Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Pondicherry is synonymous with the Aurobindo Ashram. Founded by Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa (The Mother) in 1926, it is one of the major highlights of Pondicherry and is visited by thousands of people from all over the world. The ashram is also the place of Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. Do visit the library and the crafts centers that make everything from perfumes to Ayurvedic medicines. One can also buy handmade papier mâché dolls from the ashram’s factory or gorge on mouthwatering pizzas at Pizza D’Auro, a popular eatery close to the Ashram. There is also a cafeteria in the ashram that serves snacks, meals and desserts.

Pondicherry Museum

A delight for art and history enthusiasts, the Pondicherry Museum has on display a fantastic collection of sculptures, handicrafts, archaeological findings from the Arikamedu Roman settlement and items from the French colonial time such as furniture and coins, among other things.

Botanical Garden

Featuring six gorgeous fountains, a large aquarium with ornamental fishes, Japanese rock, dancing fountain and a beautiful children's train, the Botanical Garden of Pondicherry is truly an unmissable attraction. Established in the year 1826 by C.S. Perrotet, this 22-acre park is located favourably near the southern entrance of Pondicherry's New Bus Stand. Over 1500 species of plants populate this park – some of which are indigenous to the region and some brought from other parts of the world. To help to easily understand about the flora, each plant/tree has been labelled with common, scientific and locally called names. Do not miss to attend the musical fountain show that is organised twice in the evening (during weekends).

Auroville

Founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, also known as ‘The Mother’, Auroville is an experimental township or a universal town. Designed by famous architect Roger Anger, Auroville is a must-visit attraction of Pondicherry where people of different nationalities, cultures and beliefs live together in harmony. One of the major highlights of Auroville is the Matrimandir, a modern structure with a high significance for integral Yoga practitioners. Matrimandir has a lotus-shaped dome almost 30 meters high and is covered by golden discs that reflect sunlight. Prior bookings are required for visiting or for a concentration session (meditation) at the Matrimandir. First time visitors are given a tour of the Matrimandir, along with a background on its history and importance.

Promenade

One of the liveliest areas in Pondicherry, the Promenade is situated along the picturesque seafront with a rocky beach. One can enjoy a leisurely stroll at the Promenade, which is a delightful experience especially on a pleasant day. There are also few cafes and restaurants nearby where you can enjoy exquisite French food or other cuisines.

Chunnambar Boat House

A popular tourist attraction, Chunnambar Boat House is located about 7 kilometres from Pondicherry. Surrounded by beautiful backwaters and stunning white sand beaches, Chunnambar Boat House is ideal for boating and also a great picnic spot where you can relax in the tranquil environment. You can also go down to the beach and set up a tent by the sea.

Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of the highly revered religious places in Pondicherry and is located on the south boulevard of the town. This beautiful church is an excellent example of Gothic architecture and is adorned with colourful stained glass panels illustrating the life events of Jesus Christ. A significant place of worship for Christian devotees in the country, the church is a must-visit when visiting Pondicherry.

International Yoga Festival

Kick-started by the Puducherry Government in the year 1993, this festival aims at the harmonious unison between a human being’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. Brace up for the asans and meditation, attend discussions and workshops, watch spectacular Yogic dance and drama or try the Yogic food which will cleanse your body in the most natural way.

Pongal

Dedicated to the Sun God, this is the most revered festival in South India. Celebrated every year in the month of January, this 4-day festival marks the onset of new year. There is a festive spirit in every corner of the town as people decorate their houses, buy new clothes, offer prasad and prayers to the deity.

Villianur Temple Car Festival

Every year in the month of May, Pondicherry’s main deity is embellished and driven in a chariot within the town. Many people wait to get a chance to pull the chariot and distribute goodies (food) amongst people. Legend says that this generous act of distributing food is considered very auspicious and fulfils the dreams and wishes of those who actively take part in this act.

Sri Aurobindo’s Birthday

Every year in the month of May, Pondicherry’s main deity is embellished and driven in a chariot within the town. Many people wait to get a chance to pull the chariot and distribute goodies (food) amongst people. Legend says that this generous act of distributing food is considered very auspicious and fulfils the dreams and wishes of those who actively take part in this act.

