Pondicherry or Puducherry is a French colonial settlement in India until 1954 and was once the headquarters of the French in India, which is now a Union Territory town in Tamilnadu State. Popular for its French colonial buildings, beautiful and clean beaches, and Spiritual retreats, the bougainvilleas, Cathedrals, and leafy boulevards will make you fall in love with its Uniqueness. I have included all the important and must-visit places in Pondicherry through the day-wise itinerary so that you can choose the places for visiting based on the number of days you are planning in Pondicherry. I also conduct frequent two days budget trips to Pondicherry, you can find the Itinerary here – Chalo ghoomein Pondicherry.
Best places to see in Pondicherry on Day 1
Promenade Beach or Rock Beach
Promenade is the area surrounding the beach, this beach has huge natural rocks at the shore and thus is known as Promenade Beach or Rock Beach In Pondicherry.
This is one of the best beaches for a morning walk or jog and turns into a scenic view in the evenings with one side of the beach with giant rocks and the other side with French buildings and Cafes to enjoy.
No vehicles are allowed after 4:00 pm, making this beach a safe area to stroll and enjoy
There will be an ample area to sit on the rocks and have one of the best Sunrise experiences
I have captured the Sunrise of Rock beach with the Natural sounds of waves hitting the rocks.
You can watch it here or on my youtube channel “Mokshada Srinadhudu”.
Also, do check out the 9 best beaches in Pondicherry and make unforgettable memories
Things to do at Rock Beach: Do not miss the Sunrise, enjoy a stroll at the beach, and hop on the cafes nearby
Entry fee: No entry fee
Old Lighthouse
The old lighthouse in Pondicherry is also located near Rock beach and was built in the 18 century by the French and played a very significant role in the colonial period to guide ships passing or docking in the ocean, It is now in a renovation state and visiting was not allowed when I went in 2022.
Things to do: A must-visit for a good panoramic view of the ocean and sunrise.
Location: Rock Beach, White town
Entry fee: No entry fee
French war memorial
The French war memorial in Pondicherry is a tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the First World war. The war memorial is located at Goubert Avenue near Rock beach opposite to Gandhi Statue.
Try to go on Bastille Day, which is celebrated on July 14 every year, when the memorial is illuminated in an interesting way.
Entry fee: 10/- per person
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM
Aurobindo Ashram
The famous spiritual community or ashram was founded by the freedom fighter Sri Aurobindo in 1926. One of the most important places for spirituality-seeking and peace lovers.
You can also find the Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and Mira Alfassa (Founder of Auroville ) here.
Location: Near Manakula Vinayagar temple, No. 9 Marine Street, Manakula Vinayagar Koil St, Puducherry.
Entry fee: No entry fee
Timings: 8:00 Am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Serenity Beach
Serenity Beach is one of Pondicherry’s most popular beaches. Serenity Beach is around 8 kilometers from Pondicherry. It is a white sand beach with crystal blue seas that is bordered by lush greenery and palm trees.
The beach is well-known for its peaceful ambiance and breathtaking sunsets.
You can also enjoy sports like surfing, sunbathing, and even fishing while they are here.
Several experienced trainers on the beach also provide surfing instruction to visitors at rock-bottom prices.
If you’re seeking a nice beach without the busy tourist population, this unusual yet stunning beach is your perfect escape.
Things to do at Serenity Beach: Water sports, Flea market, Exploring Cafes, and relaxing in shacks
Activities: Surfing, boating, kayaking, canoeing.
Entry Fee: No Entry fee
Best Time: 6:00 Am to 6:30 Pm
Manakula Vinayagar Temple
This ancient Manakula Vinayagar Temple, a gorgeous Hindu temple built before the 15th century devoted to Lord Ganesha, is one of the popular Pondicherry tourist attractions.
It covers an area of 8000 square feet and features a stunning gold-plated kodikambam.
The outer wall of the temple features several representations of Lord Ganesha.
A golden vimana complements the shrine’s architectural splendor.
Location: Manakula Vinayagar Koil St, White Town, Pondicherry
Entry fee: No entry fee
Timings: 5:45 Am to 12:30 Pm and 4: 00 Pm to 9:30 Pm
The White town with Café hopping
White Town is well-known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, beautiful streets, and colorful buildings.
