there – The Cathedral is right next to White Town, so if you’re staying anywhere in the French Quarter, it’ll be a short walk. Otherwise, there’s a bus stop about one block away on the big road, H.M. Kassim Salai.

8:30 am – Matrimandir

If you’ve done any sort of research on Pondicherry, you’ve definitely seen a picture of Matrimandir. It’s a huge, golden, dome-shaped, wondrous feat of architecture.

Matrimandir was built over the course of 37 years, again by The Mother. The building itself is gorgeous; you could spend a good amount of time just admiring it from all angles. The grounds are no less beautiful, the grass and bushes being trimmed into sunning geometrical shapes. Especially when viewed from overhead, the attention to detail is astounding.

Matrimandir was created as a place for serious practitioners of meditation and yoga. In fact, Sri Aurobindo and The Mother (who also founded Sri Aurobindo Ashram) created their own type of yoga, known as Integral Yoga, which is still practiced there today.

Inside Matrimandir is the Inner Chamber, which is truly one of the most aesthetically marvelous places I’ve ever seen. It’s an empty room of pure white walls and white columns, and in the center is the largest flawless glass globe in the world. Bear in mind that the Inner Chamber is a serious place for meditation—so don’t treat it like any old tourist attraction.

You can visit Matrimandir and just walk around and look at it from the outside, or you can go into the Inner Chamber. The viewpoint is open from 9:00 am, and you will need to get a pass from the Visitors Centre. The Inner Chamber is open to visitors at 8:30 am every day except Tuesday and Sunday. You will need to request a booking at least a few days in advance.

• Cost – Visits to both the viewpoint and the Inner Chamber are free of charge.
• Getting there – No public buses reliably run from Pondicherry to Matrimandir, so book a tuk-tuk. The ride is about 20-25 minutes.

10:00 am – Auroville

I can say with relative certainty that there is no place on earth like Auroville.

This township was created about 50 years ago, with the express purpose of being a “Universal Town.” Today, it certainly is a Universal Town; the 3,000 residents come from 195 different countries! Again, The Mother was the main spiritual genius behind this place.

The town is, and was always meant to be, a place of true peace and serenity. Beyond this mindset of the people and their incredible diversity, it’s mostly a normal town. There are guesthouses, cafés, restaurants, and stores.

I recommend sitting down for a nice late breakfast here after leaving Matrimandir. As you can probably guess, the huge variety in the nationalities of the town’s residents results in you being able to enjoy a huge variety of different food types. So just pick a place that suits your fancy, and enjoy!

After breakfast, explore for a bit and chat with the locals; they’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about living in this remarkable town.

• Cost – $0 to visit the town. Breakfast will be anywhere from $3 and up.
• How long should I stay here? – 2-4 hours.
• Getting there – Matrimandir is right smack in the center of Auroville, so just pick a direction and start walking!

1:00 pm – Pondicherry Botanical Garden

Grab lunch before leaving Auroville, or pack yourself a nice picnic lunch, and then head over to the Pondicherry Botanical Garden, a sprawling paradise of lush greenery.

The Garden was initially created as an experiment, to test the performance of different plant types in Pondicherry’s climate. Today, there are over 1,500 different species of plants in the Botanical Garden. Throughout 30 separate sections, you’ll find everything from flowers to shrubs, to trees, and even fossils of plants!

After the Botanical Garden, chill out for a bit, drink some coffee, read a book, or head back to your accommodation for an afternoon nap. You might need one after the day’s early start!

• Cost – ~$0.15 for entry into the Garden.
• Getting there – You’ll need to take a tuk-tuk back from Auroville anyway, so just tell your driver to drop you off at the Botanical Garden.

4:00 pm – Cluny Embroidery Center

Cluny Embroidery Center began when a French woman donated a 200-year-old building for the purpose of helping disadvantaged local Indian women.

Today, the center houses a multitude of these wonderful women, all employed and happily embroidering tablecloths, towels, bed sheets, and other fabrics with gorgeous, artful patterns. Chances are you won’t buy something out of pity—the designs are actually stunning, and the quality of the products is top-tier.

Cluny Embroidery Center will give you a unique, authentic look into the lives and vocations of the locals—and it’s also bound to warm your heart!

The Center has also added a guesthouse more recently, due to the increased amounts of tourists. It might be a fun idea to stay here for your last night in Pondicherry.

• Cost – Free unless you buy something (hint: you should buy something!)
• How long should I stay here? – Around 1 hour should be enough.
• Getting there – The Center is a 7-minute walk from The Promenade, which is also where the nearest bus stop is.

