5 Unique Things to do in Pondicherry

Pondicherry is famously referred to as the Europe of Indian and French Capital of India. It is a vibrant town located on the coast of Bay of Bengal. The town hosts many colonial buildings, heritage structures, churches, temples and unspoiled beaches. We are listing five unique things to do in Pondicherry.

1. Playing Pétanque:

Pétanque is a sport that falls into the category of boules sports. It originated in the town of La Ciotat near Marseilles, France. It found its way to Pondicherry during the colonial era. Locals still play this game in Pondicherry. The metallic balls called boules need to be thrown near to the target ball called jack for scoring points. This game is played in the grounds of white town. One must watch this unique game and give it a try during their stay in Pondicherry.

2. Leisure walking at Goubert Avenue:

Walking on the Goubert avenue during early morning and late night is altogether a different experience to be cherished with. The avenue runs parallel to the beach and offers dramatic views during the sunrise and sunset.

3. Paragliding:

Paragliding is the recreational and competitive adventure sport of flying Paragliders. It is one of the popular adventure sports in Pondicherry. Trained professionals would accompany the beginners and the all the safety measures are followed. Try this adventure sport when you visit Paradise beach.

4. Parasailing:

Parasailing is a recreational kiting activity where a person is towed behind a boat while attached to a specially designed parachute, known as a parasail wing. The boat drives off, carrying the parasail wing and person into the air. It is one of the popular adventure sports in Pondicherry. Try this adventure sport when you visit Serenity Beach.

5.  Paddle Boarding:

The paddle boarding involves standing on the inflated paddle and roving it. It is one of  the unique and unknown adventure sports in Pondicherry. It is slowly gaining attraction among the tourists in Pondicherry. Try this adventure sport when you visit Paradise beach.

Pirai Soodiya Peruman Temple, Poraiyur, Puducherry

Pirai Soodiya Peruman Temple, Poraiyur, Puducherry

Pirai Soodiya Peruman Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Poraiyur near Osudu Lake in Villianur Commune in Union Territory of Puducherry, India. Presiding Deity is called as Pirai Soodiya Peruman / Pirai Soodiya Nadhar / Chandrasekarar and Mother is called as Vembarasi Nayagi.

Legends

As per legend, it is believed that Lord Chandran (Pirai) worshipped Lord Shiva here. Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Pirai Soodiya Peruman / Pirai Soodiya Nadhar / Chandrasekarar. The place came to be called as Piraiyur and later got corrupted to Poraiyur.

History

The temple is believed to be built by Cholas and later renovated by Pandyas. The temple had been destroyed completely and a temple was built recently to house the Lingam.

The Temple

The Temple is facing towards east. The older temple was destroyed completely, and newly built shed type sanctum exists now. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Pirai Soodiya Peruman / Pirai Soodiya Nadhar / Chandrasekarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Mother is called as Vembarasi Nayagi. She is also housed in the sanctum and is facing east. Utsava Idols are also situated in the sanctum. A big Naga Idol can be seen adjacent to the temple.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about at about 1.5 Kms from Osudu Eri Stop, 10 Kms from Puducherry Main Bus Stand, 11 Kms from Puducherry Railway Station, 11 Kms from Puducherry Airport and 147 Kms from Chennai Airport. The Temple is situated on Pondicherry Bus Stand to Vazhudavur Bus Route. Devotees can get down at Osudu Bus Stop. The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from this Bus Stop.

PRTC Bus 18 A and 12 A is plying between Pondicherry Bus Stand to Thirukanur and Pathukannu will stop at Osudu Eri Bus Stop. All the other private buses running in this route also stops here. Taxis and Autos are also available to reach this Temple from any part of Puducherry. Nearest Railway Station is located at Puducherry. Nearest Airport is located at Puducherry and Chennai.

Location

5 Most Famous Beaches in Puducherry

1. Promenade Beach:

Promenade Beach is the popular stretch of beachfront in the Town of Puducherry, India, along the Bay of Bengal. It is also known as Pondicherry Beach. It is a 1.2-kilometre-long stretch in Pondicherry, starts from War Memorial and end at Dupleix Park on the Goubert Avenue. This Beach is a haven for travelers and beach enthusiasts. This beach is also a favorite haunt for locals for the morning and evening walks besides being an all-time favorite picnic destination. The sunrise and sunset views from the beach are especially beautiful and so does the view of moon shimmering on the sea waters.