The region is known as White Town because of the presence of numerous European-style buildings built by the French during Pondicherry’s time as a French colony. White Town’s architecture is a mix of French, Tamil, and Indian traditions.
The famous clock tower, the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and the French Consulate are among the famous places in White Town.
There are also a variety of museums, art galleries, and cafés to visit in White Town.
Furthermore, White Town is home to the well-known Goubert Market, which sells a range of local cuisines, souvenirs, and items.
It’s ideal for people who enjoy walking around and learning about the city’s history, culture, and architecture.
It’s also perfect for photographers since the colorful buildings and streets provide several opportunities to capture gorgeous images.
Pondicherry’s White Town is famous for its charming cafés and eateries serving a range of cuisines.
White Town’s most popular eateries include
| Le Café Café des Arts La Pasta | Le Capuccino Café Xtasi Satsanga | Le Croissant Le Club La Cloche |
These cafés provide a range of cuisines such as French, Italian, Mediterranean, and fusion cuisine.
Many of them offer a lovely view, others have terrace seating, and all have a special charm.
Best places to see in Pondicherry on Day 2
Chunnambar Boat House and Paradise Island beach
One of the best places to visit in Pondicherry is Chunnambar Boathouse also known by the name of ‘Plae Paradiso’, famous for boating at backwaters, where the river meets the Bay of Bengal. We can find decent stays, huts, and speedboats
To reach Paradise beach, we need to take a boat at Chunnambar Boathouse to cross the back water to reach Paradise beach, which is like an island in itself.
I have vlogged the entire journey from the backwaters to Paradise beach, I tried capturing the “jellyfish” while returning from Paradise beach, do check the first video on this page.
Also, do check out the best beaches of Pondicherry to plan your beach activities.
Things to do at Chunnambar and Paradise Beach: Boating at Backwaters, Paradise Beach volleyball, Water activities, Best for family picnics
Best Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 Pm
Activities: Jet skiing, Boating, Backwater sailing, Canoeing, Kayaking
Entry Fee: 5/- for Chunnambar and 150/- per person and Photography Charges extra for Paradise
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, located on the south boulevard, was dedicated on December 17th, 1907. It is also recognized as the Parent church for the Pondicherry and Cuddalore Catholic dioceses.
The structure is a beautiful example of gothic-style construction and has become a popular pilgrimage site for Christians in India.
This church’s construction is 50 meters long, 48 meters broad, and 18 meters high, and it is supported by 24 columns.
Stained glass artworks of 28 saints who were devoted to Jesus’ pure heart decorate the windows.
Immaculate Conception Cathedral
Immaculate Conception Cathedral, often known as ‘Samba Kovil’ by the locals, is another lovely cathedral for the Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Cuddalore.
The current Immaculate Conception Cathedral was erected on the site of three previous churches constructed before the French takeover of Pondicherry.
It is one of the oldest churches in Pondicherry and recalls the Portuguese time in India.
Construction began in 1791, and the structure was improved further until 1987.
Every year on December 8th, the church feast is commemorated.
It is also one of the most attractive locations to visit in Pondicherry.
Varadaraja Perumal Temple
The Varadaraja Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple in the Pondicherry. It symbolizes Lord Vishnu, also known as Varadaraja Perumal.
The Cholas are said to have constructed the temple in the 9th century AD which is later expanded by Pandavas and it has undergone various restorations throughout the ages.
The temple is famous for its artistic carvings and sculptures, especially those of Lord Vishnu’s ten incarnations.
The primary deity, Varadaraja Perumal, is seated in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum.
The temple also has a magnificent tank known as “Vimana Theertham,” which is revered by worshippers.
Location: Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Heritage Town, Pondicherry
Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fees
Ananda Ranga Pillai Mansion
The Ananda Ranga Pillai Mansion is a historically significant structure in Pondicherry, India.
Ananda Ranga Pillai, a rich businessman and close confidant of the French Governor of Pondicherry at the time, constructed it in the 18th century.
The home is a remarkable example of French colonial architecture and is now a museum displaying Pondicherry’s lifestyle and culture during the French colonial era.
It is one of the best places to see in Pondicherry.