6:00 pm – Dinner in the French Quarter

Now it’s time to return to the French Quarter for a fancy dinner! Here are some of my favorite places:

• Les Saveurs is a modern French and Italian restaurant.
• 1 Rue Suffren is a French restaurant in a beautiful historical building.
• Celine’s Kitchen serves North Indian and Continental dishes.
• La Maison Rose is a boutique restaurant with French-centered bistro cuisine.
• Cost – If you decide on a cheaper restaurant to save money, the floor is around $3 per person. For the more expensive restaurants like the ones on the above list, expect to pay around $10-$15.
• How long should I stay here? – As long as you like!
• Getting there – All of these restaurants are only a brief walk from Cluny Embroidery Center.

8:00 pm – Drinks at Le Club

Totally optional, but grabbing some drinks seems like the perfect way to conclude your journey through Pondicherry.

Le Club is a well-known restaurant right in the French Quarter that specializes in a large variety of cocktails, mocktails, imported whiskeys, and wines.

Hopefully, at this point in your trip, you’ve made some new friends. Or if not, maybe you’ve grown closer with the people you’re traveling with, whether that’s a spouse, girlfriend or boyfriend, or just a group of old friends!

Take the time to talk about your favorite parts of the trip, reflect on your favorite moments, and prepare for your journey home!

• Cost – Beers and standard cocktails range from $4-$8, with the highest-quality bottles of wine capping out at around $70.
• How long should I stay here? – As long as you want. Head home early, or party the night away!
• Getting there –  Walk here from your dinner restaurant.

As I mentioned earlier, there’s really no reason to leave Pondicherry after only 3 days—in fact, I’d encourage you to stay a bit longer and really sink your teeth into everything this city has to offer. If you do decide to extend your trip, here are a few other sights you won’t want to miss out on:

1. Gingee Fort

I would have included Gingee Fort as a must-see in the itinerary, but it’s about an hour’s drive outside of the city, so it’s tough to squeeze in if you’re staying for only 3 days. Although some hostels in Bangalore can help you out with this.

Gingee Fort was built in 1190, making it about the same age as the famous Angkor Wat and other Asian temples. A nearly impregnable fortress with a serious reputation, the Fort was only taken one time—and it took the attacking army eight whole years to do so!

Today, the Fort is a meandering series of ancient walls and towers, perched on the top of a sparse range of hills. The views from the Fort are remarkable!

• Cost –  ~$1.20 per person for an entry ticket.
• How long should I stay here? – I recommend heading out in the morning, bringing a picnic lunch, and heading back in the early afternoon.
• Getting there – Hop on a bus heading to Bangalore by way of Krishnagiri—any of these buses will go right past Gingee Fort. Alternatively, take a tuk-tuk or private taxi for more money.

2. Serenity Beach

While not quite as iconic as Paradise Beach, Serenity Beach is undoubtedly a highlight of Pondicherry’s coast.

Just like Paradise Beach, it’s incredibly quiet and tranquil. Aptly named, Serenity Beach is a great destination for couples and people who are less interested in activities and more interested in swimming and working on their tans.

• How long should I stay here? – At least 2-3 hours.
• Getting there – Take a bus to Kottakupam Bus Stop and then walk 15 minutes to the beach, or just take a tuk-tuk for a 12-minute ride from Pondicherry.

3. Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple

Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple is in many ways the “little brother” of Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple.

It’s dedicated to the Hindu Lord Vishnu, whereas Sri Manakula Vinayagar is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Both temples are equally beautiful, and Sri Varadaraja Perumal in particular has a striking, tower-like appearance, with every surface covered in ornately carved designs.

Walk around outside, or go inside and perform an offering with the locals—it’s up to you!

• Getting there – This temple is only a 15-minute walk from Sri Manakula Vinayagar. Marapalam Bus Stop in White Town is your best bet if you’re coming from farther away—the temple is a 7-minute walk from there.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

As with any destination in the world, there are good times and bad times to visit India —both in terms of the weather and in terms of the crowds.

Pondicherry has a summer season, a monsoon season, and a winter season. March, April, May, and June are the summer months, with temperatures averaging around a pretty toasty 84 degrees Fahrenheit. If you can deal with this heat, you’ll have the bonus of fewer crowds.

Check out the table below for a more detailed look at the best times to visit Pondicherry . You’ll notice that generally speaking, better weather = more tourists. Since Pondicherry isn’t as popular as some of the other famous cities in India, I wouldn’t worry too much about crowds.

Pondicherry has a public bus system and a substantial amount of private buses as well, but the network isn’t quite as extensive as you’d hope for. When you’re traveling around the main areas of the city center, flagging down buses is pretty straightforward.

Because of the language barrier and the chaos of Indian buses in general, I always like to check with some locals or the bus driver to confirm that the bus I’m about to board is in fact going where I think it’s going. For the most part, Indians are beyond friendly, so they’ll be delighted to assist you. You’ll pay in cash once you board the bus.

