Things to Do
Explore Puducherry
Small City. Big Attraction.
The ‘French Capital of India’, Pondicherry is a vibrant city located on the south-eastern coast of India. One has a plethora of things to do and see in this beautiful Pondicherry.
01.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Founded in 1926, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram has grown, under the Mother’s guidance, from a small group of two dozen disciples into a large and diverse community of almost 1600 members. Counting the 400 students of the Centre of Education and the hundreds of devotees who live nearby, the larger ashram community consists of more than 2000 people.
02.
Sri Aurobindo Society
Sri Aurobindo Society is a non-profit organization that has been headquartered in Pondicherry since 1960. Society is trying to find a solution to global problems through many of its initiatives like rural development, palliative care, education, prison reformation, sustainable development, and children with special needs to mention a few. The Mother is the Founder President of Sri Aurobindo Society. Sri Aurobindo Society is named after Sri Aurobindo and draws its inspiration from his vision. The Society organizes programmes and initiatives that seek to bring dynamic Spirituality into material life and all its activities.
03.
Aura Experience is an initiative of the Auroservice Trust, which works in close collaboration with Sri Aurobindo Society, encompassing a store selling exquisite and elegant handcrafted products, offering gourmet food, organizing unique travel experiences, and memorable events.
04.
Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple
Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is said to have been established almost 5 centuries ago. Situated behind the Raj Niwas, the sanctum is enshrined with a grand idol of Vinayaka called Vellakkaran Pillai.
05.
Auroville
Auroville aimed to be a universal town where men and women of all countries will live in peace and progressive harmony above all creeds, all politics, and all nationalities.
06.
Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
One of the most sacred and religious places of Pondicherry, the Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus is situated 2.5 km away from the Pondicherry Bus Depot on the south boulevard of the town. One of the 21 Basilicas in India and the only one in Pondicherry, this church was set up by the French missionaries in 1908 which was given the status of the Basilica in 2011. One of the most beautiful Catholic Churches of Pondicherry, the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus beautifully showcases the Gothic architecture.
07.
Scuba Diving
Packed with enchanting marine life, Pondicherry offers an amazing adventure of scuba diving off the country’s East Coast. A dive into the sea will let you explore the rich life comprising of beautiful natural coral reefs and other exotic creatures such as manta rays, kingfish, sea snakes, lionfish, butterflies, crustaceans, moray eels and many more. For more info please contact Aura Journeys.
08.
Botanical Garden
A popular tourist attraction of Pondicherry, Botanical Garden was established by C.S. Perrotet in the year 1862. The garden is home to several exotic varieties of rare plants as well as an aquarium.This wide range of plants has been collected from various parts of India and around the globe. Aquarium is an interesting place to visit which abodes diverse collection of aquatic organisms as well as fish flora. One can also see the different methods of fishing adopted in the coastal areas being showcased here.
09.
Arikamedu
Situated within a half hour drive of the French colonial town of Pondicherry, Arikamedu is an ancient Roman trade centre hidden from the eyes and ears of the commonplace Tamil tourism. Its name has been taken from the Tamil word- ‘Arikanmedu’ which means ‘eroding mount’. Very little is known about any Indo-Roman ties in the Before Christ era, but with the discovery and excavation of Arikamedu, extensive proofs were unearthed. This port town was occupied by the people of Rome, Cholas, and French serving as a very famous maritime centre from 1st century BC to 2nd century AD
10.
Rock Beach
A Rock Beach is a famous stretch of beachfront that extends for 1.2 km from War Memorial to the Dupleix Park on the Goubert Ave, in the city of Puducherry, India. The beach is often crowded with groups of people playing volleyball, jogging, walking, skating, yoga, and swimming, especially during the evenings. This attractive beach is usually characterized by ocean sprays, waterscape, and waves of chatters.
11.
Pondicherry Lighthouse
The Lighthouse is one of the remarkable landmarks in Pondicherry. The French Riviera of the East, Pondy has two lighthouses, an old one and the new one. Where the former has been closed for public appearance the latter serves as the spot for giving its visitors the most amazing bird’s eye view of the city.
12.
Pichavaram
Pichavaram near Chidambaram in Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu is famous for its mangrove forests. This is one of the largest mangrove forests in India covering about 1100 hectares of area and the second-largest in the world. Pichavaram mangrove forest is located between two prominent estuaries, the Vellar estuary in the north and the Coleroon estuary in the south. The Vellar-Coleroon estuarine complex forms the Killai backwater and Pichavaram mangroves. The Pichavaram forest offers waterscape and backwater cruises. Pichavaram is easily accessible from Pondicherry via road.