Best places to see in Pondicherry on Day 3
Auroville – The city of dawn and Mantrimandir
Auroville is a unique and experimental town located around 8km north of Pondicherry
Founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, also known as “The Mother”. Auroville, conceived as a “Universal Town,” is India’s first experimental township.
One of the most famous and visited places in Pondicherry, where people live in harmony and work towards a common goal is to build a township where people from all over the world, representing a wide range of cultures, may coexist peacefully.
Auroville belongs to humanity as a whole, not to anybody in particular. The spiritual heart of Auroville is “The Matrimandir”, a massive golden domed meditation hall, It is surrounded by 12 petals each of which represents one of the 12 human qualities.
To visit Matrimandir’s inner chamber, prior booking is required, You can book the tickets from ”Auroville.org”.
Auroville is an ideal place for tourists and visitors who are interested in arts and culture. The town has several art galleries which showcase the work of local and international artists.
Svaram sound garden Auroville
Svaram is a sound garden in Auroville, Pondicherry. It is a one-of-a-kind and gorgeous garden that showcases a range of musical instruments from across the world constructed of natural materials such as bamboo, wood, and stone.
Visitors may tour the garden and play the instruments, making their own music and listening to nature’s noises.
Svaram also hosts music seminars and lessons, as well as concerts and festivals involving performers from all over the world.
The garden contributes significantly to Auroville’s objective of promoting togetherness and harmony through art and culture.
Svaram also offers one-hour sessions of “Sound Healing” with the master. You will hear the sound vibrations and resonance of chosen instruments.
They charge Rs.1800 for this session, and you must register one day in advance.
Entry fee: An entry fee for the guided tour is Rs. 120.
You can find more details about Svaram on their official website “svaram.org”
Auroville Beach
Auro Beach, or Auroville Beach, in the “City of Dawn,” is a key feature of the ashram.
Auroville Beach is a haven of tranquility and natural beauty. This pristine stretch of sand is the perfect escape for those seeking a break from the chaos of city life.
One of the standout features of Auroville Beach is its unspoiled natural beauty. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery, and the crystal-clear waters of the Bay of Bengal lap gently at its shore. You can enjoy long walks along the beach, sunbathe on the sand, or take a dip in the refreshing waters.
Things to do at Auroville Beach: Water activities, Tasting International and local cuisines
Best Time: 6:30 Am to 6:30 Pm
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Best places to see in Pondicherry on Day 4
Arikamedu
Arikamedu is a must-see place in Pondicherry if you want to understand more about South India’s history.
Intensive research and excavations at the site reveal commercial contacts with the Roman Empire during Augustus Caesar’s reign.
One of the most significant discoveries at Arikamedu is the remains of a Roman factory, which is believed to have been used for the production of glassware. This factory is thought to have been one of the earliest known examples of industrial-scale glass production in the world.
Ousteri Lake / Ossudu lake
Ousteri Lake, commonly known as Ousteri Wetland and National Park, is a freshwater lake that is around 10 kilometers from the city of Pondicherry and is recognized for its great biodiversity and chances for bird viewing.
The lake is bordered by wetlands and grasslands that support a diverse range of vegetation and animals.
This lake is a famous place for bird viewing, with over 200 kinds of birds living there, including migratory birds like the white ibis, stork, and small cormorant.
The lake is a famous site for bird watchers and environment enthusiasts.
The lake could be explored on foot or by boat, and there are various viewing platforms and watchtowers situated around the lake to give the greatest views of the wildlife.
The lake is open every day, but the ideal time to come is during the winter months when migrating birds come.
Location: Osudu Lake, Puducherry
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
The Pondicherry Museum
The Sri Aurobindo Handmade Paper Factory Museum, popularly known as the Pondicherry Museum, is a museum in Pondicherry, India.
The museum, built in a colonial-style architecture, exhibits the region’s rich cultural legacy, including objects from the Pallava, Chola, and French colonial periods.
The museum has a collection of Pallava and Chola-era sculptures, bronzes, and other antiques.
A 10th-century bronze figure of Lord Vishnu, a 12th-century bronze statue of Lord Nataraja, and a 15th-century bronze statue of Lord Ganesha are among the prominent exhibits.
Aside from ancient artifacts, the museum also has a fantastic collection of French colonial-era objects, like furniture, pottery, and currency.
