4 km
from city center 1 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Paradise Beach, also known as Plage Paradiso, is situated in Chunnambar, close to Pondicherry town. Adorned with the golden sand, this is a little-isolated beach. To reach here, you have to take a ferry across the backwaters, which takes around 20-30 minutes. There are a few shacks along the main entrance to the beach, and you can get fresh coconut water and some simple snacks - don't expect any fancy street food though.

3 km
from city center 2 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

The Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community or ashram located in Pondicherry, is the outcome of a small community of disciples who had gathered around Sri Aurobindo after he retired from politics and settled in Pondicherry in 1910. On 24 November 1926, after a major spiritual realization, Sri Aurobindo withdrew from public view in order to continue his spiritual work. At this time he handed over the full responsibility for the inner and outer lives of the spiritual aspirants and the ashram to his spiritual collaborator, the Mother earlier known as Mirra Alfassa. This date is therefore generally known as the founding-day of the ashram.

3 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Auroville is one of those towns which appear to come to life right out of fiction. In the union territory of Pondicherry, this township runs on the principles of peace, harmony, sustainable living and 'divine consciousness' which was the philosophy of the Mother of Sri Aurobindo Society, Mirra Alfassa. This universal township was inaugurated on 28 February 1968 with the agenda that it will be a place with people willing enough to make this a hub of uninterrupted education and progress, regardless of their caste, creed, nationality or race. Called the city of dawn, this place is the epitome of tranquility and proves as the perfect escape for the ones in search of peace.

2 km
from city center 4 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Packed with enchanting marine life, Pondicherry offers an amazing adventure of scuba diving off the country's East Coast. A dive into the sea will let you explore the rich life comprising of beautiful natural coral reefs and other exotic creatures such as manta rays, kingfish, sea snakes, lionfish, butterflies, crustaceans, moray eels and many more. Apart from that, if it is your lucky day you might even spot whale sharks, even sharks, dolphins and turtles. You also have an option of enjoying the dive at an artificial reef and experience the thrill of the activity making Pondicherry an irresistible diving destination.

2 km
from city center 5 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Arikamedu are the ruins which carried the remnants of the Roman trade in India. Recent excavations have brought out wine jars and ancient roman coins hinting on the Roman links in the ancient history of Pondicherry.

6 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Pondicherry is widely known for its cheap alcohol and if you are a connoisseur, then it is an excellent place for you to visit as it serves a wide variety of gourmet food. It definitely has the best cafes around and offers a great cuisine. If you always dreamt of sitting in a French café and sipping a cup of coffee or taking a bite but are unable to visit France, then Pondy should be on your checklist. It has the best French cafes in India.

3 km
from city center 7 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

One of the things that does justice to Pondicherry's French Roots is its beautiful Seaside Promenade. The area is well maintained, clean and beautiful and you can actually feel foam spray on your face while sipping a cooler in one of the many cafes at the promenade. Whether you're visiting during the sunny day or the starry night, the Seaside Promenade is equally feel good.

12 km
from city center 8 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Pondicherry beach is a different kind of beach with less sand and more rocks. It offers a very peaceful place to its tourists and visitors to sit and enjoy the waves.

7 km
from city center 9 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Located at a distance of 10 kms, on the outskirts on Puducherry in Kottakuppam, Serenity Beach gets its name from the Spa-Resort-Inn located at the spot with the same name. Originally, the beach was called Thanthirayan Kuppam Beach or plain Kottakuppam Beach.

10 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

One of the most exciting and picturesque things to do in Pondicherry is to tour the beautiful territory on traditional vintage bicycles. You can also go for guided tours around the stunning French Quarters, charming mustard streets, colonial villas and vibrant Tamil settlements. Besides a very picturesque view of the lovely alleys and narrow lanes, you can also marvel at the gorgeous architecture of the French colonial settlements.

9 km
from city center 11 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Auroville Beach, also known as the Auro Beach is located in Pondicherry. It is a part of the Auroville Ashram and is situated about 10 kilometres away. The beach is about 12 kilometres away from Pondicherry and lies on the right-hand side of East Coast Road. Auro Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Pondicherry. It attracts a lot of tourists and locals. The beach stays true to its form and doesn't have a lot of establishments that provide food or snacks. The Ashram has maintained its serenity and ensured that it is not tampered or changed a lot due to human encroachment.

3 km
from city center 12 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Chunambar is a quaint little hamlet located along Cuddalore Main Road, around 8 km from Pondicherry. This serene town is visited by tourists for its beach, which is know as Paradise Beach, situated near the mouth of the backwater. With pristine sand and crystallized water, it is a perfect place for one to spend a day out playing water sports and bathing in the sun. A short cruise is also organized for the visitors which gives them a fantastic overall view of the serene beauty of the waters. One can also spot dolphins playing around in the water making it a must-visit for the nature lovers.

2 km
from city center 13 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

This Gothic style building is a highly revered place of worship in Pondicherry. Visitors comprising of both tourists as well as devotees, who are staunch believers, visit to offer their prayers to the All Mighty here.

