Top Attractions in Pondicherry, India

Pondicherry is a beautiful tourist escapade in South India, allowing you to experience a rich historical legacy and a unique culture. This beautiful city is best known for its remarkable French influence. An incredible combination of world-famous temples, museums, beaches and churches lends serenity and sacredness to this terrific region.

Have a look at some of the top attractions of Pondicherry:

Auroville

A small town 6km north of Pondicherry, Auroville is an experimental community founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa. Also known as “The Mother”, it is a universal town planned with an idea to create a community where people of all cultures and traditions from all over the world live together peacefully. The architecture of this ashram is as amazing as its concept, making it one of the best tourist destinations of the city.

Paradise Beach

Situated in Chunnambar close to Pondicherry town, Paradise Beach is the most famous and sought-after beach here, drawing a large number of beach lovers from different parts of the world. Also known as the Plage Paradiso, it amazes travellers with its pristine golden sand. Famous for providing ideal sun bathing conditions, this beach promises relaxation and peace. One of the major highlights here on the beach is the boat house where visitors can enjoy rides and attractions such as a bouncing castle, merry-go round and more.

Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Renowned for its ornately carved stone walls and a golden chariot, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple is an ancient temple in Pondicherry dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It draws a large number of devotees from all parts of the world. Constructed almost five centuries ago and located behind the Raj Niwas, the temple is home to a grand idol of Vinayaka known as Vellakkaran Pillai.

Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden is a beautiful tourist spot in the city, appealing to holidaymakers with its pruned trees, flower beds, gravel lined paths and fountains. An illustration of the French architecture, this garden is a sight to behold. Housing around 1500 varieties of plants, this place is every nature lover’s paradise! Some other exciting elements such as a large aquarium with ornamental fishes, Japanese rock, dancing fountain and a children’s train add to the beauty of this tourist spot.

Pondicherry Museum

A treat for art and history lovers, Pondicherry Museum is among the city’s most prominent historical spots. Situated in the Bharathi Park, the museum is known for its exclusive collection of rare bronze and stone sculptures from the period of the Chola Empire. Here you can also see handicrafts, items from the French colonial times such as coins and furniture, and archaeological findings from the Arikamedu Roman settlement.