Pondicherry is divided into two parts that run north to south. The French rulers referred to them as the French Quarter (also known as the `white town` or `Ville Blanche`) and the Tamil Quarter (as Ville Noire or the black town). This distinction still exists today albeit in a subtle form. The French Quarter is obviously more spacious and better planned while the Tamil side has all the usual rumblings of any Indian city.
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There are many attractions for tourists strewn across the whole of Puducherry. Some of the well-known places are described here.
Beaches: With a long coastline of 32 km Beaches of Pondi beckons tourists from India and abroad
Vedapureswarar Temple: The Vedapureswarar Temple is located around half a kilometer to the west of Aurobindo Ashram. The Presiding deity is a Swambhu Lingam.
Manakura Vinayakar Temple: The Manakura Vinayakar Temple is located approximately 200 meter west of the Aurobindo Ashram. It has a long history much before that of the French Colonizers. Read More...
Varadaraja Perumal Temple: Varadaraja Perumal Temple is located next to the Vedapureswarar Temple. The presiding Deity here is Lord Vishnu
Sacred Heart of Jesus Church: Sacred Heart of Jesus Church or Eglise De Sacre Coeur De Jesus is noted for its gothic architecture and is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The stained glass panels here depict the complete life of Jesus Christ.
Aurobindo Ashram: Spiritual Seekers as well as casual tourist alike throng this place. The Ashram is located at a short distance from The Beach Road. ..
Museums of Pondicherry: There are three museums in Pondicherry each displaying their own unique Exhibits. They are really worth visiting.
Romain Rolland Library: It is one of the oldest libraries in India with a rare collection of books. It is located at Rue Romain Rolland.
Mansion of Ananda Rangapillai: Palatial 18th century mansion of Ananda Rangapillai,is situated on the street named after him. He was a courtier of a French Governor...
Government Park: Government Park is really worth visiting. Located in the old Colonial part of the city it is the most beautiful public space in Pondicherry. Read More...
Anglo-French Textile Mills: Anglo-French Textile Mills commenced its operation way back in 1898. The products of this mill make for good gifts.
Botanical Gardens: The Botanical garden in Pondy is a real treat for visitors for it is home to several rare species of plants and trees. It was planned by C.S. Perrott and executed in 1826.
French Architecture & Connection :
Churches, Colonial Buildings, French institutions provide Pondicherry with an authentic French feel. Read More...
Pondicherry is not a very big place. So if you want to visit the tourist attractions of Puducherry, there are abundant modes of transport available. You can hire auto-rickshaws (beware of overcharging) or hire a bike, or bicycle. Depending upon your age and riding ability this is the best option. No hassles involved all you need is to have a valid license for the bikes and give a security deposit. These are available at various important parts of the city.
Local Sightseeing Tour
If you are short of time and energy then the best option is to go for the local sightseeing tour organized by the Puducherry Tourism & Transport Development Corporation. They conduct a daily sightseeing Tour which takes you to in and around Puducherry. The tour begins from the Beach Office and new Bus Stand and runs seven days a week.
Pondicherry has a strong French flavor which gets reflected in every aspect of the city as it goes about its daily business. Be it the colonial buildings, neatly laid out roads, Beautiful street names, sacred churches, fusion as well as authentic French cuisines or even with the Police uniforms- there is the unmistakable French connection. There are French Nationals in Pondicherry who had never been to France but can vote for the French Presidential elections. Let`s find out what makes Pondicherry to be called as the "The French Riviera of the East".
Office of French Consul: This is the office of the French Consulate General which is situated in the Rue De La Marine.
Statue of Duplex: Duplex was Pondicherry`s most illustrious French Governor. Humbled by the British he was forced to return to France in 1754. Nevertheless, recognition by the French Government came a century later when in 1870 they commissioned his statue at Pondicherry. Originally The 2.88-meter tall majestic statue was erected over six ornamental granite pillars at Place Du Republique. The Statue now stands relocated to the southern end of the beach overlooking the Children`s park.
French War Memorial: Located on the Beach Road or the Promenade Goubert Avenue, the French War Memorial was constructed to pay a tribute to the French soldiers who laid their lives during World War 1. It is maintained by the French government. Every year to commemorate Bastille Day on July 14th a ceremony is held here.
The statue of Joan of Arc: The statue of Jeanne d Arc or Joan of Arc is located on a well laid out garden across the entrance of the Notre Dame des Anges. It`s a typical French marble statue. The statue set in a triumphant posture commemorates the valor of this French Damsel.
The French Institute: The French Institute of Pondicherry is one of the important landmarks of Pondicherry as a centre for academic excellence. It was inaugurated on 20th March 1955. An eminent French Indologist, Dr. Jean Fillozet was its founder. It`s a classical colonial building with a well decked up entrance gate, arched staircases, large windows, and pediments. It is located at St. Louis Street.
Raj Niwas: The 18th-century building "Palais Du Government is now known as the Raj Niwas. Once occupied by the French Governor Dupleix , it is now the official residence of the Lt. Governor of Pondicherry.
The Lighthouse: The 19th-century lighthouse on Goubert Salai is still one of Pondicherry`s prime tourist attractions. It was built in the year 1836 and stands on the edge of the sea close to the Place Du Government.
Eglise De Notre Dame Cathedral: The Eglise De Notre Dame Des Agnes or Church of the Capuchins, is located on the Rue Dumas. The locals call it Pink Church because of the color. Built-in the year 1865 it was modeled on the Basilica in Lourdes. The church is believed to have been donated by the French emperor Napoleon III. Prayers are still conducted here in French.
Sacred Heart Church: Sacred Heart Cathedral aka Eglise De Sacre Coeur De Jesus is situated on South Boulevard. This 100-year-old cathedral is well acclaimed for its Gothic architecture and the immaculately stained glass panels. The glass panels show the complete life of Jesus.
Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception: Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception lies in the heart of Pondicherry at Mission Street. It has a 300-year-old history attached to it. After much destruction, the present church was built in 1791.
Hotel Lagrenee de Meziere: Hotel Lagrenee de Meziere dates back to 1774. It is located at Romain Rolland Street. This imposing colonial building was gifted to the religious order of Saint-Joseph de Cluny.
LA Ecole Francaise d Extreme Orient: LA Ecole Francaise d Extreme Orient or the French Institute of the Far East is located on the corner of Rue Dumas. The institute consists of two impressive buildings diagonal to each other. You need permission beforehand to visit this place.
Lycee Francais: Lycee Francais is located at Rue Victor Simone. It was established in the year 1826. It has a good collection of old photographs and rare coins belonging to the French East Indian Company.