When you’re trying to get to some of the less frequented areas, and some of the more rural places like the beaches, flagging down a tuk-tuk will be your best option. It may take a little while for you to get a feel for what the going rate is. Asking some friendly locals about this is also a great idea, as they’ll be able to tell you if you’re overpaying. And never be afraid to good-naturedly haggle a bit before you get in—it’s normal here!

I’d recommend checking out the homestays in Pondicherry , these are run by locals who are often super friendly and offer up lots of tips for making the most of your time here.

Pondicherry is hot no matter which season you visit, so when packing for India , only bring a long-sleeve shirt for the ferocious air conditioning inside certain restaurants and buildings. Definitely bring a pair of flip-flops or sandals, plenty of sunscreen, and maybe even a bucket hat or baseball hat to block out the sun. And don’t forget your camera! Pondicherry is especially photogenic.

Here are some other final considerations to make:

• Pondicherry is generally very safe, but try not to walk around abandoned areas alone at night.
• Keep your valuables when you’re on crowded buses; these are every pickpocket’s dream!
• If a local is ever trying to scam you or cheat you out of a few dollars, don’t freak out at them. It’s okay to be firm—but in general, keep a cool head, gain some perspective, and let it go.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Pondicherry!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Pondicherry is one of the most unique places in Asia. Authentic Indian culture can be found in the myriad of temples and markets, and places like the French Quarter offer a strikingly European feel.

Beaches, churches, temples, quaint towns, old forts, and amazing food—there’s truly no shortage of entertainment in Pondicherry.

This itinerary has been carefully curated to help you make the most of 3 days in Pondicherry—but I encourage you to use this itinerary as a foundation for your own.

Step out, open your mind and your heart, make friends with some locals, and chart your own course.

Bon voyage!

Suzanne Borders

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

How It Works

• Tell us details of your holiday plan.
• After you submit the form, one of our travel experts will get back to you with customised holiday package based on your requirement, within 24 hours.
• Grab the deal and start packing your bags for an indelible holiday with Tour My India.

Call Us for details

+91-9212777225

Request a quote.

North India

• Himachal Pradesh
• Uttarakhand
• Uttarpradesh

South India

• Andhra Pradesh
• Maharashtra

Central India

• Madhya Pradesh
• Chhattisgarh

Union Territories

• Andaman and Nicobar islands
• Jammu Kashmir
• Dadra and Nagar Haveli
• Daman and Diu

Popular India Tourism Destinations by Interest

• Hill Station
• Yoga and Ayurveda

Adventure Tourism

• Motor Biking
• Peak Climbing
• Mountain Biking
• River Rafting
• Horse Safari
• Camel Safari
• Jeep Safari

Pilgrimage Tourism

• Christianity

Packages by State

• Jammu & Kashmir

Holidays by Interest

• Heritage Tours
• Ayurveda Tours
• Special Interest

Popular Tour Packages

• Golden Triangle Tour
• Classical India Tour
• Golden Triangle with Tiger Tour
• Sikkim Darjeeling Tour
• Frozen River Trek

Luxury Train Tour

• Palace on Wheels
• Heritage on Wheels
• Maharaja Express
• Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
• Buddhist Circuit Train

Special Packages

• Indian Wildlife Tour
• Temple Trails Tour India
• Buddhist Circuit Tours
• Himalayan Wonder

Fixed Departure Tour

• Chadar Trek
• Chopta - Chandrashila Trek
• Snow Leopard
• Dzongri Goecha La Trek
• Agra Hotels
• Jaipur Hotels
• Udaipur Hotels
• Manali Hotels
• Ladakh Hotels

Wildlife Resorts

• Ranthambore National Park
• Bandhavgarh National Park
• Corbett National Park
• Kanha National Park
• Pench National Park
• Tadoba National Park

Beach Resorts

• The Park Calangute
• Neelam the Grand
• Hotel Calangute Towers
• Alor Holiday Resort
• Lazy Lagoon Sarovar Portico Suites

Luxury Hotels

• Aman-i-Khas, Ranthambore
• Hyatt, Bangalore
• Hyatt Regency, Delhi
• Leela Palace, Udaipur
• ITC Grand Chola, Chennai

Top Weekend Breaks & Short Getaways Near Your City

• Weekend Getaways Delhi
• Weekend Getaways Mumbai
• Weekend Getaways Chennai
• Weekend Getaways Bangalore
• Weekend Getaways Nagpur
• Weekend Getaways Hyderabad
• Weekend Getaways Cochin
• Weekend Getaways Chandigarh
• Weekend Getaways Ahmedabad
• Weekend Getaways Pune
• Weekend Getaways Jaipur
• Flight Booking
• International NEW

International

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.

02 NIGHTS/03 DAYS

05 NIGHTS/06 DAYS

04 NIGHTS/05 DAYS

03 NIGHTS/04 DAYS

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.

