Pondicherry is a popular weekend getaway for the people in South India and there are many secret places to explore in Pondicherry. Highly influenced by the French lifestyle. Situated at just a 3-hour drive from Chennai, this former French colony is a beautiful blend of contemporary and colonial, peace and chaotic, pleasure-seeking and spiritual.
Previously known as ‘Puducherry’ and commonly called ‘Pondi’, Adorned with virgin beaches, heritage structures, stunning Arabian Sea and surreal environment, Pondicherry has now become one of the popular beach destinations in India.
But amongst some famous or top-most visited attractions like Rock beach, Paradise beach, café xtasi etc, this amazing road trip destination for the people in South India has various untravelled or hidden places to explore.
These lesser-known offbeat places in Pondicherry has to be there on the bucket list of all traveling souls.
So hop on and get ready to explore these 9 unexplored places in Pondicherry on your next weekend getaway!
- Auroville – A township started by Mirra Alfassa, Auroville is built to promote the teachings of Sri Aurobindo Ghosh. People living in this amazing town gives no importance to man’s greed for money or other materialistic desires. The aim behind Auroville is to create a place for everyone, irrespective of their nationality, caste or creed; to live in peace & progressive harmony. Auroville is a must-visit place whenever you are traveling in Pondicherry.
- French War Memorial – The French War Memorial is a simple and majestic architecture built in the memory of French soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War. Every year on Bastille Day, the war memorial is beautifully lit to remember those heroes. Also, there’s a Statue of Dupleix, installed in the honor of a Governor-General of French Establishment, Joseph Francois Dupleix. Do visit this place on your trip to Pondicherry.
- Baker Street – A memorable trip to Pondicherry will always remain incomplete without tasting the authentic French food. Try out the delicious food at Baker Street. Visit Bagels, Quiches, You Name It and Croissants for an unmatchable experience of French style food. Must visit this place for a perfect and delightful breakfast.
- Serenity Beach – Pondicherry is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches situated along the eastern coast of India. Amongst all, Serenity Beach is fairly offbeat and offers the virgin beauty of white-sand matched with the pristine seawater. This beach is a must-visit place in Pondicherry to just sit back, relax and rejuvenate in the charm of nature. Pondicherry beaches are the best destination to see blissful sunrise.
- Arikamedu – If you are a history lover and always curious to see something new then Arikamedu will not disappoint you. This place is less explored and associated with the trade stories between the Romans and Chola dynasty during the third century BC. Excavations at this site have brought out wine jars, coins and megalithic burial urns of Roman origin.
- Holy Shrines – Pondicherry is dotted with numerous temples dedicated to Hindu Gods & Goddesses and Churches. Seek the blessings at Sri Kanniga Parameshwari Temple, Varadaraja Perumal Temple, and Panchavati Anjaneya Temple. Apart from Hindu temple, there are 32 churches such as Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sacred Heart Church and Church of Our Lady of Angels to name a few.
- Kasha Ki Aasha – Though there are so many popular bars and lounges in Pondicherry to enjoy an amazing nightlife. But, there’s one cafe that showcases the authentic Tamil culture. Basically Kasha Ki Asha is a boutique and cafe run by women. Unlike other bars and lounges, this place is quite simple and offers tasty South Indian cuisines. Must visit this boutique & cafe during day time and also purchase handmade accessories such as bags, jewelry and much more.
- Veerampattinam – The biggest coastal village positioned in Pondicherry, Veerampattinam is blessed with one of the longest beaches and the most beautiful one in the Southern part of India. Located close to Arikamedu, Veerampattinam is also home to the Rath Yatra festival, where a massive wooden chariot carrying God’s idol is pulled by thousands of devotees.
- Alamparai Fort – Built in the late 17th century during the Mughal era in India, Alamparai Fort is a lesser-known place in Pondicherry. Once this ruined fort had a 100-meter long dockyard stretching into the sea. In earlier times, this huge dockyard was used to export salt, ghee and zari cloth.
Soak in the surreal environment of Pondicherry, enjoy the amazing nightlife of this former French colony with a lovely dinner with your buddies. Get mesmerized by the stunning sunrises seen from virgin Pondy beaches!
How To Reach Pondicherry
Being one of the Union Territory of India, Pondicherry or Puducherry is well connected to major cities and towns by all means of transport.
By Air:
The nearest airports are in Lawspet and Karaikal. You can also take flights till Chennai and Bangalore. From the airport you can either take a bus or cab to reach Pondicherry.
By Train:
Pondicherry is well-connected by the rail network. Deboard at Pondicherry railway station namely Villupuram Railway Junction. Trains are available between New Delhi to Pondicherry but the journey will be long (approx. 43 hours)
By Road:
Bus services are available at reasonable prices from nearby major cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Trichy, and Coimbatore, etc.
Best Time To Visit Pondicherry
Since Pondicherry is situated in the Southern part of India, therefore summers are quite hot here. The best time to plan your trip to Pondicherry is from October to March and during monsoon season (July-September).
Make sure to plan for Pondicherry soon and explore these hidden places in Pondicherry.
Want to know where are we heading in the coming months? Then check out our upcoming trips here curated with prior experience and love.
