Pondicherry, the French capital of India, is a destination that offers serenity and sanctity in its true sense. The city is calm and its urban architecture, depicting the French style, attracts people from all over the world. Besides sightseeing you don’t need to worry about what to do in Pondicherry, for the tiny holiday destination has a lot to offer to make it a fun-filled trip for you. In fact, you’ll be surprised to find the variety of experiences you can have here. Irrespective of who you visit with and what you seek, Pondicherry will never disappoint the explorer in you!
40 Best Things To Do In Pondicherry
Here is a list of best things to do in Pondicherry for a soul-stirring experience while you are holidaying there. They include everything from beaches and temples to yachting and diving. You can walk on the beaches or take a tour to the city. Take a look!
- Promenade Beach – Enjoy A Beautiful Sunrise
- Paradise Beach Island – Take A Boat Ride
- Ousteri Lake – Birdwatching
- Temple Adventures Centre – Scuba Diving
- Paradise Beach And Karaikal Beach – Water Activities
- Green Quarter – Sightseeing In Pondicherry On Two Wheels
- Goubert Avenue – Walk Along The Seafront
- Serenity Beach – Take Surfing Lessons
- The Lighthouse – Pamper Your Taste Buds
- Asta – Drink, Dine, Dance And Repeat
- Geethanjali – Try Some Retail Therapy
- Sri Aurobindo Ashram – Find Inner Peace
- Sita Cultural Centre – Attend Recreational Classes
- Churches – Seek Blessings
- Auroville – Spend A Day
- Zero House – Enjoy The Nightlife
- White Town – Heritage Walk
- Chunnambar Boat House – Houseboat Ride
- Pondicherry – Exploring City On Bike
- Pondicherry – Visit Temples And Churches
- Pondicherry Museum – Step Back In Time
- Pondicherry Botanical Garden – Musical Fountain
- Mahe Beach – Enjoy Beautiful Sunset And Sunrise Views
- City Tour – Explore Major Attractions
- Indulge In Fun Activities – Exciting Hours
- Yoganjali Natyalayam – Experience Yoga
- Ride Over The Water – Kayaking
- Rock Beach – Stunning Sunrise In Pondicherry
- Walk Along The Beaches – Serene Walks
- Dune Eco Village Tour – Simple Living
- Roof Garden Cafe – Memorable Things To See In Pondicherry
- Golden Bridge Pottery Centre – Clay Modelling
- Visit Cluny Embroidery Centre – Art And More
- Saram China Market – Go Shopping
- Old Lighthouse – Relax
- Pondicherry – Dinner Cruise
- Pondicherry – Yachting
- Casablanca – Shopping
- Pubs & Bars – Enjoy The Nightlife
- Savour The Local Cuisine – Scrumptious Delicacies
1. Promenade Beach – Enjoy A Beautiful Sunrise
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The tiny coastal city boasts of some beautiful and untouched beaches. Additionally, the city has many beachside promenades. All this adds up to some wonderful locations to observe some of the most amazing sunrises in the country. So wake up early morning or stay up all night long. But do not miss the sunrise for watching the sunrise from the vast expanse of the Bay of Bengal is one of the best things to do in Pondicherry.
Must Read: 42 Best Places To Visit In Pondicherry In 2022: India’s French Colony!
2. Paradise Beach Island – Take A Boat Ride
The popular venue offers spectacular boating facilities in Chunnambar River, with the lush green plantations and backwaters in the backdrop. Located along the Cuddalore Main Road, this is an amazing location for relaxing and chilling out. One can also sunbathe here and enjoy magnificent views of the sunset. The boats usually take people up to the placid and picturesque Paradise Island Pondicherry, also known as Plage Paradiso.
Along with boating up to the beach, there are some interesting and thrilling things to do in Pondicherry, especially this part of the city. You can go for backwater boating in Pondicherry, hiking, picnicking, and overnight camping in tree houses in backwaters. From here, people can also take short cruises to the sea. You can be lucky to spot dolphins too!
