10 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN PONDICHERRY IN THE MONTH OF DECEMBER
10 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN PONDICHERRY IN THE MONTH OF DECEMBER
Pondicherry, officially known as Puducherry, and commonly referred to as just Pondy,
is one of the seven Union Territories of India which is bounded by the southern state
of Tamil Nadu.
This former French colony is a perfect amalgamation of the traditional Indian sensibilities and French architecture, making it a dreamy escape that offers the best
of both worlds.
In fact, you’ll be surprised to find the variety of experiences you can have here. Irrespective of who you visit with and what you seek, Pondicherry will never
disappoint the explorer in you!
Here is the list of 10 best places you should visit in Pondicherry if you are planning
to come in December
1. Rock Beach
Rock Beach popularly known as Promenade Beach is the “Pride of Pondicherry” and stretches around 1.5 kilometers. This is one of the most visited places in Pondicherry
by the people and has a few remarkable landmarks including the Statue of Joan Arc, French War Memorial, Heritage Town Hall, Statue of Mahatma Gandhi, Statue of Dupleix, and the Old Lighthouse.
Most people travel to this beach on the weekends which makes it a bit crowded. If you are looking for peace then you should definitely visit this beach on the weekdays. The shoreline of this beach is filled with rocks and is the perfect place to sit alone or spend time with your loved ones and admire the beauty of the beach looking into the horizon.
2. Auroville
Auroville is an experimental township in the Viluppuram district that was founded in the year of 1968. It is located on the fringe of Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry is also called
the “City of Dawn”. The place is often flocked by people from across the globe seeking spiritual upliftment.
Auroville forms the heart and soul of the city and is around 1 hr drive from the Pondicherry area. It is one of the most unique places to visit Pondicherry.
The aim of this place is to unite humans from different parts of the world against religion, sex, gender, etc.
Auroville attracts tourists as well as locals to experience living in harmony with one another. In the middle of the town, there is a temple called ‘Matrimandir’ which symbolizes the universal Mother. If you are planning to visit this place make sure you visit Matrimandir Temple as this is one of the most beautiful temples you will
visit here.
3. Chunnambar Boat House
Chunnambar Boathouse is an excellent picnic spot which is situated on the backwaters
at the confluence of the Chunnambar River and the mighty Bay of Bengal. Popularly known as Plage Paradiso, the Paradise Beach in Chunnambar and the calm backwaters here make this one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry. Paradise Beach, Pondicherry is just a ferry ride away from Chunnambar Boathouse and one can
indulge in numerous watersports activities here, where you can go for dolphin spotting, or have fun boating in various kinds of boats like motorboats, paddled boats, rowboats,
and more. You can also sunbathe and get sun-kissed while playing beach sports with
your friends or family and enjoying delicious food in nearby restaurants. So this is
one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry.
Now, this beach remains open from 9 to 5 pm every day and the cost per person is
350 INR/- if you take a boat ride. If you planning to take the speedboat then prices
go up to 2000 INR/-
Most importantly if you are a peace-loving person like me then visit this beach on weekdays as it is less crowded and you can enjoy the beach view.
4. Serenity Beach
Serenity Beach, like its name, offers peacefulness to all its visitors. The relaxing spot along the Bay of Bengal, 12 km from the town is one of the must-visit places in Pondicherry. It is also one of the cleanest beaches in Pondicherry and is properly maintained by the locals. The warm golden sand with a trail of rocks leading to the cerulean sea is perfect for basking in bliss. If you love surfing, then there is also a
surfing training school near the beach where you can learn surfing under professional guidance. You would also love exploring the vibrant beach cafés and the beachside
flea markets. This is one of the best places where you can spend your day chilling, relaxing, strolling, engaging in fun activities, and also eating. You should visit this
beach in the evening and enjoy the sunset which will be really amazing to see.
5. Pondicherry Museum
This place is also known as the Pondicherry Museum or the Pondy Museum, it
displays a plethora of artifacts reclaimed from Arikamedu. The rare bronze and
stone statues at the museum date back to the reigns of the Pallava & Chola dynasties. Fossilized trunks of old trees that once existed in this place have also been preserved
in the foyer. The Pondicherry museum presents you with the tale of the region through three different eras. The first one would be the era of Greek & Roman trade through
the objects excavated from Arikamedu. The second one would be the era of the
Pallava & Chola dynasties through the statues and stone sculptures. Other orts from
this era in the museum include arms, burial urns, and glass beads. And the third one
would be the era of French colonialism in the region through the church leftovers
and French furniture. Through the Pondicherry museum, the white part of the
city comes alive.
