Planning a 2-Day Trip to Pondicherry? Here is a Complete Travel Guide for the Must-Visit Places During Your Trip (2019)

Do you know that Pondicherry is famous for its history? We will tell you about some unknown facts about the state. Different dynasties and countries ruled over this state and the state evolved. When the French ruled over, it started attracting other countries like Dutch, British, and Portuguese which converted it into a robust commercial hub.

The history of Pondicherry is divided into three different eras: 1) Ancient era, 2) Medieval era, and 3) Modern era. Each period has its fascinating facts about the Pondicherry.

During the Ancient era, the state was ruled by the Pallava Dynasty from fourth to tenth century. A very wise saint named Agastya who established his ashram in the region of Vedhapuriswara Temple is located in Pondicherry. Also, some Roman manuscripts show that Pondicherry was a key trade center of the eastern coast of India in the early 7th Century.

Now let’s talk about the Medieval period (11th century to 15th century) of the history of Pondicherry. After the ancient area, the medieval period began, which resulted in the rise and fall of the various kingdoms. Historians say that the Pallavas had many conflicts with Cholas and Pandyas which resulted in favour of Cholas. Cholas became the first among the rulers who ruled over the area in the medieval period. After the Cholas, the Pandyas ruled from the 13th to 15th century of this era. Apart from Cholas and Pandyas, the Sultan of Bijapur, the Muslim emperor was also a ruler of this region.

The modern era began with the ruling of the Sultan of Bijapur in the early 17th century. Soon foreign nations also began to take an interest in the riches of Pondicherry. The territory was the main focus among the traders, and it has been the center-point of marine activities. Among Dutch, French, Danes, and Portuguese, the Portuguese were the first who started establishing their colonies over the state. Soon after them, the other traders like Dutch, Danes, and French also did the same until the British took over them.

The French left their imprints on the state in terms of architecture and art through many Churches. Here are exciting places to visit that are going to capture your interest.

Pondicherry offers a wide range of tourist destinations and is among the top places to visit in South India. It’s spectacular architecture, French colonies, the traditional and modern arts influence the visitors and make them fall in love with the state. It is also known as the French capital of India, from the contemporary era and the ruling period of French.

You must include these places in your bucket-list while exploring and planning the visit to Pondicherry. This 2-day course is going to help you plan your trip perfectly.

The Manakula Vinaynagar Temple is a well-known pilgrimage site in the south part of the country. Start your visit with a visit to this glorious Hindu temple which consists of the sculptures of Lord Ganesha. Numerous invaders wanted to break down this temple, but due to the influence of Marathas, they couldn’t fulfill their intentions. This beautiful place can be covered within 2-3 hours and is located in Manakula Vinayagar Koil St, White Town, Puducherry, The visiting hours are 5:45 AM to 12:30 PM in the morning and the evening from 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM.

Address: Manakula Vinayagar Koil St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001
Contact: 0413 233 6544
Website: http://www.manakulavinayagartemple.com/

Another must-visit destination of Pondicherry is Sri Aurobindo Ashram. It is said that this ashram was the principal residence of the Indian freedom fighter Sri Aurobindo. The place is full of peace and composure and is the perfect place to obtain self-introspection if someone is looking for spirituality. Visiting hours are from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Address: Near Junction of Manakula Vinayagar No. 9 Marine Street, Manakula Vinayagar Koil St, Near Junction of, Puducherry, 605002
Contact: 0413 223 3604
Website: http://www.sriaurobindoashram.org/

While exploring Pondicherry, you must visit the famous buildings in the state. Raj Niwas which is the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor. The building looks stunning from the outside. People who visit Pondicherry, they never forget about Raj Niwas. The historical background of Raj Niwas is fascinating. It was once the residence of French royals during the colonial rule. The building is located in the Government Park, and few of its parts are open for public visiting. It is another essential place to visit as it defines the rich culture and tradition of Pondicherry. There are specific timings for the public view, from 12 PM to 6:30 PM.

Address: Ranga Pillai St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001
Website: http://www.pondytourism.in/

The name states the nature of the place; it’s a paradise for those who are looking for fun. Boating is the most beautiful part of the beach where you can take a round of the whole beach in the blue-golden sense of water. The sand is very soft and a perfect play-space for sports lovers. The sports activities here are hard to resist. The ultimate fact about this place is there are no specific opening hours of this place.

For those who seek fun and adventure can explore and can take as many photographs with the beauty of the paradise beach. You can cover up this beach in 1-2 hours only. It is located 8km away from Pondicherry. You can reach this place from a houseboat or a river cruise.

Website: http://www.transindiatravels.com/pondicherry/paradise-beach/

The lighthouse manifests the French beauty that was built by the French rulers in the 19th century. The Old lighthouse signifies the place where it was the only guide for the ships passing by in the ocean. The perfect place for photography for those who have an interest in archaeology and historical monuments.
It is located around the Rock Beach in White town, Pondicherry. The place stays open between 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Address: 23, Goubert Ave, White Town, Puducherry, 605001
Website: http://www.pondytourism.in/

After exploring the unforgettable beauty of Pondicherry, there is more to know about the state on the second day of your trip.

