Satiate Your Hunger For Wanderlust By Visiting Pondicherry - The New Goa

It's high time we forget about being fixated on Goa whenever it's about going for a beach vacation. We need to explore more to know there's so much more in other places which we're yet to discover. Pondicherry is one of those places that will satiate your wanderlust in the same way Goa does. We just can't deny how Pondicherry has actually become the new Goa for travelers and has so much more to it which is yet to be explored. What are you waiting? Ditch your usual Goa scenes and discover this new city for the love of waves and sand. Check out the places to visit in Pondicherry below to plan your vacation well.

 

Best Time To Visit Pondicherry: October To March

 

1. Beaches

Pondi has several beautiful beaches to make you fall in love with the sea. You'll be amazed to witness the most mesmerizing sunsets and waves while you're sipping on your favorite cocktail and having an exquisite meal.

 

Promenade Beach

This one is rocky beach and tops the list of the most popular beaches in Pondicherry. One can also practice yoga at the beach and meditate while hearing the sound of waves. This beach serves as a treat for your eyes and soul.

Location: White Town

  

Auroville Beach

This one is also known as "Auro" beach. If you're planning to find a beach perfect for surfing then this one is exactly where you need to be. Auro beach also has beautiful resorts on the sideline for a memorable stay. It's an ideal spot for swimmers. Don't miss out on this one.

Location: It is situated at the right side of the ECR, opposite to the road leading to Auroville.

 

Paradise Beach

This beach is also known as "Plage Paradiso" and is perfect for a volleyball game if you're bored of chilling at the shacks. If that doesn't interest you then make your way over to one of the shacks to enjoy some delicious meals or relax by the beach reading your favorite novel.

Location: 2 kms away from Chunnambar Boat House

 

Serenity Beach

A charming escape to Serenity beach is all you need to make your vacation worth it. This beach has got it all covered for you from surfing, kayaking, canoeing and a lot of adventure sports. You're definitely not going home disappointed from this one.

Location: Kottakuppam

 

Mahe Beach

Enjoy a relaxing fishing session at this beautiful beach. This one doesn't have many activities happening neither does this beach have shacks but it's perfect for a good swim and fishing. The jaw-dropping views at this beach will make you crave for more.

Location: 22 km southwards from Kannur City

 

Also Read: 10 Gorgeous Unexplored Places In South India You Have To Visit Before The Year Ends

 

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 2. Shopping Hubs - Markets, Localities, Showrooms

 

No vacation is complete without a little shopping. Get your friends and family a few souvenirs before you leave this beautiful town and of course, if you're fond of shopping then rush to these markets now.

 

Goubert Market

Take a Pondy cycle tour and visit the Goubert market crowded with several people shopping for flowers, fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices. It's worth a visit as it reflects the real aura of the city.

Location: Goubert Avenue, Near Sri Sankara Vidlalay

 

White Town

White town is one of the top hubs for shopping in Pondicherry. French culture dominates the area as there are several boutiques and restaurants still run by French Nationals. The market is a little expensive as it might burn a hole in your pocket but you just can't doubt the quality of the products. It caters to furniture mostly home furnishing items.

Location: Near Beach Road

 

One of the most famous shops among tourists in White Town: Casablanca is one of the reputable shops in White Town known for selling the quirky decor for your house/office requirements. If you're looking for artsy decor then you should definitely pay a visit.

  

Saram China Market

Find the best quality china goods and decorative items for any festival or occasion. You can totally put your bargaining skills at try while shopping here. This market also sells beautiful beaded accessories and earings to revamp your style.

Location: Puducherry Road, Naveena Garden, Brindavanam

 

Don't forget to explore other markets -  Mudaliarpet market, Ariyankuppen market, Mission street and Serenity beach bazaar 

 

Suggested Read: 8 Travel Bloggers In India Giving Us Major #travelgoals

 

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3. Nightclubs And Restaurants

 

The Asian House

A classy ambiance serving the most relishing meals along with cocktails and mocktails. Save your night for an exotic dinner at The Asian House.

Address: 7, South Beach Boulevard, Next Dupleix Statue, White Town

Must Haves: Shrimp Cocktail, Fish, Prawn Curry, Fries, Golden Fried Prawns, Chicken Steak, Seafood Sizzler

Cuisine: Chinese, Continental, North Indian, Thai

Cost For Two: Rs.900

 

Kofi Bar

A budget-friendly restaurant with relishing beverages and tempting food to satiate your hunger pangs. This cozy cafe will make you come back here again for sure.

