One of the seven union territories of India is Pondicherry, also known as ‘Puducherry’ or simply ‘Pondy’. Pondicherry has a French influence which can be seen in many small residences and cafes in the region. Puducherry is also the center of spiritual activities such as yoga and meditation. Pondicherry offers a wide range of right choices to suit every traveler and thus there are plenty of things to do in Pondicherry.
History Of Pondicherry:
Puducherry is a union territory of the Republic of India. Earlier Puducherry was a French colony formed by incorporating 4 districts. The name Puducherry is named after its largest district Puducherry. The official name of Puducherry earlier was Pondicherry which was changed to Puducherry in September 2006. Puducherry means ‘new village’ in the local Tamil language. This region is located to the east of the Bay of Bengal.
It had been a colony of France since the early eighteenth century. It is a beautiful Indian city that still has vibrant specimens of the cultural heritage of France. Other French destinations —
- Karaikal (Tamil Nadu)
- Mahe (Kerala)
- Yanam (Andhra Pradesh) are included as a union territory of Pondicherry.
The specialty of this city is the confluence of planned city planning and French-Tamil architecture. The city is built on the pattern of Bastide, an 18th-century fortified seaside town in France. Pondicherry became a part of the Indian Union peacefully when India became independent.
It has places of tourism for tourists due to its trade links with Rome and Greece, being the capital of French India and a center of spiritual power. Influenced by East and West culture, Pondicherry has unique handicrafts, pottery, hand-drawn paper, old colonial furniture, etc. So, let’s now know what the things to do in Pondicherry are…
What Are The Things to Do in Pondicherry?
There are numerous things to do in Pondicherry to indulge in frolic, adventure, and fun. You can put your feet up as well as sunbathe at the pristine beaches; you can also go boating in backwaters or can take a bicycle tour through that of the French colony!
The things to do in Pondicherry will pander you into new proficiencies and will give you tons of memoirs to record in the memory lane! You can go to the museums to see the amusing history of this town or walk down the roads of the bougainvillea plants, French quarter, and mustard houses to appreciate the beauty of nature! Or you can as well consume Pondicherry cuisine at some of the finest restaurants and cafes located here! Here is a shortlist of things to do in Pondicherry…
- Visit Auroville
- Scuba Diving
- Explore the City on Bike
- Go on a City Tour
- Paintball
- Heritage Walk
- Relax at Old Lighthouse
- Go on a Shopping
- Surfing at Serenity Beach
- Experience Yoga at Yoganjali Natyalayam
- Go On a Boat Ride
- Enjoy Kayaking & Canoeing
- Try Yachting or Sailing, and so many more
- Temple Adventures Centre
- Visit Sita Cultural Centre to Attend the Recreational Classes
Must-Do Things to Do In Pondicherry:
Here is a complete list of the best things to do in Pondicherry for an unforgettable experience while you’re on vacation there. These things to do in Pondicherry include everything from temples and beaches to diving and yachting. You can also walk on the seashores or go sightseeing in the town. Take a look at the things to do in Pondicherry below…!
Take A Boat Ride At Paradise Beach Island:
The well-known setting offers astounding boating offices in Chunnambar River, with the rich green manors and backwaters in the background. Situated along the Cuddalore Main Road, this is an amazing area for relaxing and chilling out. One can likewise sunbathe here and appreciate eminent perspectives on the nightfall. The pontoons, as a rule, take individuals up to the serene and beautiful Paradise Island Pondicherry, otherwise called Plage Paradiso.
Alongside boating up to the seashore, there are some interesting and thrilling things to do in Pondicherry, particularly this piece of the city. You can go for backwater boating in Pondicherry, hiking, picnicking, and medium-term camping in tree houses in backwaters. From here, individuals can likewise take short travels to the ocean. You can be fortunate to spot dolphins too!
Opening Times of the Paradise Island Pondicherry: 9 am to 5 pm
Charges:
Boathouse entry charges INR 5/- only
Charges for Motor Boat: INR 100/- only (for a long trip) and INR 50/- only (for a short trip)
2 seater Speed Boat Charges: INR 250/- only (for a long trip) and INR 125/- only (for a short trip)
4 seater Speed Boat Charges: INR 250/- only (for a short trip) and INR 450/- only (for a long trip)
2 seater Speed Boat Charges: INR 350/- only (for a short trip) and INR 650/- only (for a long trip)
Charges for Jet Ski: INR 250/- only (for a short trip) and INR 500/- only (for a long trip)
More Recommended Articles:-
- Total State In India | How Many States Are There In India?