• About Pondicherry
• Top Places & Things to Do
• Best Accommodation
• Holiday Packages
• Best Time to Visit
• Summer Weather
• Monsoon Weather
• Winter Weather
• How to Reach Pondicherry
• Travel by Road
• Travel by Train
• Travel by Air
• Pondicherry Tourist Map
• South India Tourism
• South India Holiday Packages
• Visitors Sitemap

• Tour Enquiry
• Sign up | Login
• My Bookings
• New User? Sign-up
• Domestic Tours
• South India
• Maharashtra
• Golden Triangle
• North India
• North East India
• International
• Maldives (Discontinued)
• All Domestic Tours
• All International Tours
• Offbeat Tours
• Domestic Cruise Tours
• Jungle Lodges by JLR
• Kabini River Lodge
• Bandipur Safari Lodge
• JLR Kings Sanctuary
• River Tern Lodge
• Kali Adventure Camp
• Hampi Heritage & Wilderness Resort
• K Gudi Wilderness Camp
• Car Rentals
• Destinations
• Tourist Places on Drive
• Driving Directions
• * Workation
• * Tour Plans
• List Property
• Pondicherry
• Places to Visit in Pondicherry

38 Top Tourist Places to Visit in Pondicherry

• Pondicherry Overview
• Top 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry
• 26 Best Pondicherry Tour Packages
• Top Resorts in Pondicherry
• Best Time to Visit Pondicherry
• How to Reach Pondicherry
• Driving Directions to Pondicherry
• within 1 km
• within 5 km
• within 10 km
• within 20 km
• within 30 km
• within 40 km
• within 50 km

Paradise Beach

#1 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

...read more

Pondicherry Beach / Promenade Beach

#2 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Matrimandir - Auroville

#3 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Chunnambar Boat House

#4 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

#5 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Pondicherry Museum

#6 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Botanical Garden

#7 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Bharathi Park / Government Park

#8 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Manakula Vinayagar Temple

#9 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

French Quarters / White Town

#10 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Mahatma Gandhi Statue

#18 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Veerampattinam Beach

#19 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

#20 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

ISKCON Pondicherry

#21 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Sri Karneshwar Nataraja Temple

#22 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Basilica Of Sacred Heart Of Jesus

#11 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Jawahar Toy Museum

#12 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

French War Memorial

#13 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Immaculate Conception Cathedral

#14 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Ananda Ranga Pillai Mansion

#15 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Auroville Beach

#16 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Serenity Beach

#17 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

#23 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Varadaraja Perumal Temple - Pondicherry

#24 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Varadaraja Perumal Temple - Villianur

#25 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Kokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple - Villianur

#26 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Kanniga Parameswari Temple

#27 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Statue Of Dupleix

#28 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Romain Rolland Library

#29 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Church Of Our Lady Of Angels

#30 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Ousteri Wetland & National Park Puducherry

#31 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Old Light House

#32 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

#33 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Meeran Mosque / Meerapalli

#34 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Quiet Beach

#35 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Sri Vedapureeswarar Temple

#36 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Cluny Embroidery Centre

#37 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Goubert Market

#38 of 38 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

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

Most Asked Questions on Pondicherry

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

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

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

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

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

Top 5 Pondicherry Packages

Pondicherry blogs.

Pondicherry Related Pages

Similar Pages:

Places to Visit in Panjim | Places to Visit in Andaman Islands | Places to Visit in Kovalam | Places to Visit in Alibaug | Places to Visit in Gokarna | Places to Visit in Vizag | Places to Visit in Alleppey | Places to Visit in Murudeshwar | Places to Visit in Ganpatipule | Places to Visit in Puri | Places to Visit in Varkala | Places to Visit in Mumbai | Places to Visit in Digha | Places to Visit in Diu | Places to Visit in Mandvi | Places to Visit in Udupi | Places to Visit in Ratnagiri | Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram

Near By Places

Similar Places

100% SECURE PAYMENTS

Domestic & international cards accepted.

Our WhatsApp Numbers

International tours, +91-8217845740, south india tours, +91-7995649483, goa, maharashtra, gujarat tours, +91-7032828835, north india tours, +91-9535139583, rest of india, +91-7799591230, request quote, travellers #.

Explore Tour Packages

Planning a Trip?

Discover affordable tour packages, need customized tour request quote, login / sign-up, your sign in was successful itinerary will be downloaded shortly., sign up with trawell.in.

Already Created Account? Login Here

Sign in with Trawell.in Account

Forgot Password?

