Pondicherry Tourist Attractions
Macular Vinayak Temple
Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Macular Vinayak Temple, Pondicherry has a golden spire and walls consist of the images of 40 different forms of Ganesha.
Jamai Mosque
One of the oldest mosques in Pondicherry situated at the Mulla Street, Jamai Mosque is a rare architectural monument. Main attraction of the mosque is its large very well maintained prayer hall.
Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Situated on the South Boulevard, Pondicherry and dedicated to the sacred heart of Jesus, an oriental specimen of Gothic splendor is famous for its stained glass corridors and panels depicting incidents from the life of Jesus Christ.
Church of Our Lady of Angels
Built in a Greek Roman architectural style in 1865, "Our Lady of Angels Church, Pondicherry" is known for its masonry and prayer mass done in French. The church has a rare oil painting of Our Lady of the Assumption, gifted by French Emperor Napoleon III.
Shri Aurobindo Ashram
Aurobindo Ashram, the best known landmark of Pondicherry has grown into a centre for the practice of Integral Yoga, a seat of learning and a training ground for sadhana attracting people from all over the world.
Auroville
Established in the north of Pondicherry town (10 km) in 1968, Auroville- ‘the city of Dawn’ is a universal township envisioned by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother where people from different nationalities, faiths and beliefs, can live in peace and harmony.
Raj Niwas
Raj Niwas of Pondicherry is one of the oldest surviving buildings of French in style which is now used as the residence of the Lieutenant-Governor of Puducherry.
French Institute of Indolog
Dedicated to Sri Aurobindo, this research institute of Pondicherry explores Indian civilization. Architecture of the building is excellent; it has a very well decked entrance gate with pediment, arched staircases, arcades and windows.
House of Ananda Rangapillai
An unusual specimen of indo - French architecture built in 1773, the home of an 18th century Indian nobleman – Ananda Rangapillai is now converted into a museum.
Pondicherry Museum
The Museum provides a glimpse of Pondicherry’s rich past from the days of the pre-Christian era down to the present day.It provides glimpses of the art and culture of the people of this region
Bharati Museum
Situated at Easwaran Dharmaja Koil Street, Pondicherry, the house of the famous poet Subramaniya Bharati has been now converted into a museum and is literally a pilgrimage for the Tamilians.
Bharatidasan Museum
Situated at Perumal Koil Street, Pondicherry, residence of Kanakasubburatnam has now been converted into a museum, containing the collection of his works.
Jawahar Toy Museum
Located in the old Light House building near Gandhi Maidan, Pondicherry, the Jawahar Toy Museum exhibiting 130 dolls representing different states of India, is an excellent museum. Toys and puppets from different parts of India are displayed here.
Romain Rolland Library
Romain Royal library, Pondicherry, has a rich and rare collection of 300,000 volumes in both French and English.
Anglo-French Textile Mills
The century old Anglo-French Textile mills in Pondicherry is worth a visit. The fabrics and products of the mill are fabulous. 10% rebate is provided by the mill to the tourists on the purchases made.
The Botanical Garden
The peaceful Botanical Garden of about 1500 species of wonderful plants is a worth visiting site.
Aayimandapam
Situated in the heart of the city, a magnificent white monument -Aayi mandapam is the most recognizable monument of Pondicherry.
Ashrams in Pondicherry
Pondicherry is a city of ashrams; nearly 18 saints or siddhas were based in Pondicherry.
Pondicherry Beaches
Pondicherry has a lovely beach, 1.5 km. long, where one can relax, sunbathe, swim or take a stroll along the promenade. Some of the beaches to be visited in this territory are the Serenity Beach, the Paradise Beach, Karaikal Beach, Mahe Beach and Yanam River Cruise.
Promenade
The 1.5 km long promenade running along the beach is the pride of Pondicherry. Most of the landmarks are on the sea front; some important landmarks are-
Statue of Mahatma Gandhi
Built by the famous sculptor Roy Choudhary from Madras School of Art and Crafts, a 13 ft. high statue of Mahatma Gandhi standing on the beach front attracts visitors. It is surrounded by carved monolithic pillars.
French War Memorial
The elegant French War Memorial on the famous Goubert Avenue commemorating the sacrifice of the soldiers in the First World War is raised by the French in honor of the soldiers at Pondicherry.
Statue of Dupleix
2.88 meters tall memorial statue of Joseph Francois Dupleix erected over six exquisitely carved granite pillars is located at Goubert Avenue.
Light House,Pondicherry
The 27m tall old Lighthouse, Pondicherry situated near the sea at the place du Gouvernment was first lighted on 1st July, 1836. The beacon placed on a masonry tower, 29 meters above sea level could be seen up to a distance of 29 kilometers.