Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
The coastal city of Pondicherry, as these writers would argue, has been greatly influenced by French colonial rule. The tranquillity of its beaches, the buzz of its streets, and the presence of places of worship offer relief and scope for wandering to the tourists who come to this city. Things to do in Pondicherry include gentle rides across beautiful neighbourhoods to temple or church visits. The food and shopping experiences that the city has to offer provide a more intensive experience to the travellers.
Top 10 Things To Do In Pondicherry
Some of the best things to do in Pondicherry include:
1. Cycle Around The City
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Cycling through Pondicherry would let you see its picturesque streets and colonial buildings differently. The city boasts all-purpose cycle tracks, which offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sights of cute little dogs, cafes, vividly painted structures, and green patches all around. One can enjoy the cosiness of the place without feeling rushed and also explore hidden sights that will not be possible when zipping through in a car. It is a great way to appreciate the surroundings and mingle with the people of this beach town.
Location: Rental shops throughout Pondicherry
Entry Fee: ₹50 – ₹200
Best Time To Visit: October to March
2. Visit The French War Memorial
Photo: Manuspanicker / Wikimedia Commons
French War Memorial—a heartfelt memorial dedicated to all the soldiers who fought valiantly for France during the First World War. The monument is based in the central part of Pondicherry and contains a large structure encircled with pleasant-looking gardens. There are opportunities for visitors to explore the local history and pay tribute in a serene environment. The best view of the memorial is at night, most especially when it is well-lit, creating an almost meditative ambience. It is truly one of the top things to see in Pondicherry.
Location: Beach Road, White Town, Pondicherry
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Early morning or evening
3. Explore Arikamedu
Photo: Jayaseerlourdhuraj / Wikimedia Commons
One of the things to see in Pondicherry is Arikamedu, an archaeological location that sheds light on the history of Pondicherry as a Roman port. Surf the ruins and know about the trade routes that existed in those days. The debris includes broken pieces of earthen pots, praying beads, and other objects of early maritime commerce. A perfect getaway for every history lover and for anyone keen to learn about the customs of the people in the area. When considering what to do in Pondicherry, exploring Arikamedu is a must.
Location: Pondicherry city centre, Pondicherry
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: November to March
4. Explore Auroville Ashram
Photo: Kavita modi / Wikimedia Commons
Auroville is a unique township based on the ideals of a world united in peace, which acts as a magnet for those in search of spirituality. The ashram conducts meditation classes and workshops as well as training in eco-friendly practices. The central and most striking feature of Auroville is Matrimandir, which serves as an off-roadhouse for silent games and concentration. Auroville offers a relaxing ambience along with a spirit of community, which makes it an ideal place for anyone wishing to take a break and concentrate on themselves.
Location: Auroville, Pondicherry
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: October to March
5. Experience Chunnambar Boat House
Photo: Tom Fisk / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Operating in the western coastal region of the municipality of Puducherry, the Chunnambar Boat House is perfect for all nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. One can opt for a boat cruise in the backwaters, where one can even see some dolphins frolicking in the water, and superb views can be indulged in. The tranquil waters along with the greenery around are ideal for a great day picnic with family and friends. New-generation jet skis, banana boats, and even row boats are among a few of the kinds of boats available so that every person has a wonderful experience.
Location: Chunnambar, Pondicherry.
Entry Fee: ₹300
Best Time To Visit: October to March
6. Visit Quaint Temples And Churches
Photo: Irina Iriser / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Pondicherry boasts many beautiful temples and churches that pay homage to its rich culture and history. The tourists get to witness the awe-inspiring works of French architecture in its colonial buildings and, at the same time, catch a glimpse of the Hindu temple’s structure. Each has its interesting narrative and adds to the spiritual background of the area. The exquisite detail and richness of these sites and their happy surroundings make them ideal for both active tourism and quiet contemplation.
Location: Auroville Church, Vedapureeswarar Temple, Immaculate Conception Cathedral
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
7. Chill Out At Pristine Beaches
Photo: Arup1981 / Wikimedia Commons
Pondicherry has dozens of unblemished coastlines, which provide a serene retreat away from normal activities. One can sit on the soft sands and engage in some recreational activities or take a walk along their shores. Notable beaches such as Auroville Beach as well as Serenity Beach are wide enough for swimming, sunbathing, or just watching beautiful sunsets. The peace and the gentle waves created by the beaches are good therapy for one to relax and refresh themselves. Do visit this if you wish to do something exciting during your trip!
Location: Auroville Beach, Serenity Beach, Promenade Beach
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: October to March
8. Experience Scuba Diving
Photo: Toon Van Dyck / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
For scuba diving lovers, Pondicherry is a dream come true as it offers chances to snorkel and look into some colourful ocean floor. Different diving schools take people on tours, whether they are just starting in the sport or they have been diving for years. The clear waters allow one to see marine life, including fish, corals, and sea fans. This activity is aimed at enabling the visitors to appreciate the beauty of nature by interacting with the ocean’s blue water.
Location: Dive centres along the coast in Pondicherry
Entry Fee: ₹3,500 – ₹5,000
Best Time To Visit: October to March
9. Discover The Questeri Wetland
Photo: Raul Koženevski / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Questeri Wetland is a quiet place that is unknown to many but comes with a highly rated, unique ecosystem with various plants and animals. Here, one can do birdwatching, take nature walks, and indulge in photography, among many other activities in this tranquil setting. The swamp is home to several bird species, thus attracting many ornithophilic birds. A visit to Questeri Wetland Nature Reserve adds a gratifying touch as well, for it gives the chance to unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature differently.
Location: Outskirts of Pondicherry
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: November to February
10. Café Hopping
Photo: jimmy teoh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Café culture is another reason why Pondicherry is a favourite city for all tourists, as every café boasts of its decor and food, hence making it one of the fascinating things to do in Pondicherry. When you go to Cafe Hop, not only do you get to enjoy a lovely ambience, but also scrumptious food, local South Indian, French, or even Italian cuisine. Every cuisine is incorporated to please people’s palates. Seeking out such places is a great way to eat and socialise and therefore should not be missed.
Location: Various cafes in White Town and the city centre
Entry Fee: Cost of food and beverages
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the day
Pondicherry is indeed an amazing destination that is rich in culture and nature. Be it roaming around in its narrow back streets, sitting quietly by the clear blue ocean, or visiting its serene places, every bit of this coastal jewel is a delight. Things to do in Pondicherry, the artistic atmosphere is further enhanced by the memorable combination of Indian and French styles. The place is sheer magic in the ways it welcomes and has so many things to visit Pondicherry, so plan your next vacation with TripXL and make the trip worthwhile.
Cover Photo: Zoshua Colah / Unsplash