Opening Hours of Paradise Island Pondicherry: 9 am – 5 pm
Charges:
- Entry Charges to the boat house: INR 5
- Motor Boat: INR 50 (short trip); INR 100 (long trip)
- Speed Boat (2 seater): INR 125 (short trip); INR 250 (long trip)
- Speed Boat (4 seater): INR 250 (short trip); INR 450 (long trip)
- Speed Boat (2 seater): INR 350 (short trip); INR 650 (long trip)
- Jet Ski: INR 250 (short trip); INR 500 (long trip)
Suggested Read: Pack Your Diving Gear, India’s Set To Get Its First Underwater Museum In Pondicherry
3. Ousteri Lake – Birdwatching
Ousteri Lake, also popular as Osudu Lake, is the most picturesque and important freshwater man-made lake of the Pondicherry region. The lake comprises of marshy lands & mudflats and is designated as one of the significant wetlands of Asia by International Union for Conservation of Nature & Natural Resources or IUCN.
If you are wondering what to do in Pondicherry, visiting this place is the right answer. The lake is serene and one of the spectacular tourist attractions in Pondicherry owing to its jaw-dropping sunset views. Experiencing the glorious beauty of the rising sun is one of the highly ranked things to do in Pondicherry. Moreover, the lake region and the marshes are rich in biodiversity. And, hence, the region houses many migratory and residential birds. Ousteri Lake is a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers!
Suggested Read: 15 Fabulous Pondicherry Resorts Near Beach Where One Can Experience A Lavish Stay In 2022!
4. Temple Adventures Centre – Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is one of the most enthralling and fun things to do at Pondicherry. In fact, Pondicherry is the only diving spot on the eastern coast of India. The place is characterized by natural coral reefs, rocky pop-ups, man-made folds, and a plethora of marine organisms. The marine life includes corals, lionfish, grouper, kingfish, moray eels, eagle, manta rays, parrot fish, sea snakes, triggerfish, angelfish, bannerfish, and crustaceans.
Scuba Diving in Pondicherry is organised by Temple Adventures – a 5 Star Rated PADI centre. The PADI center offers excellent training and PADI certification courses in Scuba Diving. Other than that, they offer marine conservation, defense training, films and movies, CSR, disabled diver training, and much more under the supervision of a highly experienced team of divers that includes a marine scientist, dive masters, instructors, and master instructors.
Other diving spots in Pondicherry Cool Shark Reef, Aravind’s Wall, Temple Reef, 4 Corners, Ravines, The Hole, and many more.
Location: 9 Archbishop Gandhi Street 1st Road Opposite Indira Gandhi, Colas Nagar, Puducherry, 605001
Opening Hours: 6:30 am – 7:30 pm (Open round the year)
Charges: The Discover Scuba Diving Course costs INR 9,322 including GST. For more information regarding the rates and diving courses, click here.
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5. Paradise Beach And Karaikal Beach – Water Activities
The quaint town of Pondicherry does not disappoint adventure freaks. Paradise Beach and Karaikal Beach are two of the most popular beaches to try thrilling adventure sports in Pondicherry. Boating, jet skiing, canoeing, kayaking, backwater sailing, and overnight camping along the beach are among the most adventurous activities to do in Pondicherry. In fact, boating in Pondicherry is a very popular activity as it lets you visit the backwaters as well as the most scenic beach in Pondicherry -Paradise Island.
Opening Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
Suggested Read: 5 Walking Tours In Pondicherry That You Shouldn’t Miss!
6. Green Quarter – Sightseeing In Pondicherry On Two Wheels
Pondicherry offers fantastic and fascinating guided tours around the classical French colonies and traditional Tamil settlements in vintage bicycles. There are also walking tours that are supervised by English or French speaking guides. The tour encompasses Muslim Quarter (also called Green Quarter), followed by Tamil & French houses, various cultural centres, and traditional & historical places. Explore the city architecture & design, and its people on the Pondy cycle tours.
Such bicycle trips ensure a complete snapshot of the French capital of India in two hours. Both the tours end with sumptuous South Indian breakfast – idli, chutney, sambar, and filter coffee – or authenticate French breakfast – baguette and jam accompanied by fresh juice. Exploring the town on a bicycle is definitely among the most unusual things to do in Pondicherry.
