Pondicherry Heritage Walk

Aurobindo Ashram or the Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a spiritual group (ashram) situated in the union territory of Pondicherry. The ashram was a small community that expanded over some time as more and more disciples of Aurobindo Ghose gathered around to seek spirituality. Aurobindo Ghose founded this ashram after he left his political career and aspired to inherit spiritualism in his life. A few followers of Aurobindo joined him in the ashram with the same aim of seeking spirituality. Located in eastern Pondicherry, Sri Aurobindo Ashram has become a hub of tourists who are inclined towards divinity and simplicity in their lifestyle. The ashram is popular not only in India but also in other countries because of the work put forth by the community towards the healing of humanity. The ashram in its initial days only had a few buildings but later, as more and more people joined, the ashram grew bigger and presently, it consists of many small buildings that are adjacent to each other. The ashram provides all the basic needs of its members for living a healthy and simple life. There is a library in the ashram where members can read and learn about the history and teachings of the place. Also, there are various cultural facilities like dance, theatre, music, arts, and sports for the all-round development of the members. The ashram is managed by a board of five trustees who make sure that the legacy and vision of Aurobindo Ghose remains in the ashram.

Rock beach is regarded as one of the most attractive sight-seeing places in Pondicherry. This beach is situated on the busy streets of Pondicherry. In the evening, a lot of activities take place on the beach which makes the place even more happening. It is surrounded by restaurants, art galleries, and the famous French war memorial is just 0.4 km away from the beach. In order to get a sunrise view, many people book a hotel near the rock beach. You will also find many food outlets located nearby. So you can spend your evening enjoying your favorite food and a scenic view.Location: A beauty spot at the heart of the city, Rock beach is located in White Town, Pondicherry.Best Time To Visit: It is a memorable moment when you see sunrise or sunset at the beach. Most people tend to visit the beach in evening or the early morning. You can give a refreshing start to your morning in midst of this serene spot.Distance From Pondicherry Bus Stand: The Rock beach is situated at the distance of 2.7 km from Pondicherry bus stop. It might take just 10 minutes to cover this distance.

The Raj Niwas building is constructed on the foundation of a hotel named Hotel De La Compagnie. This is the government house of the Pondicherry and is a blend of both Indian and French architecture. The previous name of this Raj Niwas is Palais du Government. The Raj Niwas isn’t open to public but it is one of the attractions in Pondicherry. Most of the people who went on a trip to Pondicherry will surely pay a visit to this Raj Niwas to enjoy the Indo-French architecture. The monolithic pillars, fountain are the biggest asset of this Raj Niwas. They enhance the look of the construction as well as add royalty too. The public can go into the Raj Niwas on some special days and occasions only.Location:White TownPondicherry 605001Best Time To Visit:The Best Time To Visit: Raj Niwas will be between 12 pm and 1:30 pm as you will be allowed into the house. The point to remember here is the passes are limited to 40 per day.TimingsThe Raj Niwas will be open between 12pm and 1:30 pmDistance Between Pondicherry Bus stand and Raj NivasThe distance from Pondicherry bus station to Raj Nivas is 2.6 kms which can be travelled in 4-5 mins.Image Credits: thehindu.com

About the Place:This church, one among the 21 basilicas in India, is a famous pilgrimage for roman catholic Christians and considered one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry.It was built in 1908 by French missionaries. The sacred heart Basilica, a 100- years- old structure represents gothic architecture. It is 50 meters long, 48 meters wide and 18 meters high. Inside the church, there are 28 glass paintings which are a depiction of the life of Christ and saints of the church. The church has a huge area on the exterior too.Location:The church is located on the south boulevard of Pondicherry. Its address is 132, Subbaiah salai, Pondicherry, 605001.Best Time To Visit:This sacred abode of Jesus remains open throughout the year. People visit the church in masses during the Christmas festival. Though there is no specific time of the month to visit, a large number of outsiders can be seen here during winters considering the climatic condition of Pondicherry.Timings:Monday-Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PMSunday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PMDistance From Pondicherry Bust-StandThe church is situated 2.5 Km away from Pondicherry bus stand towards south boulevard.

