Top 22 places to visit in Pondicherry

The charming seaside town of Pondicherry, officially famous as Puducherry, is one of India's Union Territories. It is on the southeast coast, 160 kilometres south of Chennai. Tourists like Pondicherry because it has a unique mix of French and Indian. Pondicherry is a cute place with many secret gems that can be slowly discovered over months. Pondicherry is a popular place and is not very expensive. The beauty and ideals of Tamil, French, and English cultures have been mixed in a way that works well. The town's lively markets and art galleries are also famous in Pondicherry.

Aayi Mandapam

The Aayi Mandapam, also known as the Park Monument, is a prominent structure in the heart of Pondicherry's Bharathi Park. People consider Aayi Mandapam one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry. Napoleon III, Emperor of France, constructed this white building during his rule. The Mandapam had also been built with Greco-Roman architecture, located in a lovely garden with immaculately found grounds, gloriously magnificent fountains, and brightly coloured flowers.

Arikamedu

The regular Tamil tourists often overlook the old Roman trade centre, Arikamedu. It is only a half-hour drive from Pondicherry, a French colonial town. Although historians know little about connections between India and Rome before Christ, the excavation of Arikamedu uncovered a lot of evidence. From the 1st century BC to the 2nd century AD, this port town was home to Romans, Cholas, and French. It was a vital naval hub. Arikamedu is worth visiting during the Pondicherry Tour packages.

Auroville

Regarding places to visit in Pondicherry, Auroville is genuinely among the best. It is in Tamil Nadu, about 15 km from Pondicherry. It was started in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa. She was a follower of Aurobindo and is famous as the "Mother" of the Sri Aurobindo Society. This spot is the picture of peace and is great for people who want to escape reality. Tourists can spend time in cafes and talk to people about the place.

Auroville Beach

Auroville Beach is in Pondicherry. It is also famous as Auro Beach. The beach is part of the Auroville Ashram and is 10 km from Aashram. It takes about 12 kilometres to get to the beach on the right side of East Coast Road. Many people love to visit Auro Beach in Pondicherry. A lot of visitors and locals come to see it. The caretakers of the Ashram have preserved its peace, ensuring that people do not harm or alter it too much. Auroville Beach is worth visiting during the Pondicherry Tour packages.

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is on the south mall, 2.5 km from the Pondicherry Bus Station. It is one of the most holy and religious places in the town. This church, built by French priests in 1908, is one of only 21 Basilicas in India and the only one in Pondicherry. It was made a Basilica in 2011. The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of the most beautiful Catholic churches in Pondicherry. Its Gothic design is stunning. One of Pondicherry's top places to visit is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Bharathi Park

Bharathi Park is worth visiting during the Pondicherry Tour packages. The Park, also called the Government Park, is in the middle of the Old Colonial area in Pondicherry. It is on Rue Saint Gilles Street in White Town. The park is vast and green. Some of the most important government buildings in the town surround it. It has the Lt. Governor's Palace, the Legislative Assembly, the Government Hospital, and the Ashram Dining Room. The park has water fountains and beautiful flowers with so many different colours. There are also so many benches for people to sit and relax.

Botanical Garden Pondicherry

Botanical Garden Pondicherry is one of the best places to visit in this union territory. The Botanical Garden of Pondicherry is a big green patch in the city's centre. This beautiful park stretches over 22 acres and is excellent for nature lovers, botany enthusiasts, and tourists who want to spend time in a calm, green environment. It is one of the oldest botanical gardens in India, dating back to 1826. It is one of the oldest gardens of its kind in India, having been built in 1826. It has a wide range of plant types from all over the world.

Chunnambar Boat House

Chunambar is a cute little village on the main road that leads to Cuddalore. A beach called Paradise Beach, which is near the mouth of the waterway, draws tourists to this peaceful town. A day playing water sports and bathing in the sun would be great there. Tourists can enjoy a short cruise arranged for them, offering a great view of the calm beauty of the water. Nature fans should not miss seeing dolphins playing in the water. Chunnambar Boat House is worth visiting during the Pondicherry Tour packages.

French colony

Pondicherry has changed a lot because of French rule for two hundred years. The small, cute town of Pondicherry in Tamil Nadu, which used to be a French colony, is famous for its delicious food and beautiful beaches. You might think you've landed in Bordeaux or Montpellier because of how beautiful the French building is. People call the part of this town known as White Town the French Quarter. During their rule over the Indian region, the French built most of the buildings as colonies. The French colony is one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry.

French War Memorial

The French War Memorial is located in Pondicherry, India, and is an austere reminder to men who had to lay down their lives in World War I. The monument's creation was made possible in 1971 as a token of appreciation. It was quite a mark to the gallant soldiers from the territories of French and Indian soils. The serenity and beauty of the memorial become a reminder of what those who chose to fight heroically for freedom and justice gave up. The French War Memorial is worth visiting during the Pondicherry Tour packages.

