Tourism in Puducherry

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The official logo of pondicherry tourism

Map of India showing Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam

The Union Territory of Puducherry (formerly known as Pondicherry) comprises four coastal regions viz- Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam. Puducherry, Karaikal and Yanam are situated on the East Coasts while Mahe on the West Coast. Puducherry is the Capital of this Union Territory and one of the most popular tourist destinations in South India

A French colony until 1954, this captivating coast-hugging town with beautiful colonial buildings, churches, statues and systematic town planning still preserve much of the colonial ambience. Puducherry has been described by National geographic as "a glowing highlight of subcontinental sojourn". Puducherry is also a popular weekend destination,which can be reached easily from the nearby cities such as Chennai and Bangalore. With its wide and relatively flat streets, Pondicherry is easily explored on foot or by bicycle. The main tourist attractions in and around the city are listed below.

Beaches

Puducherry has four main beaches which are very popular with tourists and locals alike.They are Prominade beach, Paradise beach, Serinity beach and Auroville beach.

Promenade beach in Puducherry

Promenade beach is the most popular beach in puducherry. A 1.5 km long road (Beach road or Goubert Avenue) runs parallel to the beach.The whole city is in walking distance from the beach. On the sea front are several land marks such as The War memorial, The Statue of Joan of Arc, The Heritage Town hall, The Statue of Mahatma Gandhi, Dupleix(Joseph François Dupleix) statue, Old Light House, The Old Customs House etc. The tourist information centre is situated in the heritage building facing the sea to cater to the need of visiting tourists.

Paradise beach is located 8 km from the town, along the Puducherry-Cuddalore Highway. This beach can be accessed from the Chunnambar Resort. Flanked by a quiet flowing creek on one side, the beach can only be accessed by boat.

Auroville beach is close to Auroville. It is right off the East Coast Road, opposite the road leading to Auroville. Located around 12 km from the main puducherry town, its shallow waters and small waves make it popular place for swimming.

Serenity beach is a ten minutes drive to the north of the town

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a well known and wealthy ashram in India, with devotees from India and all over the world flocking to it for spiritual salvation. Its spiritual tenets represent a synthesis of yoga and modern science. The Ashram was founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo Ghose, an Indian freedom fighter, poet, philosopher, and yogi.

Mirra Alfassa (also known as ‘The Mother’) was one of Auribindos followers, who was born in paris and was inspired by his philosophy that she stayed on in puducherry. After November 24, 1926, when Sri Aurobindo retired into seclusion, she founded his ashram (Sri Aurobindo Ashram), with a handful of disciples living around the Master. With Sri Aurobindo's full approval she became the leader of the community, a position she held until her death. The Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust,which she had registered after Sri Aurobindo's death in 1950 continues to look after the institution. The idea of Auroville or the “City of Down” was conceived by ‘The Mother’.

It is open to the public daily between 08-1200 hrs and 1400-1800 hrs. Children below 3 years of age are not allowed into the ashram and photography is allowed only with permission of the ashram authorities.Some of the ashram’s facilities like the Library and the Main Building (during collective meditation) can be accessed, only after obtaining a gate pass from the Bureau Central or some of the Ashram Guest Houses.It is located on Rue De La Marine.

Auroville

The Matrimandir, a golden metallic sphere in the center of town

Auroville (City of Dawn) is an experimental township which is situated 8 km north-west of puducherry in East Coast Road. It was founded in 1968 by Mirra Richard (also known as The Mother), the spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo. Auroville was designed by the French architect Roger Anger. Auroville is meant to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. The purpose of Auroville is to realize human unity. During the inauguration ceremony of Auroville on 28 February 1968 , soil from 124 countries was placed in a lotus-shaped urn and mixed to symbolize universal oneness. The Government of India and UNESCO has endorsed the project.

In the middle of the town is the Matrimandir, which has been acclaimed as "an outstanding and original architectural achievement. It was conceived by Alfassa as "a symbol of Universal Mother". The Peace area in which the structure is situated is characterized by three main features: the Matrimandir itself with its twelve gardens,twelve petals and future lakes, the Amphitheater and the Banyan Tree.

