Pondicherry Travel Guide

Backpackers, luxury-seekers or those with a love of heritage—the mix of hotels in Pondicherry has something for everyone. While heritage lovers can have a date with history and culture at Villa Shanti, Hotel de l’Orient or La Maison Tamoulle, backpackers can choose from La Maison Radha, The Only Place, Hotel Coramandel Heritage and more. And yes, seaside lovers will love a stay at the uber-luxurious Le Pondy, The Promenade, The Windflower Resort & Spa and a few other names that match impressive views with world-class amenities.

• 5 trendy seaside hotels in Pondicherry

• The 6 best heritage hotels in Pondicherry

• Pondicherry hotels that are perfect for backpackers

• Resorts in Pondicherry—perfect for a relaxed vacation

Restaurants in Pondicherry are more of an experience as the streets here are lined with some of India’s best French food joints and bakeries. Other than that, Tamil delicacies are a must-try as well. A few names that you cannot afford to skip are Le Vietnam, Tanto, Satsanga and Carte Blanche. Dessert lovers too can have an unforgettable time at any (or all!) of the places such as Boulangerie, Farm Fresh, Zuka the Chocolate Cafe and The Indian Kaffe Express. Savour, know what makes Pondicherry a must-visit on every foodie’s list.

• Restaurants in Puducherry that you must not skip

  The quiet little town of Puducherry should be on your travel wishlist, if not already. This gorgeous seaside town is a beautiful amalgamation of traditional and French culture, best of which can be seen in its food. As you take a walk around the town, you will come across cute little eateries, lively places with great music and very pretty decor. We are guessing that you’ll be needing these places to sit back and relax after a long day of exploring the town. So here are some of the best restaurants in Puducherry for you to explore. Some have amazing seaside views too!

• Pondicherry restaurants that will tickle your palate

• 5 Pondicherry eateries for the sweet tooth

• European

  Satsanga

• Italian

  Tanto

As a place that bridges the gap between spirituality and uber-cool, Pondicherry is a place like no other. With attractions like Auroville, Aurobindo Ashram, Ousteri Wetland, Pondicherry Museum and some of the most solitary beaches in the region, it fits the bill perfectly. A tiny town that is best explored on foot or a bicycle, Pondicherry will have you fall for it with its hippie charm and perfect seaside settings. Other than its attractions, Pondicherry is a great place for cultural exchange and spiritual endeavours for it is home to a large number of expats, NGOs and volunteers from all across the world.

• Beaches in Pondicherry that should be in your itinerary

• A guide to Pondicherry’s top attractions

• Religious

  Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

• Nature

  Promenade Beach

Quite a happening place, Pondicherry has a very impressive mix of things to do. While you can go volunteering at any of the NGOs or in Auroville, the lure of surfing, scuba diving, joining yoga classes or honing your culinary skills is too strong to resist. With Pondicherry housing one of the best surfing schools in India, going for a session or two is a must. Add to this list, a cooking course in French and Tamil cuisine at Sita Cultural Centre and you will have a gala time in Pondicherry. This is just the tip of the iceberg of all the things to do in Pondicherry!

• The coolest things to do in Pondicherry

  A destination like no other, Pondicherry is fascinating. Owing to its popularity as a laid back destination, also a great hit with expats and backpackers, this town boasts of a number of things to do. Dabble in surfing, take cooking classes, sweat away stress in a yoga session, go diving amid corals and more―there is plenty to keep your hands busy in this beautiful, once French, settlement.

• Surfing

  Learn surfing at Kallialay Surf School

• Volunteering at Auroville

• Yoga

  Yoga at Yoganjali Natyalayam

• Past perfect: A walk through Pondicherry

Shopaholics will love spending an evening or two, strolling in the cobbled lanes of Pondicherry. Its street markets are lined with stalls that sell everything from souvenirs and hippie clothes to homemade incense sticks and Tamil handicrafts. Saram China Market is a popular street market in Pondicherry for A-grade Chinese goods and home décor products. Shoppers also derive joy by shopping at the Ariyankuppam market. Shopping in Pondicherry Sunday market is another experience you should go for.

• 5 discerning boutiques in Pondicherry

• City Special

  Hidesign Flagship Store

The ghost town of Dhanushkodi, the wildly-charming Periyar, the uber Chennai or the much-revered Rameshwaram—there is a good number of places to visit around Pondicherry. For the ones looking for more options, Bangalore, Mahabalipuram, Kodaikanal and Kanyakumari are just a drive away as well. Though Pondicherry has enough to keep you hooked, these places make for interesting getaways for those keen on exploring the southern parts of India.

• Spiritual

  Auroville

  ​Auroville, an experimental town spread over some 20 sq km, was founded at the behest of the Mother. Also known as the City of Dawn, it aims at sustainable living through community living. People from all nationalities are welcome at Auroville for an experience of spiritual, universal and cash-free living.

• Weekend trips from Pondicherry

• Mahabalipuram

• National Park

  Periyar National Park