Best places to visit in Pondicherry
Searching for an offbeat destination to enjoy your vacations? Pondicherry is a splendid place to refresh your soul. As there are so many best places to visit in Pondicherry, which makes you thrilled during your stay. Here, today in this post, we are providing you with a list of some places which you can explore during your holidays.
Table of Contents
25 mind-boggling places in Pondicherry to explore!
1. Sri Aurobindo Ashram
This Ashram was established in 1926. This is the most peaceful place in Pondicherry. Sri Aurobindo Ashram is famous for its spiritual and traditional culture.
Major tourist attractions – The ashram has many things to see like its libraries, physical activities, and competitions. Yoga, swimming, meditations, strength activities, and asanas are some of the activities that are mostly explored by tourists.
Appropriate visiting time – Tourists can visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram from 8 Am to 12 Pm.
2. Paradise Beach
Heaven or paradise beach ocean side is perhaps the most ideal getaway and best places to visit in Pondicherry as it is arranged in Chunnambar, Cuddalore street.
Major attraction – The beach is filled with colorful natural beauty that attracts many visitors. Refreshing blue water, golden sand, and a serene environment lure every tourist towards it. The beach has a picturesque and stunning view. This is the most crowded beach in Pondicherry as many tourists visit frequently. Tourists can enjoy fishing, and picnicking with their family or relatives.
Appropriate timing – The beach opens from 9 Am to 5 Pm.
Entry price – No entry fee
3. Promenade Beach
The promenade is one of the coolest & best places to visit in Pondicherry. The place is located near White town, Pondicherry.
Major tourist attractions – Promenade beach is full of beautiful scenery and refreshing views. This place is best for photography sessions and video shooting. The beach is also surrounded by famous restaurants where tourists can enjoy a tasty feast.
Appropriate visiting time – There is no section expense to visit Rock Beach or Promenade Beach in Puducherry. It invites its sightseers from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM throughout the days.
4. Manakula Vinayagar Temple
Manakula Vinayagar Temple is one of the most antiquated sanctuaries of Pondicherry. The temple was constructed in the early 15th century. The Manakula Vinayagar Temple is dedicated to Lord Bhavaneshar Ganapathy or Ganesha.
Major tourist attractions – The temple architecture is itself an attraction point for tourists. The chariot placed in the temple is built with gold (7.5 kg) and pure teak wood. On the occasion of the Dussehra festival, a vast number of people visited the temple to see the blessings of Lord Ganesha.
Appropriate visiting timings – The temple has some specific times for visitors – 5:45 Am-12:30 Pm and 4 Pm – to 9:30 Pm.
Entry price – Free
5. Arikamedu
Arikamedu is a beautiful historical place situated in Ariyankuppam, Pondicherry. This archaeological site was built in the 19th century. Generally, Arikamedu means, “a true roman city” designed by Romans.
Major tourist attraction – This archaeological site is decorated with Roman stones, lamps, and many other things. The site is well-explored by many architects and archaeologists to find more facts about this place.
Appropriate visiting time – Tourists can visit this historical site between 10 Am and 4 Pm.
Entry price – Prices vary. INR 10, INR 5, and INR 50.
6. Old Lighthouse
The old lighthouse of Pondicherry is also the most-visited place by tourists. It was built in the 19th century by French rulers. Many historians visit this place to explore its history. The old lighthouse is situated in White Town, Pondicherry.
Major tourist attractions – Many tourists visit this old lighthouse for beautiful photography and video shoot. This lighthouse is a brilliant masterpiece of architecture, as many designers came to study its structure.
Appropriate visiting time – Tourists can visit to explore this lighthouse anytime in the week. Normal timings are from 8 Am to 12:30 Pm and 1:30 Pm to 5:30 Pm.
7. Pudukuppam Beach
Pudukuppam beach is situated on Chinnaiyan peth main road, Pondicherry. This beach is beautifully surrounded by coconut trees and white-gold sand. The beach is one of the most peaceful and best places to visit in Pondicherry.
