A prehistoric French colony until 1954, Pondicherry preserves the French legacy owing to its colonial masters. Apart from being the largest city in the Union Territory of Puducherry, it also serves as a lucrative tourist destination. The extent of the city is covered in beaches which makes it an easy weekend getaway from Chennai.
It is also called the French capital of India which is evident through the architecture, cuisine and lifestyle of the people. Several traditions amalgamating Indian and French cultural values can be seen here in glorious form.
This article deals with Top 10 must visit places in Pondicherry to help you set up your itinerary for a fabulous vacation.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Pondicherry in 2024:-
1. Paradise beach
Paradise beach or Plage Paradiso is a charming place of jaw dropping beauty & mesmerizing scenery. It is located at Chunnambar along Cuddalore Road and is the perfect place to witness serenity. You can take a ferry ride from Chunnambar to the beach and lodge at a decent shack & enjoy the picturesque view.
2. Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Shri Aurobindo ashram in Pondicherry is a spiritual community founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo. It is a peaceful and spiritual place hosted by libraries & various physical education activity centers. The tomb of Sri Aurobindo resides in the center of the Ashram
3. Auroville
Auroville or City of Dawn is an experimental township where cultures from across the world meet. It was founded by a disciple of Sri Aurobindo fondly known as the ‘Mother’. Auroville is a perfect place to seek peace & tranquility and experience the divinity of one’s own conscience.
4. Seaside Promenade
Seaside Promenade also called the Rock Beach or the Promenade Beach has a shore line covered with black rocks and provides a scenic view of the expanse of the Bay of Bengal. The cafes along the beach are the perfect place to try street food, buy local handicraft and buy a souvenir to take back.
5. Arikamedu –
Famous for its Indo-Roman findings, Arikamedu is an archeological site located on the banks of River Ariyankuppam. It was once inhabited by Roman, French & Indian Cholas and acted as a popular trade center of the region. Many archeological excavations have taken place there since, which led to unearthing of other interesting historical details. The artifacts found here are preserved in Pondicherry museum for visitors to have an insight of Arikamedu history.
6. Serenity Beach –
Serenity beach completely justified its name since it encapsulates peace in its most rare & pristine form. It is the best place to enjoy some aquatic cuisines & enjoy a stroll on the golden sands & gushing blue water. It is ideal for surfing & is frequented by locals to spend a peaceful weekend.
7. Chunnambar Boat House –
When on a visit to South India, having an opportunity to experience the backwaters is a bait no-one should miss. Chunnambar Boat House is one such place to have a relishing experience of the backwaters of South India. To have a glimpse of blooming water lilies, paddy fields conserved village life one can take a pedal boat from the boat house & drift into the backwaters and experience divinity.
8. Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus –
Basilica of the sacred heart of Jesus is one of the 21 Basilica in India and one of the most famous places to visit in Pondicherry. It was set up by the French in 1908 and is decorated with coloured glass panels. The walls of the Basilica are engraved with phrases from the Bible. The grandeur of Christian culture can be witnessed here during celebrations organized on occasions of New Year, Christmas and Easter each year.
9. French War Memorial –
The French war memorial was built in honor of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War 1. Each year on the occasion of Bastille day, the memorial is illuminated and people flood in to pay homage to the brave soldiers who fought for their freedom.
10. Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple –
The roots of Hinduism date back to this temple since it is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Pondicherry. The temple enshrines a marvelous idol of Bhubaneswar Ganpati also known as Vellakkaran Pallai. It derives its name from a point surrounded by sand on which the temple was once constructed. The temple encapsulates the intricacy of the Hindu culture which can be seen in the paintings of Lord Ganesha on the walls of the temple.
Conclusion
Pondicherry is a paradise in every sense. It incorporates peace, beauty & serenity that are the desirable traits of a perfect tourist destination. This curated list of the Top 10 Most Visit Places in Pondicherry are your perfect guide for a fulfilling vacation.