Hot Spot in Pondicherry
Art & Craft Village
Nestled on the serene banks of the Chunnambar backwaters near Murungapakkam, this vibrant village spans 4 acres and serves as a living celebration of India’s traditional crafts. Its mission is to revive forgotten art forms while supporting talented artisans, ensuring their skills and stories are preserved for generations to come.
Whether you’re an admirer of fine artistry or looking for a memorable experience in Pondicherry, the Art and Craft Village is an unmissable destination. Here, every artefact tells a story, offering you a chance to carry a piece of Indian tradition home.
What to Expect at the Art and Craft Village:
- Explore 24 unique stalls showcasing diverse artefacts, each a testament to Indian craftsmanship.
- Witness the live creation of handicrafts and connect with the artistry behind every piece.
- Take home exquisite souvenirs like terracotta, pottery, coconut shell carvings, stone sculptures, seashell creations, scented candles, handloom bags, and more.
- Marvel at realistic animal sculptures and lifelike 3D human statues made from wax, clay, or fibre.
- Place bulk or customized orders to get one-of-a-kind creations tailored to your needs.
Pondy Ocean Park
Located along the scenic Pondicherry-Cuddalore road, Pondy Ocean Park is a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers, offering a variety of exciting land and water activities. Just 8.1 kilometers from the picturesque White Town, the park greets visitors with vibrant, colorful walls and game banners. Situated next to the peaceful Chunnambar Boat House, this park is ideal for families, groups, and solo adventurers to unwind by the river or embrace their adventurous side with a wide range of activities.
Spanning six acres, the park provides plenty of space to explore. It also features a sprawling 8,000 sq ft lawn, perfect for hosting events or parties. With a parking lot that accommodates up to 150 vehicles, visitors can easily park and enjoy their day without any hassle. Offering 18 land-based adventures and 17 water sports, Pondy Ocean Park guarantees a fun-filled experience for everyone in the family.
For those looking to relax after an action-packed day, the park features the Bayfield restaurant. This riverfront eatery, surrounded by a lush garden, offers a perfect setting for a romantic dinner or a leisurely lunch. Guests can savor a diverse selection of global cuisines, including Continental, Indian, Thai, Italian, and French, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.
The park’s wide variety of activities includes thrilling options like jet skis, speedboats, banana boats, dolphin rides, and the exciting pop ride. Other water-based experiences include kayaking, pedal boats, zorb roller, and more. For land-based fun, visitors can enjoy ATV rides, zip lining, bungee trampolines, a rope course, archery, tree climbing, and even a bull ride. There are also plenty of kids’ activities, from a bouncing castle to kids’ speedboats, car rides, and mini ATVs, ensuring fun for visitors of all ages.
Coastal Park Ruby Beach
Ruby Beach, located in Veerampattinam just 9.5 km from Puducherry’s White Town, is a hidden gem among Pondicherry’s renowned beaches. Known for its picturesque coastline and serene sandy shores, it has quickly become one of the most sought-after destinations in the area. The beach offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural exploration, making it an ideal getaway for all kinds of travelers.
Adventure seekers can enjoy thrilling ATV rides across the beach’s sandy terrain, while those seeking a more relaxed experience can indulge in horseback and camel rides. The beach’s scenic harbor and breathtaking sea views create a tranquil atmosphere for leisurely strolls. Visitors can also discover cultural highlights, including an imitation of Pondicherry’s Arikamedu seminary building, offering insight into the region’s rich heritage.
Dining at Ruby Beach is a treat, with the “Water Sea Wok” restaurant serving delicious global cuisine and offering views of the Bay of Bengal. Guests can enjoy dishes like gosht dum biryani and roasted free-range chicken, along with an extensive wine list and 24-hour room service. For a romantic touch, the beach provides candlelight dinners for special occasions, creating lasting memories in a private, enchanting setting.
Families with children will find the Kids Zone Fun Centre at Ruby Beach a colorful and safe space for kids aged 1-6. The outdoor play area offers fun and exercise, allowing parents to relax while their children enjoy engaging activities. Additionally, Ruby Beach’s function lawn is an ideal venue for weddings, birthdays, and family events, with excellent service provided by a dedicated team.