Opening Hours: 7 am- 9 am; both the tours operate for 2 hours
Charges:
- INR 1700 for bicycle tours that include the charges for bicycle and safety gear
- INR 500 for walking tours
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7. Goubert Avenue – Walk Along The Seafront
Pondicherry has a coastal location and the Goubert Avenue beach road is the perfect location for some exciting and offbeat things to do in Pondicherry with kids, like strolling and leisure walking. You may even spot young couples jogging on the avenue. One can see the seafront crowded with tourists, especially during sunrise and sunset. For recreation, this is one of the best things to do in Pondicherry in December when the weather is at its most pleasant.
The seafront of Pondicherry does not allow traffic movement the next morning – from 6:30 pm till 7:30 am – to ensure peaceful and hassle-free outing and wandering of visitors.
Suggested Read: 11 Best Beaches In Pondicherry You Must Visit Before They Go Mainstream
8. Serenity Beach – Take Surfing Lessons
Pristine shoreline, golden sparkling sand, glittering waves, and colorful beach shacks sum up the picture of Serenity Beach in Pondicherry. Abutted by palm plantations, this gorgeous beach offers a relaxed and chill-out ambiance for the tourists who generally visit for surfing, sunbathing, and rejuvenating. This secluded, serene, and spectacular beach is not at all overcrowded and stands as a significant spot for sightseeing in Pondicherry. From rocks and boulders to fishermen’s boats and nets, and from splashing waves to cozy beach shacks and cafes; the beach has it all. Other than surfing, the beach is also famous for getting some fresh fish from the fishermen (if you have some pro bargaining skills), or maybe just going out for a session of fishing yourself, surely one of the best things to do in Pondicherry, India.
Opening Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
9. The Lighthouse – Pamper Your Taste Buds
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Pondicherry is a piece of heaven for food lovers. Trying out various cuisines is one of the top things to do in Pondicherry for food junkies. One can explore all kinds of cuisines; the speciality being French food, continental delicacies, and traditional south Indian cuisine. Everything is mouth-watering and amazingly delicious. Here are our recommended restaurants. This is amongst the most popular experiences of Pondicherry in December.
- The Lighthouse: It is roof-top restaurant in the Promenade Hotel, ideal for romantic dinners.
- La Pasta: The true Pilgrimage for Pasta lovers and other Italian delicacies is La Pasta. This tiny but very cozy Italian restaurant specialises in a wide variety of Pasta sauces. Don’t miss it!
- Café des Arts: It is a Bohemian style restaurant offering the best crisp salads, baguettes & toasties, crepes, and the coffees & fresh juices of the town.
- Kasha ki Asha: For amazing fusion food like chips with chutney and European Thali and mouth-water pancakes, try this low-key rooftop restaurant run entirely by womenfolk.
Also try: Villa Shanti, Le Club, Rendezvous, & Baker Street for continental & French delicacies; and La Coromandale & Surguru for traditional South Indian recipes
Dishes to savour: Salad Niçoise at LB2 Lounge, Quiche at Café de Flore, Beef Steak with French Fries at La Plancha, Coq au vin – classic French chicken casserole – at Le Club, Sole Fish Meunière at LB2 Lounge, Croque-monsieur at Café des Arts, Bouillabaisse fish stew at Maison Rose, Ratatouille at New Banana Café, Crêpes pancakes at Artika Café, and French Pastries at Maison Rose
10. Asta – Drink, Dine, Dance And Repeat
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Slightly offbeat, but there are some great experiences of nightlife in Pondicherry that you must enjoy. It is one of the most preferred destinations especially among party animals because of tax exemption on liquors. If partying is on your mind, one of many dazzling tourist attractions in Pondicherry is Asta – the Spirited Lounge. Located at 100 Feet Road and owned by The Sunway GRT Grand Pondicherry, Asta is one of the finest lounge bars in the town. The exclusive décor, smart looking furniture, neon lights, dazzling chic crowd, and a wide plethora of beverages – single malts, craft beers, scotch, vodka, wine, and shooters – have enhanced the charm quotient of the nightclub manifold.