Eglise de Notre Dame de la Conception Immaculee Church

Eglise de Notre Dame de la Conception Immaculee is one of the oldest churches in Pondicherry. Established in the year 1686, this church is dedicated to St. Peters. Initially, it was a small chapel that served as a parish church till 1729. The present name- Eglise de Notre Dame de la Conception Immaculee was given by St. Lazar. Also known as the Church of Capuchins, this religious edifice flaunts beautiful Portuguese architecture and is worth visiting!

Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges

Anyone travelling in Pondicherry must pay a visit to the beautiful Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges. Also called as the Church of Our Lady of Angels, this religious edifice is famed for its brilliant masonry. Limestone has been mixed with the white of eggs to make a texture that appears like white marble. The structure of the church, bearing resemblance to the Basilica at Lourdes (southern France), is simply awe-inspiring. Right in front of the church, there is a statue of Our Lady holding young Jesus in her arms. Inside the church, there are eight barrel vaults and a central dome that is pierced with eight round openings.

Eglise de Sacre Coeur de Jesus Church

By far, one of the most popular man-made attractions in Pondicherry, Eglise de Sacre Coeur de Jesus Church is worth visiting. Located close to the railway station, this religious edifice was built between 17th and 18th centuries. Its splendid Gothic architecture, complemented with two gorgeous spires, rose windows and deep red and dark green colours, is bound to amaze every onlooker at the very first glance. In the interiors, which flaunt a magnificent amalgamation of Indian and European styles, you will find walls graced with beautiful terracotta crafts and eye-catching stained glass paintings. Inside the church, there is a high altar, on the right side of which is a statue of Madonna draped in a bright blue nylon sari.

Ousteri Lake

A picturesque attraction, Ousteri Lake or Osudu Lake is worth a visit. Located at a distance of approximately 10 kilometres from Pondicherry, this spectacular water body covers a surface area of 390 hectares. The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) has recognised this lake as one of Asia's important wetlands. Consisting of water, marsh and mudflats, this site is inhabited by more than 40 migratory birds. Golden Oriole, Painted Stork, White Ibis, Openbill Stork, Tailor Bird and Spotted Owlets are some of the unique bird species that can be seen here. Apart from birdwatching, you can indulge in boating at this lake.

Paradise Beach

With an unspoilt and vast shoreline that is lined with dense palm groves, this Paradise beach truly exudes romance at every step. Frequented by beach lovers and honeymoon couples from all corners of the country and beyond, this beach stretches over several miles. Located along Cuddalore Main Road, approximately 8 kilometres from the city centre, this beach is easily accessed by boat. There are many upscale resorts and well-decorated restaurants on the beachside that await tourists to step in.

Serenity Beach

One of the most gorgeous beaches in Pondicherry, Serenity Beach is an unmissable attraction! Swathed with pristine golden sands and lapped by shimmering waters of the Bay of Bengal, this treasure trove of nature is secluded, quiet and of course, spectacular. Fringed by palm trees, this beach is an ideal place for beach lovers to spend moments of repose. Not over-crowded like other beaches in the country, Serenity Beach is definitely a must visit.

Statue of Dupleix

Measuring 2.88 metres in height, the Statue of Dupleix lies strategically in Goubert Avenue (Beach Road). Made of granite, this statue was erected in honour of Francois Dupleix, the French who governed Pondicherry from 1742 to 1754. This statue, which was commissioned in the year 1870, stands as a symbol of the imperial French colonial rule in Pondicherry.

Ananda Ranga Pillai House

Located right opposite the Grand Bazaar on Ranga Pillai Street, Ananda Ranga Pillai House is one of the oldest buildings in the town. Doubtlessly a must-visit attraction, this house belongs to Ananda Ranga Pillai- a courtier of Joseph Francois Dupleix (former French governor of Pondicherry). Built in the year 1735, this building flaunts a flawless blend of Asian and European architecture styles. The building's ground floor, featuring a spacious courtyard with wooden pillars, resembles a typical Tamil house. On the building's first floor, there is a terrace that exhibits European Gothic design. Although many buildings were ransacked by the British when they conquered Pondicherry in the year 1761, this building remained unharmed.

