Top 10 Places To Visit In Pondicherry
The capital city of the Union Territory of Puducherry, Pondicherry is a former French colony and is among the top tourist spots in South India. The town’s coastal location was a French colony from 1954 to the present and is still home to many historic buildings including churches, statues, and churches. Find the current location pin code.
The town-planning system that was developed was implemented by The French and is frequently referred to as “the Europe of India because of the town’s plan. Though it’s a small town it is a fascinating mixture of Indian as well as French colonial past as well as a variety of tourist spots.
Pondicherry Travel
Here’s a list of the top 10 tourist spots within Pondicherry:
1. Sri Aurobindo Ashram
A spiritual community was established in Pondicherry in the name of the Sri Aurobindo Ghosh on the 24th of November 1926. The ashram has since grown into one of the top places for travelers or spiritual seekers. The principal goals and values that the Ashrams have are based upon the principles from Sri Aurobindo along with Mira Alfassa. Check what is my zip code and find the zip code of the location you want.
The ashram has libraries, offices and playgrounds, a printing press and art gallery, a nursing home/dispensary, dairy, guest houses, a farms bakery, and so on. The principal building of the ashram is the marble Samadhi which is the final resting location in the lives of Sri Aurobindo as well as Mira Alfassa. The hours of entry are 8 am until 12 noon and 2 pm until 6 pm.
2. Auroville
Its name means ‘ The City of Dawn’ is a township that lies eight kilometers away far from Pondicherry. It was created in the year 1968 in the year 1968 by Aurobindo and Mira Alfassa. Aurobindo as well as Mira Alfassa was designed by the French architect Roger Anger. The concept was to build an international town where people from across the globe could be able to live peacefully and in harmony regardless of color, caste, and nationality.
In the ceremony of inauguration, soil from approximately 124 was deposited in a lotus-shaped vase to symbolize the thought that drove the creation of the township. The town’s middle is decorated with a temple that is a symbol of the universal mother, and is known as “Matrimandir’. The current population is 2,007 people living in the town of over 44 nations.
3. Immaculate Conception Cathedral
Consecrated in 1791. The 300-year-old church was the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Cuddalore. It is the Immaculate Conception Cathedral that we see today was constructed in the same spot in which three churches were built prior to when the French occupation of Pondicherry.
The construction began in 1791, and subsequent improvements were made to the structure until 1987. The church’s feast is held on the 8th day of December each year. This church also received visits from Mother Teresa and is one of the oldest churches in Puducherry. It is also known to the people of the area as “Samba Kovil’.
4. Promenade Beach
Around 1.5 lengths about 1.5 meters, the Promenade Beach is considered to be one of the most popular beaches located in Puducherry. The promenade beach is distinguished by numerous landmarks and monuments like those of Joan of Arc, the Heritage town hall, the Dupleix statue, the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and the old lighthouse, and many more.
If you’re looking for a serene and charming spot for an evening walk, this is the spot you should be. The ocean breeze, as well as the sights and sounds, can be a great way to relax for your time. The beach is an excellent excursion that is free of the bustle of city streets. There’s also an established tourist center where you can find out more details on Pondicherry.
5. Ousteri Wetland and National Park
Located on the Pondicherry-Villuppuram road at a distance of 10 kilometers from the town of Pondicherry, the Ousteri Wetland and National Park cover an area of around 3.9 sq kilometers. Geographically, it is situated in the territories of Puducherry along with Tamil Nadu. The area is home to an enormous range of avifauna as well as aqua-fauna.
The area is frequented by a variety of tourists due to the services provided by the houseboat in the area. The diverse varieties of plants and trees in the area attract a lot of birds that migrate to the region. It is now a major ecological area located in the south Indian region. The diverse species of birds and aquatics present here are ideal locations for photographers and must be a destination for shutterbugs.
6. Basilica Of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus
It is situated on the south boulevard situated at the south boulevard. The Basilica Of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus was dedicated on the 17th of December 1907. Moreover, it is a stunning representation of Gothic architecture. And it is now the most popular pilgrimage site for Christians throughout India. The structure of the church measures 50 meters in length as well as 48 meters wide. It is 18 meters tall. It is supported by 24 columns.
The windows are decorated with stained glass images featuring 28 holy saints who remained devoted to the holy center of Jesus. The church’s premise also includes the grotto of the Lady of Lourdes as well as a parish hall and a chapel of adoration. The church was completely renovated and refurbished in 2005, giving it the current appearance with the only physical modifications made to the building.
7. Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple
Located on M.G. Road, Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple is thought to be the most ancient Hindu temple located in Pondicherry and is believed to date back to the year 600. The temple is constructed in Dravidian design as seen by its sculpted pillars as well as the brightly colored gopuram. Adorned with sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses. It is dedicated to Sri Varadaraja Perumal, an embodiment of Lord Vishnu.
According to legends from the area, the temple was initially intended to house the gods of Lord Rama, Lakshamana, Sita, and Lord Hanuman that were taken from the sea by local fishermen. In the back of the temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Narsimha who is a different incarnation from Lord Vishnu. This temple has become a renowned site of pilgrimage for Hindus in Pondicherry and South India.
8. Botanical Garden
It is situated south of the brand new bus stop located in Pondicherry It is situated south of the new bus stand in Pondicherry. The Botanical Garden was established in 1826. It’s a good illustration of the French impact on Pondicherry. The design of the gate helps the entire place stand out in its Tamil town setting.
The gate was initially laid out in the typical French garden style. Featuring the paths lined with gravel, the pruned trees, and fountains. It is home to many kinds of exotic plants and plants from all over the globe. The park was transformed into a plant garden back in 1931, by the French botanist and the horticulturist George S. Perrottet. The garden also houses an enchanting fountain that plays two performances in the evenings on weekends.
9. French War Memorial
The monument is located on Goubert Avenue The French War Memorial was constructed in 1971 to pay tribute to the sacrifice of brave French soldiers who died in the First World War. Each year, during Bastille Day (July 14th) the memorial is lit and is a tribute to the fallen soldiers. It’s a must-see spot for tourists, particularly during Bastille Day as the commemoration ceremony is an amazing view to see and is a delightful experience.
10. Pondicherry Museum
The museum is located in Bharathi Park, which is situated in the middle of town. Pondicherry Museum is home to a variety of sculptures as well as other archeological discoveries from the Arikamedu settlement. Which was an ancient port located 7 kilometers away from the city.
It also has the many unique bronze sculptures and statues belonging to the Chola as well as the Pallava dynasties. You can also gain detailed details about the past as well as French colonial details at the museum. The collection of snail shells temple lamps, snail shells. And other items of handicrafts are displayed at this museum and are worth a visit.
Pondicherry is an ideal weekend getaway for the cities around it, Chennai in India, and Bangalore. The reason for this is the low taxes on alcohol, which makes alcohol drinks less expensive in Pondicherry. But the tourist destinations located in Pondicherry are unmissable on any tourist’s itinerary.
