Heritage walk

Walking or bicycling down Puducherry’s tree-lined avenues is the best way to imbibe its old-world charm. Soak in the bright colours and clean lines of the colonial buildings in the beachside French quarter and cross the canal for the restored grand Tamil mansions.

Beaches

Puducherry's beaches, especially Serenity Beach, located approximately 10 km from the city, offer an ideal getaway for couples. With its white sandy shores, palm-fringed landscape, and vibrant surfing scene in the surrounding azure waters, Serenity Beach promises sun, sand, and surf enthusiasts a delightful experience. Auroville, nestled within the city, houses a serene beach perfect for quiet contemplation, just a 30-minute drive from Puducherry. Another notable destination is Promenade Beach, renowned for its rock-lined seashore, ideal for leisurely evening strolls. Adjacent to Goubert Avenue, the city's main historical promenade adorned with colonial structures, a 1.5 km-long stretch offers breathtaking views. Walking along, you can appreciate landmarks like the statues of Marquis Dupleix, Mahatma Gandhi, and the First World War Memorial.

Architecture

Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple, an ancient Hindu shrine predating the French colonization of Puducherry, is dedicated to the Lord Ganesha. The temple boasts a significant attraction – a 7.5 kg gold-plated chariot, drawing visitors from the region to its annual Dussehra exhibition. The temple's walls showcase intricate engravings and paintings by renowned artists. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus stands as a prime example of Gothic architecture in India. A revered pilgrimage site, it is renowned for its stunning stained glass panels portraying events from Christ's life. Housing 28 glass depictions of saints associated with the church, this century-old structure continues to captivate visitors.

Visit Auroville

If you’re inclined toward an earth-friendly, sustainable lifestyle, swing by Auroville, about a half-hour ride from the city. The experimental township set up in the vision of Sri Aurobindo and a French woman known as The Mother, is home to an international community that offers a wide range of activities. You can meditate at Matrimandir (or just take the scenic walk to view its unusual architecture from outside); drop by the farms in its green belt to volunteer, share a meal or take a class; take a course at hubs like Pitanga Cultural Centre; sign up for therapies at the Quiet Healing Center and pick up some La Ferme Cheese before you leave. Pizza is best served at Tanto. Stock up on jams like the Naturellement range and cheeses including La Ferme’s at Farm Fresh in Kuilapalayan, which also has a cafe.

Eco-friendly wear, incense, essential oils, and books are on hand at the Visitors Centre. Lunch at the simple but scrumptious veg restaurant The Right Path or grab a cuppa at Dreamer’s Café or at Bread and Chocolate before making a beeline for lifestyle stores Kalki and La Boutique d’Auroville, which also have outlets in the French quarter in the city.

Orientation

The union territory of Puducherry can be reached by direct flights from Bengaluru and Hyderabad; the nearest airport otherwise is in Chennai. Trains run to Puducherry station, and to Villupuram Junction, about 35km from the city. Puducherry is most easily accessible by road from Chennai in Tamil Nadu. Hop on to a bus from Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus or hire a cab, for the four-hour journey from Chennai. For directions on getting to Auroville, click here.