New User? Sign Up Here

Activate Your Trawell.in Account

Your account is activated successfully. Login Here

Reset Your Trawell.in Password

Your password has been reset successfully. Login Here

Booking Policy

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

Travel - Experience - Share

• Philippines
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• South America
• New Zealand
• Adventure Travel
• Culture & Heritage
• Sustainable & Responsible Travel
• Travel Products & Services
• Travel Tips
• Food & Restaurants
• Hotel & Resorts
• Travel Resources
• Published Work And Features
• Work with Us / Contact Us
• Search for: Search

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.  

Do You Love Traveling?

Pondicherry itinerary Pondicherry itinerary Pondicherry itinerary Pondicherry itinerary Pondicherry itinerary

Pondicherry itinerary

Do you want to know how to travel the world? We have put together a very  useful travel resources  page with  best travel tips . Go check it out now.

Thanks for visiting our site Voyager – imvoyager.com  and taking the time to read this post!

If you wish to collaborate/work with us then reach us at [email protected]

We’d love if you’d comment by sharing your thoughts on this post and share this post on social media and with your friends.

Explore these posts:

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!

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Privacy Overview

• Group Enquiry? NEW
• 40 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

• Pondicherry

Tourist Places in Pondicherry

Quick navigation.

Must Visit Places in Pondicherry

Paradise beach.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

One of the most peaceful and spiritual Tourist Places in Pondicherry, Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry is well-known across the world and was founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo. The ashram is sprawling and has libraries. It hosts many physical education activities such as sports, asanas, strength training, and swimming. At the centre of the ashram is the Samadhi or mausoleum of Sri Aurobindo under a frangipani tree. If you have an inclination towards spirituality, yoga, and meditation, this ashram is one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry to find your inner self. Timings:  8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM -  6:00 PM Location:  Near Junction of Manakula Vinayagar No. 9 Marine Street, Manakula Vinayagar Koil St, Near Junction of, Puducherry, 605002 Distance From Pondicherry Bus Stand:  Sri Aurobindo Ashram is situated at a distance of 2.6 km from the bus station which is a journey of 9 minutes. Also Know: Luxurious cottages in Pondicherry for Stay!

Coveted as the “City of Dawn”, Auroville Ashram is a futuristic township that is the brainchild of the Mother, the spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo. Auroville aims to unite humans from all walks of life and from all parts of the world against barriers like caste, creed, status, and religion and to let them live in harmony with one another and it is one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry. The huge golden globe-like structure at the center of Auroville is the Matrimandir, which is actually a massive meditation center where one could just sit and focus on one's inner self. While building this township, soil from 124 countries was brought to the ashram and were put together in an urn and mixed. Today, one can find the urn in the amphitheater amidst Matrimandir Gardens. Price : Free  Location : Viluppuram District, Pondicherry, India. Distance from Pondicherry Bus Stand : It is located at a distance of 14 kilometres from the bus stand. Explore More:  Most amazing things to do in Pondicherry

Scuba Diving in Pondicherry

Activity Location: Pondicherry (the exact location will be confirmed after the booking confirmation)

Activity Timing s: Open from 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM or 9.00 AM to 1.00 PM

Activity Duration : 4-5 hours (including training & Scuba Diving)

Diving Time: 15-30 Minutes

Pick-up/Dr op-off Location: Eden beach, Chinna veerampattinam

About Scuba Diving In Pondicherry:

Pondicherry is the only diving spot on the eastern coast of India, where tourists visit for a wonderful diving experience almost every year. Enjoy this splendid activity of scuba diving in Pondicherry and explore the aquatic life and the underwater world with unique marine organisms, unexplored reefs, underwater caves, vibrant fishes, beautiful aquatic creatures, and a variety of marine flora. Book this thrilling experience & have fun getting acquainted with the marine world.

Best of Bangalore

Pondicherry has a naturally formed rocky promenade that has become one of the most sought-after places to visit in Pondicherry by photographers. This naturally scenic place with refreshing cool sea-breeze is perfect for long strolls and fun-filled gala time with your loved ones. There are several restaurants around this posh area offering a culinary feast. You can also find hawkers selling peanuts and cotton candies by the promenade. If one picture has to mark your presence in Pondicherry, then a picture at the Promenade Pondicherry does the job perfectly well! Location:  White Town, Pondicherry Must Checkout:   Pondicherry Tour Packages For Couple

Serenity Beach

Dive deep into the history with this archaeological site of South India, Arikamedu. It was built back in the 19th century and is adorned with Roman lamps, glassware, stone beads, and several other things and it is one of the less explored places to visit in Pondicherry. The emporium was lately used for archaeological excavations and features a number of Red and black ceramic statues. If you are a history buff then you must not forget to add this destination in your list of places to visit in Pondicherry. Timings: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Price:  INR 10 for adults, INR 5 for kids, and INR 50 for foreign Nationals. Location: Ariyankuppam, Puducherry 605007 Distance from Pondicherry Bus Stand: Approx. 7.1 km Also Checkout:  Pondicherry Tour Packages From Bangalore