ISKCON - Pondicherry

ISKCON is one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry. The ISKCON Pondicherry is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and his wife, sometimes called "Ashta Devi." It is located in the Krishna Nagar neighbourhood of Pondicherry. The buildings at ISKCON Pondicherry are imposing, and the images of Lord Krishna and his consort are lovely. Also, there is a magical feeling to the whole place. The temple is always filled with the beautiful sound of chanting "Hare Krishna Hare Rama." 

Jawahar Toy Museum

Pondicherry's Jawahar Toy Museum is a cute place to visit that celebrates the bright world of toys and childhood memories. The main aim is to show the tradition and modern toys from India and worldwide. The museum came into existence in honour of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime minister. It is a tribute to his goal of supporting education and cultural heritage. Jawahar Toy Museum is worth visiting during the Pondicherry Tour packages.

Paradise Beach - Pondicherry

Paradise Beach, sometimes written as Plage Paradiso, is a quiet beach in Chunnambar, Tamil Nadu, India. It is close to the town of Pondicherry. The only way to get there is by ferry across the backwaters. The trip takes 20 to 30 minutes and has beautiful views of mangrove gardens and many birds. A few shacks line the main entrance to the beach and sell fresh coconut water and simple snacks. These shacks add to the area's rural charm. The best places to visit in Pondicherry include Paradise Beach.

Pondicherry Museum

The Pondicherry Museum, which people in the area call the "Pondy Museum," is in Pondicherry's Bharathi Park. It contains many artefacts, all of which portray this city's rich cultural history. The museum is a must-visit for people who are interested in history. It was a famous marine hub serving traders from Rome, Cholas, and France during that time. The artefacts from that time were dug up by the Archaeological Survey of India at Arikamedu.

Raj Niwas Pondicherry

Situated in Pondicherry, Raj Niwas serves as the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry—a Union Territory of India. This historical building was primarily constructed during the French colonial era. Today, this is the administrative headquarters and residence of the senior-most official of the Union Territory of Puducherry. Raj Niwas is a building that remains imperative from the point of view of history as well as architecture. It is open to the public for guided walks, showcasing this area's rich cultural heritage and solid colonial legacy. Raj Niwas Pondicherry is worth visiting during the Pondicherry Tour packages.

Serenity Beach

A spa resort and hotel sharing the same name is located 10 km away in Kottakuppam, on the edge of Puducherry. Consequently, Serenity Beach derives its name from this hotel. Previously, people knew the beach as Kottakuppam Beach or Thanthiran Kuppam Beach. This stretch is more serene, having a rock path and a couple of water-side motels, thus making it perfect for honeymooners. Since it is one of the more remote beaches and remains unknown to many locals, it never gets noisy. Therefore, Serenity Beach is considered one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Many people recognize Sri Aurobindo Ashram as a place of importance, history, and ideals. Thus, Sri Aurobindo Ashram is one of the places that should be added while opting for Pondicherry Tour packages. One can spend some moments of their life in the peaceful environment that it offers, far from the hustle and bustle of life. You will feel an incredibly magical atmosphere when you step into the ashram, making you forget everything about the world outside the gate. Furthermore, the stunning backdrop will leave you speechless, enhancing the beauty of the entire scene.

Sri Karneshwar Nataraja Temple

Sri Karneshwar Nataraja Temple is one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry. People consider the Sri Karneshwar Nataraja Temple one of India's most unique and beautiful temples. Situated on Pudukuppam Beach in Pondicherry, 12 km north of Auroville, the temple is designed in the shape of a pyramid to resemble the great pyramids of Egypt. However, the 2004 tsunami destroyed the original temple. Consequently, builders constructed a more extensive and more impressive pyramid temple to replace it. Furthermore, the ruling deity resides in a room beneath the pointed dome at the centre of the temple.

Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple is worth visiting during the Pondicherry Tour packages. Notably, people believe this ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, was built about 5,000 years ago. The sanctum, located behind the Raj Niwas, also houses a giant Vinayaka statue known as Vellakkaran Pillai. Consequently, many people visit the temple, particularly on the 18th day of the Brahmotsavam holiday. Moreover, Vinayaka Chaturthi is another prominent holiday celebrated with great emotion and zeal.

Varadaraja Perumal temple

The Varadaraja Perumal Temple is a highly significant sacred building from the 12th century. This temple is located in Villianur and forms a beautiful architecture highly relevant to its numerous followers. This primary Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Varadaraja Perumal, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Consequently, it becomes a spiritual lighthouse for tourists and worshippers. Consequently, the Varadaraja Perumal Temple stands out as one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry.

Veerampattinam beach

Veerampattinam Beach is on the edge of Pondicherry, in the largest coastal village called Veerampattinam. People consider it one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. However, this beach is known to very few people, and thus very few tourists come to this beach. However, Veerampattinam Beach should be included in your Pondicherry tour packages despite this fact. Furthermore, the beach has magnificent golden sand and is always clean. As a result, the maximum number of visitors come to the beach only to relax and sunbathe.