If you are searching for places to visit in Pondicherry, we’ve got you covered! Pondicherry is the capital of the Union Territory of Puducherry, one of the nine union territories in India, which shares its border with Tamil Nadu. The coastal city is a dreamy escape for travellers from major cities like Chennai, Bangalore etc, who plan their travel to all the top places to visit in Pondicherry. You can witness a perfect blend of French architecture and Indian culture and heritage here as Pondicherry once was a French colony. From balmy beaches, educative museums, cosy cafes to the peaceful and tranquil Auroville, all Pondicherry tourist places are charming and captivating in every sense. If you are planning a trip here and are looking for the best places to visit in Pondicherry, just scroll through our blog while we bring you all the important details you require.
How to Reach Pondicherry
Pondicherry is accessible via train, road and flights from several cities in India.
- Via Air: Chennai International Airport located at a distance of 125km is the nearest airport and you can book a private cab from here to reach Pondicherry.
- Via Rail: The nearest railway station to Pondicherry is the Villupuram Railway Junction which is situated at a distance of 37km from the city. From here you can again take a private cab to reach your destination.
- Via Road: It is the most popular and convenient way to reach Pondicherry. You can take a bus from several southern cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore etc and enjoy the alluring vistas while via road.
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Best Time to Visit Pondicherry
Being a coastal city, Pondicherry witnesses humid temperatures during summers which are why winters or October to March is the best time to visit Pondicherry. The weather is pleasant and breezy and conducive for travelling to offbeat and famous places to visit in Pondicherry.
Top 15 Places to Visit in Pondicherry
1. Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Your Pondicherry trip is incomplete without a visit to Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Started by a group of disciples of Shri Aurobindo after he chose to retire in 1910, this ashram was handed over to the spiritual collaborator Mirra Alfassa, commonly referred to as the Mother. The ashram is one of the most spiritual and tranquil places to visit in Pondicherry and is frequented by tourists, spiritual aspirants and locals who wish to learn more about Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, who spent their lives here and also to practice or learn Integral Yoga, a form of yoga that aims to transform human life into the divine life.
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM; 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: None
- Where to Stay : Hotels near Sri Aurobindo Ashram Pondicherry
Suggested to Read : 12 Fascinating Things to Do in Pondicherry for an Unforgettable Experience
2. Arikamedu
This bewitching archaeological site in Puducherry and one of the most exciting Pondicherry tourist places take you back to the Roman era as the excavations conducted here lead to the discovery of Roman lamps, gems, stone beads, glassware etc. Arikamedu is located 4.0 km away from the city, and the remnants here hint at Roman trade that had happened in India. Although a haven for history buffs and archaeology enthusiasts, we’d recommend this site in your Pondicherry sightseeing list owing to the picturesque surroundings and the various historic things you can see here.
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Rs10 Adults; Rs5 Kids; Rs50 for Foreigners
3. Chunnambar Boathouse
Chunnambar Boathouse is an excellent picnic spot which is situated on the backwaters at the confluence of the Chunnambar River and the mighty Bay of Bengal. Paradise Beach, Pondicherry is just a ferry ride away from Chunnambar Boathouse and one can indulge in numerous watersports here, go for dolphin spotting, or have fun boating in various kinds of boats like motorboats, paddled boats, rowboats and more. Popularly called Plage Paradiso, the Paradise Beach in Chunnambar and the calm backwaters here make this one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry. You can sunbathe and get sun-kissed while playing beach sports with your friends or family and enjoy delicious food in nearby restaurants.
- Timings: 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Rs10 per person +other chargers for various water sports
- Distance from Pondicherry: 8km
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4. Pondicherry Botanical Garden
Among the various famous Pondicherry sightseeing places, the Botanical Garden is a must-see for anyone on their Pondicherry trip. This incredible garden is well-maintained and is home to several exotic plant species that the French colonists brought and nurtured here. Overall, one can find close to 1500 or more plant species here. A neat placard is put up against each plant with its scientific and general name mentioned to educate tourists about them. The garden also has an aquarium with a wide variety of aquatic species that one can visit while exploring this place. Highly recommended if you love plants and enjoy visiting such gardens.
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Rs10 for Adults and Rs5 for children
Also Read : 10 Places to get the Best Food in Pondicherry
5. Jawahar Toy Museum
One of the unique places to visit in Pondicherry, Jawahar Toy Museum is a perfect getaway for families and kids. As the name suggests, this museum is exclusively erected to showcase a wide variety of toys and dolls to enthral and captivate kids. The museum has close to 140 dolls decked up in beautiful attires and displayed for the onlookers’ delight. Dolls and toys in this museum have been carefully selected and brought from across the world and are exhibited with proper labels so children can also learn their names on the go. Among the various Pondicherry places that you plan to visit, we’d highly recommend Jawahar Toy Museum in your itinerary, as this place is sure to take you back to your own childhood days and bring in some nostalgic memories.
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Rs10 for adults; Rs5 for kids
6. Pondicherry Museum
Deep dive into the historical past and witness the display of an excellent collection of artefacts and beautifully carved bronze statues of the Chola and Pallava empires in the Pondicherry Museum. The museum is renowned for its collection of 81 bronze statues – one of the largest collections from the Chola Dynasty – and also houses the artefacts from Arikamedu that were discovered during various excavations performed here. One of the top places to see in Pondicherry, this museum would easily require more than 2 hours of your time if you love to explore every bit of it.