Auroville Beach

Located in the pristine “City of Dawn”, Auroville, this is one of Pondicherry famous places and extremely hyped beach, and rightly so. Tucked neatly in the corner of a forest, Auroville beach is the perfect definition of serene and exotic. The beach is a favorite amongst surfers and its shallow waters make it perfect even for beginners. The beach is often used by ashramites for relaxing, thus further enhancing the calming atmosphere. If you are looking for a soulful escapade then this is the right place for you. Timings: 24 hours open. Price: No fee Location: Auroville beach, Pondicherry Distance from Pondicherry Bus Stand: Approx 8.4 km You May Also Like:   Pondicherry Tour Packages From Chennai                                    Pondicherry Tour Packages From Kerala

Best of North Goa

Chunnambar Boathouse

Also known as "Plage Paradiso", Chunnambar Boathouse is a spectacular boating and picnic spot located on the backwaters where the Chunnambar River meets the Bay of Bengal. At Chunnambar, you can sun lounge and get sun-kissed and even play beach sports with your family and friends and one of the famous places to visit in Pondicherry. You can also enjoy boating in motorboats, speed boats, sailboats, rowed boats, water scooters, paddled boats, and pedalled boats and sail through the placid backwaters amidst thick mangrove trees. There are many restaurants here that serve delicious, piping-hot Chinese and Tandoori food. Adventure lovers can enjoy jet skiing and have an unlimited thrill. From Chunnambar Boathouse, there are frequent ferry services to Paradise Beach. Timings: 9:30AM - 4:00PM Price: Entry fee is Rs. 10 per head, with extra charges for different water sports. Location:  National Highway 45A | Near Water Sports Complex, Nonankuppam, Pondicherry, India Distance From the Pondicherry Bus Stand:  The two places are 6.4 km away. If you travel via Cuddalore Road, it will take around 15 minutes to reach the destination. Must Checkout:  Pondicherry Tour Packages From Coimbatore                              Pondicherry Tour Packages From Cochin

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The Pondicherry Botanical Garden

Spread across 22 acres of land, The Pondicherry Botanical Garden is one of the no-miss Pondicherry sightseeing places. This lush green garden was built by the French colonists who brought exotic plant species from all across the globe and nurtured them here. Today, the garden boasts of 1500 species of plants and there are placards that indicate the species' names and their common name. Additional information like the uses of the tree, the amount of oxygen generated and its medicinal value make this outsmart other Tourist Places in Pondicherry. The main entrance of the garden characterises the French architecture. Timings:  9:00AM - 6:00PM Location:  Marimalai, Maraimalai Adigal Salai, Near Anna Statue, Orleanpet, Puducherry, 605001 Distance from Pondicherry Bus stand:  The distance between Pondicherry bus stand and botanical gardens is 1km and it takes nearly 2-3 minutes to travel. Recommended: Scuba Diving in Pondicherry

Old Lighthouse

Best of Coorg

Jawahar Toy Museum

Showcasing a variety of toys the Jawahar toy Museum is one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry with kids. The museum features as many as 120 dolls with vibrant colored costumes and styles. The dolls are collected from various states and wear the traditional costumes of the region. This is one of the rare museums and is a perfect place to learn about the culture of different verticals of the Indian map. The doll collection is from Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal, and several other states. Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on all days Price: INR 10 for adults and INR 5 for kids. Location: Old Light House on Goubert Avenue, Pondicherry Distance from Pondicherry Bus Stand: Approx. 2.5 km Do Checkout:   Pondicherry Tour Packages From Mumbai

French War Memorial

Located at Goubert Avenue, The French War Memorial is one of the major historical places to visit in Pondicherry. The memorial was built as a homage to the valiant soldiers who laid their lives to rest during the World War I. On 14th July every year, on the occasion of Bastille Day (French National Day), the memorial is decorated with lights and locals and tourists gather here to pay their respect. The memorial is truly an architectural magnificence and stands tall telling untold stories of the war. Timings:  10:00 A.M to 17:00 PM Location:  Goubert Avenue, Pondicherry 605001, India Planning a trip to Pondicherry? Checkout:  Best Tour Packages Of Pondicherry

The Pondicherry Museum

This art and history museum in Pondicherry has an enviable collection of 81 intricately carved bronze sculptures from the Chola empire. Apart from the bronze statues collected from the Chola and Pallava dynasties, the museum also houses artefacts from the archaeological excavations at Arikamedu that takes one on time travel to centuries before  It takes two full hours to witness all the collections on display. While most Pondicherry famous places are open all through the week, the museum is closed on all Mondays.

Timings: 9:00AM - 6:30PM Location:  Easwaran Kovil Street, Canteen St, Puducherry, 605001 Distance From Pondicherry Bus Stand:  Pondicherry museum is located at a distance of just 3 KM from bus stand.