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2. Serenity Beach:

Serenity Beach is one of the most beautiful Beaches located in ECR Road of Puducherry Town in Union Territory of Puducherry. This Beach is located on the scenic ECR road, connects Puducherry with Chennai. Serenity Beach is located close to another famous Auro Beach. This is largely perceived to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Pondicherry. Its pristine golden sands, playing hide and seek with the shimmering waters of the Bay of Bengal; its secluded and quiet ambience are unbeatable and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

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3. Auro Beach:

Auroville Beach or in short Auro beach is one of the most beautiful Beaches located in Auroville Area near Union Territory of Puducherry. This Beach is located on the scenic ECR road, connects Puducherry with Chennai. Auro beach is located close to another famous Serenity Beach. This beach lies opposite the road that takes you to Auroville. Auroville beach has golden-colored soft black volcanic sand. The waves at the beach are small and the waters are shallow, making it ideal for swimming. As the beach’s slope is gentle, swimming is one of the best things to do at the Auroville beach for expert as well as novice swimmers.

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4. Marine Beach:

Marine Beach is an unknown beach located near Uppalam Harbour in Union Territory of Puducherry. This beach is secluded and strictly for bachelors. If families want to visit, go in groups. This beach is also called as Uppalam Harbour Beach. This beach is scarcely crowded and has an open pier and usually during the day you won't find anyone.

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5. Paradise Beach:

Paradise Beach is located at Nonankuppam in Ariyankuppam Commune in Union Territory of Puducherry. Paradise Beach is located at a point where the Chunnambar River backwaters meet the Bay of Bengal. Paradise Beach is an isolated and quiet sea beach, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Paradise Beach, also known by the name of Plage Paradiso, is mainly created on a small island of sorts, which separates the backwater area from the actual sea. This beach can be reached on a ferry boat from a place called Chunnambar Boat House & Resort. 

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Pattabi Ramar Temple, Mathi Krishnapuram, Puducherry

Pattabi Ramar Temple, Mathi Krishnapuram, Puducherry

Pattabi Ramar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Mathi Krishnapuram near Mullodai in Bahour Commune in Union Territory of Puducherry, India. Mathi Krishnapuram is popularly called as Krishnavaram. This Temple is one of the famous Vaishnavite Temple, probably oldest Vaishnavite Temple in Puducherry Region.

Legends

There was a historical incident between the construction of this Temple. A King was ruling the surrounding areas with capital at Devanampattinam in present day Cuddalore District . He decided to build a fort at his capital. He informed his plan to his minister Krishnan. He sourced the rocks from Thiruvakkarai Hills. Vehicles carrying the rocks would pass through Mathi Krishnapuram.

Mathi Krishnapuram was abound with lakes and natural scenery, people used to take a break at this beautiful village. Krishnan used to supervise the works. While he was taking rest in Mathi Krishnapuram, he fell asleep. Lord Rama with Seetha Devi in Pattabhisheka Posture appeared in his dreams and blessed him. Krishnan decided to build a temple for Lord Rama in this place.

To realize his wish, he instructed the workers carrying the rocks to Devanampattinam should drop one rock in this village towards the construction of Rama Temple. He built this Temple with these stones. He informed about this Temple to the King and requested to grace the Kumbabhishekam of this Temple. Acceding to his request, he participated in the consecration ceremony and named this village after his minister. Hence, the village came to be called as Mathi Krishnapuram.

History

The Temple is believed to be built in 15^th Century AD. The last consecration ceremony took place on 04.06.2015.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards west with an entrance arch. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antrala, Maha Mandapam, Ardha Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam. The Mukha Mandapam connects the Ardha Mandapam with the entrance arch. Dwajastambam and Balipeedam can be found in the Mukha mandapam facing the sanctum. There is a shrine for Chakrattazhvar immediately after the entrance on the left side in the Mukha Mandapam.

There are ten pillars in the Mukha Mandapam. Each pillar is having a beautiful stucco image of Dasavatharam (Hayagriva, Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Vamana, Narasimha, Parasurama, Rama, Krishna and Balarama Avatharams). Stucco images representing scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharata, Vaikunda and Vaishnavism can be seen on the upper side of the walls in the Mukha Mandapam.