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM
- Entry Fee: Rs10 for adults; Rs5 for kids; Rs50 for Foreigners
7. Ousteri Lake
Ousteri Lake is the largest lake in Puducherry which lies half in the Puducherry territory and half in Tamil Nadu. It is also called the Ossudu Lake as it is located in the quaint Ossudu village. A famous tourist spot and one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry, Ousteri Lake is perfect for birdwatching, picnicking with your besties or family, or simply enjoying a relaxed day by the lake. The gorgeous lake is also dotted by several eating outlets and restaurants, and tourists on their Pondicherry trip can enjoy mouthfuls of delicious local and other cuisines. The best part about this artificial lake is the innumerable migratory birds that flock here all year long, making it delightful and captivating for birders and tourists.
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: None for the lake but you will have to pay for boating if you opt for it.
8. Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges
Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges or Our Lady of Angels Church is the fourth oldest church and one of the best places to see in Pondicherry. Another interesting fact about this church is that it is the only one that offers mass in 3 different languages, namely French, Tamil and English. Built extraordinarily in the Greco-Roman architectural style, and home to the statue of Joan of Arc donated to this church by the Mayor of Puducherry in 1919, Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges is one of the most important religious sites in Pondicherry and a must-see for every tourist for a spiritual experience.
- Timings: 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
9. Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a brilliant specimen of Gothic architecture and also one of the most famous places to visit in Pondicherry. Hundreds of worshippers congregate here to offer their prayers to the Almighty and seek his blessings. The church also boasts of rare stained glass panels that showcase various life events of Christ, making it one of the important religious sites in Pondicherry as well. It is a 100-year-old church that has stood the test of times and still marvels tourists and devotees who visit this place from all across the country. Among many other Pondicherry tourist places, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is an important site that you must visit during your Pondicherry trip.
- Timings: From Monday-Saturday the mass timings are from 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM and evening 6:00PM; On Sundays, the mass timings are from 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM & evening 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
Also check the Hotels near Immaculate Church Pondicherry |
10. French War Memorial
The French War Memorial was built in the memory and to pay homage to thousands of soldiers who lost their lives fighting during World War I. This memorial is situated in Goubert Avenue, opposite to Gandhi Statue, and is frequented by several tourists who pay a visit here. Every year on the 14th of July, on the occasion of French National Day (Bastille Day), the French War Memorial is bedecked with lights and tourists and the localities visit this place to pay their respect. One of the most important places to visit in Pondicherry, this memorial is an architectural wonder that stands tall recounting untold stories of the war.
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: None
- Where to Stay : Hotels near French War Memorial Pondicherry
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11. Manakula Vinayagar Temple
Listed among the most popular places to visit in Pondicherry, Manakula Vinyagar Temple is a well-known religious site that is flocked by several devotees. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is said to have been constructed almost 5 centuries ago. This Hindu temple is a popular pilgrimage site and is located just a few minutes from Promenade beach, making it convenient for tourists who come to visit the beach. The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is quite popular here and is celebrated with great zest in this temple. Include this must-see destination in your Pondicherry sightseeing itinerary now.
- Timings: 5:45 AM to 12:30 PM; 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM;
- Entry Fee: None
Also check the Hotels near Manakula Vinayagar Koil Pondicherry
12. Institute for Yoga Education and Research
If you wish to learn yoga and experience the calm and tranquility, you can head to International Center for Yoga Education and Research and do so. It is one of the leading yoga institutions in India and a self-regulatory body that offers several courses from beginner to advance levels of yoga. You can learn various postures, asnas and techniques in yoga by enrolling in the courses and practicing this ancient physical and mental discipline from expert teachers and peers. Add ICYER to your list of places to visit in Pondicherry for a truly tranquil experience.
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: None
13. Auroville
Auroville, which literally translates to the “City of Dawn”, is an experimental township and the brainchild of Mirra Alfassa, or the Mother, who is well-known as the spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo. One of the top places to visit in Pondicherry in 1 day, Auroville is perfect place if you wish to enjoy some serenity and quietude during your trip. With the aim to unite humans from different parts of the world against religion, creed, caste etc., Auroville attracts tourists and locals and to experience living in harmony with one another. At the center of this township is the Matrimandir, a mammoth globe-like structure that is a colossal mediation centre where several people meditate to connect with their inner self.
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: None
14. Old Lighthouse Pondicherry
Pondicherry has two light house – old and new – and the old one is a fascinating and marvellous structure that was erected in the 19th century by the French rulers. This lighthouse once guided the ships and sailors with its light across the Red Hills until recently when it was shut and a new light house which provides a bird’s eye view of this city was constructed. With a square base and round tower, the 29 metre tall structure is one of the top places to see in Pondicherry.
Read more: 10 Best Street Food in Pondicherry and Where to Get Them
15. Beaches in Pondicherry
Beaches in Pondicherry are aplenty and you can spend days visiting all the marvelous beaches here. These are the most sought-after places to visit in Pondicherry, and tourists and beach lovers flock here to party, indulge in water sports or simply spend a day swimming, basking in the sun or having a picnic. If you love building sandcastles, spending time just watching the waves crash, walking on the shores, enjoying a romantic evening with your partner, you can visit the best beaches here like Mahe Beach, Paradise Beach, Serenity Beach, Promenade Beach and more. You can also try scuba diving in Pondicherry and spend some time under water exploring the aquatic life and organisms.
That brings us to the end of our list. If you liked our blog, share it and drop us your views in the comments below!
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