Tourist Places in Pondicherry

Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry
Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry

The Sri Aurobindo Ashram, located on rue de la Marine, is one of India's most well-known and wealthy ashrams, attracting devotees from India and worldwide seeking spiritual salvation. Its spiritual principles combine yoga and modern science. It is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 14 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The ashram does not admit children under the age of three, and photography is only permitted with the permission of the ashram authorities. The best place to stay is Pondy Paradise Point, which is close to Aurobindo Ashram.

Auroville in Pondicherry
Auroville in Pondicherry

The Mother, Sri Aurobindo's spiritual collaborator, envisioned Auroville - or the 'City of Dawn' - as a place of research into the ideal of human unity. The goal is to create a futuristic city where people of goodwill can live in peace and progressive harmony, regardless of their religious beliefs, political affiliations, or nationalities. On February 28, 1968, during the Auroville inauguration ceremony, soil from 124 countries was mixed in a lotus-shaped urn to symbolize universal oneness. Our cottage is conveniently located near Auroville and is reasonably priced.

MatriMandir in Pondicherry
MatriMandir in Pondicherry

The Matri Mandir is, without a doubt, Auroville's most famous attraction. It is made up of four concrete columns that support an inner circular chamber. The columns' external edges form a circle. The outer part of the structure's space frame (triangle grid) resembles a flattened globe. The outside is made up of a mesh of gold-encased discs. The inner chamber has a lighted cloth lining. The inside chamber is accessed via two spiral ramps. A crystal globe sits in the center. A heliostat mounted on the roof illuminates it with a single ray of sunlight. On weekdays, from 09.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 1.45 p.m. to 4.00 p.m., it is open to the public. On Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Best choice is to stay in a Pondy Paradise Point in Pondicherry, close to the theMatrimandir.

Bharathi Memorial Museum
Bharathi Memorial Museum

Subramanya Bharathi (1882-1921), also known as Bharathiyar, was a Tamil poet and patriot who arrived in Pondicherry as a fugitive from British India 1908. The Free French air brought Bharathi's best, and some of his best patriotic and romantic compositions were born here. On No. 20, Eswaran Dharamaraja Koil Street, Bharathi's home, also known as Bharathi Museum, is almost a place of pilgrimage for the Tamil people today.

Beach of Auroville
Beach of Auroville

The Auroville Beach is located near Auroville, as the name implies. It's directly off the ECR, across from the Auroville road. It's about 12 kilometers from the main town of Pondicherry, and its shallow waters and small waves make it an ideal swimming spot. On weekends, it is a fairly popular destination. It is less crowded during the weekdays. Pandy Paradise Point cottage is 500 meters from Auroville Beach. The best option for a stay in Pondicherry.

Chunnambar Lake Pondicherry
Chunnambar Lake Pondicherry

Chunnambar is a tropical paradise located about 8 kilometers from Pondicherry along the Cuddalore Main Road. The exotic tree-houses positioned perfectly on the backwater banks at Chunnambar Backwater in Pondicherry attractions allow you to relax. The shores of the Chunnambar Backwater make for an ideal picnic spot, with a mix of fun, sports, calm, romance, and beauty.

Ruby Beach Pondicherry
Ruby Beach Pondicherry

It can reach the beach from the Chunnambar Resort, located 8 kilometers along the Cuddalore Main Road. The beach is only accessible by boat and is bordered on one side by a peaceful flowing creek. Boating Hours: 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.

Beach Paradise
Beach Paradise

The Chunnambar Resort, located 8 kilometers along the Cuddalore Main Road, can take you to Paradise Beach. The beach is only accessible by boat and is bordered on one side by a peaceful flowing creek. Boating Hours: 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Due to the remote location, a 20-30 minute ferry ride through the backwaters is required. In the backwaters, there are also lovely boathouses and thick mangroves to enjoy.

Beach of Serenity
Beach of Serenity

Serenity Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Pondicherry's coastal town. The golden sands of the Serenity Beach are only a twenty-minute drive from the northern part of Pondicherry, and they will enchant you. The beach is bordered by palm trees and offers a good view of the Bay of Bengal stretching out into the distance. This pristine beach, with its tranquil surroundings, is the perfect place to while away the hours.

