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Best Places to Visit in Pondicherry in One Day

Begin your journey with ‘The City Of Dawn’. Arguably one of the most tranquil sights in Pondicherry, Auroville was built in 1968 as a futuristic township where people from all walks of life can live in peace and progressive harmony.

A visual treat here is the Matrimandir, a dodecagon marble dome dedicated to meditation, with an optical glass globe at its centre, allowing a shaft of sunlight to stream in. This focused sunlight is believed to enhance concentration whilst in the midst of peace. Make sure you visit the boutiques, the bookshop and the cafeteria and ride along on e-cycles while here.

Location: Auroville Universal Township, Town Hall, Auroville, Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu 605101, India

Timings: Daily 9:30 am - 5:30 pm

Price: Free Entry.

The Old Lighthouse was built by the French, back in 1836, as a guidance for mariners, who up until then relied only on the Red Hills to approach Pondicherry. It was originally a simple rectangular base with a shop, an area for the watchman and an inner staircase leading to the light which shone up to a distance of 29 kms.

As time moved on, a second storey was added and a 1000-watt revolving light replaced the original one. Today, the Old Lighthouse has been converted partly into a museum while a new one has been constructed to the south of Pondicherry.

Location: Goubert Ave, White Town, Puducherry, 605001

Timings: Tues - Sat - 9 am to 5 pm | Sun-Mon - 3 pm to 5 pm

Price: Rs. 10 per person

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Surrounded by lush greenery, a picturesque pond, a hill, and granite benches, Bharathi Park is an ideal picnic-spot if you’re travelling to Pondicherry with family.

The area around the park is dotted with ancient sculptures, statues and stately buildings, including the Raj Nivas, the Museum and more.

Take a stroll, sit by the pond, enjoy some quality time with your loved ones, whilst you make the most of an unhurried experience.

Location: 20, Rue Saint Gilles Street, White Town, Puducherry, 605001

Timings: 6:30am–8:30pm

Price: Free Entry.

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Built in colonial times, the Botanical Gardens boast of French architecture, standing out from the Southern-style surroundings. The sprawling 22-acres garden has more than 1500 species of plants, including endangered and exotic ones, making it one of the best gardens in South India.

The garden also offers toy train rides, musical and dancing fountains that you can catch only on the weekends, an aquarium, pruned trees and beautiful flower beds, all which add to the aesthetic of the venue.

Location: Maraimalai, Maraimalai Adigal Salai, Near Anna Statue, Ambedkar Nagar, Orleanpet, Puducherry, 605001

Timings: Daily, 10 am - 5pm

Price: Adults - Rs. 10 / Children - Rs. 5.

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The Mahatma Gandhi statue pays homage to the Father of The Nation. With a foundation laid in 1866 and the inauguration done a century later, the 13-feet high statue is apparently one of the biggest Gandhi statue in Asia.

The monument is encircled by eight exquisitely carved granite pillars brought in from Gingee, a fort close to Pondicherry. There is also a tunnel below the statue, which leads right up to Gingee, but owing to some unfortunate mishaps, the entrance was sealed soon after.

The statue stands strong, right in the city centre, so make sure you pay it a visit on your one day trip in Pondicherry.

Location: No. 40, Goubert Avenue, Beach Rd, White Town, Puducherry, 605001

Timings: Open 24 Hours

Price: Free Entry.

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Known to be one of the wealthiest Ashrams in India, this is a must visit on your one day trip in Pondicherry. It is built on the spiritual philosophies of Aurobindo Ghosh, a globally renowned philosopher-poet and yogi.

Visitors from across the world flock the Ashram to seek blessings from the mortal remains of Aurobindo and his entrusted disciple called Mirra Alfassa or ‘The Mother’.The remains lie in the courtyard of the main Ashram building, under a frangipani tree, accessible to all.

Location: Near Junction of Manakula Vinayagar No. 9 Marine Street, Manakula Vinayagar Koil St, Near Junction of, Puducherry, 605002

Timings: Samadhi - 8 am - 12 pm and 2 pm - 6 pm

Price: Free Entry.

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Standing magnificently tall, this temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, was built three centuries ago. The interiors bear forty incarnations and forms of Lord Ganesha, intricately carved on the temple walls.

A golden pyramid crowns the temple and the premises are home to Lord Murugan’s shrine, who is believed to have been the younger brother of Lord Ganesha. Together, the shrine and pyramid, create a blissful aura.Rest assured, once here, you’ll be amused by the temple elephant Lakshmi, who gathers coins from tourists and blesses them with her trunk!

