Top 10 Places to Visit in Pondicherry

Pondicherry is a rare French colonial centre in India, famed for its quaint colonial-style cafes, scenic promenades, and lively nightlife. It’s an ideal location for a beach trip. If you’re considering a trip to this lovely coastal area, here are some of the best tourist attractions and destinations not to be missed.

Auroville

People who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and find some calm come to Auroville. This location hosts anyone with open arms and is host to a variety of small businesses. These organisations use mediation, mindfulness, and other techniques to help you combat the inner soul struggle and find peace. Visiting Auroville and these organisations is affordable since there are several options. Matrimandir rejuvenates you with its natural elegance and lush green surroundings. You will participate in sessions held here that will introduce you to Auroville’s goals and help you expand your perspective on life.

Scuba Diving in Pondicherry

Beautiful beaches, incredible underwater tunnels, colourful schools of fish, exotic aquatic species, and a host of marine flora can all be found in Pondicherry’s waters. Scuba diving in Pondicherry is an exciting water sport that you can try if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the capital. If you want to see what it is like under the city’s waters, go to Pondicherry. Scuba diving is a fantastic water sport that you will participate in during your visit to Pondicherry. It is a popular tourist destination that will provide you with all of the adventure skills that will provide you with a one-of-a-kind experience.

Auroville Beach

Auroville Beach, also known as Auro Beach, is one of India’s most beautiful and exclusive beaches, situated near Auroville in Pondicherry. Beautiful seashells, shallow and crystal clear water, and sun-kissed beaches make it a famous beach in Pondicherry. The beach is ideal for swimming and surfing, and early in the morning, surfers, both novices and pros, can be seen on the beach.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The Church of the Holy Heart of Jesus, one of Pondicherry’s most sacred and religious sites, is located 2.5 kilometres south of the town’s bus station on the town’s south boulevard. This church was founded by French missionaries in 1908 and was granted the status of Basilica in 2011. It is one of India’s 21 Basilicas and the only one in Pondicherry. The church is Pondicherry’s first basilica, the 6th in Tamil Nadu, the 20th in India, and the 50th in Asia. Thousands of people visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in order to find healing. If you are considering a trip to Pondicherry, this gorgeous church is a must-see because it will seclude you and transport you to a world of tranquilly away from the city’s fast-paced existence in a modern way.

Rock Beach

Another lovely beach in Pondicherry is Rock Beach, which has several rocks attached to it. If you like photographing sunrises, you must pay a visit to this peaceful beach early in the morning. It is one of Pondicherry’s most appealing beaches, where you can enjoy tasty local cuisine while relaxing for hours in a tranquil environment.

Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges

The Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges, also known as the Church of Our Lady of Angels, is one of Pondicherry’s most popular tourist attractions. The church is located on the quiet corner of Dumas Street and Surcoof Street, facing the Bay of Bengal. The church attracts tourists and residents alike as one of the old world’s charms. Enjoy divine bliss while marvelling at the magnificent architecture. Our Lady of Angels Church is Pondicherry’s only church where mass is held every Sunday in all three of the city’s languages: French, English, and Tamil. Feel the spiritual link when attending the holy congregation.

Ousteri Wetland and National Park

Ousteri Lake, also known as Osudu Lake, is located in Osudu Village on the Pondicherry-Villuppuram Road and is one of Asia’s most significant wetlands. The lake was designated a wildlife sanctuary by the government and is not just a national park rich in flora and fauna. It spans 390 hectares. Aside from many different types of plants and trees, this location is also home to more than 40 species of wildlife. Ouster Wetland is a bird watcher’s paradise, in addition to providing a scenic experience of nature’s bliss. Throughout the year, it hosts over 190 different migratory and local bird species. Beautiful birds such as the painted stork, open bill stork, golden oriole, tailorbird, white ibis, patched owlets, egrets, bulbul, kingfisher, among others may be seen.

Pudukuppam Beach

Pudukuppam Beach, with its palm tree paths and gleaming golden beaches, is one of Pondicherry’s most tranquil tourist destinations. The beach’s laid-back vibes will help you relax and unwind. The sunset and dawn times can not be missed because the shows are breathtaking. You should go for a beach walk with your girlfriend or simply play in the waves with your mates!

Shri Aurobindo Ashram

The Sri Aurobindo Ashram, also known as the Aurobindo Ashram, is a spiritual community (ashram) in the union territory of Pondicherry. The ashram began as a small group that grew over time as more and more Aurobindo Ghose disciples assembled to pursue spirituality. Because of the community’s dedication to humanity’s healing, the ashram is well-known not only in India but also in other countries. The ashram had only a few buildings in its early days, but as more people entered, the ashram became larger, and it now consists of several small buildings that are similar to one another. The ashram meets all of its members’ fundamental needs in order for them to live a safe and easy life. The ashram has a library where members can read and hear about the ashram’s roots and teachings. There are also numerous cultural facilities for members’ all-around production, such as dance, theatre, music, arts, and sports.

Old Lighthouse

The French intended to build a tower with a light that would guide mariners at night. The field around the ‘mât de Pavillon was chosen in November 1835, and engineer L. Guerre built the lighthouse in March 1836. A 1,000-watt rotating light replaced the fixed light on September 12, 1931. Since the lighthouse was often out of service, a new lighthouse was built in Kirapalaiyam village, to the south of the town, in 1970. This abandoned lighthouse is now partially turned into a museum. The Nehru statue is located across the intersection, face to face with the imposing Gandhi statue.