Ruby Beach offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, cultural immersion, and family-friendly amenities. Whether exploring the coast, enjoying thrilling activities, or relaxing on the pristine beach, it’s a place where memories are made.
Seagull Cruise
Experience Pondicherry like never before with the Seagull Cruise, a thrilling way to see the city from the sea. Offered by the Tourism Department of Pondicherry, this 60-seat cruise departs from Uppalam port and explores the coastal beauty of the city. The two-hour trip offers breathtaking views of landmarks like Rock Beach, Paradise Beach, and the Old Lighthouse, while cruising along the Indian Ocean. Passengers can enjoy lemon juice, salt biscuits, and endless water to stay refreshed.
Life jackets are provided, and safety is ensured by 4-5 lifeguards on board. Throughout the journey, a guide shares fascinating stories about Pondicherry’s attractions. The boat features lively music, from Bollywood to Hollywood, enhancing the experience.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this cruise is an unforgettable way to explore Pondicherry’s shoreline and history.
Mangrove Forest Boating
Wills Boathouse, located in Murungapakkam, just 5 km from Pondicherry’s White Town, offers an affordable boating adventure. Visitors can explore four scenic spots: mangrove forests, Pondicherry’s fishing harbor, the historic Arikamedu ruins, and the sea mouth. The peaceful mangrove waters provide a relaxing escape, surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife.
Birdwatchers can spot species like herons, egrets, ibises, and cranes. For those seeking more excitement, activities like backwater fishing and hiking on mangrove islands are available. Wills Boathouse is perfect for solo travelers, couples, or families.
Their FFF Seafood Restaurant on Arikamedu Road serves fresh seafood and offers activities like fishing, kayaking, and visits to nearby attractions.
Kallialay Surf School
Kallialay Surf School, located just 5 km from Pondicherry’s White Town, is one of India’s first surf schools, founded in 2009 by Spanish brothers Juan and Samai Reboul. It’s a must-visit destination for water sports enthusiasts and aspiring surfers of all levels. The school offers a variety of courses, from beginner to advanced, with experienced instructors and top-quality equipment. All necessary gear, including surfboards and wetsuits, is provided, so you only need to bring swimwear and enthusiasm. Lessons take place in the Bay of Bengal, known for its perfect waves for beginners and intermediate surfers.
The warm waters and beautiful scenery enhance the overall experience. Kallialay Surf School is an ideal spot to improve your surfing skills and enjoy the thrill of the waves. It’s a place to learn, grow, and have fun in a safe environment. Be sure to follow safety guidelines and take lessons from certified instructors for a safe and rewarding experience. Get ready for an unforgettable surfing adventure!
Pondy Marinaa
Welcome to Pondy Marinaa Beach, a hidden gem in Pondicherry, located just 1.5 km from White Town. This beach offers a perfect mix of activities, food, and stunning views.
On your way to the beach, vibrant murals on Vamba Keerapalaym Road invite you to admire their artistic beauty. The lighthouse adds a magical touch to the evening sky, making it a perfect backdrop for memories. Visitors can explore the lighthouse and enjoy easy parking access.
Take a walk along the scenic paths, enjoying the expansive views of the ocean, sandy shores, rocky terrain, and the old harbour bridge. Relax on stone benches or under hut umbrellas for a peaceful experience.
For adventure seekers, Black Sports Adventures offers fun land and water activities. Kids can enjoy the Dragon Train and games, while adults can try bungee jumping, paramotoring, and more. New attractions like dashing cars, 12D cinema, and VR movies are coming soon.
The nearby Pondy Marinaa Boat House offers peaceful boat rides, including sunset and sunrise trips. Explore hidden locations like the Arikamedu mangrove forest and Pondy Fishing Harbour.
On weekends, enjoy lively events like fashion shows and cultural performances. Joy Land offers fun for children, while the beach features camel rides, volleyball, horse rides, and ATV adventures. A party hall with catering services is also available for events.
Pondy Marinaa boasts 36 food outlets, offering diverse and affordable dishes. Enjoy flavors from Mayo Grills, Tea Time, Rice Bowl, and more, all served with a view of the sea.
Pondy Marinaa Beach is an immersive destination for adventure, relaxation, and dining. Visit Pondy Marinaa in Dubrayanpet, Pondicherry, and create lasting memories.
