Pondicherry Tourism
“The French Riviera of the East”
Pondicherry, officially known as Puducherry, and commonly referred to as just Pondy, is one of the seven Union Territories of India. This former French colony is a perfect amalgamation of the traditional Indian sensibilities and French architecture, making it a dreamy escape that offers the best of both worlds.
The streets of the French Quarter of Pondicherry, also known as White Town, are dotted with charming mustard-yellow colonial structures with bougainvillaea laden walls. These are interspersed with cosy cafes and chic boutiques that offer delectable French cuisine and beverages. Simply strolling down these streets, can give the traveller an insight into the fairytale charm of Pondicherry.
Come explore the boulevards and rues (the French word for streets) of the Pondicherry that will ultimately take you down to the gorgeous seaside promenade, where the Bay of Bengal playfully splashes the shores of the famous Rock beach.
Topped with authentic French bakeries, bohemian stores and cobble-stoned paths that are delightful for a leisurely stroll or bicycle ride, Pondicherry has a lot to offer. So head on down to this dream town of the Indian Coast and chug a few beers (at the Union Territory prices; bid adieu to state taxes) or just read a book in one of the quaint cafes.
A love child of the French and Indian cultures, Pondicherry (Pudducherry) is a beach-side union territory located in Tamil Nadu. Previously until 1954, Pondicherry was French settlement. Now the old Bouganvellia-draped French-style houses, churches and even the newly built French-style shops, bright coloured cafes and restaurants give Pondicherry an exotic character to it.
This French capital of India will definitely make you feel like you are someplace out of India when you visit places like the Rock Beach, Pondicherry Beach, Serenity Beach or the Botanical Gardens. And the best place to see Pondicherry with the same notion is to visit Auroville and Sri Aurobindo Ashram where people from all over the world come to seek spirituality through yoga and meditation.
Pondicherry is such a place, which will never cease to surprise you with its unique style. There are several cafes and restaurants that serve impeccable French cuisine along with some lip-smacking international cuisines as well. As a popular beach-town, Pondicherry also offers you with the amazing nightlife through numerous clubs and beach-parties offering great music and delicious cocktails. There is so much to do and explore here, that you will not want to go back and experience more and more of this quaint French town of India.
Shady streets dotted with colorful, colonial-era buildings boasting of splendid architecture, adorn this erstwhile French colony of Pondicherry or Pondy. Also known as Puducherry, it is a Union Territory town which shares its boundary with Tamil Nadu state. Such is the allure of the French influence that you might get tricked into believing that you are in a small town, somewhere in France. From the French War Memorial and the Botanical Garden to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, each place has its own charm. Even in the streets of Pondicherry, you can find French restaurants and people speaking in French.\r\n\r\nEqually enchanting is the spiritual appeal of Pondicherry. Sri Aurobindo Ashram attracts devotees from all over the world. The nearby township of Auroville is based on the teachings of Mirra Alfassa, who was the spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo. The city is also home to a number of churches, temples, and mosques. \r\n\r\nThe several beaches in Pondicherry are so beautiful and serene that even time seems to halt. These beaches are so captivating and tranquil that the only sound you can hear is that of the sea waves. Stroll around the sandy stretches or just relax and meditate; they have a certain calming effect on your senses that is hard to ignore.
Popular Tourist Attractions and Places to Visit in and around Pondicherry
Shri Aurobindo Ashram
Aurobindo Ashram or the Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a spiritual group (ashram) situated in the union territory of Pondicherry. The ashram was a small community that expanded over some time as more and more disciples of Aurobindo Ghose gathered around to seek spirituality.
Aurobindo Ghose founded this ashram after he left his political career and aspired to inherit spiritualism in his life. A few followers of Aurobindo joined him in the ashram with the same aim of seeking spirituality. Located in eastern Pondicherry, Sri Aurobindo Ashram has become a hub of tourists who are inclined towards divinity and simplicity in their lifestyle.
The ashram is popular not only in India but also in other countries because of the work put forth by the community towards the healing of humanity. The ashram in its initial days only had a few buildings but later, as more and more people joined, the ashram grew bigger and presently, it consists of many small buildings that are adjacent to each other.
The ashram provides all the basic needs of its members for living a healthy and simple life. There is a library in the ashram where members can read and learn about the history and teachings of the place. Also, there are various cultural facilities like dance, theatre, music, arts, and sports for the all-round development of the members. The ashram is managed by a board of five trustees who make sure that the legacy and vision of Aurobindo Ghose remains in the ashram.
After quitting politics, Aurobindo Ghose spent most of his time writing and meditating in the ashram. From 1910 to 1920, the ashram had a few members alongside Aurobindo who all lived a simple life involving reading, writing and doing their daily chores. In 1920, Mirra Alfassa or “The Mother” who was regarded as the “spiritual collaborator” of Aurobindo returned to Pondicherry and lived in the ashram.
