Top 8 Places to visit in Pondicherry
Pondicherry is a union territory in India. This beautiful location is one of the well-known tourist destinations in the nation because of its rich cultural history and beautiful architecture. Pondicherry, a former French colony, still has remains of the past in its architecture and population. Hundreds of tourists visit Pondicherry every year. In addition to being visually beautiful, Pondicherry’s tourist attractions provide an escape from the busyness of city life. Along with its many tourist attractions, there are many beautiful hostels in Pondicherry that provide a pleasant and relaxing stay for visitors. There are a lot of places to see in Pondicherry like:
- Sri Aurobindo Ashram: One of Pondicherry’s most popular destinations is Sri Aurobindo Ashram. It is a spiritual place. The ashram was constructed in the mid-20th century. The ashram is visited by devotees from all over the world who come to see the resting place of Sri Aurobindo. This place is a centre for spirituality. There are open meditation sessions held there regularly. By reserving coupons one day in advance, one can take advantage of their canteen’s three meals a day at incredibly low costs. You will be fascinated and inspired to learn about Sri Aurobindo’s life by the ashram’s peaceful atmosphere. This ashram welcomes everyone, one can visit here from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
- Auroville: Auroville was founded by Mirra Alfassa, or the Mother in 1968. The meaning of the name Auroville is ‘the city of Dawn’. Auroville, which covers several hundred kilometres, began as an experimental township in the centre of Pondicherry. This township has become od of the top tourist spots in Pondicherry. Roger Anger created the beautiful Matrimandir in the township’s centre which is a stunning example of modern architecture. With permission, you are welcome to explore the chambers in the Matrimandir devoted to helping people discover their inner selves.
- The Sacred Heart Basilica: The Sacred Heart Basilica is also known as the Parent church for the Pondicherry and Cuddalore Catholic diocese. Inspired by Europe’s Gothic revival architectural movement, the church was constructed in the 1900s. It is one of Pondicherry’s many Christian religious locations. The church is one of Pondicherry’s most attractive tourist destinations because of its French architecture and rich pink exterior. Christians from all over India and beyond come here for prayer and to see this beauty. You can spend hours alone praying to God or just admiring the architecture in this place because of the high ceilings and elaborate glass paintings that create a very calming atmosphere. One can explore the church and discover some incredible details about how it was built.
- Promenade Beach: Promenade Beach is also known as Pondicherry Promenade as it is a seaside walkway that extends for several kilometres. Beautiful views of the Bay of Bengal can be seen from the paved shores of the beach. The path starts from the War Memorial and ends at Dupleix Park. Enjoying the beauty of the beach one can stroll along the path and find the local restaurants and shops. Although you can’t swim on the beach, you can still enjoy the lovely view by sitting or lying down along the shore.
- Rock Beach: Rock Beach is a part of the promenade beach, which is not reachable by car. Huge rocks completely block this section of the beach from the shore. To get to the sea one must walk across these randomly placed rocks. Swimming is not allowed here because of the unpredictable depth of the sea in certain areas. But you can sit by the rocks and take in the beach’s beauty from a distance. In addition, one can enjoy mouthwatering street food from the nearby shops while enjoying the sounds of the waves. Sunset at Rock Beach is also a one-of-a-kind experience.
- French Colony: In the city of Pondicherry lies the charming and gorgeous French Colony neighbourhood. It is also known as White Town or The French Quarter. It has been a very famous tourist attraction. The French Colony attracts a lot of tourists who are drawn to its incredible natural beauty. Most of the structures in this area are in French style and they were formerly the former homes of French colonists. That’s why the buildings of this area remind you of French towns and villages. You can also explore the stores and cafes in this area for some real French cuisine. Photographers will love this location for taking incredible pictures.
- Paradise Beach: Paradise Beach is perfect for having fun. As the sand of this beach is softer than Auroville beach. The sand is golden and silvery, and the water is a true blue making the beach truly paradise. It’s also the best spot for beach sports like volleyball because of the wide and empty coasts. One can enjoy a quick picnic with local foods or a refreshing swim in the sea. Kids will also love to create sandcastles and explore the beach for seashells. Photographers will love using this almost empty beach to capture some amazing sunset shots.
- Local Restaurants: One of the main attractions for visitors to Pondicherry is the local food. A visit to Pondicherry is incomplete without a nice meal from the city’s well-known restaurants. Many restaurants serve delicious food, and you can find a variety of coastal cuisines as well as French or continental cuisines. For foodies, the most well-known restaurants in the area are Villa Shanti, Les Saveurs, Escape In, Multi Cuisine, Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant, Celine’s Kitchen, Sea View Restaurant, Bay of Buddha, Sky Garden Best Rooftop Restaurant in Pondicherry and many more. You’ll feel fulfilled by the atmosphere and food at these incredible cafes.
In conclusion, the lovely city of Pondicherry offers a unique experience of both the French and Indian cultures. A safe and comfortable stay is guaranteed in hostels in Pondicherry so that there is no problem for tourists. One will have an authentic and adventurous experience here. Therefore, one must visit Pondicherry at least once in their life.