Other Places to Visit in Pondicherry

Best of South Goa

Shopping in Pondicherry

Activity location: Pondicherry

Start Point : Le Cafe, Rock Beach

Activity timings: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

About Shopping in Pondy Bazaar:

Experience shopping in Pondicherry, home to various fashionable clothes, jewelry, indoor home decor, and even stylish shoes there is a lot you can find at this bazaar. When visiting such a busy and generally filled place navigating your way can be difficult, there will be a local and experienced guide to show you around and narrate you some local stories.

Mahatma Gandhi Statue

Park Monument (Aayi Mandapam)

The Park Monument or the Aayi Mandapam is one of the interesting Pondicherry tourist places that has a beautiful history to it. A woman named Aayi gave her own house to erect a water reservoir to supply water for the city. Today, the Park Monument stands tall in the middle of the Bharati Government Park. This reservoir was built during the time of Napoleon III, a French Emperor, and this white monument has become one of the iconic structures of Pondicherry.

Timings:  8 am – 8 pm Location:  20, Rue Saint Gilles Street, White Town, Puducherry, 605001 Distance From the Pondicherry Bus Stand:  It takes just 11 minutes to cover the distance of 2.5 km between bus stand and Aayi Mandapam. Also Read:   Experience the Adventure activities in Pondicherry

Bharati Government Park

Bharathi Park is located in the central region of the old colonial town of Pondicherry and is the primary lung space and one of the soothing Tourist Places in Pondicherry. The park is covered in lush greenery with well-maintained lawns. The seasonal flowers and the fountain accentuates the beauty of the park and offers a peaceful space to spend an evening with family and friends. At the centre of the park lies the magnificent Aayi Mandapam or the Park Monument built in Greco-Roman architecture. If you are visiting the park with kids, do not miss taking them to the kids' play area, that features many play equipment like swings and slides making it top the list of Pondicherry famous places with family and kids. Timings:  6:30AM - 8:30PM Location:  20, Rue Saint Gilles Street, White Town, Puducherry, 605001 Distance From Pondicherry Bus Stand:  It is just 2.5 km from the Pondicherry bus stand. So you would not take more than 10 minutes to travel in between the two places.

Best of Chennai

Ousteri Lake

Statue of Dupleix

Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges

Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Best of Chikmagalur

Varadaraja Perumal Temple

Cluny Embroidery Centre

Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Manakula Vinayagar Temple is one of the very ancient Hindu temples in India that is believed to be built before the 15th century. Manakulam translates to "sand pond" in Tamil and this temple is dedicated to Bhavaneshar Ganapathy (Ganesha). The temple is built in the royal Tamilian style of temples with a sprawling mandapam, raja gopuram and praharam and the walls have astounding paintings of events from Hindu mythology. The chariot at this temple is the key attraction here which is made from 7.5 kg of gold and teak wood. Visit this temple during the Vijayadasami day of Dussehra when the Lord is carried out on this richly ornate chariot for people to witness. A list of places to visit in Pondicherry is never complete without Manakula Vinayagar Temple. Timings:  5:45 AM - 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM -  9:30 PM Location:  Manakula Vinayagar Koil St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001 Distance From the Pondicherry Bus Stand:  The temple stands at a distance of 2.7 km from the bus stand. It is hardly a 10 minutes journey. If you are Lord Ganesa devotee, this is good news for you. Checkout Best Deals On:  Hot Air Balloon Sydney

Kanniga Parameswari Temple

Best of Kovalam

ISKCON Pondicherry

Ousteri Wetland and National Park

One of the most fantastic Pondicherry sightseeing is the Ousteri Wetland and National Park that features a hundred-year-old man-made lake. The park showcases a wide collection of flora and fauna that is a true delight to the eyes. At this time, several migratory birds flock here and can be spotted in different segments of the park. Whether you are a nature buff or a bird lover, this is the perfect place for you. Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Price: Free of charge Location: Pondicherry-Villupuram road, Pondicherry Distance from Pondicherry Bus Stand: Approx 10 km. Best Offers On:  Wet World Water Park Shah Alam Tickets

Sri Karaneswara Nataraja Temple

The Ganesh Garden

Best of Gokarna

Veerampattinam Beach

Goubert Market

Another one in the array of Tourist Places in Pondicherry is the Goubert Market that is located on the edge of the French Quarter of Vellala Street. The market is dotted with a number of vegetables, fish, and grocery shops. Apart from this, here you can also find shops brimming with leather goods, intricate jewelry, and trendy apparel that will make you awe-struck. Get your shopping bags and explore the streets of the Goubert market of Pondicherry! Timings: 24 hours open Price: None Location: Subaiya Nagar, Pudupalaiyam, Puducherry, 605005 Distance from Pondicherry Bus Stand: Approx 2 km