Although originally intended to house 50,000, the actual population today is 2,007 (1,553 adults and 454 minors), coming from 44 nationalities, 836 of whom are of Indian origin. The community is divided up into neighborhoods with English, Sanskrit, French and Tamil names like Aspiration, Arati, La Ferme, and Isaiambalam. The residents are involved in agriculture, administration, commerce and handicrafts, alternative technology, education, healthcare and development projects, the latter including AuroRE Systems, an international award winning unit involved in solar photovoltaic and thermal systems.

The Auroville Visitors Centre is located near Bharat Nivas, the Indian national pavilion in Auroville’s International Zone, and is open from 0930 to 1730 hrs every day. This Centre has a permanent exhibition on the history and philosophy of the project, an Information Service offering books, brochures and leaflets on various aspects of Auroville, three boutiques, a bookshop, and a cafeteria providing refreshments and international cuisine. Introductory videos on the township and the Matrimandir can be seen at the Centre by request

Heritage Buildings

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Le Cafe, Puducherry

Le Cafe is on the seashore, not far from the statue of Gandhi. It was once the port office when the railway ran along Beach Road from the South Boulevard to the old 240 meters iron pier. A cyclone in 1952 largely destroyed the pier whose remains can still be seen poking out of the water.Puducherry Light house was used for the first time on July 1 1836 and was continued to be used up to the year 1979. This now- abandoned lighthouse is occupied by the Department of Customs and Excise.

French Consulate General is the only diplomatic mission in town. This colonial building has changed over the years, and yet manages to retain some of its harmonious blend of French and Indian style of architecture . The consulate is open to French citizens.

Raj Niwas, Pondicherry, is the official residence of the Lieutenant Governors of Pondicherry. Once it was the official residence of the French Governors. The Government Adobe (Raj Niwas) is a harmonious blend of French and Indian style of architecture. Once the location of the Hotel de la Compagnie (the French trading company that ruled in puducherry from its first settlement in 1674 until the French government took over in 1769) and later played host to Dupleix. It is not open to the general public except on certain national holidays like Republic Day on 26 January, when it is adorned with lights and looks rater impressive. One can however get a glimpse of the grandeur within, through the tall imposing gates, which are guarded by red ‘kepi’ adorning police guards.

The Romain Rolland library was established in 1872 and has a rich collection of more than 3,00,000 volumes in both French and English. It also boasts of a mobile library service which has a collection of more than 8000 books. These books are taken to nearby villages by bus, in order to make the books more accessible to the common man. The library also houses some rare editions of books. The reference section on the second floor is open to the general public.

Legislative Assembly was established in 1962 in what was formerly a private house. The UCO Bank, which dates from 1916 when it was La Banque de l’ Indochine, preserves for those who wish to change money there a gentle reminder of the complexity of the British ledger system. Cercle de puducherry is a private club, established for senior French notables in 1899. The activities of its 400 members can be glimpsed through its gate and high, open windows. Ashram Dining Room has prepared the food for Ashramites and their guests since 1934. It sits on land once occupied by Governor Dumas in 1735. It has undergone many architectural reconstructions.

Building of the Ecole Française d'Extrème Orient in Puducherry

French Institute of the Far East(L’Ecole Francaise d’Extreme Orient) is an internationally renowned research institute. This institute has two impressive and handsome buildings almost diagonal to each other at the corner of Dumas Street and is known for its research in the field of Indology, history and archaeology. Get prior permission to visit. It is situated at dumas street.

Hotel de l’Orient was built in 1809.It was once the Directorate of Education and is now a hotel-restaurant-gift shop. It is situated at Romain Rolland Street. Hotel Lagrenee de Meziere(Saint Joseph de Cluny) was Built in 1774 and once a private house, this classic colonial building was donated to the religious order of Saint Joseph de Cluny some 150 years ago. Today it houses a workshop which produces the most beautiful embroidery. It is situated at Romain Rolland Street

Alliance Francaise is a very public and busy place, housing the cultural and information centre, a school for the teaching of the French language and a library.It is situated at Suffren Street. Lycee Francais was established in 1826, this institute still imparts education to hundreds of Pondicherrians in French. Special permission is required to visit this colonial place, with its well preserved shady courtyard, columns and balconies. It also has an interesting collection of old photographs of colonial puducherry and collection of very rare coins of the French East Indian Company.It is situated at Victor Simonel Street.

Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Educaiton is notable for its entrance gate with courtyard, arched windows and parapet. Le Foyer du Soldat is in Law De Lauriston Street. It is a Legion hall for soldiers who served in different French wars. The building is interesting, with a dash of colour added to it in the form of the ‘tricouleur’ (red, white, and blue flag) fluttering in the wind.It is situated at Marine Street.

French Institute of Pondicherry is housed in a classical colonial building. It is a research institute in Indian Civilization, history and society in ecology, in environment and development in South and Southeast Asia. The Centre of Indology focuses on Indian languages as a central part of India’s cultural heritage. They are preservPing lot of palm leaf manuscripts. The building is notable for its entrance gate with pediment, arched staircases, arcades, windows.It is situated at Saint-Louis Street.

Anglo FrenchTextiles is a composite textiles mill in Puducherry which was established in the year 1898.The mill is a popular place for study tours. In the year 1986 Anglo French Textiles was taken under the wings of Pondicherry Textile Corporation, as a Government of Pondicherry Undertaking.

Monuments and Statue

Mahatma Gandhi statue, Puducherry

Gandhi Statue is a highlight of puducherry. A four-meter statue of Mahatma Gandhi is surrounded by eight magnificent granite pillars, which were supposedly brought from Gingee, a fort some 70 km from puducherry. Located across the street from the imposing Gandhi statue is the statue of Jawaharlal Nehru. It is also flanked by four pillars from Gingee. The space in front plays host to various cultural, musical and commercial activities through the year.

The statue of Joseph Francois Dupleix is situated in the beach road.It is housed in the childrens park. Dupleix was an integral part of puducherry’s colonial past. He was the governor of puducherry between 1742 and 1754. The 2.88 m tall statue of Dupleix stands at the southern end of the park. Even though Dupleix left puducherry in 1754, French recognition of his contribution came only in 1870, with the commissioning of two statues-one in puducherry and the other in France.It is situated in Goubert Avenue. Another example of the French influence in puducherry is a marble statue of the heroic French damsel Joan of Arc, which is located in front of the Church of Our Lady of the Angles. The statue is placed in the middle of a garden.statue was erected in 1923. It is situated at Dumas Street.

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French war memorial in Puducherry

The French War Memorial on Goubert Avenue is solemn reminder of those brave soldiers who laid down their lives, for their country during the First World War. It was built in 1971. Every year on the 14th July (Bastille Day) the memorial is beautifully illuminated and homage is paid to those brave martyrs.

Park Monunemt (Aayi Mandapam) in the Government Park of Puducherry

Aayi Mandapam (Park Monunemt)is a gleaming white monument built during the time of Napoleon III, Emperor of the France. The monument commemorates the provision of water to the French city during his reign. It was named after a lady courtesan called Ayi. She destroyed her own house to erect a water reservoir to supply water for the city.

Museums

Puducherry Museum has a good gallery with sculptures and has the remains of archaeological findings from the Arikamedu Roman settlement. One can go through the history and legendary French colonial details in the section of the museum The museum has a collection of rare bronzes and stone sculptures from the Pallava and Chola dynasties and artifacts excavated from Arikamedu (an ancient port just 7 km from city that had trade links with the Roman empires). On the ground floor, the major attraction is the central space with 3 curious transport mechanisms - a coach, a palanquin (sedan chair) and a pousse-pousse (an earlier version of the rickshaw) which required two attendants, one to steer and one to push. The bronze gallery displays the images of gods and goddesses together with a wide collection of temple lamps; used across different dynasties down the centuries.