- A Complete List Of International Airports In India
- # Top 10 Airports In India | Best Airports Of India
- Which Are The Hindi Speaking Countries In The World?
- Total State In India | How Many States Are There In India?
- List of India States and Capitals and Union Territories
- Know About the Fairs And Festivals of Gujarat
- Hindi Speaking Countries In The World
- A Complete List Of International Airports In India
- # Top Divine Places For Destination Wedding In India
- Best And Exciting Things To Do In Kolkata
- # Top 10 Busiest Airport In India
- Which Are The North States Of India?
- Attractive And Beautiful Tourist Places In Andhra Pradesh
- A Complete Guide On Karnataka Districts List
- Andhra Pradesh Districts: How Many Districts Are There?
- # Top 10 Airports In India | Best Airports Of India
Go For Scuba Diving:
Situated on the kaleidoscopic coastlines of the Bay of Bengal, Pondicherry likewise ends up being an honored scuba diving destination in the whole nation! The purplish-blue and clear waters around this association territory offer astounding chances to bring a jump into the mesmeric submerged world and find its supernatural magnificence.
One of the great things to do in Pondicherry, scuba diving is a typical quality among local people and is presently gaining tremendous prevalence among the tourists. Directed under the direction of master PADI affirmed jumpers, this experience sport in Pondicherry is, actually, a not to be missed movement.
The vast majority of the diving destinations in Pondicherry ranges from 5m to 40m and ends up being perfect for the amateur just as the master jumpers. Also, the lucidity of the water bed and the wide scope of amphibian life make these plunges an incredibly exciting undertaking.
Location: Several best diving sites in Pondicherry include
- Temple Reef
- 4 Corners
- Arvind’s Wall
- The Hole, and
- Coral Shark Reef.
Best Time to visit: October & November are the finest months for scuba diving in Pondicherry.
Charges: INR 7499/- only.
Green Quarter – Seeing the sights In Pondicherry on Bicycle
Pondicherry offers fabulous and fascinating guided tours around the old-style French provinces and customary Tamil settlements in vintage bikes. There are likewise walking tours that are managed by English or French-speaking aides. The tour includes Muslim Quarter (likewise called Green Quarter), trailed by Tamil and French houses, different social communities, and customary and historical spots. Investigate the city engineering and plan, and its kin on the Pondy cycle tours.
Opening times: 7 am and 9 am; both the trips continue for 2 hours only
Charges: For bicycle expeditions that comprise of the charges for safety gear and bicycle INR 1700/- only and
For walking sightsees INR 500/- only
Relax at The Old Lighthouse in Pondicherry
Prepare yourself for some sweeping perspectives by a relaxing time spent at the Old Lighthouse in Pondicherry. Worked by French engineer L. Guerre in 1836, this beacon gave the main guiding light to mariners around evening time in the Red Hills.
In spite of the fact that it remains out of activity at present, the Old Lighthouse of Pondicherry is a significant compositional and historical milestone for the tourists. The stunning landscape by the beacon likewise makes for some photography openings in Pondicherry.
Location: Promenade Beach in Pondicherry
Charges: INR 10/- only
Best Time to visit: Sept to Jan is the greatest time to go to the Old Lighthouse.
Surfing at The Serenity Beach:
For those adrenaline addicts who love to get the wind and skim through the forceful waves, surfing ends up being a much looked for after action. An unquestionable requirement to have involvement with the rundown of things in Pondicherry, surfing take these water sports darlings far into the turquoise waters of the sea and have a tryst with the delicate wind and play with the waves and it is one of the renowned and best experience sports in Pondicherry.
Quietness and Paradise seashores in Pondicherry, with their fun-loving waves and delicate wind, end up being two of the perfect spots for the surfers. Among all the Pondicherry things to do, surfing is indeed the most enthralling experience an undertaking junky can appreciate in this grand association territory.
Best time to visit: any time of the year.
Charges: INR 1200/- only
Rock Beach:
Rock beach is another beautiful beach in Pondicherry that has numerous rocks attached to it beautifully. If you love to capture stunning views of sunrise then you must surely visit this serene beach during early mornings. It is one of the most enticing beaches in Pondicherry where you can also grab delicious local food apart from relaxing for hours amid a peaceful ambiance. This is definitely one of the best Pondicherry beaches that you must visit.
