Must Do Things in Pondicherry

Snorkeling in Pondicherry offers an exhilarating adventure for marine enthusiasts. Dive into the crystal-clear waters off the beaches of Pondicherry, where vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life await. Encounter colourful fish, and unique underwater landscapes while enjoying the serene beauty of the Bay of Bengal. With professional instructors and well-equipped facilities, snorkeling in Pondicherry promises unforgettable experiences amidst stunning scenery. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, this activity is a must-try in this coastal paradise.
Activity Timing- 7am
Activity Duration- 30 min
Scuba Diving

Located on the kaleidoscopic coastlines of the Bay of Bengal, Pondicherry also proves to be a blessed scuba diving destination in the entire country! The azure and clear waters around this union territory offer astounding opportunities to take a dive into the mesmeric under-water world and discover its magical beauty.
One of the wonderful things to do in Pondicherry, scuba diving is a common trait among the locals and is now gaining immense popularity among the tourists. Conducted under the guidance of expert PADI certified divers, this adventure sport in Pondicherry is, in fact, a not to be missed activity.
Most of the diving sites in Pondicherry ranges from 5m to 40m and proves to be ideal for the novice as well as the expert divers. Moreover, the clarity of the water bed and the wide range of aquatic life make these dives an extremely exciting affair.
Location: Some of the popular diving sites in Pondy includes 4 Corners, Temple Reef, Coral Shark Reef, Arvind's Wall and The Hole.
Best Time to visit: October and November are the best months for this activity.
Cost: INR 7499
Click Here To Book: Best Scuba Diving Tours in Pondicherry
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The scenic boat ride in Pondicherry begins at the bustling Fishing Harbour, where you can observe traditional fishing methods and learn about the industry’s cultural significance. It then glides past Arikamedu, an ancient archaeological site renowned for its Greco-Roman trade history. The journey continues into the serene Mangrove Forest, famous for its dense network of trees that protect the coastline and serve as a habitat for birds like the pied kingfisher. The tour concludes at the Ocean Mouth, where fresh and saltwater meet, offering breathtaking views of the coastal ecosystem.
Activity Duration- 1 hr 10 mins
Activity Timings- 7 a.m to 5 p.m
Places Covered: Ocean Mouth, Mangrove Forest, Fishing Harbour, Arikamedu

Experience the charm of Pondicherry with a peaceful sunset boat ride that offers breathtaking views of its waterways and a glimpse into its rich coastal culture. Your journey begins at the lively Fishing Harbour, where you can witness the vibrant life of local fishermen, learn about traditional techniques, and soak in the bustling energy of the harbour. Sail past the ancient site of Arikamedu, an archaeological treasure that once served as a bustling trade hub with connections to ancient Roman and Greco-Roman civilisations. Listen to your guide narrate fascinating tales of its historical significance and cultural legacy. Continue your journey through serene mangrove forests, a haven of biodiversity where you’ll spot unique flora and bird species. Learn about the ecological importance of these lush ecosystems in safeguarding the coastline. Finally, reach the stunning Ocean Mouth, where the river and sea converge in a dramatic display. Take in the panoramic views of the coast as your guide shares insights into the area’s ecology and its mesmerising natural beauty. This sunset boat ride promises an unforgettable blend of tranquillity, history, and nature, making it a must-do experience for anyone visiting Pondicherry.
Visit Auroville

Without peace, serenity and brotherhood, the world will cease to exist! On the path to attain these elements, we should always purify our souls and explore the real meaning of life. The more we discover ourselves, the more meaningful life will become for us! And in order to achieve this divine stage, we all need peace of mind, relaxation and unity.
Auroville in Pondicherry is one such place that will help your mind to relax and explore the real meaning of life. It is a place, where caste, creed and colour are of no importance; everyone is welcomed here with an open heart.
With a motto to spread progressive harmony, this township in Pondicherry is known for the peace, serenity and devotion that can soothe your mind, help you in bonding with other members and make you realise the value of unity.
A must in the list of things to do in Pondicherry, a visit to Auroville will not only allow you to enjoy its tranquil ambience or be a part of its progressive harmony but will also encourage you to be a part of it. Also, within the ‘Matrimandir’ that is located centrally in this township, you can also indulge in meditation and find your mind's consciousness.
Location: Viluppuram District, Tamil Nadu.
Best Time to visit: All year.
Cost: INR 1499
Popular Reads: Best Beaches in Pondicherry
Go on a Shopping in Pondicherry
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You can find authentic collections of handicrafts, art items, home décor items fabrics and readymade garments at these shops.
Location: Most of these outlets are located along the Romain Rolland Street in White Town.
Best time to visit: Check before heading out as most shops are closed on Sundays or Mondays
Also Checkout: Pondicherry Tour Packages For Couple

