Pondicherry is a perfect weekend gateway for the people looking for peaceful break along the seaside.
This union territory is affectionately known as Pondy.
Pondicherry is known for its beaches, colonial buildings, churches, temples, and statues. It is known for its systematic town planning and French style avenues.
Pondicherry offers a wide variety of cuisines ranging from French, Indian and Italian to Mexican, Thai and Chinese.
Walking around or renting bicycles or motorcycles are the best ways to explore this delightful little town - which has a pinch of French style.
Some of Beaches to see in Pondicherry are:
• Promanade Beach
• Serenity Beach
• Paradise Beach
• Mahe Beach
• Plage Paradiso Beach
• Auroville Beach
• Karaikal Beach
• Quiet Beach
• Reppo Beach
Some of the important religious places in Pondicherry are:
• Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple
• Thirukaameeswarar Temple
• Kanniga Parameswari Temple
• Eglise de Notre Dame de la Conception Immaculee Church
• Eglise de Sacre Coeur de Jesus Church
• Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges
Parks in Pondicherry
• Botanical Gardens
• Bharathi Park
• Chunnambar Backwater
Museums and other places to see in Pondicherry
• Pondicherry Museum
• Jawahar Toy Museum
• Romain Rolland Library
• Anglo-French Textile Mills
Festivals:
Sri Aurobindo’s Birthday (August 15th), Pongal, International Yoga day, Villianur Temple Car Festival (in May) are some of the days celebrated in a grand way in Pondicherry.
Click on "Things To Do" tab to get the complete list of Places to see in Pondicherry Puducherry. Read about the Top Things to do in Pondicherry Puducherry and get best travel tips to plan your trip to Pondicherry Puducherry sightseeing places
Check out the wide range of Pondicherry Puducherry Holiday packages with Navigers, covering top attractions of Pondicherry Puducherry and popular sightseeing tourist places of Pondicherry Puducherry
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Entry Fees :₹ Free Time To Visit :8 am to 12 noon and 2 pm to 6 pm
The Sri Aurobindo Ashram, is one of the major highlights of Pondicherry. It was founded by the renowned Freedom Fighter and spiritual philosopher Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa in 1926. You also find the crafts centers at the ashram that make everything from perfumes to Ayurvedic medicines to dolls.
The Sri Aurobindo Ashram, is one of the major highlights of Pondicherry. It was founded by the renowned Freedom Fighter and spiritual philosopher Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa in 1926. You also find the crafts centers at the ashram that make everything from perfumes to Ayurvedic medicines to dolls.
Promenade
Entry Fees :₹ NA Time To Visit :NA
Promenade is one of the liveliest areas in Pondicherry, it is situated along the picturesque seafront with a rocky beach. A number of heritage buildings and monuments are present around the Promenade Beach, such as the Children's Park & Dupleix Statue, Gandhi statue, Nehru Statue, Le Café, French War Memorial, 19th Century Light House, Bharathi Park, Governors Palace, Romain Rolland Library, Legislative Assembly, Pondicherry Museum and the French Institute of Pondicherry.
Promenade is one of the liveliest areas in Pondicherry, it is situated along the picturesque seafront with a rocky beach. A number of heritage buildings and monuments are present around the Promenade Beach, such as the Children's Park & Dupleix Statue, Gandhi statue, Nehru Statue, Le Café, French War Memorial, 19th Century Light House, Bharathi Park, Governors Palace, Romain Rolland Library, Legislative Assembly, Pondicherry Museum and the French Institute of Pondicherry.
Auroville
Entry Fees :₹ Free Time To Visit :10 am to 6 pm
Auroville (City of Dawn) is an "experimental" township located 8 km north-west of Pondicherry. It is meant to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. It was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa. One of the major highlights of Auroville is the Matrimandir, a modern structure with a high significance for integral Yoga practitioners. Matrimandir has a lotus-shaped dome almost 30 meters high and is covered by golden discs that reflect sunlight.
Auroville (City of Dawn) is an "experimental" township located 8 km north-west of Pondicherry. It is meant to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. It was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa. One of the major highlights of Auroville is the Matrimandir, a modern structure with a high significance for integral Yoga practitioners. Matrimandir has a lotus-shaped dome almost 30 meters high and is covered by golden discs that reflect sunlight.
