The Promenade Beach is the perfect way to start your trip to Puducherry. Stroll along the 1.5 km long promenade, take in the views of the Bay of Bengal, and enjoy the cool sea breeze. You can also find food vendors selling local snacks, and photographers offering to take your pictures. Make sure to visit in the morning, as the beach gets crowded in the evening.
The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a spiritual community and ashram founded by Sri Aurobindo and his spiritual collaborator, Mirra Alfassa. Inside the ashram, you’ll find the samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, as well as a library, a bookshop, a bakery, and a boutique. The peaceful surroundings and the serene atmosphere make this a must-visit place in Puducherry.
Auroville is an experimental township that was founded in 1968 as a place for people from all around the world to live and work together in a peaceful and sustainable environment. Inside Auroville, you’ll find the Matrimandir, a golden dome that represents the universal Divine. You can take a guided tour of Auroville, participate in workshops and programs, or simply enjoy the tranquillity of this unique community.
The Chunnambar Boat House is a popular tourist destination that offers boat rides, kayaking, and other water sports. You can take a boat ride to Paradise Beach, a secluded beach that is accessible only by boat. The boat ride is an enjoyable experience, with scenic views of the backwaters and the lush greenery. You can also enjoy a beachside picnic and try local seafood dishes.
The Puducherry Museum is housed in a former French palace, and it contains a rich collection of sculptures, paintings, artefacts, and archaeological relics from the Pallava, Chola, and Vijayanagara periods. You can explore the galleries dedicated to French colonialism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The museum is a great way to learn about the history and culture of Puducherry.
The Botanical Garden is a spacious and well-maintained garden that was established in 1826. Inside the garden, you’ll find a variety of exotic plants, trees, and flowers from all over the world, as well as an aquarium, a musical fountain, and a toy train ride. The garden is a perfect place to relax and unwind, and it’s ideal for families with children.
If you have more time, you can consider visiting the Gingee Fort or the Villianur Temple. If you have less time, you can skip the Chunnambar Boat House and visit the Rock Beach instead. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and carry a hat and sunscreen, as it can get hot and humid in Puducherry. Also, be respectful of the local culture and dress modestly when visiting temples and ashrams.