Often referred to as the French capital of India, Pondicherry is a scenic destination to visit in India. This picturesque holiday spot features French-inspired architecture, pristine beaches, bakeries, churches, and much more!

Be ready to be enthralled with the exquisite natural surroundings and rich cultural heritage on your visit to Pondicherry. Wondering where to find budget hotels in Pondicherry? Book Oyo hotels that are adhering to all WHO guidelines to ensure safe accommodations for all their guests. Here are the top 10 activities to enjoy during your next visit to Pondicherry:

1. Enjoy a majestic sunset at the Promenade Beach

The coastal city of Pondicherry features some of the untouched beaches in South India. Take a stroll along the Promenade Beach in the early morning hours and bask in magnificent sunrise views. Don’t forget to capture some memorable sunrise photos on the beach with your DSLR. Wake up early one morning and head onto the Promenade Beach to witness the sunrise paint vibrant hues across the blue skies. You can book a stay at budget hotels in Pondicherry with sea-view rooms.

2. Take a boat ride at the Paradise Beach Island

Visit the Paradise Beach Island by the Chunnambar River, dotted by lush green greenery. If you are looking for a relaxing spot to chill out this summer, explore Paradise Beach Island. Spend a leisurely afternoon sunbathing and reading a good book under the vibrant sunshades. Go for a romantic boat ride in the backwaters and enjoy the majestic sunset views around the picturesque Paradise Island in Pondicherry. Plan a picnic at the beach or camp overnight in fascinating treehouses in the backwaters. You can book a stay at beachfront hotels in Pondicherry while exploring Paradise beach Island.

3. Go Suba Diving at Temple Adventures Centre

Pondicherry is a famous diving spot on the eastern coast of India that offers several scuba diving courses for beginners and Pros. Take the PADI certification course in Scuba Diving and start exploring the magical underwater world. Explore the local coral reefs and exotic marine life which includes lionfish, grouper, kingfish, moray eels, parrotfish, angelfish, bannerfish, and manta rays. All dives are conducted under the diligent supervision of dive masters and instructors. Fascinated with the beauty of underwater creatures? Get a GoPro underwater camera to shoot the mesmerizing moments while scuba diving in Pondicherry. You can stay at hotels in Pondicherry while undertaking a scuba diving certification course.

4. Take surfing lessons at the Serenity Beach

The Serenity Beach features white sandy beaches, splashing waves, and vibrant beach shacks, which makes it an idyllic weekend getaway in Pondicherry. Dotted by palm and coconut trees, this pristine beach offers a relaxing ambiance for surfing and sunbathing. Savour some delectable seafood freshly caught by the local fisherman at this secluded beach. Take an adventurous surfing lesson while soaring up the colossal waves of the Bay of Bengal Sea. You can book your stay at the best hotels in Pondicherry around Serenity Beach.

5. Bon Apetit at Cafe Des Art

Stop by this French cafe to enjoy some delicious breakfast after a morning run at the beach. Savour some delicious breakfast with freshly baked croissants with freshly brewed coffee, baguette toasts, Croque Madam sandwich, crepes, tartines, and much more! Indulge in the decadent Chocolat Fondant which can satiate any sweet tooth cravings.

Location of this cafe: 10 Suffren Street, Pondicherry

Cuisine: French

6. Savour Chettinad cuisine at Appachi Chettinad

This authentic South-Indian restaurant offers mouth-watering Chettinad cuisine in Pondicherry. Enjoy a scrumptious lunch at this restaurant featuring the true flavors of Chettinad dishes. The must-try delicacies at this restaurant are Dum Briyani, Sura Puttu, and Nethili Podi Varuval

Location of this restaurant: 9 Rangapillai Street, MG Road

Cuisine: Chettinad and Seafood

7. Enjoy retail therapy at local markets

Take a stroll around the local markets of Pondicherry to pick up some souvenirs, aromatic candles, essential oils, handmade paper, handicrafts, and metal artifacts. Visit the Kalki Boutique to check out some beautiful silk sarees, accessories, etc. Explore the traditional curio shop, Geethanjali to get some rare finds like wooden chests, paintings, and furniture. Head onto La Boutique d’Auroville known for trinkets, garments, scarves, wooden trays, and handmade cards. Check out the top sightseeing in Pondicherry around the bustling market areas.

8. Attend a prayer service at St. John’s Church

This beautiful church was built in the eighteenth century and features a two-hundred-year-old history. Explore the magnificent interiors featuring stained glass work windows and colossal pillars. Bask in the bliss and attend a Sunday morning prayer service at St. John’s Church in Pondicherry. You can book a stay at the best hotels in Pondicherry near St. John’s Church.

9. Take a heritage walk tour around White Town

To explore the French culture predominant in this region, go for a heritage walk tour around the White Town. Explore Pondy, which is filled with cafes, bistros, boutiques, vibrant architecture, thriving markets, and much more! Talk with the locals and learn about the rich cultural heritage in Pondicherry. You can book hotels near White Town while exploring the local community and culture.

These are the best activities to add to your travel itinerary to Pondicherry. Pack your bags and get going to Pondicherry for a memorable holiday this year.

OYO