Things to do at Rock Beach: Relaxing, enjoy local food, go for evening walks
How to Reach: Bus; Taxi
Best Time: 06:00 AM to 04:00 PM
Water Activities: No water sports
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Tip: You must visit the beach during the early hours of the morning
Sri Aurobindo Ashram:
Sri Aurobindo Ghosh established this ashram in 1926 with the aim of attaining spiritual enlightenment. Mira Alfassa, one of Aurobindo’s followers, also contributed significantly to the establishment of this ashram. Many devotees, students, and patients live in the ashram premises.
In the courtyard of the ashram, there is a mausoleum under the Frangipani tree where Sri Aurobindo and his disciple Mira Alfassa were buried.
Opening Hours: Normal Timings- 4:30 AM to 11:00 PM, Visitors Timings- 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Distance from city: 3 km
Expected Time: 1-2 hours
Model: Spirituality
Best time to visit: All year round
Souvenir Shopping:
Pondicherry is the place to buy artistic souvenirs and a variety of such items. Handmade, lampshades, cheap jewelry, paintings, candles, and other Indian wear items are available at many stores here.
Most of the goods are made by experts at Auroville. In this huge market of Pondicherry, a queued store (shop) is selling souvenir items i.e. souvenirs. From here, get ready to carry a lot of memories in your bag. This is one of the things to do in Pondicherry.
Yoga on Yoganjali Natyalam:
Learn ancient yoga methods at the best yoga school in India in Pondicherry. You can choose the type of Vinyasa, Hatha Yoga, Iyengar, Bikram, Ashtanga, or Remedial Yoga that you can learn from an expert teacher. You can also take a day-long class of yoga and meditation for a long spiritual experience. For these, you can go to Yogalayam and Yoganjali Natyalam.
Yogalayam yoga practitioner R. K. Gopinath and Yoganjali Natyalam is a 160 year old Institute of Yoga. Both places offer an advanced course to beginners. You can go to one of the two places and take training from the teacher here. You will get pleasure from the experience of yoga at the secluded seaside.
Learning Surfing at Kalialaya Surf School:
Surfing on the water has different fun in itself. If you are in Pondicherry then you must go surfing once. For this, you can go to Kalialaya Surf School. It is just 10 km north of Pondicherry on Serenity beach. From beginners to surfing enthusiasts can go here. In this Kalialaya Surf School, surfing is taught in a very short time.
You can enjoy surfing in Pondicherry after completing the first five days of the course. However, you will have to spend Rs 4300 to do this five day course. This is one of the things to do in Pondicherry.
Places To Visit In Pondicherry:
There are many places you can visit in Pondicherry. These places are…
Raj Niwas:
This eighteenth century structure is used as the residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Pondicherry. The monolithic pillars and water monuments present in the garden of its complex are the main attraction. This is one of the things to do in Pondicherry.
Distance from city: 3 km
Expected Time: 1-2 hours
Best time to visit: All year round
Pondicherry Museum:
This museum, which holds the remains of the Roman Civilization, is located in Bharathi Park. Bronze sculptures, temple lamps, many items of art, and handicrafts are displayed here. It also gives a glimpse of the sculpture of the Chola and Pallava dynasties. This is one of the things to do in Pondicherry.
In Pondicherry Museum, you will get a chance to trace its French roots as well as history. Various eras of history are preserved here, from the Arikamedu Roman settlement to the Chola and Pallava dynasties. It is one of the top Pondicherry attractions. This is one of the things to do in Pondicherry.
The museum has stone-carved sculptures, bronze sculptures of Indian gods and goddesses, remains of ancient trees, models of means of transport, brass temple lamps, church relics, handicrafts, coins, shells, and fossils, etc. There is an entire section here devoted to the history and legendary French colonial information.
Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Distance from city: 3 km
Best time to visit: All year round
Jawahar Toy Museum:
Located in the old Lighthouse building, this museum is also known as ‘Doll Museum’. The Jawahar Toy Museum has more than 140 colorfully dressed dolls and other toys. This is one of the things to do in Pondicherry.
Distance from city: 3 km
Best time to visit: All year round
Sri Mankula Vinayagar Temple:
This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, built around 500 years ago, is located behind the Raj Niwas. The temple has an attractive idol of Lord Ganesha, which is called Vellakkar Pillai. Festivals like Brahmotsavam and Vinayaka Chaturthi are celebrated on a large scale here. This is one of the things to do in Pondicherry.
Opening hours: 5:45 pm to 12:30 pm and evening: 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm.
