Pondicherry is the most famous place to get away from it all but it is also the place to go to when you want to get hold of amazing indie clothes, home décor, souvenirs, leather products, and handicrafts. Although the hub for most of the shopping places is Mission Street and Auroville, here is a comprehensive list of shopping places around Pondicherry. The best part about shopping in Pondicherry is that it is a duty-free destination for everything and so goods here are much cheaper than other places. What more motivation do you need than this? Plunge into shopping with our list of hand-picked shopping places in Pondicherry.
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Janaki is a one-stop shop for apparel, pottery, aromatherapy products, and hair and skin care products. It is also home to Upasana, which is a project centred around creating fashion and by including the local weaving community of Varanasi and fisherwomen affected by the 2004 Tsunami. Indigo sarees and hand-painted skirts are some of the clothes that you should definitely grab when you go here.
Janaki is in White town and is open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Janaki store remains open every day.
Here’s the address – 30 Romain Rollant Street, Pondicherry
Arguably one of the most famous stores in Pondicherry and a prominent one on Mission Street, Casablanca is the go-to place for independent designer labels from local designers. You will also get branded goods here from brands such as Vero Moda, UCB, Body Shop, and Speedo. Home décor items with a twist and pottery with beautiful artwork are some of the specialty items of Casablanca. It is a good idea to go here with time on your hands as shopping here in a rush means that you will lose out on some of the unique goods here.
Casablanca is in Heritage Town and is open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. It remains open on all days except Sundays.
Here’s the address – 165, Mission Street, Pondicherry
Opposite Casablanca, Kalki is another boutique that is an instant mood uplifter. Kalki is every fashionista’s dream come true. The décor is beautiful with an exquisite collection of personal care products, imitation jewellery, fragrances, handmade pottery, non-leather footwear, ceramics, incense, handmade paper items, and stationery. But what will strike you here are an assortment of candles and scented candles.
You can visit Kalki between 9:30 am to 8:30 pm. It is also on Mission Street in Heritage town.
Here’s the address – 134, mission street, Pondicherry
Those in search of vintage designs that date back to the French colonial era will love this place, which is run by the sisters of a convent called the Cluny Convent. The embroidery here consists of cross-stitched floral patterns, table napkins, and bed covers. If you love to shop for embroidered home furnishings, then you will fall in love with Cluny Embroidery Centre. The building itself is a piece of colonial heritage as it dates back to 1774. You can even stay here as rooms are rented out to guests.
The Cluny Embroidery Centre is in White town and can be visited on all days except Sunday and Monday. It is open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. If you want to know about the things to buy in Pondicherry, then visit Cluny Embroidery Centre and buy bedspreads bath towels, pillowcases, and bed covers.
Here’s the address – No 46, Romain Rollant Street Pondy – 1
If you are searching for ethnic Indian women’s wear at reasonable prices Anokhi is the place to be. Anokhi sells ethnic wear, which relies on block printing and dyeing techniques. Anokhi is a Jaipur based company and they have a retail chain store for home furnishings, garments, and accessories. Rare printing styles such as Ajrakh, Bagru, Balotra, and Sanganer are to be found here. This is regarded as one of the best shopping places in Pondicherry. Started with the goal of making ethnic Indian wear affordable and accessible, Anokhi has done very well for itself and has today spread out to other parts of India as well.
It is located in a white town. The timings are from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm.
Here’s the address – No.1, Caserne Street, Pondicherry – 60500.
If handicraft shopping for your home is your ultimate goal then head to Auro Wood Works. It is in Auroville and specializes in beautiful wood work and creates striking idols and deities. Auro Wood Works has been around for some time and it has built its reputation based on the quality of products and service. Don’t feel intimidated by the small shop, they have been in the market for a long time. The must-buys from Auro Wood Works are bowls, pen stands, and beautiful sculptures of Hindu Gods. Here’s the answer to your “What to buy in Pondicherry?” You can’t go wrong here.
Head here to spice up your home furniture. It is open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Here’s the address – 44, M.G Road, Kottakuppam-605104, Auroville way, Pondicherry.
This is one of the must-visit places in Pondicherry your shopping sojourn. Run by the Aurobindo Ashram, this place has been making its own handmade paper since 1959 and printing them with different designs. Wind chimes, notebooks, paper bags, birthday cards, designer envelopes, and more are available here. You can visit the factory as well to see the process of papermaking.
The place is open from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm daily.
Here’s the address – 50, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Salai, Kuruchikuppam, Pondicherry
If you are questioning yourself about “What to buy in Pondicherry?”, then we believe you haven’t heard about Zuka Choco-La yet! Every chocolate lover’s dream come true in Pondicherry, this chocolate was started in 2003 but has firmly carved its name among chocolate lovers. Do not forget to taste it’s signature hot chocolate. Apart from the mind-boggling range of chocolates, they also stock sandwiches and quick bites for the health-conscious.