4 km
from city center 14 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

With a unique, peaceful coastal beauty to it, Pondicherry is quickly becoming every beach lovers' favourite hideout. A number of water sports options along its white sandy beaches are another reason for travellers to love Pondy, as it is lovingly known.

2 km
from city center 15 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

A popular tourist attraction of Pondicherry, Botanical Garden was established by C.S. Perrotet in the year 1862. The garden is home to several exotic varieties of rare plants as well as an aquarium.

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Places To Visit in Pondicherry

The Lighthouse is one of the remarkable landmarks in Pondicherry. The French Riviera of the East, Pondy has two lighthouses, an old one and the new one. Where the former has been closed for public appearance the latter serves as the spot for giving its visitors the most amazing bird's eye view of the city. 

3 km
from city center 17 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

An ideal place for kids, Jawahar Toy Museum is a well maintained place situated at the old light house building near Gandhi Maidan. The museum houses a wide range of dolls and toys collected from all over the country.

3 km
from city center 18 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Previously known as Palais du Government, Raj Niwas is an eighteenth century building presently serving as the residence of Lieutenant Governor of Pondicherry.

3 km
from city center 19 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

French War Memorial is a stylish structure located in the Goubert Avenue and is dedicated to the soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War.

3 km
from city center 20 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is said to have been established almost 5 centuries ago. Situated behind the Raj Niwas, the sanctum is enshrined with a grand idol of Vinayaka called Vellakkaran Pillai.

3 km
from city center 21 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Located in the Bharathi Park, Pondicherry Museum houses a fantastic collection of sculptures. It has the remains of the archeological findings from the Arikamedu Roman settlement.

3 km
from city center 22 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Located on the outskirts of Pondicherry in the largest coastal village called Veerampattinam, Veerampattinam Beach has an extensive coastline and is counted among the most beautiful beaches of the tinsel town. Since the beach is little known, tourist inflow is minimum and the beach boasts of golden sands and pollution free environs.

6 km
from city center 23 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Situated 11 km from the Pondicherry in small town of Villianur, Gokilambal Thirukameswarar Temple is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. However, one can clearly witness the French influence over the temple through their varied traditions.

59 km
from city center 24 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Chidambaram is a highly revered temple town located about 58 km from Pondicherry. The town is known for its several ancient shrines and historic buildings.

3 km
from city center 25 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Bharathi Park is a well planned and well maintained park flanked by some of the most important government buildings on all the sides. Serving as a popular tourist attraction since the times of British, this place is ideal to relax and unwind.

3 km
from city center 26 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Immaculate Conception Cathedral or Eglise de Notre Dame de la Conception Immaculee Church is a beautiful place of worship established in year 1686. Dedicated to St.

3 km
from city center 27 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Varadaraja Perumal Temple is an ancient temple dating back to 12th century and is of great religious significance. Situated in Villiannur, the structure of the temple is very attractive and is highly revered by its devotees.

3 km
from city center 28 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Also known as Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges, the Church of Our Lady of Angels is mainly renowned for its immaculate stone work. The beautiful texture of white marble is highlighted by using the fusion of limestone and egg white.

3 km
from city center 29 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Commissioned in the year 1870, this 3 meter high statue was established to honour Francois Dupleix, who governed Pondicherry till 1754. This statue situated at the Place du Republique is built over amazing granite columns.

3 km
from city center 30 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Standing sturdy at the centre of the Bharathi Park in Pondicherry, Aayi Mandapam or Park Monument is a pearly white edifice built during the reign of Napolean III, Emperor of France. The monument was built in the honour of the female courtesan Ayi who tore down her own house to build a water reservoir for the city.

2 km
from city center 31 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

One of the most revered religious spot by Muslims; Meeran Mosque was built about three hundred and fifty years ago. In fact, it serves as the oldest mosque in Pondicherry with a distinct type of architecture.

3 km
from city center 32 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Housed in an 18th century heritage bungalow on the Rue Romain Rolland Street, Cluny Embroidery Centre is a wonderful venture started by a local convent to provide employment to underprivileged women. The building was supposedly donated by a French woman to help the poor women in need and is currently run by Catholic nuns.

3 km
from city center 33 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Located on the Ranga Pillai Street, opposite the Grand Bazaar, Ananda Ranga Pillai is one of the most ancient heritage buildings of Pondicherry. Built in 1735, the house was named after the courtier Ananda Ranga Pillai, of the French Governor- Joseph Francois Dupleix.

2 km
from city center 34 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Located on the Ramarajda Street in Pondicherry, Ganesh Garden is a quaint little botanical garden maintained by a French couple. Housed in a residential building, the garden cum nursery has a plethora bushes and shrubberies from medicinal plants to flowering plants. The place has been kept and groomed impressively and is a must visit for gardening enthusiasts.

4 km
from city center 35 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Situated in the Krishna Nagar locality of Pondicherry, ISKCON Pondicherry is a Hindu revered temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort, colloquially known as ‘Ashta Devi’. More precisely, the centre is a spiritual society, the name ‘ISKCON’ literally translating to International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

9 km
from city center 36 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

A national park rich in flora and fauna, Ousteri Wetland and National Park lay 10 km from Pondicherry town on the Pondicherry-Villuppuram road. Spread across an area of 3.

