12 Things to do in Pondicherry for an Unforgettable Trip

Pondicherry, commonly known as Puducherry is a very beautiful coastal town located in South India, famous for its mix of French and Indian culture. It includes serene beaches, colonial architecture, and vibrant streets which make this destination perfectly fit for travellers. A trip to Pondicherry is full of relaxation and adventure, as there are plenty of things to do in Pondicherry. Let’s have a look at the blog guide and explore the best experiences of this lovely vibrant town.

12 Best Things to Do in Pondicherry

Here’s a list of 12 best things to do in Pondicherry. Let’s have a broader look into it:

1. Explore the French Quarter
2. Relax at Promenade Beach
3. Explore Serenity Beach
4. Hop to Auroville
5. Enjoy Water Sports at Paradise Beach
6. Spiritual Aura at Sri Aurobindo Ashram
7. Discover the Pondicherry Museum
8. Visit to Botanical Garden
9. Boat Ride at Chunnambar Backwaters
10. Adventure fun at Karaikal Beach
11. Shopping at Goubert Market
12. Enjoy Nightlife at Asta

Explore the French Quarter

French Quarter, also termed as White Town is one of the best things to do in Pondicherry. Enjoy the picturesque streets with old colonial buildings, vibrant colorful houses, and beautiful blooming bougainvillea. There are popular landmarks like the French Consulate, Raj Niwas, and beautiful churches. Enjoy a sip of coffee with the aesthetic look of cafes and charming ambiance.

Location	White Town, Pondicherry
Entry Fees	Free of cost
Opening Hours	Open all day

Suggested Read: All About Pondicherry

Relax at Promenade Beach

Promenade Beach is one of the most popular spot for tourists. It is a long stretch of rocky beach and is perfect for a leisurely walk, jogging, or simply chilling and relaxing by the seaside enjoying the waves. The key highlight of this place is the beautiful sunrise and magnificent sunset. Aside from the beach, you’ll find statues of Gandhi and Joan of Arc, a symbol of the historic War Memorial.

Location	Beach Road, Pondicherry
Entry Fees	Free of cost
Opening Hours	Open all day

Explore Serenity Beach

Serenity Beach is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. One of the great places to relax, sunbathe, and also enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Serenity beach is popular for surfing, if you are a beginner then worry not, it has several surfing schools offering lessons for beginners. Exploring Serenity Beach is one of the must-do things in Pondi.

Location	Serenity Beach Road, Pondicherry
Entry Fees	Free of cost
Opening Hours	Open all day

Hop to Auroville

Auroville is located near Pondicherry, an experimental unique township. It was founded in 1968, so basically it’s a place where people from different nationalities live together in harmony. The centrepiece of Auroville is Matrimandir, a golden spherical structure and a symbol of spiritual significance. Exploring the beauty of Auroville and its vision is one of the most enriching things to do in Pondicherry.

Location	Auroville, Tamil Nadu
Entry Fees	Free of cost
Opening Hours	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Enjoy Water Sports at Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach, commonly known as Plage Paradiso, is one of the most beautiful beaches accessible by a short ferry ride. This beach is an ideal spot for water sports such as kayaking, jet skiing, and boating. The golden sands and tranquil water makes it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Pondicherry.

Location	Chunnambar Boat House, Pondicherry
Entry Fees	Ferry charges apply
Opening Hours	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

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Spiritual Aura at Sri Aurobindo Ashram

One of the most famous ashrams is Sri Aurobindo Ashram, it attracts visitors from all over the world. It was founded by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, this ashram is a place of spirituality and meditation. Surrounded by a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful gardens makes it a wonderful retreat.

Location	Marine Street, Pondicherry
Entry Fees	Free of cost
Opening Hours	8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Discover the Pondicherry Museum

Pondicherry Museum is a treasure trove of artifacts from the colonial era and earlier periods. This museum showcases French colonial furniture, archaeological findings from the Arikamedu Roman, and bronze sculptures. This is the most fascinating place to learn about the rich history and heritage of Pondicherry.

Location	St. Louis Street, Pondicherry
Entry Fees	Rs. 15 for adults and Rs 5 for children
Opening Hours	10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)

Visit to Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden established in 1826 is a green oasis filled with diverse flora. This garden is home to rare plant species, a musical fountain, and a small aquarium. It is a great place to have a relaxing afternoon in mid of nature.

Location	Marimalai Adigal Salai, Pondicherry
Entry Fees	Rs 20 for adults, and Rs 10 for children
Opening Hours	10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

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Boat Ride at Chunnambar Backwaters

Chunnambar Backwaters is one of the popular spots for boat rides, located just outside Pondicherry. The boat ride will take you to Paradise Beach, which is a plus adventure. Apart from boat rides, one can enjoy serene waters, lush greenery, and migrating birds, making it a very delightful experience.

Location	Chunnambar Boat House, Pondicherry
Entry Fees	Boat ride charges apply
Opening Hours	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Adventure fun at Karaikal Beach

Karaikal Beach is popular for its calm waters and a variety of water sports. Travellers can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and beach volleyball. The beach also has a children’s park with boating club, perfect things to do in Pondicherry for family outing.

Location	Karaikal, Pondicherry
Entry Fees	Free of cost
Opening Hours	Open all day

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Shopping at Goubert Market

It is a bustling market where one can experience the local life of Pondicherry. This market offers a variety of items such as local handicrafts and artefacts. It is one of the great places to shop for souvenirs and to try local cuisine.

Location	Mahatma Gandhi Road, Pondicherry
Entry Fees	Free of cost
Opening Hours	Open all day

Enjoy Nightlife at Asta

One of the best places in Pondicherry to experience nightlife is Asta- The Spirited Lounge. With its lively atmosphere, great music, and delicious drinks, it’s a perfect place to unwind hand have fun with friends. Enjoying the nightlife here is among the top things to do in Pondicherry.

Location	MG Road, Pondicherry
Entry Fees	As per menu
Opening Hours	7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

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Conclusion

Pondicherry offers a wide range of activities and attractions which will cater to every type of traveller. Either you are exploring the charming French Quarter, or relaxing on the serene beaches, enjoying the vibrant nightlife, there’s always something exciting to explore in this beautiful coastal town. Book your Pondicherry trip from TripzyGo and indulge yourself in the magic of Pondicherry. You’ll find endless beauty and historical sites with various things to do in Pondicherry that will make your visit truly memorable.