Top Places to Visit in Pondicherry

Pondicherry is a small town and a union territory located in the Southern part of India, close to Tamil Nadu. There are different places to visit here and it is also well known for preserving the French colonial era heritage buildings and culture with Indian culture, thereby offering tourists with a great time. you can check out the historical monuments, temples, European styled churches, beaches, etc. You can also get to see lots of foreigners here. Do check out the French portion of this town and get an authentic Indian feel offered through its people and culture. Tourists visiting to this town also indulge in different types of water activities like scuba diving, surfing, etc. There are many who also come here to seek spirituality, peace and calm of mind. Pondicherry is popular for Auroville and Aurobindo Ashram. Even nature lovers are attracted to this place. There are numerous lakes and beaches that offer breath-taking scenery. It is also the place for food lovers and shoppers. Being a small town, it will be possible to indulge in almost everything if planned properly in advance. 

Must visit places

• Auroville: It is popularly referred to as ‘City of Dawn’ and is a futuristic, well planned township, considered to be the Mother’s brainchild, Sri Aurobindo’s spiritual collaborator. The objective of Auroville is to unite all human beings from across the globe and different walks of life against barriers like religion, status, creed, caste, etc. and allow them to learn to live in peace, harmony and happiness with one another. At its centre is located the Matrimandir, a huge golden globe type structure, considered to be a huge meditation center. Here, you can sit, meditate and try to focus on your inner self. When constructing this township, there had been brought soil from around 124 countries to this ashram, where it was placed together within an urn and then mixed. This urn can be still found kept within the amphitheatre amidst the Matrimandir Gardens. Located in Villuppuram District Pondicherry, from the local bus stand, Auroville is just 14 km Away.

• Paradise Beach: Located along Cuddalore Road, at Chunnambar, is Paradise Beach, considered to be among the spectacular places to be. From Chunnambar, you can avail a ferry ride and visit this pristine beach that is quite mesmerizing with blue waters, golden, white sand as well as tranquil environment. Pre-built shacks are present in this picturesque beach to lounge below, with clean toilets, showers and decent changing rooms. Tourists and locals alike frequent this beach during weekends and it is often crowded. Boozing or swimming is not allowed here. You can rent from a nearby shop a fishing rod to try out fishing. This beach is open from 9am to 5pm. From the bus stand, it is located at about 8kms away. 

• Rock Beach: This beach is known for its golden sands and is among the best photogenic places for tourists to visit with family and friends. It is also spectacular and well maintained. Being a long beach, taking a stroll will let you enjoy its beauty and breathe in fresh ocean air. During weekends, this place remains crowded, but still clean and well maintained all the time. Several eateries and restaurants are present along the shoreline that offers scrumptious snacks. The beach is visited best during morning hours as it is less crowded during this time and check out the beautiful sun rise emerging from the mesmerizing blue waters. It is located at White Town, Pondicherry and is about 3 kms away from bus stand.
• Shopping at Pondy Bazaar: Pondicherry is indeed a shoppers’ delight as it offers handmade articles, souvenirs and art pieces. You can check out the markets and purchase products created by the top artisans of the region. If you can befriend a local, you will be told stories about the market and its history of the town and its colonial rule. You can witness silversmiths and goldsmiths working in their shops. Try to interact with local artisans and artists to know more about them. Also do taste local delicacies available here. 

• Old Lighthouse: The erstwhile French colonial rulers had constructed this lighthouse during the 19th century. It is a historical place that should be visited during the tip, which once had guided ships, across Red Hills. Today, it is seen as an architecture and engineering marvel. Those who are photography enthusiasts and fond of history can find this place really exciting. From bus stand, this lighthouse is just 3km distance. 

• Sri Aurobindo Ashram: It is considered to be among the most spiritual and peaceful tourist places to be in Pondicherry. This ashram is popular and has earned reputation across the globe. It was Sri Aurobindo who had established this ashram in 1926. It has libraries and is sprawling, hosts several physical education related activities like swimming, strength training, asanas and sports, etc. There is a mausoleum or Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo which is under the frangipani tree. This is a wonderful place for those who have strong inclination towards meditation, yoga and spirituality and would like to find their inner-self. It is located close to Manakula Vinayagar Junction and is about 2.6 km. away from bus station. 

• Botanical Garden: This lush green garden is spread over an area of about 22 acres and was established by French colonists. They had brought several exotic plant species and nurtured here. There are over 1500 plant species gathered from across the globe and placards to indicate them as well as their common name. There is also provided additional information like oxygen amount generated by the tree, its uses, medicinal values, etc. is what makes this among the most tourist places to be in Pondicherry. French architecture encompasses the garden entrances. It is open from 9am to 6pm and is located close to Anna Salai at Marimalai, Orleanpet. This garden is located close to Pondicherry bus stand at a distance of about 1km. 

The top best Pondicherry hotels are booked throughout the year. Wise, advance planning is advised to make the most of the trip.