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Places to Visit in Pondicherry
A fascinating, small town with enough elements to charm its visitors, Pondicherry whose official name was changed to Puducherry in 2006, was once the largest French colony in India.
Things To See & Do
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Peaceful Ashram
Founded by Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa (The Mother) in 1926, the ashram is the place of the Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother.
40 minutes to 1 ...
Suggested Time
Basilica Of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus Pondicherry
Beautiful Gothic Church
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of the highly revered religious places in Pondicherry, and is located on the south boulevard of the town.
1 hour
Suggested Time
Promenade Beach
Stunning Rocky Beach
Also called Rock Beach, it stretches for approximately 1.5 kms. The statue of Mahatma Gandhi, the old lighthouse, and the remains of the old pier can be spotted from here.
1 to 2 hours
Suggested Time
Paradise Beach, Pondicherry
Lively & Gorgeous Beach
Located along Cuddalore Main Road, and approximately 8 kms from the city centre, this beach has many upscale resorts and well-decorated restaurants along its shores.
1 to 2 hours
Suggested Time
Chunnambar Boat House
Ideal for Boating
Surrounded by beautiful backwaters and stunning white sand beaches, Chunnambar Boat House is ideal for boating and is also a great picnic spot in Pondicherry.
2 hours
Suggested Time
Tranquebar, Tamil Nadu
Popularly known as the Land of Singing Waves
Placed at the confluence of the Kaveri river and the Bay of Bengal, Tranquebar is decorated with swaying palms and rugged houses overlooking glittery waves of the ocean. The Town Gate welcomes you with the royal Danish emblem inscribed on it while the mingled Indo-European colonial architecture adds to the glory of Tranquebar, also known as Tharangambadi.
1 day
Suggested Time
Serenity Beach
Golden Sand Beach
Swathed with pristine golden sands and lapped by shimmering waters of the Bay of Bengal, this treasure trove of nature is secluded, quiet and totally gorgeous.
1 to 2 hours
Suggested Time
Best Time To Visit Pondicherry
Ideal winter destination
OCT-MAR
Peak Season
APR-JUN
Moderate Season
JUL-SEP
Off-season
- What To Expect:The weather is comparatively cooler.
- Things You'll Love:Sightseeing, beach fun and water sports.
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Book Your Trip to Puducherry
From
Travel Options to reach Puducherry
Our Recommendations
Flight to Hyderabad Airport, then Flight to Pondicherry Airport
5h 25m . One way
Booking Options Starting From
₹10,077
Flight to Chennai Airport, then Train to Pondicherry
Booking Options Starting From
₹5,668
Stay in Puducherry
Recommended Options
3 STAR HOTELS
Recommended For You
Average Price
₹2,209
OSTEL Auroville
Bommayapalayam, Auroville
4.2/5
₹2,024
Onwards
Pleasant Inn
Central Pondicherry, Pondicherry
3.9/5
₹1,757
Onwards
Hotel Karai
Central Pondicherry, Pondicherry
4/5
₹2,847
Onwards
4 STAR HOTELS
Recommended For You
Average Price
₹5,800
Conch Luxury Private Pool Suites
Bommayapalayam, Auroville
4.5/5
₹7,632
Onwards
Hotel Atithi
Anna Salai, Pondicherry
4.2/5
₹5,179
Onwards
Anandha Inn
Anna Salai, Pondicherry
3.7/5
₹4,589
Onwards
5 STAR HOTELS
Recommended For You
Average Price
₹9,703
Bellani Villa Maya
Auroville, Auroville
4.8/5
₹5,610
Onwards
Accord
Central Pondicherry, Pondicherry
4.3/5
₹9,000
Onwards
Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay
Central Pondicherry, Pondicherry
4.5/5
₹14,500
Onwards
Discover by Interest
Top Places to Visit in Pondicherry: A French Escape
Officially known as Puducherry, Pondicherryis a top vacation spot in India, often referred to as the "French Riviera of the East." The city boasts a long coastline with charming beaches, pastel-coloured alleys, and picturesque colonial architecture. Known for its vibrant lifestyle and cultural festivals, Pondicherry offers a laidback vacationing experience. Here are some of the best places to visit in Pondicherry with friends and family.