Address: Kuilapalayam, Auroville

Must Haves: Vegan Cold Coffee, Angeli Pancake, Dosas, Smoothies

Cuisine: Cafe, South Indian

Cost For Two: Rs. 400

 

Toxic

Enjoy a romantic dinner at this open-air restaurant with a jaw-dropping view of the sea. Their menu will leave you spoilt for choices so pick the best and enjoy a relishing meal.

Address: Hotel Atithi, 126, SV Patel Salai, Heritage Town

Must Haves: BBQ Platter, Desserts, Seafood Platter, Tandoori Prawns

Cuisine: Seafood, Finger Food

Cost For Two: Rs. 1000

  

Poudou Poudou

It's a pocket-friendly beach restaurant which also has an open-air seating on the first floor. 

Address: 31, Labourdonnais Street, White Town

Must Haves: Starters, Sea Food, Continental and Tandoori Dishes

Cuisine: Chinese, North Indian, Continental, South Indian

Cost For Two: Rs. 600

  

Also, Explore These Other Top Restaurants In Pondicherry - Pub Zipper (Pudupalaiyam), Rendezvous (White Town), Just White (Ponnaiyapet), Ozone Bar (Anna Salai Rooftop, 2A, Heritage Town), Dragon Lounge (8, Ambour Salai, Viratipatu, Heritage Town)

 

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 4. Adventure Sports

 

Just like Goa, Puducherry also caters to a lot of adventure sports activities to keep your holiday thrilling and exciting. They've got the best experience covered for you at different beaches. It's time to get out of your comfort zone and have a thrilling experience by learning something new like surfing or giving kayaking a shot.

One can indulge in these adventure and water sports at the following beaches and surrender themselves amidst the beauty of sand and waves.

Kayaking or Canoeing - Karaikal Beach, Paradise Beach, Serenity Beach

Scuba Diving - Diving spots (Cool Shark Reef, Aravind’s Wall, Temple Reef, 4 Corners, Ravines, The Hole)

Yachting - Thengaithittu Estuary

Surfing - Serenity Beach, Paradise Beach

Sailing - Pondi Nautic

There are also other water sports available such Jet Skiing, Parasailing, Banana Boat ride at almost every beach, on the other hand, some beaches only cater to swimming - Try them all!

 

Read: 10 Female Friendly Places in India for Solo Women Travellers

 

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5. Religious Sites

Invoke the tourist in you to pay a visit to these beautiful religious sites in Pondicherry. Take a day out to have a look at the unique interiors and exteriors of these temples and churches to know more about their traditions and culture. 

 

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

It is situated on the south boulevard of Pondicherry. It's a specimen of Gothic architecture which makes it more mesmerizing to look at. Embrace a tranquil experience at this church as you go through the interiors which depict the life of Christ on glass panels.

Address: 132 Subbaiah Salai, Sacred Heart Square

Timings: Monday to Saturday -7:00 AM - 6:30 PM, Sundays - 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM

 

Immaculate Conception Cathedral

It is located in the Union Territory of Pondicherry. Mother Teresa a visit to this beautiful church which makes tourists pay a visit too. It's one of the oldest tourist sites being 300 years old, built in Portuguese style.

Address: Mission Street, Government Park

Timings: The mass is performed at 5:15 am to 6:15 am from Monday to Saturday while on Sundays it begins at 5:00 pm

 

Varadaraja Perumal Temple

This beautiful temple will take you away from chaos so one can calm their soul. The water in the temple tank is considered to be medicinal and devotees take a dip to cure themselves of any kind of ailments. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built by Cholas. 

Address: Nethaji Nagar, Kanchipuram

Timings: 7:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM - 8:30 PM

 

 

Vedapureeswarar Temple

Located in the Union Territory Of Pondicherry lies this beautiful temple constructed in a Dravidian style of architecture. The temple follows Saivite tradition and the priests perform rituals on a daily basis and festivals.

Address: Heritage Town Mahatma Gandhi Road | Near Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple

Timings: 6:00 am - 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm

 

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6. Food

 

A perfect combination of French, South Indian and Italian defines the main taste of Pondicherry. They believe in experimenting with the best and merging the top cuisines to offer relishing dishes. Don't forget to try the authentic dishes such as Pazham Puri, Kuzhipaniyaaram With kozhi curry, Prawn Masala Vada, Calamari Mediterranean pasta, Crepes, Oru soru biryani. It's important to treat your taste buds with such appealing dishes.

 

Also Check Out: Fond of the hills? Get Your Backpack Ready To Conquer The Best Trekking Destinations In India

 

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