1)Beaches:
Pondicherry is known for its beaches. While there are many in and around the small place, the two must visit beaches are the Eden Beach and the Seaside Promenade. The Promenade beach, as the name suggests, is known for long walks and to spend silent time amidst nature. The statue of Joan of Arc, Dupleix’s statue, the old heritage hall, the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, and the old lighthouse greet visitors at the beach. You can go on a guided tour to at this beach to know more about those statues.
The Eden beach on the other hand, is a blue-flag certified beach. A blue-flag certification is an eco-label tells you that the beach is sustainable and eco-friendly. The path towards Eden beach from parking itself is an experience where you can see coconut plantations on the backwaters of the Chunnambar River. The beach is further developed by the Government of Puducherry recently, when compared to other traditional beaches. This beach will be a fun way to spend your time, in a clean, eco-friendly surrounding.
Timing: Open all through the day
2) Chunnambar Boat House:
The Chunnambar Boat House is located 8 kms from Pondicherry, on the road towards Cuddalore. It is backwaters with colourful boats surrounding the entire length of the water body. A boat ride is the perfect thing to do to have a look around and enjoy the beauty of the Chunnambar lake. If you’re lucky, you may also spot a few dolphins, playing around in the water. There is also a stream of water alongside Chunnambar, which is a natural stream and is not very deep. The entry ticket into the Boat House is Rs. 15 for adults and Rs. 5 for children. There are a variety of boats like speed boats, motor boats and foot-pedal boats, to choose from. There are also different types of trips you can opt for.
You can also take a 15 minute boating trip to Paradise Beach nearby, where you can spend up to 4 hours. In the Paradise beach, you can also opt for activities like Kayaking, Ferry Riding, Jet Skiing, Bungy Tampoline, etc.
Timing: 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
3) Pondicherry Lighthouse:
Interestingly, Pondicherry has 2 lighthouses, a new one and an old one. The old one is currently not open to the public, but the new one, serves the purpose for all those who come here to witness a panoramic view of the town from the top. The Old Lighthouse was shut down in 1979 as it went out of order. The rulers of Pondicherry then realised that the those travelling from Sea to the city need the light house for navigation, and therefore they built the new lighthouse. While the old lighthouse is around 95 feet high, the new lighthouse is 157ft high.
The Old Lighthouse has now been turned into a museum. It is touted as one of the top tourist sites in Pondicherry. The space in front of the Lighthouse is used for various commercial, musical and cultural activities. The entry fee for the Old Lighthouse is Rs. 10. You need to pay a fee of Rs 10 to enter the New Lighthouse as well. Once you’re upstairs, you get a whole 360 degree view of the entire city of Pondi. It takes 200 steps to reach the top, but once you do, you get to have a bird’s eye view of the entire city and the beaches as well.
Timing: Old Lighthouse – 8:00 am – 12:30 pm | 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm
New Lighthouse: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
4) Bharathi Park:
If you want to understand the way the French took care of nature, Bharathi Park is the best place to visit in Puducherry. Situated right in heart of the city, the Park is filled with lush greenery and scenic flowers and trees. At the centre, it has the Aayi Mandapam or Park Monument which is dedicated to Aayi, a famous lady courtesan. The architecture of the park consists of modern monuments, old sculptures, statues, stone carvings and magnificent buildings. The area is also covered with exquisite fountains, with pathways for a long and pleasant stroll.
The monument celebrates the gift of water to the French city. It is named after Aayi, a lady courtesan who had demolished her own house to build a water reservoir for the city. The Park was used as a parade field for the French Precinct until the 1940s.The Government of Puducherry turned the area into a park in the 1950s. The Bharathi Park is named after the great Tamil Nadu poet Bharathidasan. Bharati Park is the best place to visit with family for a picnic. After a busy day of sightseeing, you can visit the Park for sitting and relaxing for a while. Additionally, entry to this park is absolutely free.