Go on a City Tour

After a blissful heritage walk through the quaint lanes of Pondicherry, a city tour is highly recommended. As the city covers an area of around 90km, this amazing tour around the city might take you 8-12 hours to complete this amazing tour.
Unlike the heritage walk, a city tour will take you through how Pondy's cityscape has changed in the last few decades; the mixture of culture and modernization is the main attraction of this tour. Beginning at around 09:30 AM, a city tour will take you across the length and breadth of the city.
Join these tours, visit the French Colonies in the old part of the town and some of the most gorgeous cathedrals, and get acquainted with the bucolic charm and appeal around. The tour will also introduce you with the authentic Tamil and French cuisines around the city; enjoy and relinquish over a gastronomic sojourn.
Also, by the end of your Pondicherry city tour, you can visit some of the major tourist attraction points like Botanical Garden, Government Museum and Panchavatti Anchanaya. There exist beautiful resorts in Pondicherry to make your vacation worth remembering for. Go and check out these resorts.
Location: Pondicherry Tamil Nadu, India.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year
Cost: INR 490
Explore Now: Best Resorts in Pondicherry for an amazing stay

Experience Yoga at Yoganjali Natyalayam

With a refreshing backdrop of beaches, ocean and gentle breeze brushing your cheeks, this activity is a blissful and therapeutic experience to enjoy by yourself in Pondicherry.
Location: Pudupalaiyam, Pondicherry
Best Time to visit: It is open from 9 am to 6 pm.
Explore the City on Bike

One of the best things in Pondicherry, this bike tour captures the essence of sustainable tourism and presents the most authentic face of the city.
Location: Pondicherry
Best Time to visit: October and November are the best months for this activity.
Cost: INR 1590
Must Checkout: Pondicherry Holiday Packages

Heritage Walk
Get ready to get smitten with the picturesque mustard and blue powder building and fascinating white structures still known by the names of the yesteryears. Experience the life of the locals as the promenade goes through the local fish and vegetable markets making this trail more enriching. You cannot miss out on the magnificent and tranquilizing heritage of this entrancing city, namely, Ecole Francaise d’Extreme-Orient (EFEO), an institute devoted to Asian Studies, and Sri Aurbindo Ashram, to name a few.
Location: 62, Sri Aurobindo St, Heritage Town
Best Time to Visit: Early Morning or Late Evening
Surfing at Serenity Beach

For those adrenaline junkies who love to catch the wind and glide through the mighty waves, surfing proves to be a much sought after activity. A must to have experience in the list of things in Pondicherry, surfing take these water sports lovers far into the turquoise waters of the ocean and have a tryst with the gentle wind and play with the waves and it is one of the famous and best adventure sports in Pondicherry.
Paradise and Serenity beaches in Pondicherry, with their playful waves and gentle wind proves to be two of the ideal spots for the surfers. Among all the Pondicherry things to do, surfing is indeed the most enthralling experience an adventure junky can enjoy in this scenic union territory.
Come Pondy, get your surf-board and hit the waves! Once you have balanced yourself on the board, catch the wind and manoeuvre through the waves to get your desired dose of adrenaline!
Location: Kottakuppam, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu 605101
Best time to visit: All around the year.
Cost: INR 1200
Best Offers On: Pondicherry Tour Packages From Chennai
Go On a Boat Ride