Soon, more and more people came in the ashram and it gradually became a community under the umbrella of Aurobindo and the Mother. In 1926, the formal foundation of the ashram was done and this resulted in more and more people coming to the ashram.
From just 24 people in 1927 to 150 in 1934, the ashram started to grow like a community. Over the years, as the ashram grew in numbers more and more departments were formed and the sadhaks looked after the departments as a part of their sadhana. Today, the ashram is spread throughout the town in around 400 buildings and houses more than 2000 sadhaks.
-Aurobindo Ghose founded the ashram in 1926 after quitting his career in politics
-Mother (Mirra Alfassa) companion of Aurobindo carried on the legacy of the ashram after Aurobindo’s death in 1950.
-One of the biggest Ashrams in India, Aurobindo Ashram housing more than 2000 people living and serving each other.
-Auroville, the city of dawn was the brainchild of Mother. Auroville is associated with the ashram in its ideological structure and well-being.
-Aurobindo Ashram publishes many periodicals about the essence of spirituality and peace in life
-It takes around 2-3 hours to see the entire ashram
Rock Beach
Rock Beach, often referred to as the Promenade Beach or Pondicherry Beach is a beachfront located along the Bay of Bengal. The coastline of this beach is 1.5 km long and starts at the War Memorial built at the beginning of the beach, while ends at the Dupleix Park built at the Goubert Avenue. Unfortunately, this beach is not open for taking dips in the sea or any water sport activities, but many visit the place during sunrise and sunset for walking, jogging or taking a stroll.
The beach is clustered with tetrapods along the coastline, while a concrete pathway has been constructed which is flanked with cafes, restaurants and pubs. These restaurants serve various cuisines including French, Indian, Arabic and Chinese. Some of the places have live band performances that attract many tourists. The restaurants and pubs do not allow any customers after midnight and shut down before 1:00 AM.
Apart from restaurants, there are shopping boutiques that sell textile materials, home décor and souvenirs for you to take home. The various hotels built around the beach provide several stay-at options for foreigners and local travellers. There are no vehicles allowed on the concrete and paved path, but there is a parking space provided at the entrance where you can give a fee of NR 5 and let the watchman take care of your vehicle.One may encounter various hawkers and vendors selling balloons, neon bands and tiaras whose presence may be vexing. The beach is not as crowded on weekdays as it is on weekends.
Rock Beach, popularly referred to as the Promenade Beach is a 1.5 km long beach filled with tetra-pods. There are several highlights of this beach that you must stop by for a memorable experience:
1. Sit in a café and enjoy the view
The beach is aligned with cafes, restaurants and pubs overlooking the beach. You can have an exquisite culinary experience while listening to the gushing waves of the ocean.
2.Shop at the elegant boutiques
Apart from cafes, there are also shopping boutiques that sell handicrafts, home décor and tiaras along with the magnificent site.
3.Jog, walk or stroll at midnight
The Rock Beach is open for visitors till midnight, and many come here to spend some quality time with their families and sweethearts.
4.Visit the War Memorial
There is a French War Memorial built by the beachside, dedicated to the Frenchmen who died during the First World War.
Raj Niwas
The Raj Niwas building is constructed on the foundation of a hotel named Hotel De La Compagnie. This is the government house of the Pondicherry and is a blend of both Indian and French architecture. The previous name of this Raj Niwas is Palais du Government. The Raj Niwas isn’t open to public but it is one of the attractions in Pondicherry. Most of the people who went on a trip to Pondicherry will surely pay a visit to this Raj Niwas to enjoy the Indo-French architecture. The monolithic pillars, fountain are the biggest asset of this Raj Niwas. They enhance the look of the construction as well as add royalty too. The public can go into the Raj Niwas on some special days and occasions only.
The Best Time To Visit: Raj Niwas will be between 12 pm and 1:30 pm as you will be allowed into the house. The point to remember here is the passes are limited to 40 per day.
Timings
The Raj Niwas will be open between 12pm and 1:30 pm
Distance Between Pondicherry Bus stand and Raj Nivas
The distance from Pondicherry bus station to Raj Nivas is 2.6 kms which can be travelled in 4-5 mins.
French Soldiers Memorial
The French soldiers memorial is constructed in order to honor the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country in World War I. The war memorial was constructed in 1970 and is one of the best attractions in Pondicherry. The memorial is decorated beautifully on 14th July of every year and is celebrated as Bastille Day. The people from complete Pondicherry and remaining other places visit this war memorial and respect the soldiers in the form of homage. The war memorial is smaller in size and doesn’t take much time to take a trip around it. The memorial itself has a good and positive vibe which make many people from in and around Pondicherry to visit it.
The Best Time To Visit: this war memorial is in the morning. You can enjoy the nature as well as spend some pleasant time in this place.
Timings
The French Soldiers memorial is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Distance from Pondicherry Bus stand to French Memorial
The distance from Pondicherry bus stand to French memorial is 3.5 km which take 2-3 minutes to travel.