Zuka Choco-La remains open on all days from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Here’s the address – 319, Mission Street, MG Road, Puducherry, Pondicherry
Hidesign, the premium leather brand has its headquarters in Pondicherry. Your search for authentic handcrafted leather ends here. Wallets, handbags, belts, backpacks, briefcases, and more, you take your pick. Hidesign is present in other Indian states as well. There is a café on the top floor of the shop. Also, there is another Hidesign shop just next door where you can get discounts and bags for heavy discounts.
Hidesign remains open from 9:30 am to 9:30 pm.
Here’s their address – 159, Mission Street, Punducherry, 6050001, Pondicherry
Export Surplus – the goods that everyone craves for. Your chance to show off to the world about your brand consciousness. Titanic is the place to be for surplus goods from premium brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, GAP, UCB, and Ralph Lauren. This place is casual apparel heaven for men and women. Visit Titanic Factory Outlet to buy T-shirts, jeans, and trousers, everything in a heavily discounted rate.
The store is open from 9:30 am to 9:00 pm and remains closed on Sundays.
Here’s the address – 33A, Ambalathadayar, Madam Street, Pondicherry
Cotton House a small nondescript shop on Aurobindo Street, where shoppers and visitors are expected to leave their footwear outside before entering the store. Home décor comes alive at this place with its sheer range in curtains, pillow covers, cushion covers, tablecloths, tablecloths, tablemats, and more. A small place that packs a punch, the best thing to do would be to head here and enjoy the diversity that it has to offer.
It is located at Heritage Town. The timings are from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. The store opens on all days.
Here’s the address – No.22, Aurobindo Street, Pondicherry-1
Looking for things to buy in Pondicherry? Then visit Serenity Beach Bazaar. The Serenity Beach Bazaar is a weekend beach market that is reminiscent of the village haats or traditional village markets in India. This bazaar also retains that vibe and handicrafts sold here are sourced from Auroville. Apart from shopping numerous food stalls also make it a very good place for a weekend outing. Both Indians and foreigners are a major draw at this fair. Despite the people and the loud ambience here, you will not mind it.
The bazaar opens on weekends from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Here’s the address – Kottakuppam, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu 60510
You thought that there are no street markets in Pondicherry? This market is favourite among the local people. From typical thelas (hand-carts) to expensive boutiques, Nehru Street has it all. Local handmade products, clothing as well as daily consumer goods – everything is available here.
The timings of the market are from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Here’s the address – Nehru St, M.G. Road Area Puducherry, Tamil Nadu 605001.
If you are looking for a shopping destination which will give you the opportunity to bargain, then come to Habitart. Shopping in Pondicherry is never complete without a visit to Habitart. Habitart is truly a gem of Pondicherry for shopping lovers. This place offers a wide range and unique collection of contemporary as well as traditional Indian art and crafts. They are made of marble, sandalwood, glass, metal, and textile. Not just this, you can also buy beautiful silver jewellery, fancy chess sets, miniature paintings, and more.
Habitart is located at S.V. Patel Salai. The market remains open from 10:30 am to 8:30 pm. Readers may note that Habitart remains closed on every Wednesday.
Here’s the address – 1st Floor, No. 6, S.V Patel Salai, Pondicherry.
How about some shopping for fancy Chinese goods and decorative items? If you want to buy some beautiful decorative items for your home, then head to Saram China Market. You will be overwhelmed with the galore of beautiful goods and decorative items available here in Saram China Market. And yes, don’t forget to bargain!
Saram China Market opens daily from 9:30 am to 9:30 pm.
Here’s the address – Puducherry Road, Naveena Garden, Brindavanam, Puducherry 605013, India.
A store, which is often visited by local people and visitors. Geethanjali is popular for its art pieces and furniture, which are sourced from across South India. Come here to buy different kinds of Colonial-style furniture, famous Tanjore paintings, Chola style bronze sculptures, Rosewood antique doors, four-poster cots, carved panels in wood, and more. The collection that you will see here comes from ancient dilapidated houses as well as from well-respected families.
Come here to shop for home décor items. It remains open on all days from 10:00 am to 8:30 pm.
Here’s the address – 20, Rue Bussy, Pondicherry – 605001.
These are a list of shopping destinations in Pondicherry in the state of Tamil Nadu. Don’t miss any of the stores and street shops in the city. All of these stores are unique in their own way. Some sell clothes, some top-quality art pieces, and some are famous for their beautiful home décor items. No one will go empty-handed from Pondicherry for sure. Enjoy your shopping in Pondicherry.
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