Yet another option for the adventure sports in Pondicherry, boating can also be called as one of the most delightful things in Pondicherry! However, for those who love the blue waters, but prefer to discover their charm in a steady and playful way, the Chunnambar Backwaters serve as the ideal spot.
Located around 7km from the heart of Pondy and on the way to Cuddalore, Chunnambar Boat House is one of the most popular club that offers boat rides along the silent backwaters. Cossetted by lush and evergreen thickets, boating along this large expanse of tranquil backwaters has a unique and unmatched charm.
On your next Pondy visit, make it to Chunnambar and plunge into a pedal boat and discover the beauty of the backwaters as they makes their way to the mighty Bay of Bengal; motor boats are also available with the boating house.
In addition to a splendid boating experience, you can also indulge in nature photography and be a shutterbug for the day. For the nature lovers, these rides also offer an amazing opportunity to explore the lush beauty around the vicinity and also spot some of the exotic birds dwelling in this region.
Location: Chunnambar, Pondicherry
Best Time to visit: September to January.
Cost: INR 225
Also Checkout & Book: Pondicherry Tour Packages From Cochin

Activity location: Pondicherry
Activity timings: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Activity duration: 3 hours
About Night Cruise-In Pondicherry:
Steer in the clear river under the night sky and enjoy this night cruise sea in Pondicherry. Enjoy A lovely and delightful time on a cruise in the tranquility and the serenity of the surrounding river and great company. There will be an experienced and certified person in charge of the boat.
Try Yachting or Sailing

Though the expanded coastline of
Pondicherry satiates the requirements of most of the water adventure lovers,
this do not sound enough for some of the thrill-seekers. In addition to thrill
and adventure, they also yearn for luxury while sailing and this is one of the best adventure sports in Pondicherry.
Well, for these classes of thrill lovers,
Pondicherry offers a wide and charismatic ranges of yachts. Decked with almost
all the luxury and comfort, these vessels usually come with a high-powered
engine that ensures high speed and grooviness on the water.
A lively
combination of speed, elegance and comfort, yachting has now become one of the
most enjoyed things in Pondicherry and attracts a large number of
tourists visiting this pictorial union territory.
Location: Promenade Beach, Pondicherry
Best Time to visit: September to January
Cost: INR 1750 onwards
Must Checkout: Pondicherry Tour Packages From Mangalore
Enjoy Kayaking & Canoeing

Like most of the other adventure sports in Pondicherry, kayaking and canoeing are two of the activities that do not require much of hard and fast training or an expertise. With proper guidance and instructions from an expert trainer, even a first-timer can manoeuvre these vessels and embark on a delightful ride over the water.
And when it comes to things to do in Pondicherry, these two water sports should not be missed at any cost. Though considered as an enthralling water sport, it can also enjoyed by the beginners; the thrill quotient depends on the roughness of the water and the rapids.
If you are one of the kayaking or canoeing enthusiasts, make it to the scenic Karaikal Beach in Pondicherry and join for an amazing experience with both of these activities. Visited by a large number of tourists, this sandy retreat is an ideal destination that makes these two Pondicherry things to do a must to have experience!
Location: Karaikal Beach, Pondicherry
Best Time to visit: From January to March or from September to December.
Cost: INR 3500
Recommended Reads: Best Things to do in Pondicherry for some adventure
Take Boat Ride at Chunnambar Boat House

Experience an enthralling adventure with a
boat ride at Chunnambar boat house in Pondicherry for a relaxing getaway. This
idyllic place is a serene destination with natural scenery for sunbathing,
chilling out and enjoy a wonderful vista of sunset for adventure sports in
Pondicherry.
Along with boat ride, this place is also great for hiking,
picnicking and camping in the beautiful backwaters of Pondicherry.
Location: National Highway 45A, Near Water Sports Complex, Nonankuppam, Pondicherry
Best Time to visit: One should
visit Chunnambar boat house from January to March or from September to
December.
Cost: INR 300
Also Checkout and Book: Pondicherry Tour Packages From Visakhapatnam
Stroll Around Goubert Market
It is better to visit the market in the early morning if you wish to click some fine pictures of the spectacular market. Be quick for that perfect shot as you might have to make way for the morning joggers on their everyday routine. Do not miss out on the lip-smacking food at the restaurants nearby that’ll leave your taste buds drooling in delight. Certainly it is one of the best activities to do in Pondicherry!
Location: Grand Bazaar, Opposite to Police Station, JN Street
Best Time to Visit: Morning
Cost: Depends on what you buy.
Click Here To Book: Pondicherry Tour Packages From Coimbatore
Go at Shopping in Casablanca