This is one of the best places to explore in the territory. The area is also famous by the name of Parent Church for Catholic diocese for Pondicherry and Cuddalore. The structure is 50 meters long and 48 meters wide and 18 meters high, held with 24 columns. It is located in the South boulevard. The religious place was sanctified on 17th December 1907 as the sacred heart of Jesus. You can visit the church from 7 AM to 6:30 PM every day except on Sundays.

Address: Door No, 132, South Boulevard, Near Railway Station, MG Road Area, Puducherry, 605001
Contact: 0413 222 8916
Website: http://sacredheartbasilica.org/

An excellent place for fun lovers and for the people who are looking for a picnic and camping site. The place is covered with nature consisting of greenery and water scenes. The beautiful scenery will amaze you to the extent of romance. If you are on a romantic trip or honeymoon, then this is the must-visit place for you both. The electrifying and fantastic boat riding is the best activity to perform here. The best time to visit the Chunnambar Boathouse is between September to March.

Address: National Highway 45A | Near Water Sports Complex, Nonankuppam, Pondicherry, India
Website: https://www.trawell.in/pondicherry/pondicherry/chunnambar-boat-house

Now when it comes to leisure, how can you miss shopping? The shopping sense is fantastic in the shops of Pondy Bazaar. For those who always look for masterpieces for their home décor in the form of handcrafts, metal wares, gold and silver jewelry, they can find mesmerizing handcrafted material and showpieces for their houses. Handicrafts made of bamboos are another specialty of the Pondy Bazaar. You can also witness the jewelry makers and can analyze the making of sparkling jewelry pieces. The market is located in the T-Market of the state.

Address- Raja Theatre, No. 36, Kamaraj Salai, Ilango Nagar, Puducherry, 605013
Contact- 094430 84853
Website- https://traveltriangle.com/blog/shopping-in-pondicherry/

If you are to visit Pondicherry then how can you forget about the beaches here? There are total 8 top beaches that are famous among tourists. Auroville Beach, is one of the best and among tourist's favourite beaches of the state. The beach is famous for its seashells, clear and transparent blue water just like a crystal or a diamond. It is the ultimate place for swimming and surfing, ideal for novices and professionals. You can take a clear night view of sparkling Pondicherry Lighthouse.

Website: http://www.pondytourism.in/

Another essential place to explore French architecture. The very famous botanical garden offers the perfect aura of flowers and greenery for those who get tired from all-day sightseeing and want a refreshment. The park is ideal for a picnic with family and kids. The fun part is also available for kids in terms of train rides, the immense flow of fountains and flowerbeds to obtain a sweet fragrance of the flowers.

Apart from the fun part, there is more to gain knowledge about the vast collection of plants around different parts of the world in the garden. Also important is the musical fountain show which happens every weekend. Whether you love to attain information about the botanical stuff or want to gain freshness, the place is all yours. You can visit here anytime between 9 AM to 6 PM.

Address- Marimalai, Maraimalai Adigal Salai, Near Anna Statue, Orleanpet, Puducherry.
Website- http://www.transindiatravels.com/pondicherry/botanical-garden/

This impeccable eye-catching lake is one of the most important places for tourism in Pondicherry. This is the first-century human-made lake in India and influences the tourists who looks for freshwater. This stand-alone attraction is famous for its complex structure consisting of wetlands/sand and freshwater. This beautiful attraction is the hot-spot of the migrating birds that live near the Ousteri Lake. You will find the different species of the birds from different parts of the world gathering near the lake, mainly after November.

People from different parts of the country arrive here to see the collection of the birds. You can enjoy boat rides, food, and drinks around the place. It opens at 9 AM and closes at 5 PM and is located at Oussudu village in Puducherry.

Website: https://www.trawell.in/pondicherry/pondicherry/ousteri-lake-osudu-lake

Churches are the most important places to explore if you are going to Pondicherry as they define the enchanting beauty of the French architecture. Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges is one of them. The beautiful church consists of the captivating White Chapel and a beautiful statue of Mother Mary. You will also find the in-house figures of Joan’s Arc. A must-visit place for those who want to pray and wish to experience rich sightseeing.

The church opens at 7 AM and closes at 6:30 PM. You can cover the sight within 1-2 hours. It is located on Rue Dumas, Pondicherry.

Website: https://www.holidayiq.com/

Another famous church in Pondicherry is Immaculate Conception Church. The church is one of the oldest churches of the state and reminds of the Portuguese rule and the architectures of the era. Another name of this heavenly place is “Samba Kovil.”

The church opens at 7 AM and closes at noon then reopens at 3 PM and closes at 8:30 PM.

Address: Mission Street, MG Road area, Pondicherry.
Website: http://www.transindiatravels.com/pondicherry/immaculate-conception-cathedral/