Major tourist attractions – The beautiful and serene views of sunrise and sunset are the major attractions for the tourists. Most visitors also came for a picnic to spend some precious time with their families or loved ones.
Appropriate visiting time – 24 hours open
Entry price – Free entry
8. French War Memorial
The French War Memorial is located on Goubert Avenue, Pondicherry. It is one of the most knowledgeable historical sites in Pondicherry. The memorial was built in the memory of soldiers that sacrificed themselves during World War I.
Major attraction – Surrounding the french war memorial, tourists can find beautiful greenery which is the major tourist attraction for tourists. The garden provides a serene environment to spend some time peacefully.
Suitable visiting time – The appropriate time to visit the French war memorial is October-March.
Entry price – Before visiting, the tourist must purchase an entry ticket of Rs. 10 per head.
9. Chunnambar Boathouse
Chunnambar Boathouse, also recognized by “Plage Paradiso”, is situated near National Highway 45A, Nonankuppam, Pondicherry.
Major tourist attractions – The place is famous and the best places to visit in Pondicherry, for boating, picnics, and beautiful views. On this boat, tourists can relax and enjoy their vacations. For tourists, many boating options are available like speed boats, paddled boats, motorboats, water scooters, and many other options. Apart from this, tourists can also enjoy the delicious food near the restaurant.
Appropriate visiting time – 9:30 Am to 4 Pm
Entry price – INR 10 per head
10. Auroville
Auroville ashram is situated in Viluppuram district, Pondicherry. Auroville hopes to join individuals from differing foundations and from all locales of the planet against obstacles like standing, teaching, status, and religion and to permit them to dwell in concurrence with one another and it is maybe the best vacation spot in Pondicherry.
Major tourist attractions – Auroville itself is the main attraction point for tourists. The globe-like golden structure is known as Matrimandir. It is a kind of big meditation centre. The place is best for historians and spiritual leaders.
Appropriate visiting time – It invites its guests from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM on an entire day and the suggested exploring time is 1-2 hours.
Entry price – Entry is free
11. Reppo Beach
Reppo beach is situated in Kottakuppam, Pondicherry, and is considered the most relaxed beach among the others. The beach is mostly visited by families or couples to spend some quality time with each other.
Major tourist attractions – The beach’s relaxed and peaceful environment makes this beach the best places to visit in Pondicherry. Tourists also enjoy sunbathing in the surrounding environment of Reppo beach.
Appropriate visiting time – Morning, evening, especially early morning is the best and most suitable time to enjoy this beach.
Entry price – No entry fee as entry is free.
12. ISKCON Pondicherry
Sri Sri Radha Madhava Temple or ISKCON Pondicherry Temple is another most crowded destination of Pondicherry. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Many historians, religious leaders, and spiritual gurus visit this place to worship Lord Krishna.
Major tourist attractions – The temple is famous for its activities like – Community events, meditation sessions, Vedic lessons, Sunday feasts, and festival celebrations. Tourists from all over the world visit the ISKCON temple to explore more about Lord Krishna.
Appropriate visiting time – 5 Am – 1 Pm and 4 Pm – 8:30 Pm
Entry price – Free
13. Ousteri Lake
Ousteri lake is also considered one of the largest freshwater lakes and is the best places to visit in Pondicherry. The lake is situated 10 km away from Pondicherry. The ousteri lake is spread over 800 hectares.
Major tourist attractions – The lake and its surroundings are filled with gorgeous landscapes and picturesque locations, which attracts many tourists. Apart from their beauty, the lake is also a collection of beautiful flora and fauna species. This lake is also considered one of the beautiful lakes of Asia’s wetlands. This lake is also famous for its water activities like boat rides, kayaking, and many more.
Appropriate visiting time – October to March is considered the best season of the year to visit this lake. Timings include 9 Am to 5 Pm.