Location: Manakula Vinayagar Koil St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001

Timings: 5:45 am - 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Price: Free Entry.

Housing a rare collection of bronze and stone sculptures, steeped into our history, excavated from the Pallava and Chola dynasties and Arikamedu, the local museum is definitely one of the many places to visit in Pondicherry in one day.

A major attraction here is the coach, the palanquin and the pousse-pousse, which was an ancient rickshaw, needed to be operated by two people at a time.

Once here, you’re sure to be transported to the mythological era. Spot the fossilised tree trunk, Greek and Roman relics, Hindu deities, handicrafts, coins, French furniture and more.

Location: Eswaran Kovil Street, Canteen St, Puducherry, 605001

Timings: 9 am - 5:00 pm. Monday closed

Price: Rs. 15 per person.

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Among the many places to visit in Pondicherry in one day, the Aayi Mandapam is on our list for its history. Legend has it that the memorial is dedicated to Aayi, a courtesan, whose brothel was ordered to be torn down by the King. After bringing it down herself, Aayi built a pond there to make potable water accessible to the residents.

Her generosity is marked by the structure in Bharathi Park, which is illuminated in all its glory in the evenings. It is flanked by monuments and statues that also make for interesting tourist spots.

Location: White Town, Puducherry, 605001

Timings: 9 am - 7 pm

Price: Free Entry.

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The French Memorial is a beautiful but grave reminder that pays tribute to the bravehearts who laid down their lives during World War I. It was erected in 1937 and inaugurated a year later.

While nobody is permitted to enter the grounds of the war memorial, on the occasion of Bastille Day, every year, the memorial is beautifully illuminated so as to pay homage to the valiant martyrs.

Behind the memorial is a bronze carving that marks the day the then Governor-General of France, Joseph Dupleix, arrived in Pondicherry in 1742. Make sure you visit this too.

Location: Mahe de Labourdonnais St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001

Timings: 10 am to 5 pm

Price: Free Entry.

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If you’re looking for places to visit in Pondicherry in one day, don’t miss the infamous Promenade Beach. The 1.5 km stretch is often called the Pride of Pondicherry for its sparkling sands and glistening waters.You’ll spot a juice vendor early in the day, and street-foods lining the beach late in the evenings.

That’s not all, tourists and locals alike, frequent this beach for their evenings strolls or jogs, while a majority are here to simply enjoy the vibe at the popular Le Cafe.

After all, iIt isn’t everyday that you can sip on some delicious coffee and bite into some lip-smacking food while the waves lap at your feet, right?

Location: White Town, Puducherry, 605001

Timings: Open 24 hours

Price: Free Entry.

Known to be one of the finest beaches Pondicherry has to offer, feel free to lose yourself amidst nature’s charm at the Rock Beach. Situated in the heart of the city, right next to the Promenade Beach, and surrounded by the most popular sights in town, the beach is lined by huge rocks.

A trip here during sunrise or sunset is absolutely surreal, as you watch the mighty waves crash against the rocks ever so often.

Location: White Town, Puducherry, 605001

Timings: Open 24 hours

Price: Free Entry.

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Translated from the French term, Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges, the Church should certainly feature on your list of places to visit in Pondicherry in one day. With a mix of limestone and egg whites, lending it a white marble texture, the structure is built in Greek-Roman architectural style.

Inside, you’ll be welcomed by rare oil paintings and pastel colours which soothe your senses as you walk in. Bang opposite the church is a statue of Virgin Mary cradling Baby Jesus in her arms.

The diversity here is visible through the Mass, which is read in French, English and Tamil.

Location: Dumas St. and Surcouf St, Puducherry, India

Timings: 7 am - 6:30 pm

Price: Free Entry.

End your day with a serene boat ride or even better, a tree-house stay, at the Chunnambar River, 8 kms from Pondicherry. Yes, a tree-house stay! You read that right. Following your picnic at the adjoining Paradise Beach, the backwaters are not only home to a quaint resort, but also offer a host of activities including trekking, yachting, boating and beach sports.

With a panoramic view of abundant greenery, a slice of ‘Paradise’ by its side, quite literally, and the gently flowing river, an overnight stay or a short trip to Chunnambar is probably the nicest ways to end your day at Pondicherry.

Location: Pondy-Cuddalore Road, Nonankuppam, Puducherry 605101

Timings: 24 hours

Price: Boat rides and activities are charged.

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