While you can find an amazing collection of cosmetics and perfumes from the international brands, the first-floor beams with a wide selection of apparel for women and trendy jewelry - a paradise for ladies.
The top floor is a complete home section consisting of things that will surely make your heart drop. Bedcovers, table mats, cushion covers, candles and candle stands, teapots, vases, cups, and what not, Casablanca isn’t a place you can afford to miss when in Pondicherry.
Location: 165, Mission St, Heritage Town
Best Time to Visit: Winter months
Cost: Depends on what you buy.
Book Now: Pondicherry Tour Packages From Mysore
Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

For a peaceful sojourn in Pondicherry, you
must visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and seek blessings from the 'Mother'. Set
up by Sri Aurobindo, a renowned spiritual leader; this ashram is a home for all
who want to attain mental peace and yearns to discover inner consciousness.
Though last on the list, a visit to
Aurobindo Ashram is a must while touring around Pondy. The pleasant and bucolic the ambience around the premises, the silence that dwells in its every corner and
the various meditation programmes will surely make it for a soothing
experience.
Location: National Highway 45A, Near Water Sports Complex, Nonankuppam, Pondicherry
Best Time to visit: All year
Cost: Free
Enjoy Stunning Sunrise at Rock Beach

This well-maintained beach is a serene retreat to enjoy with your loved ones in the early morning hours. To kickstart your day with the most stunning sunrise of your lifetime, Rock Beach in Pondicherry is the place to go for all the tourists.
Location: White Town, Pondicherry
Best Time to visit: Early morning hours from November to February are the most ideal time to visit.
Cost: Free
Go On a Heritage Walk

Fringed with a diverse range of history and
culture, Pondicherry makes it to the list of best historical places in the
country. No matter in which corner of Pondy you be, you will always find
yourself engulfed with its heart-warming locales and diversity!
Explore this gorgeous French Colony of
India with a heritage walk through lively marketplaces, silent yet colourful
lanes and witness how life thrives in this region. During the course of your
walk, interact with the locals and get an opportunity to have a glimpse of
their daily life.
Also, while strolling around, you can
witness how perfectly the French essence of Pondicherry got blended with the
aura of Tamil lifestyle and cultures. A visit to Indian Square in Vaishali
Street will offer you the best picture of how these two cultures embrace each
other.
On a whole, in the list of the things to do in Pondicherry, a heritage the walk is the best and convenient way to know more and get acquainted with this
rustic union territory.
Location: Vaishali Street, Pondicherry
Best Time to visit: All-day
Cost: Free
Must Read: Places to Visit in Pondicherry to explore to the fullest
Enjoy Nightlife at Pubs and Lounge in Pondicherry
For party animals, Pondicherry is a great destination for the youth to have a great time. Some of the best places to enjoy the nightlife here are Zero House, Asta, Paradise Lounge, Bamboo Bar etc.
Best Time to visit: All over the year you can visit Pondicherry’s pubs and lounges during night.
Birdwatching at Ousteri Lake

Along with appreciating the natural scenery, Ousteri Lake is also known for having a mesmerising boat ride in the IUCN designated wetland.
Location: It is located about 10 kms from Pondicherry.
Best Time to visit: The winter months from September to January is the best time to visit.
Indulge Yourself in Water Activities at Karaikal Beach

Famous for various adventure activities in Pondicherry like boating, canoeing, backwater sailing and camping at the beachside, Karaikal Beach is a postcard-perfect place to enjoy a day with filled with entertainment and thrill with your loved ones.
Location: It is located 133 km away from Pondicherry.
Best Time to visit: October to March is the best time to visit Karaikal Beach.
Cost: Depends on water sports.
Sunbathe at Serenity beach