Chunnambar Boathouse
This place is located along the Cuddalore Main Road. If you are a person who loves boat riding, then this is heaven for you. Chunnambar Boathouse which is 8 km from Pondicherry offers you a chance to sail downstream and create a night camping experience for yourself. This boathouse is also called as Paradise Beach. You can spend your day enjoying beach sports and getting sun-kissed. Chunnamabr Resort offers rental boats for visitors as well as organizes beach sports. There is a multi-cuisine restaurant called as Seagulls, which serves delicious Chinese and Tandoori food.
It is advisable to visit this place for the rides and water sports during afternoon time and come back to the shore by evening.
Entry Fee
Entry fee is Rs. 10 per head, with extra charges for different water sports.
Timings
The boathouse remains open from 9:30 in morning till 4 pm in evening.
Distance From the Pondicherry Bus Stand
The two places are 6.4 k away. If you travel via Cuddalore Road, it will take around 15 minutes to reach the destination.
So this is Pondicherry, a place that has a variety to offer. If it is known for its sacred churches and historical monuments, one cannot forget the adventurous time it gives you with its beachside views and water sports. Indeed this small territory is a unique combination of fun and tranquility. So now are you convinced to book a ticket to this land of beaches, this winter?
Basilica Of the Sacred Heart Of Jesus
This church, one among the 21 basilicas in India, is a famous pilgrimage for roman catholic Christians and considered one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry.It was built in 1908 by French missionaries. The sacred heart Basilica, a 100- years- old structure represents gothic architecture. It is 50 meters long, 48 meters wide and 18 meters high. Inside the church, there are 28 glass paintings which are a depiction of the life of Christ and saints of the church. The church has a huge area on the exterior too.
This sacred abode of Jesus remains open throughout the year. People visit the church in masses during the Christmas festival. Though there is no specific time of the month to visit, a large number of outsiders can be seen here during winters considering the climatic condition of Pondicherry.
Timings:
Monday-Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Distance From Pondicherry Bust-Stand
The church is situated 2.5 Km away from Pondicherry bus stand towards south boulevard.
Promenade Beach
A stretch starting from War memorial and ending at Duplex park, Promenade Beach is a 1.2 -kilometer long stretch. It has some other best Pondicherry tourist places near it including Old lighthouse, The War Memorial, Heritage Town Hall etc.
The beach is a crowded spot of Pondicherry where travelers enjoy sports and hang out with their loved ones. You can also enjoy the mouth-watering street food of the food stalls present at the corners of the beach. Not only this, if you love handicraft materials, then the beachside shops offer beautifully knitted handicrafts too.
This is the most preferred Location: by nature lovers and wanderers for sightseeing in Pondicherry.
With its busy street and breathtaking sunset view, the beach is most likely to be visited most in the evening time.
Timings: The beach can be visited any day of the week from 5 am to 8 pm.
Distance from Pondicherry Bus Stand: The Promenade beach is at the distance of 2.5 km via South Boulevard from the bus stand. This will take approximately 9 minutes to reach the bus stand from the beach.
Mahatma Gandhi Statue
Installed as a tribute to the Father of the Nation, the Gandhi Statue in Pondicherry is one of the most visited monuments of the city. The four feet tall statue made of black marble is the tallest Gandhi statue in all of Asia. The statue captures the essence of Gandhiji, as he ventured out for his infamous Dandi March in the year 1930.
Located on the Seaside Promenade, the black statue towers against the backdrop of the rolling blue waves of the Bay of Bengal. The statue itself is surrounded by eight monolithic pillars. These pillars were transferred from the Gingee Fort in the year 1986, even before the statue itself was installed, which was in the year 1995.
A stage flanks the Gandhi statue towards the front side. This stage is known as the Gandhi Thidal. A number of cultural activities, including dance and music functions, are held on this stage throughout the year. The Gandhi Statue is well-lit and adds to the beauty of the beachside, especially during the evening, and marks the area as a prominent landmark in Pondicherry.
The Statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Pondicherry was constructed by the celebrated artist, Roy Chaudhury, of the Madras School of Arts and Crafts. Apart from the statue itself, there are eight white monolithic pillars that surround the edifice.
These beautifully carved monolithic pillars was transferred from the Gingee Fort, which is located only 68 kilometers out of Pondicherry, and erected in the year 1986. The Gandhi Statue itself was erected much later, in the year 1995, right opposite to the Old Pier
1. The four meter square statue of Mahatma Gandhi on the Beach Promenade in Pondicherry is the biggest Gandhi Statue in Asia.
2. The eight magnificent granite pillars surrounding the statue were transferred all the way from Gingee, a Fort located 70 kilometers away from Pondicherry.
3. There is a tunnel beneath the statue that leads all the way to Gingee. Initially, the government had tried to desilt the tunnel and open it for public use. However, following a fatal accident in which four people got trapped and died of suffocation, the tunnel was closed for good in the 1960’s.