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

₹9,488

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

₹3,370

EXPLORE
The Cradle

The Cradle

Anna Salai, Pondicherry

4.1/5

₹4,442

Onwards

Klite Stays

Klite Stays

ECR , Pondicherry

3.9/5

₹1,713

Onwards

Villa Du Ocean

Villa Du Ocean

White Town, Pondicherry

3.8/5

₹3,957

Onwards

4 STAR HOTELS

Recommended For You

Average Price

₹6,210

EXPLORE
Hotel Atithi

Hotel Atithi

Anna Salai, Pondicherry

4.2/5

₹4,652

Onwards

Conch Luxury Private Pool Suites

Conch Luxury Private Pool Suites

Bommayapalayam, Auroville

4.5/5

₹8,880

Onwards

Anandha Inn

Anandha Inn

Anna Salai, Pondicherry

3.7/5

₹5,099

Onwards

5 STAR HOTELS

Recommended For You

Average Price

₹9,900

EXPLORE
Lagoon Sarovar Premiere Resort, Pondicherry

Lagoon Sarovar Premiere Resort, Pondicherry

Central Pondicherry, Pondicherry

4.4/5

₹11,250

Onwards

Accord

Accord

Central Pondicherry, Pondicherry

4.3/5

₹9,000

Onwards

The Promenade

The Promenade

White Town, Pondicherry

4/5

₹9,450

Onwards

French Allure and Coastal Divinity


Pondicherry is otherwise called the French Riviera of India, and the spot is an ideal example of French and Indian cultural mixture. It can be said to show a very clean French colonial heritage and serene beaches that are perfect for spiritual retreat as well. There are several colourful cafes and a peaceful ambience, which makes the place exciting. So, if you are looking for a weekend that is quite relaxing after an entire week of work, here is your shot.


Best Time to Go Pondicherry


It is possible for the tourist who can visit during the months of October to March to lose himself amidst the beauty of nature. If you really want to witness the beauty of the town, then April to June or the monsoon season between July and September will also work well. In whatever month you try visiting, the place is sure to make you witness awesome beauty that cannot be missed.


Pondicherry Places to Visit


Pondicherry has such beautiful attractions that many such situations and experiences of carving out locations and different encounters can be made. Some of the top experiences that are recommended are as follows:

  • Promenade Beach:The place is apt for lazy evening strolls and witnessing awesome sunrise views with an introduction to discussions about life.
  • Aurobindo Ashram:If you are interested in meditation and peace, then this ashram by Rishi Aurobindo is the place you have been dreaming about.
  • Basilica of Sacred Heart of Jesus:This is a very beautiful gothic-style church that gives you serenity and peace. The top attraction here is its stained glass windows. This is a specimen of the French glass works of medieval times.
  • French Quarter:It is also referred to as part of France in India, with colourful streets, colonial streets, and wonderful art galleries.

Things To Do in Pondicherry


Pondicherry offers several activities, such as local water sports. You can also go on bicycle tours, go shopping at the Serenity Beach bazaar, or hop through one cafe after the other. If you are fond of serenity and peaceful surroundings, then Aurobindo Ashramand Promenade Beachis a great platform to discover divinity and relaxation.


How To Reach Pondicherry


All three modes of transport connect Pondicherry properly, which includes airways, roadways, and railways. Chennai International Airport and Pondicherry Railway Station are reachable from all parts of India. For travellers using a private or public car, taking East Coast Road from Chennai will give you an easy drive to Pondicherry.


Pondicherry Overview


Country

India

Tourist Places in Pondicherry

Paradise Beach, Pondicherry, Tranquebar, Tamil Nadu, Serenity Beach, Auroville, Chunnambar Boat House

Best Time to Visit Pondicherry

October to February

Pondicherry is famous for

Beach, Heritage, Food & Culture, Relaxation, Romantic

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Pondicherry

What are the best places to visit in Pondicherry?

Pondicherry Museum, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Botanical Garden, Promenade, Auroville, Chunnambar Boat House, Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus, Villianur Temple Car Festival, Ousteri Lake, Serenity Beach, Paradise Beach, Rock Beach, Statue of Dupleix, Bharati Park or Government Park, Jawahar Toy Museum, Kanniga Parameswari Temple, Anglo French Textile Mill, and Ananda Ranga Pillai House are some of the best places to visit in Pondicherry.

What is the best time to visit Pondicherry?

Pondicherry has a warm climate, but from October to March, it is the best time to visit. However, the town has different charms in different seasons. But from October onwards, the climate is comparatively more relaxed, cooler and also perfect for sightseeing, beach fun and water sports. Light woollens should be sufficient as during winters; the temperature usually doesn't go below 17 degrees Celsius here.

What makes Pondicherry a perfect beach destination?

The French Riviera of the East, Pondicherry is not just a typical holiday destination, it’s much more than that. Go on and unearth its many charms; you will be enchanted, for sure. The French colony, beautiful beaches, lovely surroundings, French vibe in the city – everything in this town will mesmerize you, and you would crave for more! Why wait? Make your bookings now!

What are the best beach resorts and hotels in Pondicherry?

Le Royal Park, Lamel Cove Beach Resort, Le Pondy Beach and Lake Resort, Coconut Beach Stay, Hotel Jayaram, Anandha Inn, Bonjour Bonheur Ocean Spray, Villa Du Ocean, Hotel Annamalai International, Tamizh Park, Annai Residence, Hotel Ramana Residency, Hotel Surguru, Rainbow Residency, RKN Beach Resort, Luxe Villa, Esparan Heritage by Traditions Inn and Cosy Chambre are some of the best beach resorts and hotels in Pondicherry.

What is Pondicherry known for?

Pondicherry is famous for being a very old colonial town and next to the beautiful sea. The place is a wonderful specimen of French and Indian art in one place.

How many days for Pondicherry?

One would require at least 4-5 days stay in the city to cover all the major hotspots. The travel time, of course, is not included here.

Which other cities close to Pondicherry should be visited?

The top nearby cities in Pondicherry are as follows: Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur