Often referred to as the French Riviera of the East, Puducherry, better known as Pondicherry, is a charming and picturesque town situated along the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. It is considered one of India’s most enchanting honeymoon destinations and among the most popular places to visit near Chennai. With traces of its French colonial history evident in the town’s architecture and beautiful beaches surrounding it, Pondicherry offers a unique experience. For travelers with limited time who want to make the most of a 2-day visit, here is a detailed list of essential attractions to include in your Pondicherry 2-Day Trip itinerary.
Day 1 Places to Visit :
Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach, also known as Plage Paradiso Beach, is a beautiful beach situated near Cuddalore main road and can only be reached by boat. It is considered one of the finest beaches on the East Coast and is among the popular places to visit in Pondicherry. The beach boasts clear waters and pristine sands, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a tranquil getaway away from the hustle and bustle of touristy areas. Managed by Chunnambar Resorts, the beach offers stunning views of the sea and a variety of water sports for visitors to enjoy as part of Pondicherry tour packages. The boat ride to the beach, passing through the Chunnambar backwaters surrounded by lush mangrove forests, is a truly unique experience in itself. One of the most exciting aspects of visiting Paradise Beach is the opportunity to spend the night in a tree house, making it a dream come true for nature enthusiasts.
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Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Located in the White Town area of Pondicherry, Sri Aurobindo Ashram stands out as one of the most renowned and prosperous ashrams in India. Among the must-include places in Pondicherry 2-day Tour, this ashram was established by Sri Aurobindo Ghosh in 1926 and bears his name. Serving as the final resting place for Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, the ashram was created with the noble purpose of guiding individuals towards moksha and inner peace. Comprising various buildings, the ashram offers amenities such as a library, printing press, playground, art gallery, dispensary/nursing home, dairy, farms, and guest houses. Welcoming thousands of visitors from across the globe, the ashram is a significant stop for those on a spiritual journey or seeking enlightenment during their Pondicherry Pilgrimage tour.
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Basilica of The Sacred Heart of Jesus
Basilica of Sacred Heart of Jesus is a roman catholic church established in 1908 by French missionaries and attained the status of basilica in 2011. It is a highly esteemed religious site in Pondicherry, one of the top tourist places near Trichy. Renowned for its graceful Gothic architecture, the basilica measures 50 meters in length, 48 meters in width, and 18 meters in height, supported by 24 columns. Adorned with vibrant stained-glass panels depicting the life events of Jesus Christ, visitors can also admire biblical inscriptions in Latin, as well as images of Mother Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus carved into the entrance door. The church observes Easter Day, New Year, and Christmas Eve with great enthusiasm, drawing thousands of worshippers seeking peace as part of their Pondicherry Tour from Trichy.
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Pondicherry Museum
Located inside the Bharathi Park, Pondicherry Museum, often known as the Pondy Museum, is an absolute delight for art lovers and history enthusiasts. The museum boasts an impressive array of artifacts, sculptures, coins, fossilized tree trunks, handicrafts, and church relics from the French colonial era, as well as items from the Pallava and Chola dynasties, unearthed from Arikamedu. It is renowned for having one of the largest collections of Chola bronzes. Visitors are particularly drawn to the transportation models on display, including a coach, a palanquin, and an early version of the rickshaw. Additionally, the painting section features Tanjore and glass paintings, colonial prints, and contemporary oils, pastels, and watercolors, making it a popular stop for art and history enthusiasts on a Pondicherry tour from Bangalore.
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Manakula Vinayagar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Manakula Vinayagar Temple is a popular pilgrimage site in Puducherry, among the popular beach destinations near Trichy. The temple, known locally as Vellakkaran Pillai, predates the arrival of the French in Pondicherry. Situated facing the east near the Bay of Bengal, the temple was originally called Bhavaneshar Ganapathy but is now known as Manakula Vinayagar. Covering an area of approximately 8000 sq. ft, the temple includes an outer mandapam, raja gopuram, and outer enclosure. The gold-plated kodikambam, standing at 18 feet tall, is one of the most striking features of the temple. The sanctum houses the idol of the Lord Ganesha with his consorts Buddhi and Siddhi. The idol rests on a golden chariot. Additionally, the temple houses a dancing Ganesh known as Narthan Ganapathy.
Also Read : Stunning Beaches Near Chennai
Bharathi Park
The Bharathi Park, also known as the Government Park is situated in the White Town area of the old colonial town of Pondicherry. It was once the site of the first French garrison and Fort Louis, which were later destroyed by the British. In 2006, the park underwent renovations, and new sections were added, making it one of the most appealing places to visit as part of Pondicherry packages. This serene park is perfect for spending quality time with family or for a leisurely morning walk or evening stroll. The Aayi Mandapam or the Park Monument is a famous monument located at the center of the park. The Mandapam boasts impressive Greco-Roman architecture and is surrounded by flowerbeds, well-maintained lawns, and beautiful fountains, making it a picturesque spot. Additionally, there is a delightful children’s play area equipped with various playground amenities.
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Day 2 Places to Visit :
Pondicherry Beach / Promenade Beach
Regarded as one of the most exquisite beaches in Pondicherry, Promenade Beach offers a serene escape amidst the natural beauty along the Bay of Bengal coast. Spanning across 1.5 km, this lengthy rocky beach stretches from War Memorial to Duplex Park, a must-include spot in Pondicherry 3-Day tour itineraries. Lined with expansive walkways, the area is popular among tourists and locals for morning walks and jogging. While walking along Promenade Beach, you will come across numerous colonial French villas, grand statues, war memorials, and historic structures. In the evenings, vehicles are prohibited from entering the beach area, allowing visitors to relax in tranquility with their families and loved ones. Featuring a plethora of sea-facing cafes, restaurants, and food stalls, the beach offers a wide range of dining options. Additionally, there are many local vendors near the beach selling handmade crafts.
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Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden is one of the best botanical gardens in South India, and a landmark site on the map of the Pondicherry city in terms of its great recreational and educational value. The Botanical Garden was established in 1826 by French colonists in a very authentic and ornate French style. The entrance to the garden bears the nostalgia of the French colony that was set up here in 1816. Spanning 22 acres, it is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, featuring pruned trees, flower beds, and fountains. Here, one will witness more than 1500 species of trees of both native and international origins. There is a memorial for Perrotet, who was responsible for transforming the place into a botanical garden. Other attractions of the Botanical Garden include a Children’s toy train, a musical fountain, an aquarium, and a Japanese rock.
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Chunnambar Boat House
Chunnambar Boat House is a must-visit for boat enthusiasts during a 2-day Pondicherry tour. Located where the Chunnambar River meets the Bay of Bengal, this boat house is famous for its backwaters. Visitors can reach Paradise Beach by boat from Chunnambar Boat House. It is an ideal spot for boating and picnicking, offering beach sports and sun-kissed relaxation. Chunnamabr Resort offers rental boats for visitors as well as organizes beach sports. There is a multi-cuisine restaurant called Seagulls, which serves delicious Chinese and Tandoori food.
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