The Best Things to Do in Pondicherry for an Unforgettable Holiday

Pondicherry, formally known as Puducherry, is a union territory of India situated on India’s southeastern coast. It is one of the top travel destinations in India due to its rich colonial heritage, diverse cultures, wonderful beaches and lagoons, beautiful temples and unique charms. If you’re wondering what to do in Pondicherry, this guide is here to help.

Explore the Beaches and Lagoons of Pondicherry

Visitors to Pondicherry will find many beaches and lagoons in the territory, that are ideal for relaxation and sightseeing. The most popular beaches in Pondicherry are Rock Beach, Promenade Beach and Auroville Beach, each of which offer a unique atmosphere and scene. Rock Beach is lined with cafes and restaurants, Promenade beach has a promenade lined with French-style buildings from the days of its former French colony, and Auroville Beach is situated in Auroville Village surrounded by forests. One of the top places to go in Pondicherry is Paradise Beach which is located 14 km outside of Pondicherry. The beach is accessible only by boat, so visitors can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds.

Explore the Architecture and Heritage of French Colonization

The history of Pondicherry is intertwined with the history of French colonization. Visitors to the city can explore its many French heritage sites, including the French Consulate, the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, the 18th-century Notre Dame de Anges Church and the Plaza Grand Canal. The town hall and promenade still reflect the influence of the French influence on Pondicherry’s architecture. Visitors can also explore the remains of Fort Louis and its adjacent bell tower, which are some of the only surviving remains from the days of French rule.

Explore the Temples and Wildlife

The temples in Pondicherry are among its main attractions. The main temple in town is Sri Manakula Vinayakar Temple which was built in 1735. Then there is Arulmigu Varatharajaperumal Temple, which was built in 1776, and Om Sakthi Temple which is situated right on the beach. Visitors can also explore the Varadaraja Perumal Temple which was built in 12 centruy an image of Major Shiva Murugan Temple.

The Auroville Forest Sanctuary is another place of interest in Pondicherry where visitors can spot rare species of birds and animals such as bonnet macaque monkeys, spotted owlets and nocturnal flying squirrels. The botanical garden, 6 km north of the town center, is home to 129 species of trees and shrubs, numerous species of butterflies and a variety of plants native to Southeast Asia.

Shop at Bharathi Street

One of the most popular things to do in Pondicherry is shop at Bharathi Street, one of the main shopping hubs in the city. Visitors can find everything from traditional handicrafts to cheap souvenirs and clothing worn by locals. The street is lined with souvenir shops selling items such as incense and flavored oils, jewelry stalls selling silver jewelry, boutique stores selling handcrafted items such as bags and home decor, and clothing stalls selling traditional Indian garments. Visitors can also find a variety of street food stands at Bharathi Street serving local dishes such as vada pav sandwiches and pani puri.

Enjoy Local Cuisine

Local cuisine in Pondicherry includes both French-style dishes such as ratatouille and Indian dishes such as idli (rice cakes), sambar (vegetable stew), vada pav (minced potato sandwiches) and dosa (rice pancakes). For those looking for something unique, try out the local Pondicherry twist on Pizza called “Poday” which consists of grilled mushrooms and onions with cheese. For dessert, visitors can try “lyna”, a type of jalebi (deep fried dough) made with semolina and served with syrup.

Visit Local Markets for Bargains

The local markets in Pondicherry are a great place for those looking for a bargain. During the weekend timeframe, visitors can go to Jawaharlal Nehru Street market or Bharathi Street market to pick up items such as art pieces, clothing, spices, dried fruits or local handicrafts. In addition to these markets, visitors can also go to Car Street Market or Krishnankuppam Market which are known for their seafood selection.

Unforgettable Experience in Pondicherry

No visit to Pondicherry is complete without exploring its unique culture, historic sites and vibrant marketplaces. Taking into account all these things to do in Pondicherry, we are sure your holiday here will be an unforgettable experience. To learn more about this wonderful holiday destination, make sure to check out Tourism of India, where you’ll find more information on attractions, activities and experiences available in this unique union territory.