Places to Visit in Pondicherry - Your Top Picks
- White Town:Discover this iconic French Colony for its colonial architecture and authentic French cuisine. It’s one of the top places to visit in Pondicherry for couples.
- Sri Aurobindo Ashram:A perfect spot for spiritual seekers, this ashram preserves century-old traditions and is among the best places to visit in Pondicherry for 3 days.
- Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus:Marvel at the exquisite Gothic architecture of this Catholic church, the only Basilica in Pondicherry.
- Arikamedu:Explore the ruins of this ancient Indo-Roman trade centre to learn about Pondicherry’s colonial history.
- Auroville:Visit this unique township designed on the principles of peace, harmony, and sustainability. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking a serene and meaningful experience.
Imbibe the Serenity of Top Pondicherry Beaches
The Arabian Sea coastline in Pondicherry features a variety of beaches, from activity hotspots to calm, untouched escapes:
- Eden Beach:Enjoy sunbathing on the white sands of this beach in Chinna Veerampattinam, known for its breathtaking sunrises.
- Promenade Beach:A stroll along this iconic coastline is a must. Known as Rock Beach, it’s perfect for families seeking serene golden sands.
- Serenity Beach:Located away from the city’s hustle, this beach is ideal for relaxation and soaking in sun-kissed sands.
- Auro Beach:Part of Auroville, this untamed sandy coastline offers stunning sunrise photography opportunities.
- Quiet Beach:Known for its golden sands and big waves, this beach is great for yoga, meditation, and sunbathing.
Popular Activities to Explore the Heart of Pondicherry
- Cafe Hopping:Visit prominent cafes like Le Cafe, Satsanga, and Cafe de Flore to try gourmet dishes and French-influenced cuisine. These cafes are also great places to visit in Pondicherry at night.
- Scuba Diving:Explore the vibrant underwater world with scuba diving and other water sports along the east coast.
- Cycling:Rent a vintage bicycle and roam the picturesque alleys of Pondicherry.
- Boating in the Backwaters:Experience a peaceful boating cruise starting near Paradise Beach in the quaint hamlet of Chunnambar.
| Serenity Beach, Promenade Beach, Basilica Of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus Pondicherry, Tranquebar, Tamil Nadu, Chunnambar Boat House | |
| State | |
| October to February | |
| Things to Do in Puducherry | Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Paradise Beach Near Puducherry, Poudou Poudou, Kofi Bar |
| Places to visit in Puducherry with Family | Toxic, Cafe Xtasi, L' Aqua Bar, Bay of Buddha, Le Dupleix Near Puducherry |
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Pondicherry
What are the things that you should not miss out on when you are in Pondicherry?
If you are a true traveller, you should definitely not miss out on Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Promenade Beach when you are in Pondicherry to make a funfilled vacay.
What are the best places to visit in Pondicherry?
Pondicherry has loads of places that you can visit on your vacation. Our recommendation of the best places to visit in Pondicherry include - Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Promenade Beach. Apart from these, there are multiple other places to visit that you can explore if you are on a longer trip!
What are the top things to do in Pondicherry?
Pondicherry is an incredibly lively place and is popularly known for its topmost things to do like Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Promenade Beach. You will have a great time here, then why wait? Book your trip now!
What is the famous thing in Pondicherry?
Some most famous things in Pondicherry include the city�s aesthetics and French architecture. Among the most famous places here include the White Town, Auroville, Seaside Promenade, and the likes.
Is 2 days enough for Pondicherry?
Yes, you can explore some top places to visit in Pondicherry for 2 days like its beaches, gardens, temples, and a long coastline.
What is special at Pondicherry?
The speciality of Pondicherry lies in its vibrant culture, delicious food, an extensive coastline and a heavy French influence lending it an exquisite touch. The city has picture-perfect corners, mesmerising French colonial architecture and stunning promenades to explore.