What to Do in Pondicherry

Pondicherry is a favorite tourist attraction for both Indians and foreigners. Pondicherry has an average temperature of 28-30 degree in both winter and summer. Pondicherry is unique as it spreads over three states, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. Presently it is a union territory of India but it was a French colony for a long time. The French connection had left its impression and it is visible in the culture and architecture of a place. More importantly Sri Aurobindo Ghosh, a philosopher and saint, had established his ashram there. People flock to Pondicherry to visit his ashram in search of peace of mind and soul.

The French architecture, Sri Aurobindo’s ashram and the beach attracts thousands of tourists every year. Sri Aurobindo established Sri Aurobindo ashram in 1920. Through his ashram he tried to create an ideal peaceful place. People come here to meditate and one can meditate in any way they desire. Mira Alfassa also known as mother ran this ashram. She too followed the same spiritual path as Sri Aurobindo and has a huge following of her own. The ashram does not propagate any rituals, rites or practices. The ashrama holds the relics of Sri Aurobindo and mother that are open to visitors for a particular time period every day. The ashram has 1200 members including 400 students. The ashram runs many small-scale industries to maintain itself.

The Pondicherry museum is also a big draw for tourists. The museum has a part dedicated to archaeological findings of the roman settlement from Arikamedu and an impressive sculpture gallery. The museum has a French division as well where one can trace the history of this colony. There are many exhibits in this section; one popular exhibition is a four-post bed that was used by the famous French Viceroy, Dupleix. Besides history one can also enjoy watching their snail shell’s amazing collection. The snail shells exhibited are all from Pondicherry.

Pondicherry has also been blessed with a beautiful coastline. Promenade is among one of the most beautiful beaches in India and it is not far from the city. Those who like adventure can ride a bike to the Promenade beach. The beach is 1.5 Km long and is often considered as one of the most wonderful part of the city. Tourists love to go there for a walk, swim or sunbath. There are interesting architectural pieces like war memorial and a statue of Mahatma Gandhi encircled by fine monolithic pillars. There are many other tourist spots which one can easily visit from Pondicherry like Chidambaram the temple town, Auroville the city of dawn and Thiruvannamalai. 

The Bharti museum on Eswaran Koil Street was refuge to famous Tamil poet, Kanakasubburatnam, who was a disciple of Bharti. He took refuge in the museum in 1908. He is better known as Bharthisadan which means the disciple of Bharati. His house is of great importance for those who come to Pondicherry for literary pilgrimage. The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a fine example of Gothic architecture and among one of the grand and beautiful churches in India.

Pondicherry has a very rich architectural and cultural heritage. Tourists flock to Pondicherry throughout the year but the best time to visit Pondicherry would be in September, October or November. Pondicherry has various festivals throughout the year and one may choose to visit Pondicherry to coincide with a particular festival or occasion. Many followers of Sri Aurobindo prefer to visit Pondicherry in January to attend the International Yoga Festival which is arranged every January. Pondicherry has a warm climate therefore it would be advisable for people to wear and carry cotton clothes.

Last Updated: 29/03/2012