Distance from city: 3 km
Ideal for: Religious people, Devotees of Lord Ganesha
Best time to visit: All year round
Gokilambal Thirukameshwar Temple:
The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated at ‘Villayanur’, 11 km from Pondicherry. French influence is reflected in the various rituals and traditions that take place in the temple. The temple also hosts a car festival in which a 15 meter tall chariot is pulled through the city streets by devotees. This is one of the things to do in Pondicherry.
Distance from city: 6 km
Expected Time: 2 to 3 hours
Ideal for: Religious people, Devotees of Lord Shiva
Best time to visit: All year round
Varadaraja Perumal Temple:
This is a 12th century temple located in the city of Villian. The temple architecture is quite attractive and is highly respected by its followers. This is one of the things to do in Pondicherry.
Distance from city: 3 km
Expected Time: 1 to 2 hours
Model: Religious people
Best time to visit: All year round
Auroville Beach:
Auroville Beach, an experimental township, is spread over an area of 20 square kilometers. This place teaches the style of long term living with community living. People of all nationalities of the world are welcome to experience the spiritual, universal, and cash free lifestyle here. You can go here for a different experience. Volunteer in any one NGO or contribute to organic farming, handicraft production center, library, community kitchen. Those in search of spirituality must go here. This is one of the things to do in Pondicherry.
Mahe Beach:
The beach, surrounded by palm trees, is a respite from the crowded city life. The blue waters, green trees, and peaceful environment of this beach make it quite beautiful. Here you can also do a lot of activities, which include many water sports – like swimming and fishing. Also, let us tell you that there are few food options on this beach, so do take a bottle of water and some snacks with you here. This is one of the things to do in Pondicherry.
Promenade Beach:
This beach is also one of the most beautiful beaches here, which is a sandy beach spread over 1.2 km. This beach is surrounded by old colonial architecture. Which makes the experience here even more captivating. This is one of the things to do in Pondicherry.
Pondicherry Botanical Garden:
One of the popular tourist places of Pondicherry, the Botanical Garden is the main center of attraction. It is home to many exotic plant species that were brought here by French colonists. Here you will get a chance to see more than 1500 species of plants.
Not only this, to educate the tourists about the plants, slips have been put in front of those plants with their scientific and common names. The garden has an aquarium that houses a variety of aquatic species. If you love plants then you must visit this place once in Pondicherry.
Chunnambar Boat House:
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 known as Paradise Beach, situated near the mouth of the backwater. This is one of the things to do in Pondicherry.
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 nature lovers.
People from near and far, from all over the world visit the place. It provides a serene environment away from the noise and fast-moving life of the city. One can self-introspect or spend a relaxing time at the beach alongside the waters. Chunnambar Boat House is surrounded by greenery all over. It offers a beautiful view.
French Colonial Settlement:
For most people, images of European imperialism in South Asia are inextricably bound up with the poetry of Kipling and the pomp of the British Raj. Few people by contrast are familiar with the former French Indian Territories, administered from the sleepy colonial enclave of Pondicherry until their return to India in 1954. This is one of the things to do in Pondicherry.
The Compagnie des Indes, the French equivalent of the British East India Company, was established in Paris with the blessing of King Louis XIV in 1644. Thirty years later in 1674, its representatives acquired the territory around Putucéri from a local Tamil ruler and set about establishing a French trading post which they renamed Pondicherry.
Karaikal Beach:
Probably the best beaches in Pondicherry, Karaikal beach is similarly famous in the midst of sightseers and local people as a spot for happiness that can be clubbed just like a spot that offers isolation to its guests. Dabbed with lights, a 2 km wide street along River Arasalar drives you to the beach.
The rundown of activities at Karaikal beach is perpetual and incorporates exercises like kayaking, drifting, and paddling. In the event that you are not into experience exercises, you can play beach volleyball here. Swimming is another action famous at Karaikal beach. The beach has been honored with the plentiful regular landscape. Set out on a beach walk, enjoying the dazzling perspectives on the spot. A Tennis Court and a Children’s Park with various rides, a few eateries can be found close to the beach.
Cafe Des Arts:
Pondicherry is an apathetic town only 3 hours drive from Chennai, which will return you to old French time. Furthermore, in the core of the town lies the most stunning bistro, a nineteenth-century working with lovely craftsmanship, pilgrim furniture, and exemplary French food. This is one of the things to do in Pondicherry.