Opening Hours: 8:30 am – 11:00 pm
Also Try: Le Space rooftop bar, famous for its french fries, fried chicken, and classic mojito
Suggested Read: 25 Restaurants In Pondicherry 2022 That Will Satiate All Gastronomic Cravings
11. Geethanjali – Try Some Retail Therapy
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Shopping is another one among the must-try things to do in Pondicherry. The city is famous for incense sticks, aromatic candles, essential oils, handmade paper items & handicrafts, souvenirs, mementos, cotton dresses, and metal artefacts. For fascinating retail therapy visit:
- Kalki Boutique: Known for jewel-coloured silk and cotton fashions, as well as accessories, incense, essential oils, handmade-paper knick-knacks
- Geethanjali: Known for traditional and curio shop sells sculptures, carved doors, wooden chests, paintings, and furniture
- La Boutique d’Auroville: Known for trinkets, garments, stoles, scarves pretty wooden trays, and handmade cards
Opening Hours: Kalki is open from 9:30 am – 8:30 pm, Geethanjali from 10:30 am – 8:30 pm, and La Boutique d’Auroville from 9:30 am – 8 pm.
Charges: The pocket pinch entirely depends on what you buy
12. Sri Aurobindo Ashram – Find Inner Peace
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The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a spiritual ashram. This peaceful and holy place has made Pondicherry a favorite tourist venue for many people all over the world. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Pondicherry for those who wish to attain eternal peace and harmony among the many other things to do at Pondicherry. One can view the various exhibitions and watch videos on life & works of Shri Aurobindo once here.
Tourists can also visit the bookshop & souvenir shop to buy books, greeting cards, incense, perfumed candles, and essential oils.
Location: No. 9, Near Junction of Manakula Vinayagar, Kovil Street, Marine Street, White Town, Puducherry, 605002
Opening Hours: Watch out the for timings and other details on their website.
Suggested Read: 42 Best Places To Visit In Pondicherry In 2022: India’s French Colony!
13. Sita Cultural Centre – Attend Recreational Classes
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Sita Cultural Centre – the famous Franco-Indian cultural centre – is one of the most fascinating tourist attractions in Pondicherry. It is located on the Candappa Mudaliar Street and offers various fun classes for tourists. Depending on your schedule, one can even opt for a single session only.
Make your holidays colourful and fun-filled by participating in classes like Indian cooking, Kolam, Ayurvedic medicine, yoga, Pilates, and Tamil language. These interesting things to do in Pondicherry provide learning while holidaying.
Location: No-22, Kandappa Mudaliar St, MG Road Area, Puducherry, 605001
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9 am – 1 pm and 3 pm – 7:30 pm
Charges: For course-specific charges please visit their website.
14. Churches – Seek Blessings
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There are plenty of beautiful and serene churches in Pondicherry where you can spend time in the lap of God and seek His blessings. Distributed across the tiny coastal town, each of these churches offers a different, yet divine experience to travelers and pilgrims alike. In fact, one of the many popular things to do in Pondicherry in December is to visit these churches as they turn into a colourful spectacle of bells, Christmas trees, lights, plum cakes, and more. Some of the most famous churches and cathedrals in Pondicherry include:
- Hallelujah Assembly of God Church
- Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Zion Methodist Church
- Immaculate Conception Cathedral
- Our Lady of Angels Church
- Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, Villianur
- St. Andrew’s Church
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15. Auroville – Spend A Day
Auroville, the City of Dawn, was established by The Mother, the one who had inherited Shri Aurobindo’s spiritual legacy. It is a settlement where people from different nations can come and live in harmony. This enormous village of red earth, picturesque houses, lush greenery till the where the eyes can see, and scores of cycles and bikes going about the dirt tracks, is among the most pristine places in India that should be on every nature lover’s and peace seeker’s bucket list.
Right in the heart of this modern village is the Matri Mandir, a huge golden sphere at whose center is a great crystal. Other upmarket things that dominate this green village include eclectic boutiques, a bookshop, café and restaurants serving international cuisine, and many modern entities that draw a steady stream of visitors throughout the year.
Other than exploring the village, one can also hit the Auroville Beach nearby which is a pristine, untouched expanse of white sand and shallow waters. You can also try limited water activities in Pondicherry while at Auroville Beach.
Timings: 9:30 AM to 4 PM (Monday to Friday)
Bicycle Rental Cost: INR 40/- to INR 60/- per day
Motorbike and TVS Rental Cost: INR 80/- to INR 100/- per day
16. Zero House – Enjoy The Nightlife
For all those who are looking for a lit night, Pondicherry cannot be more amazing! It has got a store of nice clubs and bars where you can spend the night grooving and boozing with friends like Zero House, Paradise Lounge and more. So, if you are visiting Pondicherry with your friends or partner make sure you witness the nightlife!
