Formerly known as Pondicherry, the French Riviera of India is all about sun, sand, and spirituality. Since it was a French stronghold from the 15th century until the mid-20th century, remnants of colonial architecture have an abiding presence in its cobbled streets. From pristine beaches and blissful ashrams to age-old temples and cathedrals to lip-smacking French cuisine and lovely walkways, Puducherry is a sheer delight for the discerning traveller. Here are the most popular places to visit in Puducherry. By Karan Kaushik
Places To Visit In Puducherry
Beaches
Promenade Beach
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Also known as Rock Beach, this beach is the centre of all action in Puducherry. Most people arrive here to catch stunning sunrises and sunsets. You’d come across locals taking their morning walks or cycling at the promenade, which features an impressive statue of Mahatma Gandhi. The beach is lined with swaying palms and bright yellow and grey colonial buildings.
Paradise Beach
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Paradise Beach is also known as Plage Paradiso. The beach is famous for its water sports and thick mangroves. The beach is located near Chunnambar town and boasts unparalleled charm and picturesque beauty. From playing your favourite beach sports to enjoying local cuisine at the many shacks that dot it, the beach is a perfect tourist spot, to say the least.
Serenity beach
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This lesser-explored beach can be visited on the way to Auroville. Popular among surfing enthusiasts, this beach was earlier known as Thanthirayan Kuppam beach or Kottakuppam beach. There’s a local market here, which sells handicrafts, candles, jewellery, spices, apparel, and more.
Churches
Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges
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Also known as Our Lady of Angels Church, Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges dates back to 1855, which makes it the fourth oldest church in Puducherry. Designed by architect Louis Guerre and built by Napolean III in 1855, the church is a fine specimen of Greco-Roman architecture. It is also the only church in Puducherry, where mass is offered in French, Tamil, and English.
The Sacred Heart Basilica
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The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is over a hundred years old. Situated on the South boulevard of Puducherry, the cathedral stands as a fine specimen of Gothic architecture. It is one of the most beautiful churches in the union territory. A visit to the cathedral will take you back to Puducherry’s colonial past. The church is known for its beautiful glass stained windows which depict chapters from the life of Jesus Christ.
Immaculate Conception Cathedral
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The Immaculate Conception Cathedral is more than 300 years old which makes it one of the oldest sites in Puducherry. Also known as Samba Kovil or Saint Paul’s Kovil (Kovil means Church), it is the cathedral mother church for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Puducherry and Cuddalore.
Ashrams, temples, and more
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
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One of the most-flocked attractions in Puducherry, Sri Aurobindo Ashram is the peaceful erstwhile home and ashram of philosophers, Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa (known as The Mother). You’ll also come across their flower-draped samadhis in the courtyard. Founded in 1926, this is where the two spiritual gurus lived and spread ideas of higher spiritual consciousness. Books on the philosophy of the ashram, in international and regional languages, are available here to buy.
Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple
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One of the most fascinating experiences one can have in Puducherry is seeking blessings from the famous elephant at the Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, this temple is one of the most ancient temples in Puducherry and offers a peaceful experience. The temple has been designed in the traditional Dravidian style of architecture and boasts stunning frescoes, stucco figurines, and friezes of vibrant colours.
French War Memorial
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Located right across the promenade, the French war memorial stands as a tribute to the brave residents of French India, who died fighting for the country in the First World War. The memorial stands opposite the iconic statue of Mahatma Gandhi.
Bharathi Park
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The iconic Bharathi Park stands in the heart of Puducherry on the Rue Saint Gilles Street in White Town. Most tourists come here to take a break from the touristy stuff and enjoy a lovely picnic with their loved ones. The park is known for its historical monument called Aayi Mandapan, which stands at its centre. From the park, you may also visit Raj Nivas, Ashram Dining Room, Romain Rolland library, and the Cercle de Pondichéry private club
Botanical Garden
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This beautiful garden was established in 1826 with the aim to study the effect of Puducherry’s climate on various plants. Today, the park serves as a great way to unwind in the lap of Nature and get a much-needed respite from the scorching heat. The garden is dotted with over 1500 varieties of plants, which have been segregated into 30 categories. The main highlight here is the array of massive trees and fossil plants. Nature lovers will love exploring the park and its exotic plant species, including a few endangered ones.
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Pondicherry Museum
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This may come as a surprise to most but Puducherry also has a fantastic museum. On display here are beads and coins from the Roman-era, which were excavated at Arikamedu. Then there are Chola bronzes and old vehicles such as the pousse-pousse, and artefacts from the times of erstwhile French governor Joseph Francois Dupleix.
Detour to Auroville
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Any trip to Puducherry is incomplete without a quick detour to Auroville. This beautifully planned township was set up in 1968 as a place where men and women from all nationalities could live in peace and harmony. The prime attraction here is the spherical, gold-coloured Matrimandir. Its dome embodies the teachings of The Mother and Sri Aurobindo.
The lotus-bud-shaped marble structure stores soil from 124 countries and 23 Indian states, a symbolic gesture of Aurovillean unity. The short walking route to Matrimandir from the Information Centre is dotted with an open exhibition, herbal garden, a coffee shop, and pavilions to meditate in. The Great Banyan Tree of Auroville is also a major highlight.
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