This bohemian bistro would take a gander at home in Europe, yet this is Pondy, so there’s a cycle cart in the nursery. Consummately pre-arranged dishes range from servings of mixed greens to crêpes, loaves, omelets, and toasties. Espressos’ new squeezes are extraordinary. The old apartment setting is relaxed at this point refined, with low tables and parlor seats masterminded across a few rooms and an outside porch.
Cluny Embroidery Centre:
Housed in an eighteenth century legacy cottage on the Rue Romain Rolland Street, Cluny Embroidery Center is an awesome endeavor begun by a nearby community to give work to oppressed ladies. The structure was probably given by a French lady to help the helpless ladies out of luck and is at present run by Catholic nuns. Working since 1829, the middle has been making dazzling weaving items in bands, knits, and other handwork. Vacationers are urged to visit the workstation to see live ladies at work with needles and thimbles. With bygone eras territorial music playing behind the scenes, you will track down somewhere in the range of 50 ladies engaged in work who are productively prepared in embroidery. This is one of the things to do in Pondicherry.
While the middle takes business orders from large brands, it’s anything but an in-house creation with intricate fine weaved decorative liners, bandannas, pad covers, comforters, shower sets, cushion cases and so on The items are marginally costly; nonetheless, the rich work makes the most beneficial. Likewise, the well-established structure holds an old-world appeal, has high roofs, elaborate angled entryways, and a white-pillared patio. The dividers are shrouded in climbers and the general appeal of the spot enchanted a large number of vacationers to crowd the spot. Hence, the middle likewise has a visitor house office with a levy of around INR 3000 every night for a twofold room.
Sita Cultural Centre:
Sita social focus invites you amidst Pondicherry to find through different classes and workshops human expressions and culture with a particular accentuation on South Indian Arts. Come to find and have a great time!
Possibly you live in Pondicherry or you just come for a couple of days trip, you will discover a class which suits you. Intended for those of you who come to find the magnificence and the numerous lovely highlights of India, our introduction workshops at Sita will cause you to find about Indian cooking, Traditional expressions like kolam or Mehendi. You can even decide to loosen up with a back rub or a yoga class. This is one of the things to do in Pondicherry.
On the off chance that you have gotten comfortable with Pondicherry for a very long time or significantly more, our group will be satisfied to invite you for more standard classes, appropriate for the entire family, for example, Bharata Natyam or Ballet moves, Yoga or Pilates, Creative expressions or music; all will discover delight and fun at Sita social focus.
Ousteri Lake:
A ways off of 10 km Pondicherry Bus Station, Ousteri Lake, otherwise called Osudu Lake, is arranged at Osudu Village on Pondicherry-Villuppuram Road. Spread across 390 hectares, the lake is arranged among Pondicherry and Tamil Nadu. This is one of the things to do in Pondicherry.
It is announced as one of Asia’s significant wetlands. The Lake was proclaimed as a natural life safe-haven by the public authority. The public authority has chosen to advance and foster the lake to an undeniable asylum. Comprising of water, swamp, and mudflats, this site is occupied by in excess of 40 transient birds. Brilliant Oriole, Painted Stork, White Ibis, Openbill Stork, Tailor Bird, and Spotted Owlets are a portion of the novel bird species seen here. The vegetation goes from little spices to trees, which upholds transient just as local birds.
At a certain point, Ousteri Lake was perhaps the greatest lake and significant provider of drinking water to Pondicherry. The sailing office is accessible in the lake. Bird watching is another significant action here.
FAQ:
Q. What is the best time to relax at the old Lighthouse in Pondicherry?
A. Sept to Jan is the greatest time to go to the Old Lighthouse.
Q. What are the things to do in Pondicherry with friends?
A. Here is a shortlist of things to do in Pondicherry…
- Visit Auroville
- Scuba Diving
- Explore the City on Bike
- Go on a City Tour
- Paintball
- Heritage Walk
- Relax at Old Lighthouse
- Go on a Shopping
- Surfing at Serenity Beach
- Experience Yoga at Yoganjali Natyalayam
- Go On a Boat Ride
- Enjoy Kayaking & Canoeing
- Try Yachting or Sailing, and so many more
- Temple Adventures Centre
- Visit Sita Cultural Centre to Attend the Recreational Classes
Q. What is Pondicherry famous for?
A. Pondicherry has a French influence which can be seen in many small residences and cafes in the region. Puducherry is also the center of spiritual activities such as yoga and meditation.
Q. What is the best time to go to Pondicherry?
A. October to February is the perfect time to go to Pondicherry for numerous activities such as sightseeing as well as indulging in watersports.