Raj Niwas / Le Palais du Gouverneur
Entry Fees :₹ Time To Visit :
Raj Niwas is the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor. It is one of the most important buildings, which once served as a palace during French colonization of the country. Currently, the Niwas is located in the Government Park and parts of it are opened for the public. Built in the 18th century, the structure flaunts a colonial style of architecture.
Raj Niwas is the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor. It is one of the most important buildings, which once served as a palace during French colonization of the country. Currently, the Niwas is located in the Government Park and parts of it are opened for the public. Built in the 18th century, the structure flaunts a colonial style of architecture.
Botanical Gardens
Entry Fees :₹ 10 Time To Visit :10 am to 5 pm
Botanical Gardens of Pondicherry houses around 1500 varieties of plants. Tourists can enjoy the sight of fountains, gravel lined paths, beautiful flowerbeds, pruned trees, large aquarium and many other attractions. Musical fountain shows are organised in the garden on every weekends.
Botanical Gardens of Pondicherry houses around 1500 varieties of plants. Tourists can enjoy the sight of fountains, gravel lined paths, beautiful flowerbeds, pruned trees, large aquarium and many other attractions. Musical fountain shows are organised in the garden on every weekends.
Bharati Park (Government Park) & Aayi Mandapam
Entry Fees :₹ Free Time To Visit :8 am – 8 pm
Government Park is a perfect spot for leisure travellers looking for a scenic picnic spot. The park consists of famous monument of Aayi Mandapam. This iconic structure was built in 16th century, in regards to 'Aayi', who destroyed her own house to build a reservoir to supply water in the city.
Government Park is a perfect spot for leisure travellers looking for a scenic picnic spot. The park consists of famous monument of Aayi Mandapam. This iconic structure was built in 16th century, in regards to 'Aayi', who destroyed her own house to build a reservoir to supply water in the city.
Pondicherry Museum
Entry Fees :₹ 15 Time To Visit :10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm
Pondicherry Museum has good collection of sculptures, handicrafts, archaeological findings from the Arikamedu Roman settlement and items from the French colonial time such as furniture and coins etc.
Pondicherry Museum has good collection of sculptures, handicrafts, archaeological findings from the Arikamedu Roman settlement and items from the French colonial time such as furniture and coins etc.
Chunnambar Boat House
Entry Fees :₹ Free Time To Visit :9 AM to 5 PM
Chunnambar Boat House is located about 7 kilometres from city centre. The boat house is surrounded by beautiful backwaters and stunning white sand beaches and is a perfect place to enjoy clear waters. There are many boating options in this place.
Chunnambar Boat House is located about 7 kilometres from city centre. The boat house is surrounded by beautiful backwaters and stunning white sand beaches and is a perfect place to enjoy clear waters. There are many boating options in this place.
Pondicherry Beach
Entry Fees :₹ Time To Visit :
Pondicherry Beach is flanked by a flowing creek on one side and is also known for its tree houses, which are located on the backwaters.
Pondicherry Beach is flanked by a flowing creek on one side and is also known for its tree houses, which are located on the backwaters.
Serenity Beach
Entry Fees :₹ Time To Visit :
Serenity Beach is the most gorgeous beaches in Pondicherry. Fringed by palm trees and covered with golden sands, this beach is a beautiful place to relax and spend some quite time.
Serenity Beach is the most gorgeous beaches in Pondicherry. Fringed by palm trees and covered with golden sands, this beach is a beautiful place to relax and spend some quite time.
Paradise Beach
Entry Fees :₹ Time To Visit :
Paradise Beach is a real paradise for couples. The vast shoreline lined with dense palm groves and the golden sands of the beach are filled with various eatery options. Located just 8kms. from the Pondicherry, along the Cuddalore Main Road this beach can be accessed only from the Chunnambar Resort via boats.
Paradise Beach is a real paradise for couples. The vast shoreline lined with dense palm groves and the golden sands of the beach are filled with various eatery options. Located just 8kms. from the Pondicherry, along the Cuddalore Main Road this beach can be accessed only from the Chunnambar Resort via boats.
Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam / Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple
Entry Fees :₹ Time To Visit :
Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam on Manakula Vinayagar Street is a Hindu temple, which houses Lord Ganesha. Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple was in existence before the French came and settled in Pondicherry i.e. before 1666. According to Sasthra, Lord GANESHA is named in 16 types based on his various forms, out of which this god facing the east coast near the Bay of Bengal was named as Bhuvaneshar Ganapathy, now called as Manakula Vinayagar. In Tamil, 'Manal' means sand and 'Kulam' means pond near the sea. Earlier, there was full of sand around the pond. So, the people called the god as Manal Kulathu Vinayagar [means God near the pond of sand]. Later, it was named as Manakula Vinayagar.
Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam on Manakula Vinayagar Street is a Hindu temple, which houses Lord Ganesha. Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple was in existence before the French came and settled in Pondicherry i.e. before 1666. According to Sasthra, Lord GANESHA is named in 16 types based on his various forms, out of which this god facing the east coast near the Bay of Bengal was named as Bhuvaneshar Ganapathy, now called as Manakula Vinayagar. In Tamil, 'Manal' means sand and 'Kulam' means pond near the sea. Earlier, there was full of sand around the pond. So, the people called the god as Manal Kulathu Vinayagar [means God near the pond of sand]. Later, it was named as Manakula Vinayagar.
Thirukaameeswarar Temple
Entry Fees :₹ Time To Visit :
Thirukaameeswarar Temple is one of the ancient temples located in a rural town called Villianur (the ancient name is Vilvanallur, meaning "vilva marangal niraindha nalla vur"), which is located about 10 km away (towards Villupuram) from Pondicherry town. This temple is renowned as Periya Koil "Big Temple". The prime god is Lord Shiva and the prime goddess is Goddess Kokilambigai. In addition, there are also other Hindu gods such as Murugan, Vinayagar, Thakshanamoorthy, Perumal, Bhramah, Chandikeshwarar, Natarajar, Navagrahah, and 63 Naayanmaars. The pioneers[clarification needed] in this temple say that the age of this temple is about 1000+ years. It is thought to have been built by one of the Chola kings. There is also a huge "temple pond". The "Ther Thiruvizha" (Car Festival) is celebrated at this temple.
Thirukaameeswarar Temple is one of the ancient temples located in a rural town called Villianur (the ancient name is Vilvanallur, meaning "vilva marangal niraindha nalla vur"), which is located about 10 km away (towards Villupuram) from Pondicherry town. This temple is renowned as Periya Koil "Big Temple". The prime god is Lord Shiva and the prime goddess is Goddess Kokilambigai. In addition, there are also other Hindu gods such as Murugan, Vinayagar, Thakshanamoorthy, Perumal, Bhramah, Chandikeshwarar, Natarajar, Navagrahah, and 63 Naayanmaars. The pioneers[clarification needed] in this temple say that the age of this temple is about 1000+ years. It is thought to have been built by one of the Chola kings. There is also a huge "temple pond". The "Ther Thiruvizha" (Car Festival) is celebrated at this temple.
Kanniga Parameswari Temple
Entry Fees :₹ Time To Visit :
Kanniga Parameswari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Shakti. This unique temple exhibits blend of Tamil and French architectural styles.
The arched walls, ionic columns, angel decorations and stained glass windows in the temple structure make it appear like an old French building. You can see distinct Tamil architectural features in the pillar supported ceiling and the sanctum sanctum of the temple.
Kanniga Parameswari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Shakti. This unique temple exhibits blend of Tamil and French architectural styles.
The arched walls, ionic columns, angel decorations and stained glass windows in the temple structure make it appear like an old French building. You can see distinct Tamil architectural features in the pillar supported ceiling and the sanctum sanctum of the temple.
Eglise de Notre Dame de la Conception Immaculee Church
Entry Fees :₹ Time To Visit :
Eglise de Notre Dame de la Conception Immaculee Church is one of the old beautiful churches in Pondicherry built in 1686 in Portuguese architectural style. The church is dedicated to St. Peters.
Eglise de Notre Dame de la Conception Immaculee Church is one of the old beautiful churches in Pondicherry built in 1686 in Portuguese architectural style. The church is dedicated to St. Peters.
Eglise de Sacre Coeur de Jesus Church
Entry Fees :₹ Time To Visit :07:00 am – 06:30 pm
Eglise de Sacre Coeur de Jesus Church is a very beautiful church built between 17th and 18th centuries in a splendid Gothic architecture. It has gorgeous spires, rose windows and coloured in deep red and dark green colours. The building is decorated with beautiful terracotta crafts and eye-catching stained glass paintings.