Presiding Deity is Pattabi Ramar. He is gracing the devotees along with Seetha Devi, Lakshmana and Hanuman from the sanctum. He is in sitting posture facing west. He is depicted in his coronation form. Utsava Idol of this Temple is Sarangapani with Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Garudazhwar Shrine, The Vimanam over the sanctum is about 37 feet high.

There are shrines and idols of Thumbikai Azhwar, Vishnu Durga, Vishwakasena, Nammazhvar, Ramanuja and Alavandar in the Temple premises. Theertham associated with this Temple is Sri Rama Thirukulam. It is located outside the temple premises. It covers an area of about 5 acres.

There are ruins of old pillars can be seen at the back of the sanctum. This temple also has 27 feet tall temple chariot. There is another small Rama Temple situated at about 200 meters from this Temple. The pillars found at the entrance of this temple seems to be ancient. This Temple is situated at about 200 meters from Pattabi Ramar Temple.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 06.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 04.00 PM to 09.00 PM.

Festivals

10 Days Chithirai festival, Theppam Festival, Parivettai, Vaikunda Ekadasi, Krishna Jayanthi, Uriyadi Utsavam, Masi Magam and Aatru Tiruvizha are the festivals celebrated here with much fanfare.

Prayers

People pray to Lord to get rid of family problems, for child boon, to get relief from debts and to get rid of enemies.

Contact

Pattabi Ramar Temple,

Mathi Krishnapuram,

Bahour Commune,

Puducherry – 605 106

Mobile: +91 99940 46109

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 600 meters from Mullodai Bus Stop, 1 Km from Kanniyakoil, 6.5 Kms from Cuddalore, 6.5 Kms from Cuddalore Bus Stand, 10 Kms from Cuddalore Port Junction Railway Station, 13 Kms from Ariyankuppam, 18 Kms from Puducherry Main Bus Stand, 18 Kms from Puducherry Railway Station, 21 Kms from Puducherry Airport, 162 Kms from Chennai Airport and 172 Kms from Chennai.

The Temple is situated on Pondicherry to Cuddalore Bus Route. Devotees can get down at Mullodai Bus Stop. All the buses plying between Pondicherry and Cuddalore will stop at this Bus Stop. The Temple is located at about ½ Km from this Bus Stop. Devotees can reach this temple by walk. Taxis and Autos are also available to reach this Temple from any part of Puducherry. Nearest Railway Station is located at Puducherry. Nearest Airport is located at Puducherry and Chennai.

Location | Photos

Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple, Vaduvakuppam, Puducherry

Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple, Vaduvakuppam, Puducherry

Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Vaduvakuppam village at Nettapakkam Commune in Union Territory of Puducherry, India. This temple is famously called as Tirupati of Puducherry.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antrala, Maha Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam. Balipeedam, Dhwaja Sthambam and Garudalwar can be found in Mukha Mandapam facing the sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal. He is housed in the sanctum along with his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Mother is called as Padmavathi Thayar. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. There is an east facing shrine for Andal can be found in the temple premises. 

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 08.30 am to 12.30 pm and 05.30 pm to 08.00 pm.

Contact

Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple,

Vaduvakuppam,

Nettapakkam Commune

Puducherry – 605 106

Mobile: +91 94868 33803 / 95977 32601

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Pakkam Kootroad Bus Stop, 6 Kms from Nallathur, 8 Kms from Kandamangalam, 8 Kms from Thirubhuvanai, 9 Kms from Chinna Babu Samudram Railway Station, 16 Kms from Villianur Railway Station, 16 Kms from Thavalakuppam, 24 Kms from Puducherry Main Bus Stand, 24 Kms from Puducherry Railway Station, 27 Kms from Puducherry Airport, 26 Kms from Villupuram and 163 Kms from Chennai Airport.

The Temple is situated on Pondicherry to Madukarai Bus Route via Thavalakuppam. Tourists can take PRTC Bus No 20 and get down at Pakkam Kootroad Bus Stop. The temple is located at about 2 Kms from this Bus Stop. Taxis and Autos are also available to reach this Temple from any part of Puducherry. Nearest Railway Station is located at Puducherry, Chinna Babu Samudhram and Villianur. Nearest Airport is located at Puducherry and Chennai.