Suggested Read: 11 Best Beaches In Pondicherry You Must Visit Before They Go Mainstream
17. White Town – Heritage Walk
Pondicherry is definitely one of the best places to explore in the country owing to the diverse experiences it offers in a tiny space. It’s vivid and vibrant culture and heritage is reflected in its colorful lanes, heart-warming locales, thriving nightlife, and lively marketplaces.
If you truly wish to explore this erstwhile French town to the fullest, you must surely indulge in a heritage walk around the White Town. This is the most culturally rich part of Pondy that is filled with chic cafes, high-end boutiques, eye-warming yellow architecture, bustling markets, and much more. You can interact with locals and get acquainted with their daily life. You can also dine at the famous Promenade Hotel known for its lip-smacking Tamilian cuisine and seafood.
18. Chunnambar Boat House – Houseboat Ride
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A boat ride over the less-explored and beautiful backwaters of Pondicherry is one of the must-do things in Pondicherry. Get to Chunnambar Boat House to experience an utterly thrilling boat ride over one of their wooden cruises that will sail calmly over the glistening water, give you full freedom to gaze at the passing lush and peaceful environs.
It’s among the most relaxing activities in Pondicherry. It’s also a great experience for couples and honeymooners as the ride allows you total seclusion in the lap of nature in an idyllic destination. Apart from chilling on the boat and looking at stunning views of the sunset, you can also go picnicking, hiking, and camping at the nature reserves you pass while you sail.
Location: National Highway 45A, Near Water Sports Complex, Nonankuppam, Pondicherry
Best time to visit for boating: September to March
Average cost: INR 300/-
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19. Pondicherry – Exploring City On Bike
Exploring the city on a bike is one of the best things to do at Pondicherry. You will be able to explore the beauty of Pondicherry in its most truest form. Worry not, if you know the city or not because this tour has been designed for everyone. You will be visiting cultural centres, eating places, French colonies, historical places as you go around the exotic streets of this city. The bike tour also captures the essence of sustainable tourism at its best.
Charges: INR 1,700
Best Time To Visit:The best months for this activity are October and November.
20. Pondicherry – Visit Temples And Churches
If you are in a spiritual mood, head out the famous Pondicherry temples. There are many famous temples and churches in Pondy. The architecture of temples and churches gives a touch of French feel. Sri Gokilambal Thirukameswar Temple is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is extremely spectacular and colourful, the Manakula Vinayagar Temple is a 500-year old temple are some of the must-visit temples in Pondicherry.
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21. Pondicherry Museum – Step Back In Time
Pondicherry Museum is one of the well-known museums in Pondicherry. It houses numerous archaeological objects, ancient sculptures, cultural treasures. It is also surrounded by some of the best places for shopping in Pondicherry.
There are stunning galleries which exhibit different archaeological remains from Chola and Pallava dynasties making it one of the best things to do at Pondicherry. You can also see a wide range of collection of French furniture, handicrafts, glass paintings, Tanjore paintings and many other artefacts.
Location: Easwaran Kovil Street, Canteen St, Puducherry, 605001
Famous for: French colonial objects, ancient sculptures, and more
Timings: 10.00 AM to 05.00 AM (Closed on Mondays)
22. Pondicherry Botanical Garden – Musical Fountain
Visiting the Pondicherry Botanical Garden tops the list of best things to do in Pondicherry with family. The garden is built in French style and houses fower beds, fountains, pruned trees, toy train rides and aquarium. There are some 1,500 plant species present in the garden from all across the world. The fountain show is the main attraction which is held every weekend. The timing of the show varies depending on the season.
Address: Pondicherry Botanical Garden, Marimalai Adigal Salai, Near Anna Statue, Orleanpet, Puducherry, India
Timing: 10.00AM to 5.00PM
23. Mahe Beach – Enjoy Beautiful Sunset And Sunrise Views
One of the most famous beaches of Pondicherry, Mahe beach is a secluded beach known for its sunset and sunrise views. It is a perfect spot for peace seekers and honeymooners. It is also a good place for photographers to click amazing shots. Located on the coast of Pondicherry, visiting Mahe beach is one of the best things to do at Pondicherry. You can come around here to just stroll or relax.
