Pondicherry – More Than A Beach Town

Famously known as Paris of the East, Pondicherry is a beautiful and tranquil town on the south-eastern end of the Indian Peninsula. With remnants of the French colonial era sprinkled across Pondicherry’s architecture and serene beaches encompassing it, the city is among the most admirable destinations for a long vacation or quick weekend getaway in South India. 

While many people consider Pondicherry a beach town, it has many more scenic attractions in its treasure trove that would delight you with its intrinsic beauty. Also, now that the humid summer months have ended, it is the best time to hire a taxi from Chennai to Pondicherry and explore this quaint town with your friends or family to make memories you will cherish for a lifetime. 

Exploring Pondicherry Beyond The Beaches

A visit to Pondicherry is an experience no avid traveller would want to miss. However, do you know that Pondicherry holds several picturesque destinations that would leave you in awe of this town? Well, it does! So without any further ado, let’s explore some hidden sides of Pondicherry that you should not miss on your next trip here. 

Eglise De Notre Dame Des Anges Church 

The Eglise De Notre Dame Des Anges is one of Pondicherry’s oldest and most visited churches. Established in the early 18th century, this church is famous for its spectacular architecture that reminds people of the well-known Basilica at Lourdes in France. Moreover, when you visit this church, you can also glimpse the serene waters of the Bay of Bengal, a towering statue of Mother Mary carrying Jesus Christ and an elaborate statue of Joan of Arc.

Gingee Fort

If you are up for some sunny adventure in Pondicherry, a visit to Gingee Fort should be on your travel itinerary. Titled “Troy of the East” by the British government, this magnificent fort witnessed the rule of Mughals, Marathas, Cholas, and even Nayakas. 

Furthermore, this historically diverse fort has three fortresses that give it the form of a triangle. The picturesque nearby hills offer this fort a more stunning view. Furthermore, the panoramic setting is excellent for photography and a dose of some intriguing history that would unquestionably enchant you.

Also, Check – The Best Beaches Of Fuerteventura

Auroville

Established in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, Auroville is the place to be if you want optimism and peace in life. This quaint Auroville town in Pondicherry intends to encourage humans to rise above nationalities, creed, and politics and live together in harmony. Also, in the middle of this town is the famous ‘Matrimandir’, which signifies the universal Mother and is unquestionably a delight to witness. 

Botanical Gardens

The lush Botanical Gardens in Pondicherry are unquestionably a nature lover’s heaven. This panoramic park, constructed by French colonists in the late 19th century, accommodates more than 1500 plant species dispersed across 22 hectares. In addition, the notable plant species you can glimpse here are several different varieties of colourful jasmines, roses and orchids. 

La Maison Rose

La Maison Rose is an excellent example of old French colonial architecture renovated into three boutique shops – Domus, Oh la la and Amethyst. You can visit this well-known place to shop for attractive keepsakes, vintage dresses, and antique jewellery. The interiors of this place maintain the old-world charm with texts and photographs of the bygone era.
Pondicherry is an idyllic tourist paradise offering a quiet and undisturbed retreat away from the bustling city life. Apart from the serene beaches, Pondicherry never fails to mesmerise you with its colonial heritage and other attractions that you can tour comfortably by reaching the city via a car rental in Chennai.