The capital of Puducherry, Pondicherry was once a French colonial settlement and still bears the remnants of this mix of culture, from its language to the food and the architecture that decorates its lovely streets. Popular amongst tourists for its delicious French cuisines, delicate French influenced villas that are painted in cheerful yellows, oranges, soothing blues and greens and its carefully maintained heritage sites; Pondicherry is a great place to put on your bucket list of destinations to visit in South India.
If you’re a history buff, sightseeing in Pondicherry is a sure delight, with history around every corner. 100-year old Bungalows invite you in, to take in the aged furniture, lush, green gardens and stories through the ages. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, The Pondicherry Botanical Garden and the Old Lighthouse are all iconic historical places that will fuel your love of the past.
Sightseeing in Pondicherry for foodies isn’t complete without visiting the quaint cafes that dot the region. Coromandel Café has enchanting Parisian interiors that make you feel as though you’re in the heart of France while Baker Street draws you in with the sweet smell of freshly baked bread.
There are two ways to go sightseeing in Pondicherry. One is by walking around on foot without a particular destination in mind. This can allow you to discover off-beat routes and places that unveil the hidden secrets of Pondy. The second is by making a list of iconic places and dropping by them so that you can experience the best that the region has to offer.
If you prefer planning out your itinerary or you’re looking for a spot to begin your wandering trails, here are some of the top places for sightseeing in Pondicherry.
One of the oldest tourist sites in Pondicherry, this cathedral is a beautiful example of French, Gothic architecture. The church has an interesting history as it was constructed three times from 1692 and was razed to the ground or demolished by colonial invaders.
In 1791, the church was finally completed and...
Read more
A lovely stretch of road that faces the rocky beach, the Promenade Beach or Rock Beach is an iconic area of Pondicherry that borders White Town. Strolling down this road allows you to sight the pastel hued villas and cafes that give Pondicherry its easily recognizable look.
Around 1.2 kilometers, the...
Read more
An elegant grey building with wooden shutters and doors, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram is the hub of a spiritual community in Pondicherry. Run by the disciples of Sri Aurobindo, and created by Mirra Alfassa or ‘The Mother’ in 1926, the ashram is a quiet space adorned with rows of colourful...
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An experimental township started by Mirra Aflassa, Auroville is named after Sri. Aurobindo and aims to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace, progressive harmony and unity.
The Matrimandir in the middle of the town is a giant golden sphere that...
Read more
One of the oldest tourist sites in Pondicherry, this cathedral is a beautiful example of French, Gothic architecture. The church has an interesting history as it was constructed three times from 1692 and was razed to the ground or demolished by colonial invaders.
In 1791, the church was finally completed and...
Read more
One of the oldest tourist sites in Pondicherry, this cathedral is a beautiful example of French, Gothic architecture. The church has an interesting history as it was constructed three times from 1692 and was razed to the ground or demolished by colonial invaders.
In 1791, the church was finally completed and...
Read more
A lovely stretch of road that faces the rocky beach, the Promenade Beach or Rock Beach is an iconic area of Pondicherry that borders White Town. Strolling down this road allows you to sight the pastel hued villas and cafes that give Pondicherry its easily recognizable look.
Around 1.2 kilometers, the...
Read more
An elegant grey building with wooden shutters and doors, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram is the hub of a spiritual community in Pondicherry. Run by the disciples of Sri Aurobindo, and created by Mirra Alfassa or ‘The Mother’ in 1926, the ashram is a quiet space adorned with rows of colourful...
Read more
An experimental township started by Mirra Aflassa, Auroville is named after Sri. Aurobindo and aims to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace, progressive harmony and unity.
The Matrimandir in the middle of the town is a giant golden sphere that...
Read more
One of the oldest tourist sites in Pondicherry, this cathedral is a beautiful example of French, Gothic architecture. The church has an interesting history as it was constructed three times from 1692 and was razed to the ground or demolished by colonial invaders.
In 1791, the church was finally completed and...
Read more