Popularly known as Puducherry, Pondicherry is one of the top tourist destinations in India. The city’s scenic charm and serenity attract travellers from India and worldwide. Once the most significant French colony in India, the city still reflects the influence of French culture and heritage through its attractions. However, the city offers an impressive range of variety of tourist spots to keep you engaged.
Conversely, the wide range of touristy places may confuse you about where to go first. To help you plan your trip, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit in Pondicherry. When creating your itinerary, select the attractions that align with your preferences.
Top 8 Famous Pondicherry Tourist Places
1. Paradise Beach
It offers a perfect blend of features that beach lovers seek, including cinnamon-tinted sands, clear waters, lush greenery, and ample space to relax. This beach is an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its shallow waters make it safe for enjoyable swims or building beautiful sandcastles under the sun. If you love the beach, Paradise Beach is undoubtedly one of the top tourist places in Pondicherry.
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Rs 150 Per Person
- Duration Required: 3-4 hours
- Address: Manaveli Rd, Chinna Veerampattinam, Pudukuppam, Puducherry 605007
2. Pondicherry Botanical Garden
The next destination on our list of the best places to visit in Pondicherry is the Botanical Garden, which was established in 1826 by the French botanist George Samuel Perrottet. It features a vast collection of exotic plants, rare herbs, trees, shrubs, and flowers. A tourist attraction much visited for its ornamental and education values, its green ambiance is ideal for relaxing walks and picnics.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Rs 10 (Adults) Rs 5 (kids)
- Duration Required: 1-2 hours
- Address: Marimalai, Maraimalai Adigal Salai, near Anna Statue, Orleanpet, Puducherry
3. Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple
Temple Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Pondicherry. This artistic Ganesha temple is covered in unbelievable artwork and sculptures as found in south Indian temples. Whether you love art or are a devotee, this temple deserves a spot in your Pondicherry itinerary.
- Timings: 5:45 AM – 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Duration Required: 1-2 hours
- Address: Manakula Vinayagar Koil St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001
4. Aurobindo Ashram
Looking for a place in Pondicherry where you can find peace and spirituality, then head to Aurobindo Ashram founded by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. Here, many people from around the world come to find solace peace.
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Duration Required: 2-3 hours
- Address: No. 9, Marine Street, White Town, Puducherry, 605002
5. Pondicherry Museum
If you’re interested in history, the Pondicherry Museum is a top destination to visit. It features an impressive collection of artefacts, bronze statues, and sculptures. You can find archaeological items from the Arikamedu heritage site, as well as relics and fascinating objects from the French colonial era. Therefore, you should include this museum on your list of Pondicherry top attractions.
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Monday Closed)
- Entry Fee: Rs 10 (Adults), Rs 5 (Kids), Rs 50 (Foreigners)
- Duration Required: 2-3 hours
- Address: Romain Rollen Library, White Town, Puducherry, 605001
6. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Next on our list of the best places to visit in Pondicherry is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Visitors come from around the world to see and experience this place of pilgrimage. The architecture is breathtaking, and its intricate details make it a must-see. The stained glass is unique, depicting significant events in the life of Jesus Christ. It is a beauty that one must behold with their own eyes.
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Duration Required: 1-2 hours
- Address: Door No, 132, South Boulevard, near Railway Station, MG Road Area
7. Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges
Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges, also known as Our Lady of Angels Church, is located in the French Quarter. It is an extraordinary piece of French colonial architecture. The interiors feature tall statues, intricate paintings, splendid carvings, and glass windows illustrating biblical scenes. Due to these characteristics, it deserves a place on your list of the best places to visit in Pondicherry.
- Timings: 5:30 AM – 12:00 PM And 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Duration Required: 1-2 hours
- Address: Rue, Dumas St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001
8. Seaside Promenade
The Promenade by the Bay of Bengal is a popular 4 for relaxing walks and jogs, both among tourists and locals. Here you will find many attractions, including structures like the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and the French War Memorial. Along the way, there are also charming cafes and restaurants to enjoy, which can enhance this dream-like experience.
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Duration Required: 2-3 hours
Start making your go-to list from these above-mentioned places to visit in Pondicherry to ensure unforgettable memories. You can also reach out to our travel experts to plan your trip and infuse your travel memories with loads of cherishable moments.