Timing: 6:00am – 8:00 pm
5) Aurobindo Ashram:
Unlike other places in the city, the Aurobindo Ashram is one place to visit and spend in solitude. If you want some time ME time to forget the worries of the world, the Aurobindo Ashram is the best place to visit! The Ashram was started by Sri Aurobindo Ghosh, shortly after he quit politics. He was joined by a few others, who believed in his thoughts and ideals. In 1920, Mira Alfassa, popularly called ‘Annai’ joined Aurobindo, and the movement gained momentum at that time. The followers set up the Ashram in 1926. The Mother, Mira, took complete responsibility of the Ashram after the demise of Sri Aurobindo in 1950.
At the Ashram, you can go around the place, and then find a small space to sit and de-stress through meditation. You can also head to watch a short-film about the Ashram, or to the library to read more about The Mother, Sri Aurobindo and the Movement as a whole. Don’t forget to visit the Senteurs-Fleurs en Flacon to buy various fragrances of your choice. Set up by The Mother in 1959, Senteurs-Fleurs en Flacon is a place where a diverse range of fragrances are produced to heal the different human body parts. There is no entry fee to visit the Ashram. But, do ensure you take permission before you click photographs inside the premises.
Timing:8:00 am – 12:00 pm | 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
6) Manakula Vinayagar Temple:
The Manakula Vinayagar Temple is a shrine dedicated exclusively to Lord Ganesha. This Temple is adjacent the Aurobindo Ashram, and is a must-visit on your Pondi tour. This temple has a unique story to it, which is considered to be a local legend. The French wanted to build a fort near the temple in 1688, and therefore wanted to demolish the temple. They therefore removed the Ganesha idol from the temple and tried submerging it in the sea. However, how many ever times they tried, those many times Ganesha cam right back and was present at the temple. Therefore, the French submitted to the power of Lord Ganesha, and let the temple be.
The temple is built in the typical Dravidian architecture. Sprawling over an area of 7913 square feet, the main highlight of this temple is the gold laminated kodi kambam that measures 18 feet in height. Another interesting feature is the idol of Lord Ganesha that rests on the golden chariot. The temple also has an adorable elephant called Lakshmi, that blesses the visitors. Entry into the temple is absolutely free.
Timing: 5:45 am – 12:30 pm | 4:00 pm – 9:30 pm
7) Arikamedu Ruins:
Arikamedu stands as a test of time of Puducherry. It is an archeological site that is a bridge between Roman and Indian architecture. It is filled with moss-laden walls and brick structures that stand as testimony to Roman and Greek architectural styles. As you enter the site, you will come across ancient columns, walls, and mortars standing tall along the Ariyankuppam river with dilapidated French Jesuit Mission buildings dating back to the 18th century. Interestingly, Arikamedu had an urban settlement between 1000 BC to 100 AD.
This place is mostly for History lovers, or those who love knowing about the local culture of a city.Some of the most interesting archaeological finds from Arikamedu include amphorae (ancient Roman/Greek jar), glassware, gold, gems, stone beads, coins, lamps, and much more. These artifacts are priceless and will be soon displayed in a museum set to be built on the same site. Besides these antiques, Arikamedu also produces locally-made products such as cotton fabric, muslin, gold beads, jute textiles, and pottery. Entry into these Arikamedu ruins are also also free.
Timing: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
8) Shopping:
How can a trip be complete without some shopping? Your go-to place for Shopping in Puducherry is Nehru Market. From small hand cart vendors to lavish shops, Nehru Street Market has it all. From small household products to clothing, everything is available here. his location is frequently referred to as one of Pondicherry’s greatest shopping destinations. Accessories such as jewellery, stoles, and bathroom accessories will capture your eye and entice you to purchase the ones you want. Apart from this, you can also visit, the Serenity Beach Bazaar for pocket-friendly shopping.
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Best Places to Visit for Food:
- Coramandel Cafe– 8, Romain Rolland St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001
- Villa Shanthi- 14, Suffren St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001
- Sicilys– 56 Goubert Avenue, Beach Rd, White Town, Puducherry, 605001
- Baker’s Street– 123, Bussy Street Near Clock Tower, MG Road Area, Puducherry, 605001
- Taka Pizza– 47, Mission St, Near ICICI Bank, Viratipatu, Heritage Town, Puducherry, 605001