24. City Tour – Explore Major Attractions
Sprawling over an area of around 90 km, an exploration through the streets of this quaint town may take about 8 to 12 hours. If you have ever been to Pondicherry back in the last few decades, it’s time to include it your travel bucket list again, for the city has undergone a drastic change in the past few years.
Offering a perfect blend of contemporary and traditional culture, there is so much to savor for an explorer like you. The amazing city tour lets you take a serene stroll through the French Colonies and visit some striking cathedrals and is one of the fun things to do in Pondicherry.
Besides that, you may also treat your taste buds to Tamil and French cuisines on a gastronomic journey. Replete with a bevy of attractions including some astonishing resorts, this city has a surreal retreat reserved for you!
Suggested Read: 42 Best Places To Visit In Pondicherry In 2022: India’s French Colony!
25. Indulge In Fun Activities – Exciting Hours
As you plan your excursion to the awe-inspiring location of Pondicherry, let us help you list some of the fun activities that an adventure-junkie in you might yearn for. Amidst gorgeous beaches and spectacular monuments, there are a plethora of resorts where you can partake in paintball, zorbing, quad biking, and other activities like banana ride in Pondicherry.
Enjoy quad biking on an ATV, or hit blobs of paint on your loved ones, or even try archery, or bungee jumping, there is no way that you can’t have fun in this quaint town.
Timings: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
Number of People Required: Minimum 4
26. Yoganjali Natyalayam – Experience Yoga
If you are seeking an escape to the hubbub of bustle on this excursion, then do head to Yoganjali Natyalayam in Pondicherry. Under the guidance of some professional practitioners, here you can practise yoga and meditation for a rejuvenating experience, while the gorgeous ocean and beaches offer a perfect backdrop adding drama to it.
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
Location: 25, 2nd Cross – Iyyanar Nagar, Pudupalaiyam, Puducherry, 605013
27. Ride Over The Water – Kayaking
If you are a water sports aficionado, then probably, Pondicherry should top the list of your travel bucket list. Blessed with some scenic beaches, like: Karaikal Beach, this place lets you partake in adrenaline-pumping activities, such as kayaking and canoeing even when you are a first-timer. Just follow the instructions of your trainer, and voila! You are all set to embark on an enthralling experience that you could delve out of ever.
Activity Cost: INR 3500
Best Time to Visit: September to March
28. Rock Beach – Stunning Sunrise In Pondicherry
Does the idea of waking up to surreal sunrise views along the splashing waves and shimmering sands excite you? If yes, then Rock Beach can be one of the best destinations to soothe your soul. Head towards this well-maintained spectacular beach with your loved ones, and grab a chance to savor a sunrise view that may leave you agape like never before. This is one of the best places for adventure sports in Pondicherry!
Best Time to Visit: November to February (morning hours)
Location: White Town, Pondicherry
29. Walk Along The Beaches – Serene Walks
Famed for its spectacular coastline and gorgeous beaches, there is no way you wouldn’t enjoy a walk along the beaches on this escape. Encompassing the list, Karaikal Beach, Serenity Beach, Mahe Beach, Paradise Beach, Promenade Beach, Auroville Beach, and others make for a perfect way to dig into an enthralling experience in Pondicherry. As you visit these beaches for tranquility, an adrenaline-junkie in you might also like to enjoy swimming, fishing, kayaking, and other activities.
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30. Dune Eco Village Tour – Simple Living
Get ready to embrace the rustic charm of this striking city of Pondicherry with a visit to Dune Eco Village. Fringed with lush greenery, this village is crammed with some really zones for sport activities, a swimming pool, and refreshing spa, making it a perfect location to indulge in a rejuvenating experience.