14. The Pondicherry Botanical Garden
The Pondicherry botanical garden is the best place to explore. Especially for botany students, and researchers, this garden is a good source of plants knowledge.
Major tourist attractions – The garden comprises approx. 1500 plant species. Many tourists
visit this place to explore new plant species.
Appropriate visiting time – Anyone can visit this garden between 9 Am and 6 Pm.
Entry price – INR 10 for Adults and INR 5 for Kids.
15. Goubert Market
This is one of the most crowded markets in Pondicherry and the best places to visit in Pondicherry. The market is situated in Subaiya Nagar, Pondicherry.
Major tourist attractions – The Goubert market is famous for many things like delicious foods, vegetables, grocery shops, and many more. Apart from this, the market is mainly famous for fish. The market is also decorated with jewelry shops, leather-related items, trendy clothes, etc. The best thing about this market is that it is cost-effective.
Appropriate visiting timing – The Goubert market is open for 24 hours, which means tourists can visit anytime. But most tourists reported time in the evening when they visited in large numbers.
Entry price – Entry to the market is totally free.
16. Bharati Government Park
Bharati government park is one of the most visited parks in Pondicherry. Bharathi Park is situated near Rue Saint Gilles Street in White town, Pondicherry.
Major tourist attraction – The park is famous for its scenic greenery and beauty. Nearby residents came here for jogging and walking in the morning. Aayi Mandapam structure is the main attraction of the park. Many visitors explore this part to know more about its history. This Aayi Mandapam structure was constructed by Louis Gurre. Bharathi park is mainly famous for picnic lovers or among people who want to spend some quality time with their family or relatives.
Appropriate visiting time – The park is open all week from 6 Am to 8 Pm.
Entry price – Park entry is free
17. Jawahar Toy Museum
The museum is located near the old lighthouse, Pondicherry. It is a must-visit destination in Pondicherry. This is a toy-based museum, where tourists can find different colorful stylish dolls.
Major tourist attraction – Jawahar toy museum has many collections of different dolls and each doll is collected from different states. This museum is very unique to find and this makes it the best place to visit in Pondicherry.
Appropriate Visiting time – Tourists can visit this unique museum between 10 Am to 5 Pm
Entry price – INR 10 (Adults only) and INR 5 (Kids only).
18. Sri Karaneswara Nataraja Temple
One of the most prominent places in Pondicherry is the Sri Karaneswara Nataraja Temple. It is situated at Pudukuppam. The temple was constructed by the Auroville foundation in 2000. The temple structure looks like Giza’s pyramids. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Major tourist attractions – Most tourists visit this place to study its unique style and architecture. As their architectural style provides you with a blend of Indian tradition and Egyptian tradition. Devotees came here to worship Lord Shiva. The temple is also studied by many historians who believe that the temple is oriented to the north, which creates an enormous amount of energy.
Appropriate opening time – The temple can be visited between the hours of 9 Am to 12 Pm & 4 Pm to 7 Pm.
19. Gokilambal Thirukameswar Temple
This beautiful temple is situated in E Car St, Villianur, Pondicherry. It is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva. Every day, many devotees visit this temple for the blessings of Lord Shiva. This temple is also called Kameshwarar temple and Villianur temple.
Major tourist attractions – The temple architecture is the major attraction for the visitors/ or tourists. Especially the paintings, which are beautifully carved on temple walls, are sightseeing attractions for tourists. The Chariot festival is the main attraction of the temple and is celebrated for 10 days.
Appropriate visiting time – November-February is the best time to explore Gokilambal Thirukameshwara temple. Devotees and tourists can visit this temple during darshan timings, 6 Am-to 12 Pm and 4 Pm-to 9 Pm.
Entry price – Free
20. Serenity Beach
Serenity beach is another peaceful sightseeing destination situated at Kottakuppam, Pondicherry. The beach’s name itself depicts its quality. As it is the beach to sit, relax and enjoy the peaceful environment surrounding the beach.