At the center of the museum on the ground floor lies the biggest attraction – the
gigantic transportation system from the yesteryears. The system includes a coach, a palanquin, and a pousse and It requires at least 2 attendants to start and steer it. The bronze gallery in the museum houses various images of Indian gods and goddesses
with a unique collection of temple lamps. It also includes Buddha images from Kirmampakkam and arms & weapons from the era of Vijayanagara and Nayaka.
The geological gallery has a special collection of ancient coins, ceramics, French
home décor, and handicrafts. The fossil gallery houses a range of shells and
fossils that open up the chapter of the Roman age in the region. The painting
gallery at the museum houses a range of ancient glass paintings, Tanjore
paintings, colonial portraits as well as some modern painting work with oil
and pastels.
The Pondicherry museum entry fee is Rs. 10 for adults, Rs. 5 for children, and
Rs. 50 for foreign nationals. Overall, it is a great place showcasing our rich
and diverse history and heritage.
6. Immaculate Conception Cathedral Church
The Immaculate Conception Cathedral is one of the pious places of prayer for the thousands of believers of Christianity in Tamil Nadu. The church is situated just
1.5km from the botanical garden. The Immaculate Conception Cathedral church
as we see it today was built on the place where three other churches were built
before the French occupation of Pondicherry. The construction started in 1791
and further improvements were made to the building till 1987. The feast of the
church is celebrated on the 8th of December every year. The church was also
visited by Mother Teresa is one of the oldest churches in Puducherry.
You can easily spend over 1 hour at the church by witnessing the white ornate
the architecture of the building, its gorgeous interior, and exterior designs
overall calm the already serene atmosphere.
Located on Church Street, this church is dedicated to Saint Peter's. This is a
heritage place that you can visit along with your family. Everyday prayer is
performed here at 5 pm.
7. White Town – Mix Of Past And Present
Pondicherry is, without a doubt, one of the best places to explore owing to the varied
experiences it offers in a tiny space. Its bright and vibrant culture and heritage are
showcased in its multi-colored lanes, smiling locales, jazzy nightlife, and a bustling
marketplace. You can head to the White Town if you truly wish to explore the
erstwhile French town to the fullest. There are a plethora of places to visit in White
Town, Pondicherry. Take a walk around this culturally rich part of Pondy and see chic
cafes, high-end boutiques, eye-warming yellow architecture, and much more. You can also interact with locals and get acquainted with their everyday life. While you’re
here, don’t forget to dine at the Promenade Hotel popular for its finger-licking
Tamilian cuisine and seafood delicacies.
8. Basilica Of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus – Be One With God
It is also known as the Parent church for the Catholic diocese of Pondicherry and
Cuddalore. Located on the south boulevard, the Basilica Of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus
was consecrated on December 17th, 1907. The structure of this church is 50 meters
long,48 meters wide, and 18 meters high and held by 24 columns. This is one of the
best places you will visit in Pondicherry. It is known for having glass pictures of 28
saints and many glass panels depict the life of Jesus adding to the interesting sights
of this church in Pondicherry. You should plan to visit this church on your very first
day when you are arriving in Pondicherry.
The timings of this church here are 5:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 6:00 pm from
Monday to Saturday. For Sunday, the timings are 5:30 PM.
9. Sri Aurobindo Ashram
One of the most peaceful and spiritual Tourist Places in Pondicherry, Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry is well-known across the world and was founded in 1926
by Sri Aurobindo. The ashram is sprawling and has libraries. It hosts many physical education activities such as sports, asanas, strength training, and swimming.
At the center of the ashram is the Samadhi or mausoleum of Sri Aurobindo under
a frangipani tree. If you have an inclination toward spirituality, yoga, and
meditation then this ashram is one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry
to find your inner self. Sri Aurobindo Ashram is situated at a distance of 2.6 km
from the bus station which is a journey of 9 minutes.
This ashram opens in 2 shifts i.e one in the morning from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM,
and next in the afternoon, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
10. Promenade Beach
Considered one of the best beaches in Pondicherry, Promenade Beach is the perfect
getaway to unwind in the midst of natural beauty and is easily accessible and located
in the heart of the city. Sprawling over an area of 1.5 km, this typical long rocky
beach is flanked by long walkways which are frequented by tourists as well as locals
for morning walks, jogging, and strolling. Adding to the beauty of the beach is the
seashore, the occasional crashing of ocean waters against the rocks, colorful sea-facing
food carts, sea-facing cafes, and innumerable restaurants serving tasty Tamil cuisines.