Pudukuppam Beach

Arched with the trails of coconut trees and sparkling golden sands, Pudukuppam Beach is one of the most serene tourist places in Pondicherry. With the laid back vibes of the beach, you can soothe your soul. One must not dare to miss out on the sunset and sunrise time as the displays are beautiful. You can stroll along with your partner on the beach or just splash the waves with your family! Timings: 24 hours open Price: None Location: Chinnaiyan Peth Main Road | 8 Km away from Town, Pondicherry 605013, India Distance from Pondicherry Bus Stand: Approx 20.4 km

Best of Mahabalipuram

Locally called the Institute for Yoga Education and Research this is one of the tranquil Pondicherry tourist places. This is the place where you can learn about the various postures of yoga and even attain a degree in the same. Apart from keeping the yoga sessions here, one can also learn about the origin and benefits of practicing yoga. Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Price: None Location: Mettu Street, 605104, Chinna Mudaliyar Chavady Distance from Pondicherry Bus Stand: Approx 7 km

Meeran Mosque

Pondicherry is also home to the beautiful 350-year-old Meeran Mosque (commonly called as Meerapalli), built-in classic Gothic Islamic Style by the Arcot Nawabs. An extremely important place of worship for Muslims, it’s beauty is further brought out by the Bronze Kallasa located out on the front-facing minaret with the main dome being held together by four pillars. Don’t forget to add this beautiful mosque in your list of places to visit in Pondicherry as it is worth-visiting! Timings: 6:30 am to 8:00 pm Price: None Location: Yanam Vengadasalam Pillai St, MG Road Area, Puducherry, 605001 Distance from Pondicherry Bus Stand: Approx 2.5 km

Reppo beach

Gokilambal Thirukameswar Temple

One of the holy places to visit in Pondicherry is the Gokilambal Thirukameswar Temple that is built intricately. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and devotees from different corners come here to seek his blessings. Though, one can clearly spot the French influence at the temple with the varied traditions. At this temple, a car festival is organized that showcases the French connection. Timings: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Price: None Location: E Car St, Villianur, Puducherry 605110 Distance from Pondicherry Bus Stand: Approx 8 km

Best of Varkala

Ananda Ranga Pillai Mansion

Famed as one of the oldest places to visit in Pondicherry, the Ananda Ranga Pillai Mansion is located opposite to the Grand Bazaar. This mighty mansion features a blend of different architectural styles that is Asian and European. While the lower floors are adorned with the wooden pillars the upper floor resembles the European Gothic designs. In 1761, a lot of structures were ransacked by the Britishers but this magnificent mansion managed to stay intact. Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Price: INR 10 for adults and INR 50 for foreign Nationals Location: Ananda Ranga Pillai Mansion Distance from Pondicherry Bus Stand: Approx 2.5 km

People Also Ask About Pondicherry

Which are the best places to visit in pondicherry in one day, what are the famous places to visit in pondicherry with friends, what are the things to do in pondicherry, which are the places to visit in pondicherry for couples, what are the places to visit near pondicherry within 200 kms, which are the best places to visit in pondicherry in 3 days, what is famous in pondicherry for shopping, how expensive is pondicherry, is pondicherry good for honeymoon, which are the best resorts to stay in pondicherry, what is there to do in pondicherry at night, what is the speciality of pondicherry, what are the best places in pondicherry to visit in winters, which is better goa or pondicherry, what is the best season to visit pondicherry, is pondicherry safe for couples, how many days are enough for pondicherry trip, why should we visit pondicherry, is pondicherry worth visiting, is pondicherry a good place to visit, which is better pondicherry or mangalore, is pondicherry safe at night.

Trending in Pondicherry

Adventure in pondicherry.

Sightseeing in Pondicherry

Pondicherry Top Attractions

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

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

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

More Pondicherry Attractions

Pondicherry travel guides.

Pondicherry Reviews

Popular Nearby Places Around Pondicherry

More things to do in pondicherry, more on pondicherry tourism, popular related destinations.

Best Domestic Packages

Best international packages, domestic honeymoon packages, international honeymoon packages, places to visit in india, international places to visit, things to do in india, international things to do, popular on thrillophilia.

• We assure the privacy of your contact data.
• This data will only be used by our team to contact you and no other purposes.

Your enquiry has been received successfully. Our destination expert will reach out to you soon!

Pondicherry Tourism and Travel Guide

Tripoto recommends: pondicherry.

Best Places To Visit In Pondicherry

Itineraries For Pondicherry

Best Luxury Hotels In Pondicherry

Best Mid-Range Hotels In Pondicherry

Best Budget Hotels In Pondicherry

Best Hostels And Homestays In Pondicherry

Travel Articles And Blogs For Pondicherry

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.