Bharati Park or Government Park

A visit to one of the greenest attractions in Pondicherry - the Government Park must not be missed. Also known as Bharati Park, this scenic spot is an ideal place for spending moments of repose with friends and family. Apart from the green expanse, what attracts many visitors to this park is the famous monument of Aayi Mandapam. Important government buildings of Pondicherry surround this park. Worth-mentioning among them are the Lt. Governor's Palace, Government Hospital, the Legislative Assembly, the Cercle de Pondichéry private club and Ashram Dining Room. Graced with beautifully manicured gardens, this park serves as one of the finest picnic spots in the town.

Jawahar Toy Museum

Located close to the Old Light House on Goubert Avenue in Pondicherry, the Jawahar Toy Museum is home to a wide variety of dolls and toys collected from different parts of the country. The beautifully decorated dolls and other toys at the museum represent the culture of different regions of India. A visit to the Jawahar Toy Museum makes for quite a unique and fascinating experience and it is a must-visit for children and connoisseurs of dolls. Open for public throughout the week, except Mondays, this small museum has a collection of over 120 dolls. Each doll has been carefully labelled and dressed in beautiful costumes. A little 'fairyland' with a tiny Ganesha keeping a watch over all proceedings is one of the main highlights of the museum.

Kanniga Parameswari Temple

A popular place of religious importance- Kanniga Parameswari Temple is visited by hundreds of devotees every day. Dedicated to Goddess Shakti, this temple exhibits a unique blend of Tamil and French architectural styles. The arched walls, ionic columns, angel decorations and stained glass windows in the temple structure make it appear like an old French building. You can see distinct Tamil architectural features in the pillar supported ceiling and the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.

Park Monument or Aayi Mandapam

Built in the centre of the beautiful Bharati Park, Park Monument (Aayi Mandapam) is one of the most iconic structures of Pondicherry. Named after a famous female courtesan named 'Aayi', this monument was built during the period of Napoleon III in the 16th century. According to folklore, Aayi destroyed her own house to build a reservoir to supply water in the city. Aayi Mandapam is an imposing milky white structure that flaunts brilliant Greco-Roman architecture. The presence of flowerbeds, well-manicured lawns and gorgeous fountains around the monument greatly accentuates its exquisiteness.

Romain Rolland Library

One of India's oldest operating libraries - Romain Rolland Library is worth a visit. Established in the year 1827, this library has been named after the French scholar - Romain Rolland, who was also a close companion of Mahatma Gandhi. The library boasts of a huge collection of 315,000 books in myriad languages. Called as 'Bibliotheque Publique' in the past, this library has been serving as an important study centre for the rural folk. Inside the building, there is a separate section that is engaged in fostering the reading habits of children. An important feature of Romain Rolland Library is its mobile library facility that has a stock of 8,000 books. Apart from these, other facilities like open access system, microfilm unit and a special section for competitive exam books are available here.

Seaside Promenade

One of Pondicherry's star attractions - Seaside Promenade is a reminder of the glorious French colonisation in the region. Around 1.5 kilometres in length, this seaside stretch boasts of housing some of the most iconic landmarks of the union territory. Worth-mentioning among them are the French War Memorial, Town Hall and Old Lighthouse. In addition to these, you can find grand statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Dupleix and Joan of Arc here. Although it is one of Pondicherry's oldest attractions that remain mostly crowded, there is no pollution. Every attraction here, whether man-made or natural, has been kept in its original condition through proper maintenance. On the roadside, there are many food outlets that await visitors to step in. You can savour authentic seafood in the restaurants located in Seaside Promenade.

Anglo French Textile Mill

A unit of Pondicherry Textile Corporation Ltd., the Anglo French Textile Mill is one of India's oldest operating mills. Previously known as Rodier Mill, this mill is engaged in producing and exporting different types of fabrics. Initially it had only two departments - weaving and spinning. Over the years, the infrastructure underwent several developments and at present, it houses a fully equipped process room and automatic looms. Tourists coming to this mill can purchase good quality fabrics and other textile products at discounted prices.

Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Built before the 15th century, the ancient Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple is located 400 metres away from the Bay of Bengal in White Town, Pondicherry. This shrine is dedicated to Bhavaneshar Ganapathy – a form of Lord Ganesha, who is known as the remover of obstacles. In Tamil, manal means pond and kulam means sand. When the temple was made, there was a pond full of sand close to it; hence, the name Manalkulam was given to the religious edifice.