Major tourist attractions – The place is best for surfers as they get a chance to do surfing on the beach. Most tourists visit this place for its mesmerizing and peaceful beauty. This beach is best for photographers as they can get beautiful clicks and shoots.
Appropriate visiting timing – October-March is the optimum time to explore this . 6 Am-6 PM
Entry price – No
21. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
It is situated in MG Road Area, Puducherry. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus has unique gothic architecture. Many devotees visit this place to remember Jesus and pray together peacefully.
Major tourist attractions – The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus has a surprising mix of French and Indian engineering and is known as one of the most wonderful places of worship in India. It is a 100-years of age Church and was announced a Basilica in 2011.
Appropriate visiting time – The suitable time is from 6 Am to 6 Pm from Monday to Friday. As it is closed on Sunday.
22. The Pondicherry Museum
The Pondicherry Museum is also called by the name of the Pondy museum in short form. The museum has a wide collection of artifacts and many cultural-historical things. Generally, the museum is situated at Bharathi Park, Pondicherry.
Major tourist attractions – The museum is a real gem for historians as they get a huge source of information by exploring this museum. Chola and Pallava dynasties, bronze statues, and stones are another major attraction for tourists. These artifacts are really very helpful for historians to unwind some historical facts.
Appropriate visiting time – The Pondicherry museum is closed on Monday and national holidays like other museums, but is open all other days of the week. Generally, tourists can visit this exploratory site between the time slots of 9 Am to 6:30 Pm.
Entry price – To enjoy the tour of this museum, tourists have to pay some fee for an entry ticket – INR 5 (Kids), INR 10 (For Adults), and INR 50 (Foreigners).
23. Statue of Dupleix
The statue has a unique history and is situated in Duppuyet near Goubert Avenue, Pondicherry. It represents Joseph Francois Dupleix, the French governor. He ruled over India during the 17th century.
Major tourist attractions – The statue architecture is the attraction area for the tourists. The statue is around 2.88m in height and holds a Pondicherry map in its hands. Tourists can also enjoy the surrounding locations and nearby statues. This is actually a historical site of Pondicherry.
Appropriate visiting time – Tourists can visit to see the statue between the time, 6 Am to 6 Pm.
Entry price – No entry ticket as it is Free for everyone.
24. Pogo Land Water and Amusement Park
This is one of the most popular and best places to visit in Pondicherry. This place is full of fun and entertainment especially if you are searching for a fun-loving place to enjoy with your family.
Major tourist attractions – For adventure lovers, this place is like heaven as it is full of recreational activities which keep you refreshed all day. Tourists visit this place to enjoy themselves with their families. The amusement park has some restaurants where visitors can eat some healthy, delicious food.
Appropriate visiting time – Tourists can visit Pogo land water and amusement park anytime they want between 10 Am and 6 Pm.
Entry price – Visitors must pay an entry fee of INR 400 (for adults) and INR 300 (for children).
25. Sadhana Forest
Sadhana Forest is considered one of the purest destinations in Pondicherry. As it is free from any pollution and filled with all-natural purity. The forest is an initiative started by some volunteers. The main objective of this magnificent forest is to revive nature by reforestation, conservation, and protecting extinct species.
Major tourist attractions – If you want to feel nature, then this place is best for you to visit. The nearby communities live pure natural life as they eat a purely vegan diet, and use degradable materials to save nature. The forest is situated in Auroville, Pondicherry.
Appropriate visiting time – October-March is the best time to visit Sadhana forest.
Entry price – No entry fee to visit Sadhana forest, but if you want to stay for Some days, then you must have to pay some charge.
Sum up
Pondicherry is an unspoiled vacationer asylum and a calm and tranquil retreat away from the clamoring way of life of urban communities. So, now that you’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the greatest sites or best places to visit in Pondicherry, which we already explained in the article.
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