10 Top Attractions Pondicherry is the most popular place to get away from it all but it’s also the place to go if you want to get gorgeous indie clothing, home decor, souvenirs, leather goods and handicrafts. Though Mission Street and Auroville are the hub for most shopping spots, here’s a comprehensive list of shopping spots around Pondicherry. Best part of Pondicherry shopping That’s because it’s a duty-free destination for all and so goods are much cheaper here than elsewhere. — encouragement do you need more than this? Immerse yourself in Pondicherry with our list of hand-picked shopping spots.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Spiritual satisfaction is one of the reasons why visitors from around the world are planning a vacation in Pondicherry. In 1926 a well-known spiritual group called Sri Aurobindo Ashram was established by Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa (The Mother). One of Pondicherry’s most-visited locations, the Aurobindo ashram is a sanctuary for your spiritual needs. Get a break from the environment and focus on how you grow With yoga , meditation, preaching and other practises for higher spiritual forces. The Ashram also has a library, a printing machine, a playground, an art gallery, a nursing home, a dairy, farms, etc., spread over 400 houses.
Puducherry Museum
Pondicherry Museum is located in the Bharathi Park at a distance of 3 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, and is renowned for its rare collection of sculptures. It’s one of the famous sightseeing places in Pondicherry.
This museum has an excellent sculpture gallery and the remains of archaeological finds from the Roman settlement of Arikamedu. This gallery is known to have artefacts belonging to Pondicherry and Karaikal’s Cholas and Pallavas rule. Here are preserved burial urns, French furniture, terracotta figures, crockery, arms, knives, paintings, mirrors and numerous other items dating back to various times.
The art section contains paintings by Tanjore and glass, colonial prints and contemporary oils, pastels, and water colours. It has bronze sculptures of many gods and goddesses as well as handicrafts, work of art and lamps of temples.
Kallialay Surf School
The Kallialay Surf School is among India’s best surf schools. It’s one of Pondicherry‘s must-see tourist attractions too. Located on Serenity Beach, the school was established by 2 brothers, Samai and Juan Reboul, Spanish, who later settled in Auroville. Take a few waves, and enjoy driving fun. If you’re a trainee, you can choose between various package types And practise according to your preferences, budget and needs. The surf equipment can also be used according to international specifications. The Summer Swell Competition, which is also an annual event, brings together tourists from all over the world.
Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach is like its name, completely out of the ordinary! The beach is the secluded sanctuary, filled with golden sand. Paradise Beach is one of Pondicherry ‘s principal attractions. Getting to the beach is as beautiful as the coast itself. You have to get on a ferry that runs through the ponds surrounded by thick mangrove forests that take 20 to 30 minutes to reach the golden shores. See the birds, walk on the silky sand, take the chance to click fantastic pictures or sit down and enjoy the waves. There are also a number of water sports facilities available for hire to visitors who are keen to try fishing like fishing rods and nets.
Promenade beach
Promenade Beach is one of Pondicherry’s most popular places to visit. Bordered by cliffs, Pondicherry is a 1,2 km long coastline. Its popular landmarks, monuments, cafes , restaurants, food stalls along the way, stores, and hotels define the Promenade Beach. Take a stroll along the sea and stop to admire the Marquis Dupleix statue. And, visit the Memorial to the First World War. As well as lying on the rocks and watching the playful waves hit the rocks for a city break, Promenade is a picturesque holiday. Take a long stroll, dine, capture the pictures and enjoy the enchanting environment alongside the picturesque views of Bengal Bay.
Serenity beach
Like its name, Serenity Beach offers peace and quiet to all its guests. One of Pondicherry‘s must-see places is the pleasant place along the Bay of Bengal, 12 km from the town. In addition, the warm golden sand with a trail of rocks leading to the Cerulean Sea is the ideal place to enjoy happiness. Relatively alone for a moment of relaxation the spouses shouldn’t miss the pool. On the opposite, fishers raise their appeal early in the morning by planning for the day. Surfing is an enjoyable pleasure here, as massive waves lead to the sea. Additionally, take advantage of nearby Kallialay Surf School surf lessons and facilities.
Auro Beach
Near Auroville, the Auro Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Pondicherry. Known for its flaky water and its tiny waves. Also, it is one of the main tourist attractions of Pondicherry, particularly during sunrise or sunset. Stroll through the golden sand, swim in the sea, try surfing, or simply lounge on the beach. The long stretch of beach includes all the tourist facilities. An option to stay, gastronomy, shopping, yoga, etc.
Water Sports & Adventure
In Pondicherry, adventures abound. There are some fun things to enjoy: hiking, horseback riding, trekking and backpacking, rock climbing, rappelling and paragliding. Being near the Gulf of Bengal Cerulean expanse. The territory of the Union offers a wide variety of water sports like sailing, banana boats, bodyboards, scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, stagnant canoeing Waters in mangrove forests, and much more. Specially enchanting are the dives to explore the world underwater. If you can see stunning corals, a range of marine plants, rare fish , sea turtles, whale sharks, and so on.
Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges
The Church of Our Lady of Angels, also known as Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges Church, is one of Pondicherry ‘s popular churches at a distance of 3 km from Pondicherry Bus Station.
The Church was built in Greek Roman architectural style by French Missionaries in 1865. It was modelled after the Lourdes basilica located in the south of France. The maçonnery is made using the fine calcareous,Mixed with white portion of the shell, giving it a white marble-like look. The church is named under the title of Our Lady of the Angels, in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The church facade has two wide columns. The central interior dome has eight circular apertures.The pastel colours peach and lime give it a very serene look. This church is also known for its rare oil painting of Our Lady of the Assumption, which was a gift from Napoleon III, the French emperor.
Immaculate Conception Cathedral
The Immaculate Conception Church, also known as Eglise de Notre Dame de la Conception Immaculee, is situated at Church Street in Pondicherry, at a distance of 2.5 km from Pondicherry Bus Station. Dedicated to Saint Peters, the Church of the Capuchins, founded in 1686, is famously known. It was designed as a small chapel in the beginning, outside of the government park.It served as the Parish Church until 1729, and the name was later changed to Church of Immaculate Conception.
The Cathedral is a splendid building with beautifully designed interior and exterior designs. There is an esplanade in front of the Church where visitors can engage in the church’s coordinated ceremonies. Mother Teresa visited the church too. Every year the church’s feast is celebrated on December 8th. It attracts a great many devotees from neighbouring states.
Mass prayers are organised from Monday to Saturday at 5:15 AM and 6:15 AM in this Church.