As you stroll down the Promenade beach, you can spot several colonial French villas,
imposing statues, war memorials, and heritage buildings. In the late evening hours,
entry of vehicles is completely banned which allows for ample space to sit back,
relax or stroll in peace and quiet. This beach is very close to a place called White
Town. Also, this beach remains open every day so you can watch sunrise or sunset
from this beautiful beach.
6. Immaculate Conception Cathedral Church
The Immaculate Conception Cathedral is one of the pious places of prayer for the thousands of believers of Christianity in Tamil Nadu. The church is situated just
1.5km from the botanical garden. The Immaculate Conception Cathedral church
as we see it today was built on the place where three other churches were built
before the French occupation of Pondicherry. The construction started in 1791
and further improvements were made to the building till 1987. The feast of the
church is celebrated on the 8th of December every year. The church was also
visited by Mother Teresa is one of the oldest churches in Puducherry.
You can easily spend over 1 hour at the church by witnessing the white ornate
the architecture of the building, its gorgeous interior, and exterior designs
overall calm the already serene atmosphere.
Located on Church Street, this church is dedicated to Saint Peter's. This is a
heritage place that you can visit along with your family. Everyday prayer is
performed here at 5 pm.
7. White Town – Mix Of Past And Present
Pondicherry is, without a doubt, one of the best places to explore owing to the varied
experiences it offers in a tiny space. Its bright and vibrant culture and heritage are
showcased in its multi-colored lanes, smiling locales, jazzy nightlife, and a bustling
marketplace. You can head to the White Town if you truly wish to explore the
erstwhile French town to the fullest. There are a plethora of places to visit in White
Town, Pondicherry. Take a walk around this culturally rich part of Pondy and see chic
cafes, high-end boutiques, eye-warming yellow architecture, and much more. You can also interact with locals and get acquainted with their everyday life. While you’re
here, don’t forget to dine at the Promenade Hotel popular for its finger-licking
Tamilian cuisine and seafood delicacies.
8. Basilica Of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus – Be One With God
It is also known as the Parent church for the Catholic diocese of Pondicherry and
Cuddalore. Located on the south boulevard, the Basilica Of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus
was consecrated on December 17th, 1907. The structure of this church is 50 meters
long,48 meters wide, and 18 meters high and held by 24 columns. This is one of the
best places you will visit in Pondicherry. It is known for having glass pictures of 28
saints and many glass panels depict the life of Jesus adding to the interesting sights
of this church in Pondicherry. You should plan to visit this church on your very first
day when you are arriving in Pondicherry.
The timings of this church here are 5:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 6:00 pm from
Monday to Saturday. For Sunday, the timings are 5:30 PM.
9. Sri Aurobindo Ashram
One of the most peaceful and spiritual Tourist Places in Pondicherry, Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry is well-known across the world and was founded in 1926
by Sri Aurobindo. The ashram is sprawling and has libraries. It hosts many physical education activities such as sports, asanas, strength training, and swimming.
At the center of the ashram is the Samadhi or mausoleum of Sri Aurobindo under
a frangipani tree. If you have an inclination toward spirituality, yoga, and
meditation then this ashram is one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry
to find your inner self. Sri Aurobindo Ashram is situated at a distance of 2.6 km
from the bus station which is a journey of 9 minutes.
This ashram opens in 2 shifts i.e one in the morning from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM,
and next in the afternoon, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
10. Promenade Beach
Considered one of the best beaches in Pondicherry, Promenade Beach is the perfect
getaway to unwind in the midst of natural beauty and is easily accessible and located
in the heart of the city. Sprawling over an area of 1.5 km, this typical long rocky
beach is flanked by long walkways which are frequented by tourists as well as locals
for morning walks, jogging, and strolling. Adding to the beauty of the beach is the
seashore, the occasional crashing of ocean waters against the rocks, colorful sea-facing
food carts, sea-facing cafes, and innumerable restaurants serving tasty Tamil cuisines.
As you stroll down the Promenade beach, you can spot several colonial French villas,
imposing statues, war memorials, and heritage buildings. In the late evening hours,
entry of vehicles is completely banned which allows for ample space to sit back,
relax or stroll in peace and quiet. This beach is very close to a place called White
Town. Also, this beach remains open every day so you can watch sunrise or sunset
from this beautiful beach.
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