Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry, is a quaint and scenic town. This town is the Union Territory of India, located in the south-eastern part of the Indian Peninsula. This French Colony is past the sign spread across this place’s location. There are so many places to visit in Pondicherry.
Pondicherry is one of the biggest crowd-pullers regarding tourism in India. This is also known as the French Capital of India.
An Awesome Place to Visit
Pondicherry has many things to offer its visitors, from pristine beaches to lush greenery to French architecture. It is a trendy destination for backpackers. There are so many hidden gems to be explored in this place. Pondicherry best time to visit is from November to March.
You can explore many things in Pondicherry, such as plush family parks, museums, unearthly ashrams, Sun-kissed beaches, and more. Popular activities include shopping for bohemian stuff, trying local food, and playing water sports. You will be able to delve into an amazing world of fun, adventure, and more.
The Best Places to Visit in Pondicherry
Some of the best places to visit in Pondicherry are amazing and offer something unique.
1. Paradise Beach
If you like serene and pristine beaches, then you must visit the famous Paradise Beach. This isolated beach is the ultimate tourist destination in Pondicherry. Locally known as the “Plage Paradiso,” this golden sand beach has an amazing tranquil atmosphere. Its tropical vibe and crystal-clear water enable you to have a relaxing time with your friends and family. This place is among the best reasons Pondicherry tourism is growing.
You must take a ferry ride to reach this beach from the city. The mangrove forests along the ferry route make your journey refreshing and exciting. This place is an absolute for nature lovers, as there are so many species of birds to see. It is one of the places to visit in Pondicherry.
November to March is the best time to visit the Paradise Beach. If you love adventure, you can enjoy sports like Jet Skiing, Swimming, Kayaking, and Canoeing. Various surfing schools provide you with the necessary equipment for rent.
2. Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Sri Aurobindo Ashram is another attraction on the list of the best places to visit in Pondicherry. Situated in the eastern part of the city, it was founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo Ghose. This Ashram promotes living a simple, meaningful, and healthy life. Its soul-soothing spiritual ambiance makes it worth visiting.
If you wish to escape the hustle and bustle of your daily life, then visiting this Ashram will be the perfect escapade. This place will completely relax your body and mind and relieve you from your daily life.
Several events occur in Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Drama, singing, dancing, and other cultural events are organized here. After visiting this place, most people get a new perspective on life.
Visit the website of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, here.
3. Auroville
Auroville, situated in the district of Viluppuram, is a unique township built on a concept called ‘Universal Town.’ Mirra Alfassa, a disciple of Sri Aurobindo, founded this town in 1968. This place was built to help humanity prosper beyond the boundaries of politics, religion, and gender. It has attracted enthusiastic people from all around the world. It is one of the most unique places to visit in Pondicherry.
Auroville is the ultimate destination for those looking for serenity and tranquility. The beautiful structure of Matrimandir, known as the ‘Soul of the City’, is one big attraction here. Located in the center of the town, it is surrounded by lush green forests and grasslands. The amiable residents and pleasant weather make the trip to Auroville a great experience.
Many tourists come to Auroville for the spiritual services and world-class wellness. There are so many things to do here, such as taking Ayurvedic beauty treatments, physiotherapy sessions, learning yoga, practicing meditations, etc. Even if you come to this place alone, you can easily make friends. Meeting like-minded people here helps you see things from new perspectives. Finding some quaint cafes and spending quality time there is also another option.
4. Arikamedu
Arikamedu, situated on the banks of the Ariyankuppam river, is a popular Indo-Roman archaeological site. This place was inhabited by Cholas, Romans, and French centuries ago, so it has some historical significance.
Since the excavation started here in 1940, many details have been unearthed. The Archaeological Survey of India has acquired this site for its cultural importance. This is one of the lesser-known places to visit in Pondicherry.
If you wish to visit historical places, then Arikamedu must be on your bucket list. Visiting the Pondicherry Museum here will allow you to see valuable relics and artifacts excavated from the sites. Thus, you will get an insight into the culture and history of this place. Clicking photography here is also another favourite of the people coming here. Seeing the excavated relics and artefacts will take you back in time.
5. Seaside Promenade
This place is also called Promenade Beach or Rock Beach. The shoreline of this place is concealed by the black rocks. It is one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry. Its scenic waterfront provides a stunning view of the Bay of Bengal. On top of it, the colonial vibe adds serenity to this beach, making it one of the most amazing beaches in Pondicherry.
The 1.5 km-long shoreline of Seaside Promenade is flanked by quirky cafes, colonial buildings, Dupleix Park, and War Memorials. Tourists can use the seaside road to bask in the Sun and indulge in various beach sports like volleyball. Taking a stroll along this beach will soothe your mind and soul. Seeing amazing sunsets from the beach will also be a worthwhile experience. This is among Pondicherry famous places.
You also have the option to taste the delicious foods served at the cafes along this beach. The local vendors sell different kinds of souvenirs and handicraft items. Playing several water sports like yachting and sailing, is perfect for adventure lovers. Therefore, you can have a great time here. This falls under Pondicherry top 10 places.
6. Serenity Beach
As its name suggests, this is the most serene beach in Pondicherry. It takes only 20 minutes to reach here from the northern part of the town. The gushing blue waves and golden sands attract tourists to this place. If you wish to experience a fantastic view of the Bay of Bengal, you cannot afford to miss visiting Serenity Beach.
Watching the sunrise and going on a morning walk is the best thing about visiting this beach. You can rejuvenate and relax at the beach till 6 pm. Indulging in surfing activities will be a way to get your adrenaline rush. You also have the option to treat your taste bud to delicious fish and other seafood according to your preference.
Watching the fantastic beauty along the glistening shoreline, lined with boats, will be a spectacular experience. It will have quite a calming effect on your mind and soul. Surfing is one of the most popular attractions at Serenity Beach. Therefore, if you wish to have the best surfing experience, you must choose Serenity Beach at Pondicherry.
7. Botanical Garden
This 22-acre botanical garden is one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry. It was established in 1826 and has been a major landmark ever since. A French colonist named C.S. Perrotet played a crucial role in setting up this botanical garden.
This garden has a wide range of plants from all over the world. With 1500 species of plants, it is the ultimate heaven for plant lovers. The place is open every day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Spending some time here in this botanical garden will be quite an amazing experience for you.
This garden is regarded as a famous picnic spot. Spending time here with your friends, family, or loved ones will be a memorable experience. You will find a musical fountain, vibrant flower beds, and well-manicured lawns. Other attractions include the Japanese rock, an aquarium, a kids’ toy train, and a French-style entrance gate.
Conclusion
There are so many unique places to visit in Pondicherry. This Union Territory offers its tourists the best of both worlds. On the one hand, you will get to explore vintage structures from the French era, while on the other hand, there are modern things like cafes. You must go to these places to see in Pondicherry.
You are genuinely supposed to get a diverse experience visiting Pondicherry. From its pristine beaches to lush green botanical gardens, there are numerous things to experience. If you like water sports and activities, you can enjoy beach volleyball, surfing, etc. Testing different kinds of seafood will also be a fantastic experience for you.
Visiting different places in Pondicherry will be a unique experience. Once you go, it will provide you with a new perspective on life.