Best Time to Visit: December to March
Tour Cost: INR 5300
Suggested Read: 10 Pondicherry Beach Hotels For A Peaceful Stay
31. Roof Garden Cafe – Memorable Things To See In Pondicherry
Located in the vicinity of Rock Beach, Roof Garden Cafe has an open area where you can cherish some really mouth-watering North Indian dishes along with a jaw-dropping beach view. Head directly to the rooftop facing the beach, and grab a chance to enjoy the spectacular view of the promenade while sipping your favorite beer. Visiting this café is one of the famous things to do in Pondicherry.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Location: Ajantha Sea View, 50, Goubert Avenue
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32. Golden Bridge Pottery Centre – Clay Modelling
Head towards Golden Bridge Pottery Centre, and get ready to cultivate your creativity while trying hands at pottery-making. If you are an art lover, then a visit to this pottery centre is something you can’t give a miss. Famed for bringing a revolution to the art of ceramics and pottery making, Golden Bridge Centre provides you with an opportunity to learn the basics of clay modeling, which is quite a fun activity to indulge in.
Best Time to Visit: September to March
Location: 56 Thottakkal Main Road Mudaliarpet, JVS Nagar, Karamanikuppam, Puducherry, 605005
33. Visit Cluny Embroidery Centre – Art And More
Let the shopaholic in you indulge in an altogether a different experience with a visit to CLuny Embroidery Centre. Narrating a captivating story of hope and human survival, this centre, run by Catholic nuns, provides an employment opportunity to helpless women of the region while training them at embroidery. Come here to explore their range of embroidered items, such as bedsheets, napkins, table cloths, etc. and we bet, you won’t leave the place without buying a few souvenirs that would remind you of a wonderful time spent there.
Timings: 8:30 AM to 12 PM & 2 PM to 5 PM
Location: White Town, Pondicherry
34. Saram China Market – Go Shopping
If you are looking for cheap and quality chinese goods, then you must visit this market. Strolling in the market is one of the most relaxing and at the same time exciting things to do in Pondicherry. Do not forget to bargain and buy as much as you can from for a fair deal and a heartwarming experience.
Timings: 9:30am – 9:30pm
Location: Puducherry Road, Naveena Garden, Brindavanam, Puducherry 605013, India
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35. Old Lighthouse – Relax
One of the most relaxing things to do in Pondicherry is sitting along the old lighthouse. The lighthouse was built by French Engineer L. Guerre in the year 1836. The lighthouse used to guide the mariners in the red hills. The structure of the lighthouse is very important to the history of the place. You can marvel at the picturesque views that are offered by its surroundings.
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36. Pondicherry – Dinner Cruise
One of the best things to do in Pondicherry is Cruising that comes with a mouth-watering dinner that you just cannot skip! The cruise sails on the seas near Pondicherry and there is everything on board. You can have parties onboard as there is a music system and drinks. Enjoy the delicious dishes offered on deck. Also, you can have a romantic cruise dinner with your partner.
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37. Pondicherry – Yachting
One of the best activities in Pondicherry is yachting. Let us tell you, the city is filled with such amazing things to do that will leave your jaw-dropped! Sail on the waters of Pondicherry and you will be enthralled like never before. And the activity is not only adventurous but also luxurious as the yacht is equipped with all the luxuries.
Location: Promenade Beach
Best time to visit: September to January
Price: Starting From INR 1750
38. Casablanca – Shopping
Shopping is something that has no end. No matter how many markets you have explored or shopped at! You will still want to explore more if you get to know there are more places to shop. Casablanca is a little mall cum boutique that offers everything from trendy clothes to souvenirs that you would love to take back home. Shopping at Casablanca is literally one of the top things to do in Pondicherry.
Location: 165, Mission St, Heritage Town
39. Pubs & Bars – Enjoy The Nightlife
One of the best things to do in Pondicherry is having a taste of the nightlife of this amazing city. The experience is commendable and you must try the pubs and lounges of Pondicherry. Some of the best places to enjoy the nightlife are Zero House, Asta, Paradise Lounge, Bamboo bar and more. Bring out the party animal in you and enjoy it like it’s the last day.
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Suggested Read: 11 Top Homestays In Pondicherry For An Unforgettable Holiday
40. Savour The Local Cuisine – Scrumptious Delicacies
You cannot afford to leave the beautiful city of Pondicherry without tasting the delicious food it offers. You will get to have a great variety of dishes like European, South Indian, French and more. Some of the best places where you can try the mouth-watering dishes are Surguru, Le Cafe, Mango Hill, La Pasta and more.