Eglise de Sacre Coeur de Jesus Church is a very beautiful church built between 17th and 18th centuries in a splendid Gothic architecture. It has gorgeous spires, rose windows and coloured in deep red and dark green colours. The building is decorated with beautiful terracotta crafts and eye-catching stained glass paintings.
Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges / Church of Our Lady of Angels
Entry Fees :₹ Time To Visit :
Church of Our Lady of Angels is a beautiful church that resembles Basilica at Lourdes in France. It has white marble like texture due to the use of limestone mixed with egg whites.
Church of Our Lady of Angels is a beautiful church that resembles Basilica at Lourdes in France. It has white marble like texture due to the use of limestone mixed with egg whites.
Jawahar Toy Museum
Entry Fees :₹ Free Time To Visit :
Jawahar Toy Museum is a small museum with a collection of over 120 dolls. It has variety of dolls and toys collected from different parts of the country, representing culture of different regions of India.
Jawahar Toy Museum is a small museum with a collection of over 120 dolls. It has variety of dolls and toys collected from different parts of the country, representing culture of different regions of India.
Romain Rolland Library
Entry Fees :₹ Free Time To Visit :07:30 am – 04:30 pm (Closed on Monday)
Romain Rolland Library is on the oldest library in the country. It was established in 1827 and has a collection of 315,000 books in different languages.
Romain Rolland Library is on the oldest library in the country. It was established in 1827 and has a collection of 315,000 books in different languages.
Anglo French Textile Mill / Rodier Mill
Entry Fees :₹ Time To Visit :
Anglo French Textile Mill is one of the oldest operating mills of the country. People get a chance to buy good quality of textile products in discounted price here.
Anglo French Textile Mill is one of the oldest operating mills of the country. People get a chance to buy good quality of textile products in discounted price here.
French War Memorial
Entry Fees :₹ Time To Visit :10 am to 5 pm
French War Memorial was built in the year 1971 to commemorate the martyrs of the First World War. This beautiful structure is featured in many movies.
French War Memorial was built in the year 1971 to commemorate the martyrs of the First World War. This beautiful structure is featured in many movies.
Arikamedu
Entry Fees :₹ Time To Visit :
Arikamedu also known as Arikan-medu or Poduke means eroding mound. It is located at a distance of 7 kms from city centre. Arikamedu was initially a tamil fishing village was the village was actively involded in trading with Roman traders. Many Roman lamps, glassware and gems, dating back to 1 BC, were found during the excavation of the Arikamedu site. The village is currently inhabited and in ruined state. This archeological excavation site, currently has many Coconut and Mango Trees around the site and serves as retreat for nature lovers.
Arikamedu also known as Arikan-medu or Poduke means eroding mound. It is located at a distance of 7 kms from city centre. Arikamedu was initially a tamil fishing village was the village was actively involded in trading with Roman traders. Many Roman lamps, glassware and gems, dating back to 1 BC, were found during the excavation of the Arikamedu site. The village is currently inhabited and in ruined state. This archeological excavation site, currently has many Coconut and Mango Trees around the site and serves as retreat for nature lovers.
Ousteri Lake
Entry Fees :₹ Time To Visit :
Ousteri Lake is picturesque lake located at a distance of 10 kms from Pondicherry. You can sight many rare species of birds here.
Ousteri Lake is picturesque lake located at a distance of 10 kms from Pondicherry. You can sight many rare species of birds here.
Gingee fort
Entry Fees :₹ Time To Visit :9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Gingee fort is 70 Kms from Pondicherry. Gingee Fort is a huge complex, spread over three hills with the ruins of a palace, a temple, a mosque, a granary, an auditorium, stables and even a harem among other structures. The fort was built by the Chola dynasty in 13th century.
Gingee fort is 70 Kms from Pondicherry. Gingee Fort is a huge complex, spread over three hills with the ruins of a palace, a temple, a mosque, a granary, an auditorium, stables and even a harem among other structures. The fort was built by the Chola dynasty in 13th century.
By Air
Puducherry Airport is a small airport and is not properly operational since 2014.
The nearest airport is at Chennai, which is approximately 135 kilometres away from Pondicherry.
By Train
PDY/Puducherry (Pondicherry) is connected by train with all major cities of India.
By Road
Pondicherry has good road connectivity. It is connected to Chennai via the East Coast Road through Mahabalipuram.
Pondicherry has good bus connectivity from the neighbouring cities.