Pre-Christian relics which you will find here, such as remnants of Greek and Roman jars, pieces from the Tsung Periods in China and beads made from glass and precious stones were dug out from the Arikamedu site, just south of puducherry.The museum also has a Geology room, a shell and fossil room and a collection of handicrafts, coins, church relics and French furniture. The puducherry Museum is located on Saint Louis street and is open on all days except Mondays and national holidays between 1000-1700 hrs. The museum is located in the former Law Building.

The Bharathidasan Museum, on No. 95 Perumal Koil Street, is the former house of the renowned puducherry born poet and playwright - Bharathidasan (1891-1960) (meaning "Disciple of Bharathi"). Bharathidasan's poems compare with Bharathi's in literary achievement and poetic fervour. He also wrote scripts for films on issues such as Dravidian culture and the rights of women.

Ananda Ranga Pillai was the celebrated dubash of Dupleix, the governor of puducherry while it flourished under the French rule. Pillai's compilation of diaries serve as a storehouse of information on the 18th century French India. His mansion, completed sometime in 1738, is one of the oldest surviving buildings on the west side - then known as "natives' quarters".Its architecture represents an unusual fusion of French and Indian styles. This once lavishly furnished house offered fascinating glimpses into a bygone era and vanished lifestyle. However, today it has fallen upon hard times and retains very little of its former. Special permission is required to visit the mansion.

Subramanya Bharathi (1882-1921), Bharathiyar to all, was a Tamil poet-patriot who arrived in puducherry in 1908 a fugitive from British India. The Free French air brought the best in Bharathi and some of his finest patriotic and romantic compositions were born here. Bharathi's home also known as Bharathi Museum, on No. 20, Eswaran Dharamaraja Koil Street, is almost a place of pilgrimage today for the Tamil people.

Jawahar Toy Museum is located next to the old lighthouse on Goubert Avenue, the museum is open on all days except Monday. This rater unusual museum has a collection of over 120 dolls, each one dressed in costumes from different Indian states. Also on display is a little ‘fairyland’ with a tiny Ganesha watching over all the proceedings.

Children’s Museum is located next to the Botanical Gardens, it has collections of snail shells from the puducherry region.

Gardens & Parks

The Botanical Gardens are located south of the New Bus Stand. The gate leading to the garden is reminiscent of French architecture and it stands out from its immediate surroundings because it is smack in the middle of the old Tamil town. The Botanical Gardens were laid out in 1826 in the ornate French style, with pruned trees, beautiful flower beds and gravel lined paths and fountains. Perrottet who is largely responsible for transforming the place into a botanical garden in 1831. The French introduced many exotic plants from all over the world, many of which thrived. Due to poor maintenance now the garden has lost its old glory. The gardens also have a musical fountain which is active over the weekends, with two shows in the evening. Check for timings and the frequency of the shows as they may change depending on the season.

Bharati Park (Government Park) in Puducherry

The Government Park or Bharati Park is in the green centre of the French Town and its lush trees provide ample relieve from the scorching sun on a hot summer day. The park is the most appreciated public area in town.The Aayi Mandapam is a famous monument which lies at the center of the Bharati Park. The Government Park in Pondicherry is aptly located in the central region of the old colonial town. The significance of this unique park is derived from the fact that it is surrounded by some of the most prestigious government buildings like the Lt. Governor's Palace, the Legislative Assembly, Government Hospital, Ashram Dining Room, the Cercle de Pondichery private club, and the old Hotel Qualité.

Childerns park is a seaside park with a statue of Joseph Francois Dupleix. Dupleix was an integral part of puducherry’s colonial past. He was the governor of puducherry between 1742 and 1754. The 2.88 m tall statue of Dupleix stands at the southern end of the park.The Mairie is located on Goubert Avenue, this beautiful white building faces the sea. Today it houses the offices of the Puducherry Municipality

Places of worship

Hindu Temples

Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple was in existence before the French came and settled in Pondicherry i.e. before 1666. It has a golden spire and walls portraying forty different forms of Ganesha. The temple also has a smaller shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan, who is Ganesha’s younger brother. Over 5000 devotees flock to this site everyday. There is also a temple elephant, Lakshmi, who give blessing to the devotis.