Best Season To Visit Pondicherry
Pre-winter and winter, starting October to February, is comfortable and the best season to visit Pondicherry. October and November may have torrential rain sometimes due to retreating monsoon but otherwise it is the perfect time to plan a trip to Pondicherry. The temperature never drops below 17 degree Celsius. This season is ideal for sightseeing in Pondicherry as well as for water and beach activities. Light woolens are preferred. One must not visit during Monsoons if they wish to indulge in water sports in Pondicherry.
July to September being the monsoon season is a good time to visit the town to experience the lush-green landscape. Also, during the August month you can be a part of the grand birthday celebration of Sri Aurobindo. March to June is pretty hot and therefore not a great time to enjoy sightseeing activities or water activity for that matter.
How To Reach Pondicherry
By Road: Pondicherry lies on NH45. Chennai (150 km from Pondicherry) and Bangalore (320 km from Pondicherry) are the nearest metros
By Bus: Buses to Pondicherry are available frequently from some of the major nearby cities, including Chennai, Thanjavur, Trichy, Coimbatore, Bangalore, and Madurai
By Train: Nearest Railway Station is Villupuram (35 km from Pondicherry); well connected to cities like New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, and Trivandrum
By Air: Puducherry Airport is a domestic airport in Lawspet district of Pondicherry. It has regular flights from Bangalore. Chennai Airport (135 km from Pondicherry) is the nearest international airport.
Further Read: 101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30 in 2022
Now that you know when to go and how to go to the French colonial settlement, here comes the comprehensive ready reckoner for things to do in Pondicherry. With these 33 amazing must-try activities in Pondicherry, your trip to the French colonial land is sure to be an exciting affair. So, plan a trip to Pondicherry to explore the place and share your experiences with us. And if you know of any more exciting things to do here, let us know in the comments section below.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Pondicherry
Is it safe to visit Pondicherry amidst the Covid-19 pandemic?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to visit these places as the place has a relatively low number of cases. But don’t take our word for it: check up on the latest travel advisory, Covid-19 measures, and the number of cases before your departure. It is safer to undertake solo travel or with a small group of people to somewhere that is not overly crowded at the moment.
What are the exciting things to do in Pondicherry on New Year?
Pondicherry is loaded with upmarket restaurants, lounges, clubs, and hotels that host New Year parties and fiestas on every New Year eve. You can spend the night at many of the popular clubs and concerts with renowned DJs playing hit numbers. There are many hotels and event halls in Pondicherry that host grand New Year eve parties and give out special discounts on food and liquor for the evening. For a quiet New Year celebration, you can head out to any of the beaches and witness a sky illuminated with colorful fireworks once the clock strikes twelve.
What are the things to do in Pondicherry with friends?
You and your friends can indulge in a plethora of activities when in Pondicherry. You can go for surfing at Serenity Beach, scuba diving, ride bicycles across the town, explore the French architecture on foot, hit the many chic cafes and restaurants, go on a boat ride to Paradise Island, try watersports at Karaikal Beach, and enjoy the nightlife near Promenade Beach.
What is the best time to go to Pondicherry?
The time between October to February is perfect for visiting Pondicherry for various activities like sightseeing and indulging in watersports. The temperature during this time doesn’t go below 17 degree Celsius here.
What is Pondicherry famous for?
Pondicherry is famous for its colonial architecture, a mix of French and Tamilian culture and heritage, and its gorgeous beaches. It is also known for its cosy and cute cafes and chic boutiques.
What should I buy in Pondicherry?
One can buy things like incense sticks, aromatic candles, essential oils, handmade paper articles, Tamilian handicrafts, cotton dresses, and metal articles while shopping in Pondicherry.
What should I wear in Pondicherry?
One should wear light cotton clothes in Pondicherry and carry a scarf or hat to shield themselves from the blazing sun. When visiting Aurobindo Ashram, make sure to dress respectfully.
Is Pondicherry safe?
Yes, Pondicherry is completely safe from visitors and the government ensures comfortable and safe environment here.
Which is the cleanest beach in Pondicherry?
Paradise Beach is the cleanest and the most serene beach in Pondicherry. It is known for several water activities as well.
Which is the best club in Pondicherry?
Cercle de Pondicherry, Old Harbor, Dragon Boys, etc. are the most popular clubs in Pondicherry and are worth-visiting.
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