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.

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Things To See & Do

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

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

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

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

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

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

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

Auroville

Auroville

Unique Experimental Township
Auroville is an experimental township designed by the famous architect Roger Anger. It was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, also called 'The Mother'.

1 to 1.5 hours

Suggested Time

Serenity Beach

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

Bastille Day_France's National Day): 14th July

Rishi Aurobindo�s Birth Anniversary15th August

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

₹8,682

BOOK NOW

Flight to Chennai Airport, then Train to Pondicherry

Booking Options Starting From

₹5,668

BOOK NOW

Stay in Puducherry

Recommended Options

VIEW ALL

3 STAR HOTELS

Recommended For You

Average Price

₹1,415

EXPLORE
Pleasant Inn

Pleasant Inn

Central Pondicherry, Pondicherry

3.9/5

₹1,863

Onwards

Klite Stays

Klite Stays

ECR , Pondicherry

3.8/5

₹1,099

Onwards

Geo Hotel

Geo Hotel

Central Pondicherry, Pondicherry

3.9/5

₹1,285

Onwards

4 STAR HOTELS

Recommended For You

Average Price

₹4,428

EXPLORE
Hotel Atithi

Hotel Atithi

Anna Salai, Pondicherry

4.2/5

₹4,877

Onwards

Heritage by DeFleur

Heritage by DeFleur

Central Pondicherry, Pondicherry

4.1/5

₹3,818

Onwards

Anandha Inn

Anandha Inn

Anna Salai, Pondicherry

3.7/5

₹4,589

Onwards

5 STAR HOTELS

Recommended For You

Average Price

₹10,350

EXPLORE
Accord

Accord

Central Pondicherry, Pondicherry

4.3/5

₹9,000

Onwards

The Promenade

The Promenade

White Town, Pondicherry

4/5

₹8,550

Onwards

Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay

Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay

Central Pondicherry, Pondicherry

4.5/5

₹13,500

Onwards

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.

Tourist Places in Puducherry

Serenity Beach, Promenade Beach, Basilica Of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus Pondicherry, Tranquebar, Tamil Nadu, Chunnambar Boat House

State

Tamil Nadu

Best Time to Visit in Puducherry

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.