Varadaraja Perumal Temple is located on M.G.Road, this is believed to be the oldest temple in town, dating back to 600 AD. The temple built in the typical Dravidian style, complete with brightly coloured ‘gopuram’ and sculpted pillars, is probably the oldest standing structure in puducherry. This temple is dedicated to Vishnu. Legend has it, that the temple was originally built for the idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman, which were brought to the present site by fishermen, from the sea. The main deity here is Venkatachalapathy (Vishnu). Right behind that is a separate shrine for Narashima (who is also an avatar of Vishnu). Vedhapureeswarar Temple also known as the Eashwaran koil, is located on M.G.Road and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has colourful ‘gopuram’, adorned by the statues of gods and goddesses, like most temples in South India.

Kanniga Parameswari Temple is dedicated to the goddess Shakti is unique as it seems to be strongly influenced by the French architectural style. Located on M.G.Road, it has an unusual blend of both Tamil and French architecture. With its arched walls, ionic columns, stained glass windows and even some angel decorations, it is reminiscent of a French building. However, the inner ceiling supported by the more traditional granite pillars and the sanctum sanctoram, which has a typical Tamil design, highlights the more traditional Tamil features. Kamatchiamman Temple is located on Bharathi Street, this temple is different from most other South Indian temples by virtue of its lack of colour and ornamentation. Its starkness is what makes it stand out from the rest. This dark rust coloured temple is dedicated to Durga, the goddess of war.

Churches

The Eglise de Notre Dame de la Conception Immaculee (The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception), Puducherry

The Eglise de Sacre Coeur de Jesus (Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus), situated on the south boulevard, stands out as an oriental specimen of Gothic splendour. It contains rare and beautiful stained glass panels depicting events from the life of Christ.This church was supposed to have been erected in 1700s by French Missionaries. Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a catholic church and is white and brown structure.

The Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges (The Church of Our Lady of Angels), in Rue Dumas, is notable for its masonry - which uses the finest of limestone mixed with white of the egg - making for a texture identical to that of white marble. It is modelled on the Basilica at Lourdes, in southern France.The imposing façade presents paired Doric columns below and ionic above. In front of the church is a statue of Our Lady with the infant Jesus in her arms. The interior design consists of eight barrel vaults and a central dome pierced with eight circular openings.

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The Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges (The Church of Our Lady of Angels), Puducherry

The Eglise de Notre Dame de la Conception Immaculee (The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception), on Cathedral Street, was first built in 1692. It took its present shape in 1791.

Church of Capuchins holds the distinction of being one of the first churches in Puducherry.Though this church has lost its old charm; it is still revered and houses an orphanage. The other famous churches include the Church of the Assumption, The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, and Church of Our Lady of Good Health.

Mosques

Jamai Mosque is located on Mulla Street, this beautiful mosque’s distinctive architecture and swaying palm trees in the back make it beautiful to behold. Meeran mosque is the oldest mosque in puducherry.It was built before 350 years. It has the old gothic Islam architecture in it. It was built by Arcod navab.It has four lofty pillars below its dome, with Meerhath near it and Meember next to it. It also has the Kalima slab above the Meerhath, with clean blankets spread all over the hall. The bronze Kallasas in the top of the façade minaret adds beauty to it. It has the divine graves of Meeran who built this mosque and Suubhi Errai Perrar Mullah’s in it. The mosque has everyday prayers in it.

Kuthbha mosque is the first mosque in puducherry.It is said that it was near the Seventh day school now, during 17th century.As the mosque was in the white area the French people ordered them to vacate the place and shift the mosque and the Islam society to the southern end after the channel. These streets where built facing Mecca . It has the daarga of Moulla Saiubum. Kuthaba means preaching. This mosque has daily preaching and prayers with special prayers on Fridays.

Kuthba Mosque was built as Mulla Mohammad Mosque. This mosque has a small pond with fishes, clean hall, and Ramjan fasting food cooking hall and Jenesha in it.

See also

• Puducherry
• Puducherry (city)
• Tourism in India