Spread over an area of 7913 sq ft, this quaint shrine flaunts beautifully constructed mandapam, raja gopuram and prahara – the area where idols of other deities are placed. Measuring 18 feet in height, the gold plated kodikambam is a spectacular architectural highlight of this temple. The walls of this religious edifice have been decorated with intricate paintings that depict significant events from Hindu mythology. The rich architectural beauty of the shrine is enhanced by a golden vimanam and a golden kavasam.

The idol of Lord Ganesha – the main deity of this shrine rests on a golden chariot. The use of teak wood and gold racks gives an exquisite look to the chariot. You will be amazed to know that around 7.5 kilograms gold has been used in the making of the chariot. Every year during Dussehra, this chariot is carried out so that devotees can seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha on the day of Vijayadashmi.

An ancient story associated with the temple states that almost 300 years ago, a saint named Thollaikkathu Siddhar attained samadhi in the premises of this pious site. Since then, it is believed that bringing newborn babies to this shrine before taking them to any other shrine is auspicious. Many festivals are celebrated in this religious complex throughout the year. Brahmothsavam is one of the major annual festivals celebrated here (August and September). Devotees and tourists come here from all corners of the country to seek blessings of the deity and to admire the splendour of this prominent place of worship."

French Institute of Pondicherry

Declared a 'National Treasure of India' by the Government of India, the French Institute of Pondicherry is an interesting place to visit. Inaugurated in the year 1955 as Institut Français d'Indologie, this educational institute has been established in accordance with the Treaty of Cession of French Territories in India. In present times, this research centre is jointly supervised by the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (MAEE) and French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). It is an integral part of a network of 27 research centres associated with MAEE, and is registered in the World Memories of UNESCO.

Declared a 'National Treasure of India' by the Government of India, the French Institute of Pondicherry is an interesting place to visit. Inaugurated in the year 1955 as Institut Français d'Indologie, this educational institute has been established in accordance with the Treaty of Cession of French Territories in India. This financially autonomous education centre carries out research and training in the fields of Indology, Social Sciences and Ecology. It strives to fulfil two primary missions - Promotion of Knowledge and Training through Scientific Events, Exhibitions, Seminars and Publications. In addition to updated scientific laboratories, the French Institute of Pondicherry houses a library that is stocked with around 60000 books and e-books as well as 800 journals. Owing to its educational prominence in India and abroad, it is visited by scholars and tourists from all parts of the world year-round.

French War Memorial

The quaint victory monument - French War Memorial is located in White Town, Pondicherry. This elegant structure was built in the year 1971 to commemorate the martyrs of the First World War. This memorial is beautifully illuminated to pay homage to those valiant soldiers on 14th July every year - the occasion of Bastille Day (French National Day). People from the city and beyond visit the memorial to offer respect and veneration.

Raj Niwas

Raj Niwas, located at Nehru Park, is also known as Le Palais du Gouverneur, which means the governor's palace. Once used by the French Governor, this palatial building presently serves as the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Pondicherry. Built in the 18th century, the structure flaunts a colonial style of architecture. Main architectural highlights of this building include a monolithic pillar brought from the Gingee Fort and a water monument. Within the premises, there are beautifully manicured gardens and fountains that add to its beauty. Legislative Assembly of Pondicherry is also present within the confines of the Raj Niwas. Though the building is not open to public, one can have a look of this significant structure from the gate.

Sita Cultural Center

Sita Cultural Center, also known as the South Indian Traditional Arts Society (SITA society), is the focal point of Indian culture in Pondicherry. This centre is the ideal place to discover, learn and practice vivid art forms. It offers creative classes in Ayurveda, yoga and traditional dance forms like Bharata Natyam. Kalaripayat – Indian Martial Arts and Tanjore – a traditional form of Indian painting are also taught here. By attending Indian cuisine cooking classes, visitors can learn to cook delicious Indian dishes using locally produced ingredients. Another special aspect about this place is that visitors not only get to learn exquisite art forms, but they can also appreciate the rich culture through stage performances, art exhibitions and other events. Most teachers and guides here can speak Tamil, English and French, and hence easily attend to Indian and foreign tourists.