Contact UsThe 10 Awesome Things to Do in Pondicherry
Pondicherry is an exotic city located in the southern region of India that features lovely French buildings, temples, and scenic beaches. Renowned for it’s French like architecture, fine sandy beaches, and colorful culture, this beautiful town is a favorite destination of tourists across the world. From basking on the beach to strolling through French Quarters like, or even practicing meditation at different ashrams, this small union territory is a treasure. Pondicherry is a combination of French architecture and Tamil tradition that is why people visit there in all the four seasons.
Whether you are in need of a little relaxation, a dash of the adventurous or a dose of culture, then Pondicherry is the place to be. The town has those serene and stunning beaches that tourists require in addition to the boisterous markets to give anyone the type of experience they desire from their vacation. The city is not so popular for tourists, the streets are beautiful and the trees make one feel more relieved and get to do more. So if you are packing your bags for the next travel destination, the following is the list of top 10 things to do in Pondicherry which will be beneficial for the Pondicherry tourism.
If you are an avid history lover or a nature enthusiast or if you are an instinctual beach lover then Pondicherry is just the place for you. Sea and sand, religion on the island and the past of the city are good for the tourists and everyone would enjoy his/her stay on the island. So are you ready to explore the city with the 10 interesting things to do in Pondicherry where every place is a story? From the original British styled buildings to the stunning coastline, Pondicherry has something for everyone.
Here are the 10 Awesome Things to Do in Pondicherry
1. Take a Stroll Down the French Quarters
Begin your Pondicherry tour with a walk through the French Quarters that offer a glimpse of the old colonial taste of the city. It has small and narrow roads with tile-roofed French style villas with pastel colored exterior and interiors, cafes, boutiques and art galleries. Ambling along the way, one will find beautiful courtyard gardens and occasionally a local market for a casual shopping. The French Consulate is an architectural marvel and the graffiti art all over this area makes this a very colorful and an experience worth capturing on camera.
2. Relax at Promenade Beach
Promenade Beach is one of the most popular places to visit in Pondicherry; it allows tourists to relax on the seashore accompanied by the sound of the sea and a fresh sea breeze. Taking a stroll on the beach especially in the evening has remained a creative way of enjoying the natural endowment of the coastal region. There are also a number of sites in the beach area: the sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi, which is an attractive object for photographers. It is a must visit for anyone in Pondicherry whether to sunbathe on the beach or to catch up on a meal at any of the numerous cafes lining the promenade.
3. Explore Auroville
Auroville is an international township situated 8 km from Pondicherry, which is also known as the city of dreams. This brings people from all over the world who come to settle in the area in order to embrace the culture of promote peace and prosperity. The most important landmark of the place is the Matrimandir – the golden dome that is used as a meditation hall. It is a quiet location for a person to relax and enjoy nature or participate in programs that are religious in nature. If you are looking for a peaceful place, or just interested in people, then you will not be disappointed with Auroville.
4. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram
To those who want to have a more sanctimonious touch, there is Sri Aurobindo Ashram which is located at the center of Pondicherry. The ashram was established by famous philosopher and spiritual leader Sri Aurobindo with an aim of practicing Aurobindian integral yoga and individual growth. There are beautiful gardens, meditation halls and the peaceful surroundings make it ideal for those seeking solitude and self-enlightenment. For those interested in spiritualism, especially the works of Sri Aurobindo, or just in need for a serene location to ponder, this place is a must see for anyone in Pondicherry.
5. Shop at the Local Markets
Local markets of Pondicherry are ideal for shopaholics as they find every type of product starting from handicrafts, traditional fabrics, jewelry, and spices. You will find some of the most vibrant markets including the Goubert Market and Bazaar Street where you can find souvenirs and gifts. When visiting these markets, do not forget to taste some local snacks of Pondicherry such as crispy samosas or sweet pastries. It is also a good time to get acquainted with the local craft makers and understand the traditions of this stunning coastal city.
6. Discover the Serenity of Serenity Beach
If you are in search of a calm and less crowded beach then Serenity Beach is ideal for those wanting to spend time on the beach. Unlike some of the other beaches in Pondicherry, this beach is not very crowded and is therefore perfect for relaxation beside the sea. Serenity Beach is also golden sand and clear water, and is also a favorite for surfers because the waves here are perfect for learning how to surf. If you want to swim, surf or have a relaxing time in the nature, the beach of Serenity is the right place for you.
7. Indulge in French Cuisine
Of course, the most evident aspect of the French influence in Pondicherry is the culinary experience that is best described as an exotic mix of French and South Indian flavors. The city has French inspired cafes and restaurant where you can taste traditional French pastries such as croissants, baguettes, crepes and fresh seafood. Savor coffee with croissants or sit down for a candle light dinner over crisp French wine and amazing French cuisine. From fast foods to a fine dining experience, Pondicherry offers the best of foods to satiate your taste buds.
8. Admire the Sacred Heart Basilica
The Sacred Heart Basilica is one of the wonderful religious places in Pondicherry that provides Gothic architectural designs and stained glass paintings. It is situated in the city centre which makes it a perfect place for quiet contemplation and Christian pray. Stepping into the church you will be impressed with high roof and colourful glass, which tells stories from the Bible. If you are an architectonics lover or just a religious person visiting the Sacred Heart Basilica is a perfect way to find a silence in the middle of a bit noisy city of Pondicherry.
9. Take a Boat Ride on the Backwaters
If you wish to have a totally different view of Pondicherry then you should go for a boat cruise through the waters of Pondicherry. The calm water of sea with greenish and brown colours of mangroves and other trees look very beautiful and are an excellent contrast with the noisy streets of the city. While on the ride, one gets to appreciate the natural beauty of the area, view some of the natural life and learn about it. Boat riding is another interesting way of visiting the area and get closer to the natural environment of Pondicherry as well as get to explore parts of the city that are not very popular with tourists.
10. Catch the Sunset at Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach is one of the best kept beaches in Pondicherry, with crystal clear water, golden sand and beautiful sunset. Geographically it is a little off from the city and can only be accessed by a boat making it all the more attractive and isolated. Upon your arrival you will find a beautiful sandy beach that is good for swimming or sunbathing or just enjoying the scenery. Sunset is beautiful too, here; the sky turns orange, pink and all sorts of beautiful colors when the sun sets. It remains a fun and exciting sight seeing and would be perfect for ending your day in Pondicherry.
Conclusion:
As you can observe, Pondicherry is a location that has so much to do that guests will not get bored of the place; from the French Quarters, the beaches, and even the spiritual sites. This is a good news for those who love history, nature, and even for those who are seeking for tranquility in their vacation, there a lot of activities to do in Pondicherry for all kinds of travelers. The French–Tamil architecture, beautiful sceneries and the amiable pace of life the city offer is enough to merit a visit.
Therefore, if you are thinking of a weekend trip or a fortnight tour, do not lose out on the 10 awesome things to do in Pondicherry. Pondicherry is a beautiful place that has beautiful beach, rich cultural history and the best part is the people of Pondicherry are very warm and friendly and will make you want to come back over and over again. Make sure to spend as much time as possible to discover all the sides of this coastal gem – it is definitely worth doing it!
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