Promenade in Pondicherry
Promenade in Pondicherry

Pondicherry is proud of its 1.5-kilometer-long promenade that runs along the beach. At any time of day, one can unwind or take a stroll there. It can find several landmarks along the seafront. The War Memorial, cold and dispassionately throbbing the memory of last dreams, the Joan of Arc statue blazing an inspiration, the heritage town hall, the Mahatma Gandhi statue standing tall, Dupleix statue, old lighthouse, the remains of the old pier, the old customs house, all speak to the splendor of a bygone era. A well-equipped tourist information center is housed in an appealing heritage building facing the sea to suit the needs of visiting tourists.

Museum of Bharathidasan
Museum of Bharathidasan

The Bharathidasan Museum, located at No. 95 Perumal Koil Street, is the former home of Bharathidasan (1891-1960), a renowned Pondicherry-born poet and playwright (meaning "Disciple of Bharathi"). In terms of literary achievement and poetic fervor, Bharathidasan's poems are comparable to Bharathi's. He also wrote screenplays for films about Dravidian culture and women's rights.

Le Café in Pondicherry
Le Café in Pondicherry

When the railway ran along Beach Road from South Boulevard to the old 240-meter iron pier, it was the port office. A cyclone primarily destroyed the pier in 1952, and its remains can still be seen poking out of the water.

Botanical Gardens in Pondicherry
Botanical Gardens in Pondicherry

South of the New Bus Stand is the Botanical Gardens. The garden's entrance gate is designed in the style of French architecture. The Botanical Gardens were designed in the ornate French style in 1826, with pruned trees, lovely flower beds, gravel-lined paths, and fountains. The French introduced many exotic plants from all over the world, and many thrived. With over 1500 plant species, this could be considered one of South India's best botanical gardens.

Bharathi Park in Pondicherry
Bharathi Park in Pondicherry

The Government Park, also known as Bharati Park, is located in the green heart of the French Town, and its lush trees provide ample shade on hot summer days.

Aayi Mandapam
Aayi Mandapam

In honor of Aayi, Napoleon III built the Aayi Mandapam, the official symbol of the Pondicherry Government. It was constructed in the 16th century. The park's appearance is enhanced by the tower, which stands majestically in the center. The Aayi Mandapam monument was constructed in the Greco-Roman architectural style.

Memorial to the French War
Memorial to the French War

The French War Memorial on Goubert Avenue serves as a solemn reminder of the brave soldiers who gave their lives in the First World War for their country.

The statue of Mahatma Gandhi
The statue of Mahatma Gandhi

It can reach this beach from the Chunnambar Resort, located 8 kilometers along the Cuddalore Main Road. The beach is only accessible by boat and is bordered on one side by a peaceful flowing creek. Boating Hours: 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.

Beach with a 19th-century lighthouse
Beach with a 19th-century lighthouse

The first activated this lighthouse on July 1, 1836, and it remained operational until 1979. On the edge of the sea, this now-abandoned lighthouse stands.

Raj Nivas in Pondicherry
Raj Nivas in Pondicherry

The Raj Niwas (Government House) is a beautiful blend of French and Indian architecture. The Hotel de la Compagnie (the French trading company that ruled Pondicherry from its first settlement in 1674 until the French government took control in 1769) was once located here, and it later hosted Dupleix. It is now the residence of the Lieutenant Governor.

Pondicherry's Ousteri Lake
Pondicherry's Ousteri Lake

Ousteri Lake is the largest lake in the Pondicherry region, and it was most likely constructed during the Vijayanagar period. The lake receives the most significant part of its water from River Gingee through the Suttukeni Channel. A trip to Ouster Lake is like taking a deep breath. Ouster has been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) of India by the Bombay Natural History Society; over 20,000 birds representing over 40 species used to reside or winter at Ousteri.