Ousteri Lake
Chunnambar Boathouse
The Chunnambar Boat House is located about 8 kilometers from Pondicherry’s White Town, along the serene Cuddalore Main Road. This picturesque destination is famous for its Paradise Beach, a pristine escape at the mouth of the backwaters. With its sparkling sands and clear waters, it’s a haven for water sports enthusiasts and sun-lovers. Visitors can enjoy a short cruise through the peaceful waters, with dolphins sometimes making an appearance.
Boating is a popular activity at Chunnambar Boat House, where visitors can rent speed boats, rowboats, paddle boats, and more from the PTDC-operated Chunnambar Beach and Backwater Resort. The resort offers additional activities like trekking, camping, and picnics. Exploring the backwaters beyond the paddy fields reveals a stunning natural world, often graced by dolphins.
To reach Paradise Beach, guests must take a boat ride from the boat house, traveling through enchanting backwaters and mangroves. At the beach, you can enjoy ATV rides, camel rides, water zorbing, and more. The area also features a gentle natural stream, adding to its charm.
Chunnambar provides convenient facilities such as shelters, food and water provisions, and changing rooms. Visitors can even stay overnight in treehouses, waking up to beautiful sunrises and birdsong. Dining options include the Seagulls restaurant, offering Chinese, tandoori dishes, and drinks, plus outdoor seating in cozy huts.
For dessert, the Gelato Factory serves delicious Italian ice cream. The site also features a peaceful Zen garden and a fun kids’ play area. To ensure accessibility, Chunnambar Boat House offers free entry for pregnant women and differently-abled individuals, making it an inclusive destination for all.
Garruda Park
Welcome to Garruda Park in Pondicherry, a captivating destination for tourists that opened in December 2022. Located in Pathukkannu village, just 13 km from Pondicherry’s White Town, it offers a diverse range of attractions. As you step into the park, you’ll be greeted by an impressive aquarium featuring exotic fish such as carp, mollies, cichlids, angel fish, and goldfish, along with a red-eared turtle.
The park’s butterfly section is another highlight, where you can enjoy the sight of rare butterflies and statues, complemented by a serene waterfall. Garruda Park is also home to several aviaries with a variety of birds, including African lovebirds, budgerigars, diamond doves, and unique pigeon breeds like fantails and jacobins. Informative signage throughout enhances your understanding of these species.
A standout feature of the park is its open aviary, a rare sight in India. With two separate enclosures for seed-eating and fruit-eating birds, you can interact closely with the birds, feeding and observing species like sun conures, cockatoos, and rainbow lorikeets.
The park also showcases exotic animals, including various fancy chickens, Persian cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and camels. You’ll find horses, ostriches, and a selection of dogs such as beagles and Rajapalayams. The dog section may be noisy, but there’s also a peaceful area with ducks like Indian runners.
Garruda Park offers a truly unique and immersive experience, perfect for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Visit and immerse yourself in its beauty and tranquility.
Old Lighthouse
Standing proudly on Goubert Avenue, Pondicherry’s Old Lighthouse, originally called Cours Chabrol, boasts a history dating back to 1836. The French sought to construct a tower to guide mariners, selecting the area near the “Mat de Pavillon” in 1835. By March 1836, renowned engineer Louis Guerre completed the lighthouse. The 29-meter tower stands on a 9-meter foundation and has three sections: a watchman’s chamber, a shop, and a winding staircase. Its light beam could reach 15 miles, later upgraded to electric lamps in 1913, extending visibility to 26 nautical miles.
In 1970, technical problems led to the construction of a new lighthouse at Vamba Kirapalayam, and the Old Lighthouse became a museum. It has since become a cultural hub for commerce, music, and arts, attracting locals and tourists. Though no longer open to the public, the New Lighthouse continues to serve visitors with panoramic views.
The Old Lighthouse has undergone several renovations, most recently between 2021 and 2022, preserving its historical and architectural charm. Today, it remains a beloved landmark, a symbol of maritime history, engineering, and cultural transformation, continuing to draw visitors from around the world.
Seagull Cruise
Coastal Park Ruby Beach
Exploring the Charms of Pondicherry
Pondicherry, a charming coastal city in India, blends French colonial architecture with vibrant local culture. Its serene beaches, colonial streets, and spiritual ambiance make it a unique destination for travelers.