What is the best thing to do in Pondicherry?

Pondicherry is a coastal city on the South-East coast of India, and one of the last remaining French colonies in the country. It is full of charm, culture, food and some of the most breathtaking temples that India has to offer. For visitors, it is the perfect place to explore and relax. Here’s a guide to some of the best things to do in Pondicherry.

Visit The Famous French Quarter

The main drawcard of Pondicherry is its unique French Quarter, also known as White Town, which was granted its sovereignty by the French government in 1793. White Town is full of narrow cobbled streets and elegant 19th century colonial buildings, all painted in bright block colours for a distinctively Mediterranean look. Highlights of the French Quarter include The Bharathi Museum, housed in a restored 17th century Dutch mansion and filled with a fascinating mix of modern Indian, French and Tamil relics; the Church Of Immaculate Conception; and the Pondicherry Botanical Garden, home to some rare and exotic plants. You will also find plenty of restaurants, cafés and souvenir shops to explore.

Explore The Auroville Matrimandir

The Auroville Matrimandir sits atop a hill in the outskirts of Pondicherry, and is one of its most recognisable landmarks. Built in 1968 according to Sri Aurobindo’s vision, this huge white marble structure is home to 12 meditation chambers called ‘petals’ as well as a 70-metre high observation tower known as ‘Solar Disc’. Inside the Matrimandir, a white crystal housed in its geodesic dome emits colourful light and promotes feelings of peace and tranquillity. Visitors are not allowed to enter the Matrimandir itself, but can stroll through its gardens for a serene escape from the bustle of Pondicherry.

Take A Tour Of The Temples

Pondicherry’s temples are some of India’s most impressive; they are packed with elaborate sculptures and colourful mosaics and each one has a unique story to tell. The Manakula Vinayagar Temple is the city’s most popular landmark and dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Other must-visits in Pondicherry include Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Vedhapureeswarar Temple, Venkatanarayana Perumal Temple, Sigalemar Temple and Barathidasan Manimandapam Temple. All these temples are well worth visiting for anyone hoping to get a glimpse into Indian culture and religion.

Go For A Stroll Along The Promenade Beach

The Promenade Beach is situated at the heart of old Pondicherry and is one of the most popular spots for locals and tourists alike. It stretches for 1.5 km along the seafront, lined with elegant restaurants, boutiques and cafes. During the day, visitors can enjoy strolling along the promenade, people-watching from one of the many benches or enjoying a delicious snack or coffee with a view over the Bay of Bengal. Night-time offers a completely different experience with crowded bars, pubs and nightclubs which come alive with music and dancing until late at night.

Shop In The Popular Markets

Shopping is an essential part of any visit to Pondicherry and its markets are the best places to pick up unique items such as hand-crafted items such as textiles, pottery, jewellery, wood carvings and much more. Town Bazaar is one of the busiest markets in Pondicherry and contains everything from clothing to artworks. Other popular markets in Pondicherry include Goubert Avenue Market, Bharathi Street Market and Mission Street Market.

Taste The Local Cuisine

One aspect of Pondicherry that visitors absolutely must experience is its local cuisine. There are so many dishes that you can choose from such as Puducherry Dosa (a savoury pancake), Idli Sambar (a savoury rice dish), Paneer Kadai (an aromatic curry made with paneer cheese) and more. The most popular dish is undoubtedly the French-influenced Croque Monsieur sandwich, considered by many to be Pondicherry’s signature dish. You can also find plenty of vegetarian options here as well as plenty of delicious desserts such as L’Abondance Crepe, a French-style crepe filled with chocolate or caramel sauce. To wrap up, there is no shortage of things to do in Pondicherry – from exploring its unique French Quarter to discovering its vibrant temples or simply enjoying some delicious local food – this city has something for everyone! To get the best out if your trip to Pondicherry, we recommend researching all its attractions beforehand and deciding on which ones to visit according to your interests. For more information about what’s on offer in Pondicherry you can check out vacation2india.com, where you will find information about all the interesting places to visit in this charming city.