Things to do in Pondicherry (2025) – Places, Activities, etc

Things to do in Pondicherry (2025) – Places, Activities, etc

When it comes to Pondicherry, there are so many things to do and places to see. You can explore the pastel streets of Pondicherry’s French Quarter, enjoy coffee at historic cafés, cycle the seaside Promenade at dawn during the heritage cycle tour, relax on the surf-friendly Serenity or Blue Flag Eden beaches, peruse the artisan shops of Auroville, and cap off the day with delectable Creole-Tamil food and a sunset catamaran ride on the Bay of Bengal.

Activities to do in Pondicherry

Kayaking in the Mangrove forest

Kayaking in the mangrove forest is a recent addition to Pondicherry’s water sports offerings. Along the Ariyankuppam River, kayaking is practised in the mangrove forest. It is located behind the neighbourhood known as Arts & Crafts. Reservations for kayaking must be made in advance to secure your spots. Instructors will guide you on going up and down with the paddle and stopping and turning when kayaking.

Surfing

Surfing is one of the few sea-based sports offered in Pondicherry. Serenity Beach has gained popularity for surfing due to the growth of surf schools. Serenity Beach’s shallow water is perfect for beginning surfers. Surf schools like Guru Surf School give you top-notch coaching. Depending on your schedule, they provide three-day, five-day, and various surfing lessons. To find out how many more lessons you need to complete before you can stand on a board and surf, it’s essential to take a beginner’s class.

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Sailing

Sailing is one of the greatest water sports that doesn’t harm the environment. Few activities teach as many important lessons as sailing. Among the numerous things you learn by sailing a boat are oceanography, ecology, history, patience, engineering, and teamwork. In December 2022, PSA purchased the sailing seabird class vessel. Kai, its Hawaiian name, means “Ocean.” Kai was added to their fleet and is now available for tourists to sail. Experience the wind on your face, take command of the ship, and sail the seas like Jack Sparrow.

Scuba Diving

As the leading diving destination in peninsular India, Pondicherry today has the most diving establishments and instructor training facilities. When you think of scuba diving, you probably think of the Andaman or Lakshadweep islands. These myths are being dispelled by Pondicherry, which offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. All five-star PADI Instructor Development Centres provide accredited training and necessary expertise for all enthusiasts. You may be astonished to see breathtaking fish species like angelfish and lionfish, and uncommon fish species like whale sharks when you go scuba diving in Pondicherry.

Places to see in Pondicherry

Aurobindo Ashram

In Puducherry, Aurobindo Ashram is a spiritual community established in 1926 based on the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and his associate, “The Mother” (Mirra Alfassa). Instead of monastic seclusion, it emphasizes integrated yoga, blending spiritual practice with everyday living. Residents work in the library, meditation rooms, and introductory workshops on the lush campus as part of their practice. Sri Aurobindo and the Mother are buried at the tranquil Samadhi site, where visitors frequently pause to reflect silently. Amid the busy seaside metropolis, the ashram strongly emphasises introspection, volunteer work, and peaceful reflection.

Notre Dame des Anges Church

Our Lady of Angels Church, also known as Notre Dame des Anges Church (Église de Notre-Dame des Anges), is a Roman Catholic church from the Middle Ages. The church, which Napoleon III sponsored, was constructed in 1855 and has Greco-Roman architecture designed by architect Louis Guerre. Its distinctive pastel pink façade, twin bell towers, and serene interiors make it a well-known landmark facing the Bay of Bengal.

Sacred Heart of Jesus Basilica

The Sacred Heart of Jesus Basilica in Pondicherry, located on South Boulevard adjacent to the train station, is a historic structure designed by Rev. Fr. Telesphore Welter and constructed by French missionaries between 1902 and 1907. In 2011, it was elevated to minor basilica status after being dedicated on December 17, 1907.

Cluny Embroidery Centre

Cluny Embroidery Centre, a nonprofit organisation led by Catholic nuns, is where it is conducted. The centre, which is housed in a historic structure, uses expert stitching to empower impoverished women via training and employment. The stitching is distinguished by delicate, intricate motifs produced with grace and precision, frequently inspired by lace or flowers.

Beaches

Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach is a peaceful beachside hideaway. This remote beach provides a tranquil getaway from the bustle of the city and is only reachable by a picturesque boat trip through backwaters lined with coconut trees.

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Rock Beach

Rock Beach—also called Promenade Beach or Pondicherry Beach—is well-known. From the War Memorial to Dupleix Park on Goubert Avenue, it stretches about 1.5 kilometres along the Bay of Bengal.

Eden Beach

About 8 km south of Pondicherry is Eden Beach, a spotless, Blue Flag-certified stretch of golden sand. It is well-liked for its laid-back atmosphere, tidy amenities, and stunning sunrise views over the Bay of Bengal—ideal for a short seaside getaway—and is surrounded by palms and calm waves.

Serenity Beach

With its serene sands, swinging casuarina trees, and rolling waves that attract surfers before dawn, Serenity Beach, located just north of central Pondicherry, lives up to its name. It is the perfect place for leisurely walks and early-morning surf sessions because of its relaxed cafés and vibrant fishing boats, which add to the local charm.