3 km
from city center 37 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Located on the Pudhukuppam Beach in Pondicherry, 12 kms north of Auroville, Sri Karneshwar Nataraja Temple is the most unusual and yet one of the most beautiful temples present in India. Constructed in a pyramid shape, the temple is built to resemble the great pyramids of Egypt.

8 km
from city center 38 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

ICYER is a complete traditional ashram which unlike other yoga centres requires a strict decipline, routine and devotion towards a yogic living. ICYER follows the gurukul method of teaching till date and the students are required to reside in the ashram living with the guru and his family. The centre believes that total immersion into the yogic living is achieved through the process. The ashram does not offer vacation yoga courses, instead has residential teacher training course of 6 month duration. Advanced teachers training course of additional 6 months is offered to the ones who have completed the first 6 months.

3 km
from city center 39 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

The four-meter high statue of Mahatma Gandhi is surrounded by eight granite pillars, which were supposedly brought from Gingee, a fort some 70 km from Pondicherry. The statue is placed in the middle of a garden situated at Dumas Street and attracts tourists in large number.

10 km
from city center 40 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Conceived as the 'Universal Town', the Auroville Ashram is a great epitome of community living. This is where people of different nationalities, culture, religion, traditions all come together to truly live in peace and harmony.

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Places To Visit in Pondicherry

One thing that you must definitely witness while on a trip to Pondicherry is the very mesmerising sunrise. The lovely beaches, or the gorgeous colonies, or even the promenades, are all amazing locations to experience a wonderful orange sun rise above the horizon. This is one of the top things to do in Pondicherry and is sure to stay with you for a long long time.

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Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Situated in the town of Yanam, the Yanam Beach is an excellent getaway for those looking to spend quiet time away from the crowds. The vast expanse of the waters beckons tranquil boat rides, as well as a walk along the Ferry Road, can be both exciting and calming. Yanam Beach also called the Rajiv Gandhi Beach, is one of the most famous attractions of the town. One can sit back on cement chairs enjoying the quiet views of the beach side or enjoy a perfect picnic with family on a pleasant day.

3 km
from city center 43 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Known as the French Colony of Pondicherry, White Town is a residential area in town which boasts of an interwoven culture of the Tamils and the primal French families. Flaunting cobblestone streets and mustard yellow houses, the colony retains the old world charm, daintiness and also the architecture of ancient French Quarters. Most of these have been converted into heritage hotels, restaurants, quirky cafes and art galleries. The buildings are mostly painted in pale yellow colour or shades of it and the well paved clean pathways are lined with shady trees.

133 km
from city center 44 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

The Sri Vedapureeswarar temple is an ancient temple located in the southern union territory of Pondicherry also known as Puducherry. The temple is constructed in Dravidian style architecture and houses the all-mighty Lord Shiva. The Vedapureeswarar temple was demolished by the French in the year 1748, and it is also believed to have been demolished by the Muslims earlier. With the help of the funds of the people, the temple was re-established by the people. The temple has a seven-tiered entrance to the temple.

111 km
from city center 45 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Located in Pondicherry’s Karaikal city, Karaikal Beach is a popular one owing to its breathtaking views. It is a natural beach that lies on the Bay of Bengal and attracts large crowds throughout the year since it is an excellent spot for a dip and for evening walks. An ideal place to witness the sunset, there is a rocky path here to walk on, fishing boats to watch and plenty of opportunities for nature photography. Besides food joints and shops around the beach, there is also a park to visit.

5 km
from city center 46 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

As the name suggests, Quiet Beach in Pondicherry is a calm and serene location that is a hidden gem for most. With clear water, golden sand and big waves, it is perfect for a relaxing day of picnicking, sunbathing, collecting pretty shells, building sandcastles and more.

3 km
from city center 47 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Located close to Kannur, Mahe Beach in Pondicherry is a quiet and clean beach that also forms Kerala's northern coast. Lined with tall palm trees, the beach is a must-visit during the early hours of the morning to witness the gorgeous sunrise while walking on the white sand along the blue waters. Not only is it ideal for swimming but also for beach sports like volleyball; for those looking to relax, the view of the sunset here is absolutely spectacular. There are restaurants around that serve delicious food and shops that sell souvenirs.

3 km
from city center 48 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

A relatively unknown beach located in Pondicherry’s Vaithikuppam area, Reppo Beach is a peaceful location that is generally free of massive crowds. Known for its spectacular views of the sunset, it is ideal for swimming and surfing. There are quite a few fisherman’s boats around and once in a while a cargo ship passes by as well. It is the place to visit if you are looking for some peaceful time away from the crowds and want to enjoy nature.

3 km
from city center 49 out of 49
Places To Visit in Pondicherry

Flaunting super clean surroundings with sparkling white sand, Eden Beach in Chinna Veerampattinam is a proud blue flag-certified beach in Pondicherry. It is located almost 7 km from the White Town area and the Promenade beach of this city. Also, the well-known Paradise Beach is just 1 km south of this beach. Lying on the east coast of India, Eden Beach offers some mesmerizing sunrise views.