The museum also features a section dedicated to Sri Aurobindo, one of India’s most recognized spiritual leaders and a former Pondicherry resident.
Location: Easwaran Kovil Street, Canteen St, Pondicherry
Timings: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on all days except Mondays and national holidays.
Entry Fee: No entry fees
Pondicherry Botanical Garden
The Sri Aurobindo Ashram Botanical Garden, commonly known as the Pondicherry Botanical Garden, in Pondicherry.
The French government constructed the garden in 1826, and it occupies around 22 acres.
It is one of India’s oldest botanical gardens and is home to a diverse range of plants and trees from throughout the world. Cacti, succulents, bonsai, palm palms, and medicinal plants are among the flora included in the garden. It also boasts a big collection of roses, orchids, and ferns of various sorts.
The garden also has a huge lake and a lovely greenhouse with a vast range of exotic plants. The garden is a famous destination for nature enthusiasts and a pleasant location to wander. It is also a vital hub for botanical research and teaching.
Location: Marimalai, Maraimalai Adigal Salai, Near Anna Statue, Orleanpet, Pondicherry.
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM, on all days except Mondays and national holidays.
Entry Fee: INR 20, free for children below 12 years
How to reach Pondicherry?
By Air:
- The nearest airport to Pondicherry is the Chennai International Airport, which is located about 160 km away.
- From the airport, you can take a taxi or hire a car to reach Pondicherry, which will take about 3-4 hours.
- Alternatively, you can take a bus from the airport to Pondicherry, which will take about 4-5 hours.
- There are also domestic flights available from major cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi to Chennai.
By Train:
- The nearest railway station to Pondicherry is the Villupuram Railway Station, which is located about 30 km away.
- From the railway station, you can take a taxi or hire a car to reach Pondicherry, which will take about 1 hour.
- Alternatively, you can take a bus from the railway station to Pondicherry, which will take about 1 hour.
- There are also direct trains available from major cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Coimbatore to Villupuram.
By Bus:
- Pondicherry is well connected by road to major cities in the region, including Chennai, Bangalore, and Coimbatore.
- There are several state-run and private bus services that operate regularly to Pondicherry.
- You can also take a bus from Chennai or Bangalore, which will take about 4-5 hours depending on the traffic.
- Taxis and cars are also available for hire.
- It’s advisable to check the bus schedules and book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
However, the best option to reach Pondicherry will depend on your location, budget, and personal preferences.
Wrapping Up
The Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea are two of nature’s greatest gifts to Pondicherry
The coastline is a perfect place to experience this city. Its peaceful, classic architecture will transport you back in time, and the beaches are unbelievably amazing! Don’t miss your chance to visit Pondicherry; plan your trip so you can have an incredible time here in the “French City” of India.
- It is recommended to stay hydrated and take necessary safety precautions while visiting beaches, Always follow the local guidelines.
- Apply sunscreens or oils to avoid sunburns
- Do not consume alcohol at beaches
- Handling traffic in Pondicherry would be a little challenge, I would suggest being extra cautious if you are – self-driving.
FAQs about places in Pondicherry
Which month is best for Pondicherry?
The best time to visit Pondicherry is between October to February to enjoy the coolest atmosphere and for activities.
What are the top attractions to visit in Pondicherry?
Promenade or Rock Beach, Aurobindo Ashram, Manakula Vinayagar Temple, White town, Paradise Beach Island, Auroville, Pichavaram, Ousteri Lake / Ossudu lake, The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pondicherry Botanical Garden, Manakula Vinayagar Temple, French war memorial, Varadaraja Perumal Temple, and Arikamedu.
Pichavram distance from Pondicherry ?
The road distance between Puducherry and Pichavaram is 72.3 km.
How many days are enough for Pondicherry?
To experience the beauty and culture of Pondicherry, it is recommended to plan your visit between 2-4 days.
What is Svaram at Auroville famous for?
SVARAM combines Indian music and craft with worldwide academic musicology, sound studies and research, modern design, and innovation.
How many beaches are there in Pondicherry?
Promenade Beach or Rock Beach, Serenity Beach, Auroville Beach, Paradise Beach,
Karaikal Beach, Reppo Beach, Verrampattinam Beach, Quiet Beach, and Mahe Beach