With some breathtaking views and calming experience, Serenity Beach is a must visit among Pondicherry things to do for thousands of visitors. Along with sunbathing, Serenity Beach is favoured spot for youngsters who wish to indulge in surfing.
Location: Kottakuppam, Pondicherry
Best Time to visit: Sunrise and sunsets are the best time of the day for visiting Serenity Beach.
Other Things to Do in Pondicherry
Indulge in Some Mouth Watering Food at Bay of Buddha

It is famous for its Pan-Asian cuisine and some of the most delectable dishes to try out here are sushi, seafood, mee goreng and chicken satay.
Location: Goubert Ave, White Town, Pondicherry
Best Time to visit: It remains open from 7 am to 10:30 pm every day.
Cost: INR 1500 for two people.
Drink, Dine, Dance And Repeat at Asta Lounge

This is an excellent place to gather with friends and family and enjoy an evening of music and dance, along with a fine dining experience. If you are looking for things to do in Pondicherry then do try this place out for sure.
Location: 155D, 100 Feet Road, Mudaliarpet, Puducherry
Best time to visit: : The cafe is best visited during lunch hours and dinner hours when the place is abuzz with other guests.
Cost: Rs 1100 for two people with alcohol
Enjoy Some North Indian Meals at Roof Garden Cafe

Some of the best things that most tourists love about this café is its open air ambiance and setting, which is a welcome relief for them amidst the crowd and noise of the city. There are quite a lot many Things to Do in Pondicherry after which you can come to relax at this café.
Location: Ajantha Sea View, 50, Goubert Avenue, White Town, Puducherry
Best time to visit: Practically anytime when you want!
Cost: INR 800 for twoime to visit these religious spots.
Visit Churches of Pondicherry

Visit the Pondicherry Museums

For all the history buffs and culture vultures, the most amazing museums to visit in Pondicherry are Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry Museum, Jawahar Toy Museum, Bharathi Memorial Museum, and Ananda Ranga Pillai Museum.
Location: Various Streets of Pondicherry
Best Time to visit: October to February is the best time to visit the museums of Pondicherry.
Cost: Starts from Rs.10 for adults, Rs. 5 for children and Rs. 50 for foreign nationals
Go for Beach Walks & Indulge Water Activities

Blessed with an amazing coastline,
Pondicherry is one of the most popular beach destinations in India. Unlike the
other beach destinations in the country, beaches here are known for their
tranquil ambiance and tranquillity. For the beach lovers, a visit to these
beaches will not only make their holiday memorable but will also allow them to
indulge in an array of fun-filled and exciting activities
Paradise Beach, Auroville Beach, Serenity
Beach, Karaikal Beach, Promanade Beach, and Mahe Beach are some of the ideal
retreats that attract most of the beach lovers visiting Pondicherry. While
some of these beaches are often thronged by the tourists, few of them showcases
a tranquil ambiance and are less crowded.
However, irrespective of the beach
you visit, you will always be promised with an array of fun-frolic and exciting
moments! Swimming, beach volleyball, cricket, kayaking, boating, canoeing and
fishing are some of the most commonly enjoyed activities around the beaches of
Pondicherry.
Location: Beaches of Pondicherry
Best time to visit: October and November are the best months for these activities
Cost: Depends on the type of water activity you opt for.
Enjoy at the Dune Eco Village

With some splendid greenery all around, a refreshing spa, swimming pool and a plethora of sporting activities, Dune Eco Village makes a compelling case to enchant all the tourists visiting Pondicherry.
Location: Pudhukuppam, Keelputhupet Village, via Pondicherry University
Best Time to visit: December to March is the ideal time to visit this eco village.
Cost: INR 5300
Clay Modelling at Golden Bridge Pottery Center

Designed as an activity to cultivate your creativity, Golden Bridge Pottery Centre is known for bringing a revolution in ceramics and pottery in India.
Location: No. 56, Thottakkal Main Road, Karamanikuppam, Mudaliarpet., Thottakkal Main Road, JVS Nagar, Mudaliarpet, Pondicherry
Best Time to visit: September to March is the ideal time to visit.
Visit Cluny Embroidery Centre

