Heavily influenced by French culture, Pondicherry gets often regarded as the French Capital of India. Being a French colony till 1954, one can find tons of things to do in Pondicherry to experience the French architecture, culture, and food scene.
Pondicherry finds itself on the southeastern coast of India, offering a plethora of things to do. Many come to Pondicherry (or Puducherry) to see the heritage buildings, while others soak in the sun’s warmness while relaxing at the beautiful beaches.
Furthermore, Pondicherry also offers glorious opportunities to increase your adrenaline levels with water sports such as scuba diving, surfing, etc. This beautiful city amazes us with its flora and fauna, and we are sure you will get amazed too. Hence, let us look at the top 10 crazy things to do in Pondicherry.
Crazy Things to Do in Pondicherry
Things to Do in Pondicherry (1-5)
1. Feel the Sun at Paradise Beach
If there’s any location you cannot miss in Pondicherry, it has to be the beautiful Paradise Beach. Located in Chunnambar, you will see an endless sight of golden sand on this isolated beach.
As you approach the main entrance, you will find a few shacks that add to the beauty of the beach. Furthermore, you can enjoy the ambiance by sipping fresh coconut water with snacks. However, don’t expect fancy street food here.
Quick Tip: It takes only 20-30 minutes if you take a ferry to reach Paradise Beach. This journey from the boathouse will introduce you to the thick mangrove forests and beautiful birds. As a photography enthusiast, this will be the perfect opportunity to add some beautiful pictures to your collection.
If you are looking for some swimming options, it is not advisable to go deep because of the high water currents. However, Paradise Beach offers other crazy things to do in Pondicherry. Our favorite thing is to enjoy the adventurous water sports available. Fishing is also feasible, and watching the sunrise is absolutely mesmerizing. Hence, adding Paradise Beach to your list of things to do in Pondicherry is a must.
- Address: Paradise Beach, Manaveli Rd, Chinna Veerampattinam
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Fun things to do: Enjoy water sports, watch the sunrise, and go fishing
- Entrance fee: INR 150
- Hotels nearby: La Paradise Residency
2. Admire the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is for those who want to learn about the culture of Pondicherry. This beautiful gothic-style Catholic church saw its inauguration in 1907. Since then, it has been one of the top tourist drawers.
One of the best things to do in Pondicherry is to admire the impressive walls of the church. With biblical words written in Latin all over the entrance, you will find beautiful images of Jesus and Mary.
Entering the inside will leave you awe-struck as the interior looks too impressive. The main highlight of the church is the stained glass panels. Here, one can learn about the events of the lives of Jesus and Catholic saints.
- Address: 132, South Boulevard, near Railway Station, MG Road Area, Puducherry
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Between 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Fun things to do: Admire the impressive interiors and know about the culture of Pondicherry
- Entrance fee: Nil
- Hotels nearby: La Maison Radha
3. Cycle Around and Absorb the Beautiful French Architecture of Pondicherry
If you want to know the unique ways to travel and look at the French Architecture of Pondicherry, then exploring with a cycle is your option. Various cycling tours unlock access to various picturesque things to do in Pondicherry.
These guided tours take you to the stunning French Quarters, lively Tamil settlements, charming streets, villas, and many more. Looking at these picturesque streets and sceneries is probably one of the best things to do in Pondicherry. The gorgeous architecture here will surely amaze you as you transverse through lovely alleys and lanes on your vintage cycle.
Read More about the famous Asian tourist destinations like Pondicherry by clicking here.
- Famous cycling tours: Pondy Cycle Tour, BLive Cycle Tours, and many more
- Time required: Approximately 2 hours between 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
- Fun things to do: Travel around the territory with your cycle to look at the popular French architecture
- Entrance fee: INR 1500
4. Catch the Sunrise
Your trip will be incomplete if you don’t catch the mesmerizing sunrise of Pondicherry with your partner. As the sun rises, you both enter a realm of endless love and beauty.
