Tourist Places in Pondicherry
Pondicherry Beach
Flanked by a flowing creek on one side, this one is a beach lover's paradise. There is plenty to do here including trekking, beach volleyball, catamaran rides and also cruises in the backwaters.
Raj Niwas
Once the palace of the French Governor Dupleix, Raj Niwas now serves as the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry Union Territory. It is located in the Government Park and some parts of it are open to the public.
French Fort Louis
The French Fort Louis in Pondicherry is very popular with history freaks and tourists of the city. According to historical sources, it was constructed around the year 1709. The magnificently built French Fort Louis has a pentagonal shape and is bordered with a moat. It has five bastions and a couple of gates. The exciting part of Pondicherry's French Fort Louis is the underground chambers which were made to store arms, ammunition and other commodities.
Immaculate Conception Cathedral
This 300 year old church is the cathedral for the Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Cuddalore. Its construction started in 1791 before the French occupation of Pondicherry.
Ousteri Wetland and National Park
Located about 10 km away from Pondicherry and covering an area of around 3.9 square kilometers, the Ousteri Wetland and National Park is home to a large variety of avian and aquatic species.
Ranga Pillai Museum is renowned as the dubash of Dupleix, the former Governor General of the French colonies in India. It boasts a stunning architecture that combines French and Indian styles. The mansion houses a collection of diaries that store a lot of information on 18th century French India.
Aurobindo Ashram
Sri Aurobindo Ghosh, the great patriot, philosopher and spiritual leader, spent his years of spiritual awakening in Pondicherry. The Ashram, which was built by Sri Aurobindo himself, is visited by millions every year to seek peace and spiritual enlightenment. The Auroville township located close to Pondicherry was set up to promote the aims and ideals of this ashram. It was designed by the renowned architect Roger Anger and is a great place to learn more about India and its spirituality.
Manakula Vinayagar Temple
Constructed around 1666 AD, this Hindu place of worship in Pondicherry is dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens is a great crowd-puller for its colourful flower beds, musical fountain, gravel lined paths, rare tree species and around 1500 varieties of plants.
Chunnambar Backwater
Chunnambar Backwater is in close proximity to the main city. It has facilities for a range of activities such as boating, yachting and sun bathing.
19th Century Light House
The 19th Century Light House is located at a distance of five km from the western border of the city of Pondicherry. Standing pretty on the Red Hills in Gorimedu, the Light House is among the prime attractions of Pondicherry.
Promenade
Also known as the Goubert Avenue, the Promenade is one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry. It is designed in a French style, has boulevards and swaying palm trees all around. The seafront is best experienced in the early morning to soak in the breeze and the calmness of nature. The place is also a great hangout in the evenings, thanks to the bustling bazaars.
The Pondicherry Museum is a hub for history lovers, art enthusiasts and explorers. The museum is known for its rich collection of artefacts on literature, Dravidian culture, French historical anecdotes and other artefacts that reveal facts about the city's history and architecture.
French War Memorial
The French War Memorial is a fitting tribute to the valiant warriors who lost their lives in the World War-I from 1916 to 1919. A major highlight of this Memorial and Pondicherry tourism is the grand Bastille Day celebration on 14th July every year when the monument is all decked up to look its best.
Statue of Dupleix
By virtue of being a former French colony, the union territory of Pondicherry continues to bear traces of its colonial past and the Statue of Dupleix is a testimony to this place's intrinsic French connection.
Statue of Joan of Arc
The erstwhile French colony of Pondicherry abounds in historicity. The historical statues like that of the Statue of Joan of Arc portrays the legendary French lady in her triumphant best as she stands overlooking the picturesque town.
Travel to Pondicherry
Hotels in Pondicherry
