Pondicherry – Things to Do

Without peace, serenity and brotherhood, the world will cease to exist! On the path to attain these elements, we should always purify our souls and explore the real meaning of life. The more we discover ourselves, the more meaningful life will become for us! And in order to achieve this divine stage, we all need peace of mind, relaxation and unity.

Auroville in Pondicherry is one such place that will help your mind to relax and explore the real meaning of life. It is a place, where caste, creed and colour are of no importance; everyone is welcomed here with an open heart.

With a motto to spread progressive harmony, this township in Pondicherry is known for the peace, serenity and devotion that can soothe your mind, help you in bonding with other members and make you realise the value of unity.

A must in the list of things to do in Pondicherry, a visit to Auroville will not only allow you to enjoy its tranquil ambience or be a part of its progressive harmony but will also encourage you to be a part of it. Also, within the ‘Matrimandir’ that is located centrally in this township, you can also indulge in meditation and find your mind’s consciousness.

Location: Viluppuram District, Tamil Nadu.
Best Time to visit: All year.
Cost: INR 1499

After a blissful heritage walk through the quaint lanes of Pondicherry, a city tour is highly recommended. As the city covers an area of around 90km, this amazing tour around the city might take you 8-12 hours to complete this amazing tour.

Unlike the heritage walk, a city tour will take you through how Pondy’s cityscape has changed in the last few decades; the mixture of culture and modernization is the main attraction of this tour. Beginning at around 09:30 AM, a city tour will take you across the length and breadth of the city.

Join these tours, visit the French Colonies in the old part of the town and some of the most gorgeous cathedrals, and get acquainted with the bucolic charm and appeal around. The tour will also introduce you with the authentic Tamil and French cuisines around the city; enjoy and relinquish over a gastronomic sojourn.

Also, by the end of your Pondicherry city tour, you can visit some of the major tourist attraction points like Botanical Garden, Government Museum and Panchavatti Anchanaya. There exist beautiful resorts in Pondicherry to make your vacation worth remembering for. Go and check out these resorts.

Location: Pondicherry Tamil Nadu, India.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year
Cost: INR 490

Add a classic experience by riding on vintage bicycles to explore the beauty of Pondicherry on your visit. This activity takes you around the French colonies and Tamil settlements along with many exotic eateries, historical places and cultural centers as you pedal your way through beautiful streets of Pondicherry.

One of the best things in Pondicherry, this bike tour captures the essence of sustainable tourism and presents the most authentic face of the city. 

Location: Pondicherry 
Best Time to visit: October and November are the best months for this activity.
Cost: INR 1590

Paintball  is a fun way to escape the everyday routine and stress. A game best played in private groups, provides the ultimate fun-filled thrill, experience. You can work as a team, shoot your paintball guns with style and escape being a target.

About the activity:

• Welcome to the paintball zone and fee the rush now! You will be given a basic detail about the rules and regulations with jackets and guns.
• Pellets will be offered to you after this and now you can hop on for one of the best experiences in Pondicherry.
• The activity is most suitable for a large group and is a successful team building task. Get extra pellets at added cost to extend the game and fun of your life.
• Minimum number of people required to book this package is 4.
• Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM.
• The location is within 20 KM from city centre.

Brace yourself for some sweeping views by a relaxing time spent at the Old Lighthouse in Pondicherry. Built by French engineer L. Guerre in 1836, this lighthouse provided the only guiding light for mariners at night in the Red Hills.

Though it remains out of operation at present, the Old Lighthouse of Pondicherry is a very important architectural and historical landmark for the tourists. The stunning scenery by the lighthouse also makes for many photography opportunities in Pondicherry.

Best Time to visit: September to January is the best time to visit the Old Lighthouse.
Cost: INR 10
Location: Promenade Beach, Pondicherry

Giving you a chance to dive into the rich blend of French and Indian cultures, this three-hour trail will give you the insights of the century-old colonies. One of the best things to do in Pondicherry, the Heritage Walk takes through some of the major scenic spots of the charming city including the vintage markets, the Indian Square and French Square, curating it to be an enlightening walk into the past.

Get ready to get smitten with the picturesque mustard and blue powder building and fascinating white structures still known by the names of the yesteryears. Experience the life of the locals as the promenade goes through the local fish and vegetable markets making this trail more enriching. You cannot miss out on the magnificent and tranquilizing heritage of this entrancing city, namely, Ecole Francaise d’Extreme-Orient (EFEO), an institute devoted to Asian Studies, and Sri Aurbindo Ashram, to name a few.

Location: 62, Sri Aurobindo St, Heritage Town
Best Time to Visit: Early Morning or Late Evening

Your visit to Pondicherry might be incomplete if you return empty-handed without having shopped for anything. Among the best activities to do in Pondicherry is shopping and some of the best places to go and spend your money are at Casablanca, Anokhi, Serenity beach bazaar, Nehru Street, Goubert market, Cluny embroidery center, The Cotton house and more.

You can find authentic collections of handicrafts, art items, home décor items fabrics and readymade garments at these shops.

Location: Most of these outlets are located along the Romain Rolland Street in White Town.
Best time to visit: Check before heading out as most shops are closed on Sundays or Mondays

Channel your celestial energy by practicing yoga and meditation at Yoganjalu Natyalayam to revive your senses and escape the hubbub of earthly worries. Experiencing yoga here is one of the most surreal things in Pondicherry with the help of professional practitioners and special training programs.

With a refreshing backdrop of beaches, ocean and gentle breeze brushing your cheeks, this activity is a blissful and therapeutic experience to enjoy by yourself in Pondicherry.

Location: Pudupalaiyam, Pondicherry
Best Time to visit: It is open from 9 am to 6 pm.

About the Activity:

• Enjoy a private cruise boat on the seas near Pondicherry, and make your evening the most memorable ever as you set sail freely in the dead of the night.
• Party with your near and dear ones onboard with an amazing music system on the deck as you glide on the waters alongside an interpreter and a tour manager.
• Rest assured as there are al the necessary safety precautions in place to make this ride a comfortable one.
• Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner onboard and let the party continue through the night. Sailing on the backwaters, the ship will be anchored at the time of dinner, and will then take you back to jetty to bring the experience to an end.
• Minimum number of people required to book this package is 10.

Timings: 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Starting and Ending Point: Chunnambar Boat House