Beaches, colonies, and promenades – all act as excellent places to watch the orange sunrise from the darkness. We are sure you will carry this wonderful experience throughout your life. That is why viewing the morning is one of the best things to do in Pondicherry.
- Popular spots to watch the sunrise: Serenity Beach, Rock Beach, Seaside Promenade
- Best time to visit: Between 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM
- Fun things to do: catch the mesmerizing sunrise with your partner in the iconic locations of Pondicherry
5. Spot the Dolphins at Chunnambar Boat House
Located 8 km away from Pondicherry, Chunnambar is a gorgeous little hamlet. One of the reasons it is popular among tourists is its proximity to Paradise Beach. Through the backwaters of Chunnambar, one can board the ferry that will take you through the pristine blue water and golden sand.
If you ask us, Chunnambar is the perfect place to spend a day relishing the thrill of water sports and bathing in the sun. The Chunnambar Boat House also offers intriguing things to do in Pondicherry. Boarding a short cruise will give you access to the serene beauty of the city. Furthermore, tourists can also spot dolphins circling in the water, making it a must-visit place.
Boarding a short cruise from Chunnambar Boat House will give you access to the serene beauty of the city. While cruising, you can admire and feel at home in the lush greenery of Chunnambar.
Other top things to do in Pondicherry’s hamlet town include rejuvenating at the beach. Furthermore, you can also admire and feel at home in the lush greenery of Chunnambar. Swimming in the pristine water streams of Chunnambar is also worth mentioning. Hence, no matter your age, you will enjoy Chunnambar in your list of things to do in Pondicherry.
- Address: Chunnambar River, Nonankuppam, Puducherry
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Between 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; closed on Mondays
- Fun things to do: Board the short cruise and travel around Chunnambar, admiring its greenery and pure natural streams
- Entrance Fee: INR 15 for adults and INR 5 for children between 4 to 8 years
- Hotels Nearby: RKN Beach Resort
Things to Do in Pondicherry (6-10)
6. Go Scuba Diving
If you desire a boost to your adrenaline levels, scuba diving in Pondicherry is your way to go. Having exotic marine life, you will have a thrilling experience under the waters of the country’s East Coast.
As you dive into the sea, your eyes will encounter some of the most beautiful creatures known to humans. Your eyes are all in for a delight as you watch over the natural coral reefs and the exotic species of kingfish, lionfish, and many more.
If you are having a lucky day, you might also spot sharks, turtles, and dolphins. Hence, all these features of scuba diving make it one of the crazy things to do in Pondicherry you cannot miss.
- Popular places: Temple Adventures, Urban Nomad Adventures, Samudra Adventures
- Best time to visit: February to April and September to November
- Fun things to do: Dive into the waters of Pondicherry and meet the exotic species and natural coral reefs
- Entrance fee: INR 5000
7. Try Water Sports to Get Your Adrenaline Pumped
As you come after scuba diving in Pondicherry, there are several other water sporting options too. The peaceful beaches and unique coastal beauty make this city our favorite hideout. Hence, tourists are deemed to find various water sports on these beaches.
With over four coastal provinces, Pondicherry offers water sports such as boating, kayaking, kite surfing, scuba diving, banana boat rides, and many more. On top of that, one can also relish Pondicherry’s unique cultural traits, sightseeing options, and delicious cuisines.
Quick Fact: Pondicherry has four coastal provinces, providing the best water sports facilities. These include Yanam (Andhra Pradesh), Karaikal, Pondicherry city (eastern coasts of Tamil Nadu), and Mahe (Kerala).
Hence, if your blood needs some adrenaline, you must add water sports to your list of things to do in Pondicherry. While these may be a little expensive, we assure you each penny spent is worth it.
- Popular adventure sports: Surfing, Boating, Kayaking, Kite Surfing, Wind Surfing
- Best time to visit: February to April and September to November
- Fun things to do: Get your adrenaline levels pumped with the several water sporting activities in Pondicherry
- Entrance fee: Starts from INR 300 to INR 5000
8. Go Sight Seeing at Arikamedu
Arikamedu is one of those towns that remain hidden from the eyes of Tamil tourism. This ancient Roman trade center finds itself about a half-hour away from Pondicherry.
Fun Fact: There was little to no evidence about Indo-Roman ties in the BC era. However, with the discovery of Arikamedu, this evidence was unearthed. Archaeologists believe this ancient town was a famous port and maritime center from the 1st century BC to the 2nd century AD.
The town now does not offer much than the two walls built perpendicularly in the 18th century. Furthermore, the area’s vegetation comprises mango and coconut trees. Amphorae are also worth seeing here as they have the mark of Roman schools.
Finally, one can spot various fascinating structures, such as mortars, bricks, and others. These ruins have been standing here like a ghost for ages. Since Arikamedu does not attract tourists, it is a great place to isolate yourself from the surroundings. Furthermore, if you love exploring vintage and old architectural sites, you must add it to your list of things to do in Pondicherry.
- Address: Ariyankuppam, Puducherry
- Wiki page: Click here
- Best time to visit: Between 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Fun things to do: Explore this ancient town to know about Indo-Roman connections
- Entrance fee: Nil
- Hotels nearby: Lotus Bay View Hotel
9. Meet the Flora and Fauna of Pondicherry
Apart from the marine life, Pondicherry has vibrant and beautiful flora and fauna on the land. Ouster Wetland and National Park perfectly depict the beauty of this French colonial city. With a land area of 3 sq. km, you will find diverse species of avifauna and aqua-fauna.
One of the tourist attractions of the national park is its migratory birds. Tourists love to click photos of these beautiful birds and add these pictures to their collections. Apart from that, one can also find peace in the fascinating plants and trees.
Quick Tip: You may bring a camera to the park as it provides numerous opportunities to click mesmerizing pictures of the flora & fauna.
Furthermore, tourists can board the houseboat to travel around the park and see its beauty to the fullest. Hence, if you are coming to the city, you must add Ouster Wetland and National Park to your list of things to do in Pondicherry.
- Address: Pondicherry, India
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: January
- Fun things to do: Meet the migratory birds and click photos in the lush greenery of the National Park
- Entrance fee: Nil
- Hotels nearby: Kavas Yoga Retreat
10. Take Your Partner to Seaside Promenade
The final entry to our list of things to do in Pondicherry is taking your partner to Seaside Promenade. It is probably the best romantic thing to do with your partner in the evenings. You can feel the ambiance around you, giving positive vibes and endless memories.
If you feel to snack on something, there are arrangements for that too. Promenade has many cafes where you and your partner can spend time together. The well-maintained area of Seaside Promenade will make you fall in love with it.
- Address: Promenade Beach, Pondicherry
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Evenings
- Fun things to do: Take your partner on a mesmerizing evening walk at the Seaside Promenade and sip coffee in one of the cafes
- Entrance fee: Nil
- Hotels nearby: The Retreat
FAQs
When should I visit Pondicherry?
If you plan a trip to Puducherry, you may plan it between October and March. The temperatures are just fine to do all the crazy things to do in Pondicherry mentioned above.
How long should my trip to Pondicherry be?
A 4-day trip to Pondicherry is sufficient to travel around and see all tourist attractions. However, if you are short on time, a 2-day trip is also enough to see the prominent landmarks.
Which cuisine is a must-eat in Pondicherry?
Khowsuey is something you cannot miss eating in Pondicherry. This street side delicacy will melt your heart with its unique taste and flavors. Your tastebuds are going to love it.
Is Pondicherry expensive for tourists?
No, we would rather say that Pondicherry is quite affordable for budget travelers. Most sites cost little to no money; hence, making them a great travel destination.
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