Location: Pondicherry
Top Things to do in Pondicherry
Countries
Things to do in Pondicherry, Union Territory of Pondicherry: The Best Architectural Buildings
Pondicherry’s bougainvilleas, crumbling cathedrals and leafy boulevards might occasionally make you wonder if you’re in the south of France instead of a former French colony. But it's also unmistakably Indian, with colorful festivals, the famous monument of Aayi Mandapam, and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Quiet beaches stretch north and south from town, good for swimming and sunrise strolls.
Restaurants in Pondicherry
1. Cluny Embroidery Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
A world of stunning hues and delicate shades comes alive as visions of nature are converted into hand-embroidered motifs by women delicately creating inspired masterpieces on a variety of linen. Gentle hands and precise movements bring to life art and poetry. Table cloths, napkins, table runners, bed sheets, pillow covers, hand towels, tray cloths, kitchen towels, curtains, bath towels, baby bed sheets, and wall hangings carry stunning effects and delicate designs - pieces that are perfect as gifts and collectibles. In every stitch of the thread, is a story of pain, a story of survival and a story of triumph. Poor, abused and helpless, many women have found hope and a place where they can live to their potential at the Centre established by the Sisters. Trained in creating exquisite embroidery, these women are enabled to support themselves and their families, thus also providing them hope and happiness. The art of embroidery has opened for these women, the doors of freedom.
Reviewed By josephinek318
Every time we go to Pondy we have to visit the Cluny Centre. It is such an endearing place of harmony and peace and industry. Fascinating to see a huge room full of women performing miracles with tiny needles. Their work is exquisite and we always come away with beautifully embroidered linen which is almost too perfect to use. Do not go to Pondicherry without seeing this.
2. Vedapureeswarar Temple, Puducherry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By skaypee - Bengaluru, India
An old and famous Lord Siva Temple in Pondicherry. The Lord is worshipped in the form of Lingam. The paintings inside the temple is a treat. There is a pond on the back side of the temple. The other dieties include Vinayaka, Durga, Sani, Navagraha etc. Housed in a massive area, and near to Varadaraja Perumal Temple, it is a must worship place for those who are visiting Pondicherry.
3. Raj Niwas
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By YatraMoksha - Mumbai, India
It’s a new India...... A common man and his family were welcomed into the Le Palais Du Governor now called the Raj Nivas or Governor’s House. Once residence to French Governors of Pondicherry, this ancient and glorious mansion is now the residence of the Puducherry Lt. Governor, Dr. Kiran Bedi. The mansion and it’s interiors offers an excellent glimpse of the charm and magic of the bygone era. There are many artefacts that date back to the French era and it’s worth a visit. We put in a request to visit through the online registration link on the Raj Nivas website. Our application was processed within a day and we were intimated by return mail about the date and time of visit. The email also contained all other relevant instructions. On the designated day, we arrived half an hour early, our IDs were checked at the gate and we were let in. We were given a warm welcome by the Raj Niwas staff and we watched an introductory video about the building and the initiatives taken by the Hon. Lt. Governor towards bringing governance much closer to the people of Puducherry. We were then taken on a tour of the building and explained the various aspects of the palace. No cameras or mobile phones are allowed, however they click ample photos during the visit and send it across to our phone on WhatsApp. I found this gesture very thoughtful and truly warm. Unfortunately, the Hon. Lt. Governor was not in town and hence we couldn’t meet her. Of the many things that stood out on this visit, it was the warmth of the staff of Raj Nivas and the genuine interest they showed in welcoming us and showing us around. Do not miss visiting this place.
4. Sri Karaneswara Nataraja Temple
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By felt-cheated-again
A great place to visit, even if you are not particularly religious. A temple that looks more like an Egyptian pyramid with a traditional Nataraja idol worshipped in the traditional Tamil way.