The French soldiers memorial is constructed in order to honor the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country in World War I. The war memorial was constructed in 1970 and is one of the best attractions in Pondicherry. The memorial is decorated beautifully on 14th July of every year and is celebrated as Bastille Day. The people from complete Pondicherry and remaining other places visit this war memorial and respect the soldiers in the form of homage. The war memorial is smaller in size and doesn’t take much time to take a trip around it. The memorial itself has a good and positive vibe which make many people from in and around Pondicherry to visit it.Location:White TownPondicherry 605001Best Time To Visit:The Best Time To Visit: this war memorial is in the morning. You can enjoy the nature as well as spend some pleasant time in this place.TimingsThe French Soldiers memorial is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pmDistance from Pondicherry Bus stand to French MemorialThe distance from Pondicherry bus stand to French memorial is 3.5 km which take 2-3 minutes to travel.

A stretch starting from War memorial and ending at Duplex park, Promenade Beach is a 1.2 -kilometer long stretch. It has some other best Pondicherry tourist places near it including Old lighthouse, The War Memorial,  Heritage Town Hall etc. The beach is a crowded spot of Pondicherry where travelers enjoy sports and hang out with their loved ones. You can also enjoy the mouth-watering street food of the food stalls present at the corners of the beach. Not only this, if you love handicraft materials, then the beachside shops offer beautifully knitted handicrafts too. This is the most preferred Location: by nature lovers and wanderers for sightseeing in Pondicherry.Location: It is located at Beach Road, Pondicherry starting from War memorial and ending at Dupleix Park.Best Time To Visit: With its busy street and breathtaking sunset view, the beach is most likely to be visited most in the evening time.Timings: The beach can be visited any day of the week from 5 am to 8 pm.Distance from Pondicherry Bus Stand: The Promenade beach is at the distance of 2.5 km via South Boulevard from the bus stand. This will take approximately  9 minutes to reach the bus stand from the beach.

About the Place:This place is located along the Cuddalore Main Road. If you are a person who loves boat riding, then this is heaven for you. Chunnambar Boathouse which is 8 km from Pondicherry offers you a chance to sail downstream and create a night camping experience for yourself. This boathouse is also called as Paradise Beach. You can spend your day enjoying beach sports and getting sun-kissed. Chunnamabr Resort offers rental boats for visitors as well as organizes beach sports. There is a multi-cuisine restaurant called as Seagulls, which serves delicious Chinese and Tandoori food.Location:It is located at Pondy-Cuddalore Road, Nonankuppam. This is 8 km away from Pondicherry.Best Time To Visit:It is advisable to visit this place for the rides and water sports during afternoon time and come back to the shore by evening.Entry FeeEntry fee is Rs. 10 per head, with extra charges for different water sports.TimingsThe boathouse remains open from 9:30 in morning till 4 pm in evening.Distance From the Pondicherry Bus StandThe two places are 6.4 k away. If you travel via Cuddalore Road, it will take around 15 minutes to reach the destination.So this is Pondicherry, a place that has a variety to offer. If it is known for its sacred churches and historical monuments, one cannot forget the adventurous time it gives you with its beachside views and water sports. Indeed this small territory is a unique combination of fun and tranquility. So now are you convinced to book a ticket to this land of beaches, this winter?

The statue located on the Promenade Beach is an important landmark among all the Pondicherry tourist places. It also offers a view of Old Lighthouse and the famous Nehru Statue. This is a 4 meters high statue which is surrounded by granite pillars brought from Gingee, a fort situated at a distance of 70 km from Pondicherry. Mahatma Gandhi Statue is formed by Roy Choudhary, a renowned sculptor from Madras school of arts. There is a square space in front of the statue. This space is called as Gandhi Thidal, which is used for musical activities.Location:It is again situated at Beach road, White Town, Pondicherry. Now you can not only enjoy the scenic view of the beach but also explore this historical statue.Best Time To Visit:Since it is situated near the beach, it is best to visit this place either during sunrise or sunset.Distance From Pondicherry Bus Stand:It is located at beach road, which is 2.5 Km from the bus station. So your all the sites are in close proximity to each other as well as the bus station. Isn’t this the best thing for outsiders?