Pondicherry Museum in Pondicherry
Pondicherry Museum in Pondicherry

The Pondicherry Museum is located on Saint Louis Street and is open from 1000 to 1700 hrs on all days except Mondays and national holidays. Rare bronzes and stone sculptures from the Pallava and Chola dynasties and artifacts excavated from Arikamedu are displayed at the museum (an ancient port just 7 km. from the city that had trade links with the Roman empires).

French Institute of Puducherry
French Institute of Puducherry

In Indian civilization, history, society, ecology, environment, and development in South and Southeast Asia, the classical building is a research institute. Indian languages are a central part of Indian cultural heritage, according to the Center of Ideology. They are storing a large number of palm-leaf manuscripts. The pedimented entrance gate, arched staircases, arcades, and windows are notable features of the structure.

Consulate of France
Consulate of France

The only diplomatic mission in town is the French Consulate General. This colonial structure has evolved, but it still retains some of its original 18th-century charms. Citizens of France are welcome to visit the consulate.

Meeran Mosque in Pondicherry
Meeran Mosque in Pondicherry

Meeran Mosque is Pondicherry's oldest mosque. It was constructed before the year 350. It is built in the style of old gothic Islam architecture. Arched Navab designed it. It has four tall pillars beneath its dome, with Meerhath and Member nearby.

Keezhoor Mosque in Puducherry
Keezhoor Mosque in Puducherry

Near the village, there is a massive banyan tree. At the very least, the canopy of the 400-year-old tree covers a few acres.

Temple of Varadaraja Perumal
Temple of Varadaraja Perumal

This temple, which dates back to 970 AD and is located on M.G.Road, is thought to be the town's oldest. The temple is likely Pondicherry's oldest standing structure, built in the traditional Dravidian style with brightly colored 'gopurams' and sculpted pillars. Vishnu is honored in this temple.

Manakula Vinayagar Kovil
Manakula Vinayagar Kovil

It is open to the public from 05.45 to 12.30 p.m. and 4.00 to 9.30 p.m. every day. Pondicherry's Manakula Vinayagar Koil This temple, dedicated to Ganesha, is more than 300 years old. It features a golden spire and walls depicting forty different Ganesha forms. A more miniature shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan, Ganesha's younger brother, is also located. Every day, over 5000 devotees visit this site. It is open to the public from 05.45 to 12.30 p.m. and 4.00 to 9.30 p.m. every day.

Church of Villianur
Church of Villianur

Pondicherry's MEP missionaries wanted to build a chapel at Villianur, 13 kilometers from Pondicherry on the road to Villupuram, in 1867. As a result, the diocese purchased land in Villianur, and Rev.Fr.Gou on, the procurator of the Pondicherry mission, began construction on a chapel at Kanuvapet on the outskirts of Villianur, with funds from Dr.thanksgiving Lephine's family's offering for the miraculous cure of his daughter.

Jesus' Sacred Heart
Jesus' Sacred Heart

This white and brown neo-gothic church, located on Subbayah Salai, is Pondicherry's finest Catholic church. It was constructed in the 1700s by French missionaries in a Neo-Gothic style, with towers flanking a central roof and stained glass windows on the side. The church has a grand entrance, and the stained glass panels depict scenes from the life of Jesus Christ. The cemetery, located further down the southern boulevard, has some exciting tombs with ornate marble decorations.

Notre Dame des Anges Church
Notre Dame des Anges Church

On rue Roman Rolland, the Church of Our Lady of the Angels was built in 1852 in the Greek-Roman architectural style. Its east-facing façade, flanked by two unadorned square towers, faces the ocean. A barrel vault covers the interior, with a large dome rising over the crossing. It has a very calm appearance due to the pastel peach and lime colours.

Temple of Sri Gokilambal Thirukameshwara
Temple of Sri Gokilambal Thirukameshwara

It is in the small town of 'Villianur,' 11 kilometers from Pondicherry. The main shrine, which houses the 'Shivlinga,' and shrines dedicated to Devi and Murugan, dated from the Chola period in the 12th century. This temple bears a semblance of French heritage, though not architecture but some of its traditions.