It is run by Catholic nuns and offers a variety of masterpieces to enthuse the shopaholic inside you when you are in Pondicherry. Tourists can collect a range of items for table cloths, bedsheets, pillow covers, napkins etc with some brilliant and vintage motifs to decorate their homes at Cluny Embroidery Centre.
Location: White Town, Pondicherry
Best Time to visit: It is open from 8:30am-12pm and 2pm-5pm daily.
Explore the Streets of Saram China Market

All tourists who come to Pondicherry, definitely take a stroll around this market which stays open from 9:30 in the morning till 9:30 at night and requires 1 – 2 hours of their time. You can easily locate multiple goods for gifting purpose and more, at very economic prices in this market. Bargaining is also quite common at this market.
Location: Puducherry Road, Naveena Garden, Brindavanam, Puducherry 605013, India
Best time to visit: You can practically visit the market at any time but the morning and evening hours are the best.
Explore the Streets of White Town

This French part of the vicinity brews with the European-style fine streets, and elegant French architecture. You will find it hard to take your eyes off the exuberant architecture aging back decades, making it one of the best things to do in Pondicherry.
Also to mention the luscious French dishes that the restaurants serve that will lure your tastebuds, you cannot afford to miss them out. Grab your camera and try your best shots as this picturesque place will serve you the best pictures of your Pondicherry trip. I hope you remember to post it over social media platforms. Little flaunting never hurts, right
Location: White Town, Pondicherry
Stroll Around the Botanical Garden

There is a dedicated play area for kids over here where they can enjoy among themselves and with their parents. There is an aquarium in the park too, with an entry fee of Rs 10 and a toy train ride at Rs 10.
Location: Maraimalai, Maraimalai Adigal Salai, Near Anna Statue, Orleanpet, Puducherry
Best time to visit: The months of December to February are among the best for travelling to this park in Pondicherry.
Cost:
Adults – Rs 20 per person
Children (Below 12 years of age) - Free
Walk Along The Seafront at Goubert Avenue Beach Road

The beachfront starts at the War Memorial and extends up to the Dupleix Park on Goubert Avenue. Visitors review this place as best visited during the morning hours when the sea breeze can be tangibly felt and you can take small snack breaks from a dozen stalls lined along the pathway.
Location: Goubert Ave, White Town, Puducherry, 605001
Best time to visit: Taking a stroll out here is best done during the early morning hours or later after sunset.
Discover Your Spiritual Side at Pondicherry

Each of these religious spots are an architectural marvel that you can witness while travelling around the city. A visit to these temples is among the top few Things to Do in Pondicherry when tourists come to visit the city and even if you cannot visit all of them, take out the time to go around one of them.
Best time to visit: The morning and evening hours are the best time to visit these religious spots.

- Pondicherry
Paintball is a fun way to escape the everyday routine and stress. A game best played in private groups, provides the ultimate fun-filled thrill, experience. You can work as a team, shoot your paintball guns with style and escape being a target.
About the activity:
Welcome to the paintball zone and fee the rush now! You will be given a basic detail about the rules and regulations with jackets and guns.
- Pellets will be offered to you after this and now you can hop on for one of the best experiences in Pondicherry.
- The activity is most suitable for a large group and is a successful team building task. Get extra pellets at added cost to extend the game and fun of your life.
- Minimum number of people required to book this package is 4.
- Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM.
- The location is within 20 KM from city centre.
Relax at Old Lighthouse
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Though it remains out of operation at present, the Old Lighthouse of Pondicherry is a very important architectural and historical landmark for the tourists. The stunning scenery by the lighthouse also makes for many photography opportunities in Pondicherry.
Cost: INR 10
Discover Cultural Workshops at Sita Cultural Centre
Even if you’re in Pondicherry for a week or less, you must check out any short term program that would suit your preference. A supportive team and guidance will make you return with a newly earned skill. Not to forget about the workshops devoted to the Indian Cuisine that will render you the age-old recipes and their authentic preparation procedures. You bet there are no better activities to do in Pondicherry than this!
Location: No-22, Kandappa Mudaliar St, MG Road Area, Puducherry