Location

Kanagan Lake, Kathirkamam, Puducherry

Kanagan Lake, Kathirkamam, Puducherry

Kanagan Lake is situated in Kathirkamam in Puducherry Town in Union Territory of Puducherry. The lake is considered as one among the 84 water tanks in the Union Territory. This lake is habitat for water birds, fish and aquatic species. The lake is a good spot for a morning / evening walk. There is also boating facilities at the lake. Boating facilities are available only during the season time. The lake has a cafeteria and a kiosk. 

Connectivity

The Lake is located at about 1 Km from Kathirkamam Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Puducherry Main Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Puducherry Airport, 4.5 Kms from Puducherry Railway Station and 144 Kms from Chennai Airport. The Lake is situated on Pondicherry Bus Stand to Vazhudavur / Pathukannu Bus Route. Tourists can get down at Kathirkamam Bus Stop. The Lake is located at a walkable distance from this Bus Stop.

PRTC Bus 12 A is plying between Pondicherry Bus Stand to Pathukannu will stop at Kathirkamam Bus Stop. All the other private buses running in this route also stops here. Tempos from Muruga Theatre Signal also takes you to this Bus Stop. Taxis and Autos are also available to reach this Lake from any part of Puducherry. Nearest Railway Station is located at Puducherry. Nearest Airport is located at Puducherry and Chennai.

Location

Nidheeswarar Temple, Annamputhur, Villupuram

Nidheeswarar Temple, Annamputhur, Villupuram

Nidheeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Annamputhur Village in Tindivanam Taluk in Villupuram District in Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Nidheeswarar and Mother is called as Kanaga Thirupurasundari. The Temple was believed to be built by Pallavas and later renovated by Cholas. The Temple is considered as Guru Parihara Sthalam.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://explore-pondicherry.blogspot.com/2021/01/nidheeswarar-temple-annamputhur-legends.html

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://explore-pondicherry.blogspot.com/2021/01/nidheeswarar-temple-annamputhur-history.html

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://explore-pondicherry.blogspot.com/2021/01/nidheeswarar-temple-annamputhur-temple.html

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 06.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 05.00 PM to 08.00 PM.

Festivals

Monthly Pradoshams, Pournami, Thiruvadhirai, Sankatahara Chathurthi, Krithikai, Sashti, Valarpirai Ashtami, Theipirai Ashtami, Chathurthi, Akshaya Tritiya, Navaratri, Diwali, Skanda Sashti, Aippasi Annabishekam, Karthigai Somavaram, Karthigai Deepam, Thai Poosam, Shivaratri, Masi Magam, Panguni Uthiram and Aadi Pooram are the festivals celebrated here.

Prayers

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://explore-pondicherry.blogspot.com/2021/01/nidheeswarar-temple-annamputhur-prayers.html

Contact

Nidheeswarar Temple,

Annamputhur, Tindivanam Taluk

Villupuram District – 604 304

Mobile: +91 91501 31138 / 95007 27892

Mobile: +91 70105 28137 / 89391 29293

Mobile: +91 94440 36534 / 94440 36532

Email: info@Srinidheeswarar.com / srinidheeshwarar@gmail.com

Web: http://sntt.net

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Varagupattu Bus Stop, 8 Kms from Omandur, 9 Kms from Tindivanam, 9 Kms from Tindivanam Bus Stand, 10 Kms from Tindivanam Railway Station, 13 Kms from Mailam, 13 Kms from Perumukkal, 14 Kms from Kiliyanur, 34 Kms from Puducherry Airport, 35 Kms from Puducherry, 114 Kms from Chennai Airport and 136 Kms from Chennai.

There is a government Bus (No: 26 - 05:30 AM & 07:40 AM) plying from Tindivanam (near Vasanth & co) to Annamputhur. There is private bus (Lakshmi Krishna - 07:40 AM, 09:05 AM, 10:45 AM, 12:50 PM, 02:40 PM, 04:30 PM, 06:30 PM & 08:15 PM) plying from Tindivanam Depot to Annamputhur. From Tindivanam, devotees should take Tindivanam to Puducherry road and take a left turn at Varagupattu. Proceed for another 5 Kms to reach this Temple.

Location | Photos