Pondicherry
Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus – Pondicherry
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Puducherry is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture and a significant pilgrimage site for Christians. It features rare stained glass panels depicting events from the life of Christ and various saints.
Location & Contact
📍 Address: M.G. Road Area, Puducherry, 605001, India
📞 Phone: 0413 222 8916
Visiting Hours
- Monday to Friday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 6:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sunday: 5:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Mass Timings
- Monday to Saturday: 5:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 6:00 PM
- Sunday:
- Morning: 5:30 AM & 7:30 AM (Tamil), Noon (Tamil)
- Evening: 5:15 PM (English), 6:15 PM (Tamil)
Immaculate Conception Cathedral – Pondicherry
The Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Puducherry is a historic church that serves as the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Cuddalore. It is over 300 years old and features a blend of French, Portuguese, and Hispanic architectural styles.
Location & Contact
📍 Address: 204, Mission St, MG Road Area, Puducherry, 605001, India
📞 Phone: 0413 233 2857
Visiting Hours
- Monday to Sunday:
- Morning: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Evening: 3:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Mass Timings
- Monday to Saturday: 5:15 AM, 6:15 AM, 5:30 PM (Tamil)
- Sunday:
- Morning: 5:00 AM, 6:30 AM, 8:00 AM (Tamil)
- Evening: 5:15 PM (Tamil), 6:15 PM (English)
Statue of Marquis Dupleix – Pondicherry
The Statue of Marquis Dupleix in Puducherry is a historical monument dedicated to Joseph François Dupleix, the last French governor of Puducherry. It was commissioned in 1870 and stands 2.88 meters tall on a granite column, symbolizing the French influence in the region.
Location & Contact
📍 Address: Goubert Avenue Beach Road, Puducherry, 605001, India
📞 Phone: Not available
Visiting Hours
- Monday to Sunday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
The statue was originally placed at Gandhi Thidal but was later relocated to its current location in 1979.
Pondicherry Lighthouse – Pondicherry
The Pondicherry Lighthouse is a popular tourist attraction that offers a 360-degree view of the city and coastline. It has a hexagonal tower and is one of the best spots to catch a breathtaking sunset.
Location & Contact
📍 Address: Lazar Kovil Street, Puducherry, 605004, India
📞 Phone: Not available
Visiting Hours
- Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Access to the top: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: ₹10 per person
History & Features
Visitors must climb 200+ steps to reach the top, as there is no lift available.
The old lighthouse, built in 1836, was decommissioned in 1979.
The new lighthouse, constructed in 1979, stands 48 meters tall and is painted in black and white stripes.
Matrimandir – Pondicherry
The Matrimandir is a spiritual edifice located in Auroville, near Puducherry. It is known as the “Soul of the City” and serves as a place for silent concentration and meditation rather than a tourist attraction.
Location & Contact
📍 Address: Matrimandir Rd, Near Auroville Radio, Auroville, Viluppuram, Tamil Nadu 605101, India
📞 Phone: Not available
Visiting Hours
- Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Viewing Point Access: Free passes available at the Auroville Visitors Centre after watching an introductory video
- Concentration Time in Inner Chamber: 9:35 AM – 10:05 AM (Last entry at 9:45 AM)
- Concentration Time in Petal Meditation Rooms: 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM
History & Significance
The structure features a golden sphere surrounded by 12 petal-shaped meditation rooms
Conceptualized by Mirra Alfassa, also known as The Mother, in 1968.
Designed by French architect Roger Anger, with construction starting in 1970 and completed in 2008.
INTACH Heritage Centre – Pondicherry
The INTACH Heritage Centre in Puducherry is dedicated to preserving and promoting the region’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. It showcases historical artifacts, conservation projects, and educational exhibits about Puducherry’s colonial past.
Location & Contact
📍 Address: 62 Rue Aurobindo Street, Puducherry, 605001, India
📞 Phone: Not available
Visiting Hours
- Monday to Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
Highlights
Educational Exhibits – Information on Puducherry’s architectural evolution.
Heritage Walks – Guided tours exploring Puducherry’s French and Tamil quarters.
Conservation Projects – Displays of restoration work on historical buildings.
Raj Niwas – Pondicherry
The Raj Niwas in Puducherry is the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry and a significant colonial-era structure. It was originally known as Le Palais Du Governor and served as the residence of French governors in the 18th century.
Location & Contact
📍 Address: Ranga Pillai St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001, India
📞 Phone: 0413 233 4050
Visiting Hours
- Monday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
- Entry Fee: Free (Children below five are not allowed)
History & Features
The guest rooms are named after Puducherry’s beaches—Karaikal, Yanam, Mahe, and Pondicherry.
Built in 1738 under French Governor Pierre Benoît Dumas and completed during Joseph François Dupleix’s tenure.
Features monolithic pillars brought from Gingee Fort in 1751.
Houses historical artifacts, including pottery, antique furniture, coins, brass and silver items, and statues from the 18th century.
Auroville Visitors Center – Pondicherry
The Auroville Visitors Center is the gateway to discovering Auroville, its ideals, history, and present-day manifestation. It features exhibition spaces, an information desk, boutiques, a bookshop, cafes, and a food court.
Location & Contact
📍 Address: Auroville Main Rd, Auroville, Tamil Nadu 605101, India
📞 Phone: 0413 262 2239
Visiting Hours
- Monday to Sunday:
- Morning: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Afternoon: 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
Highlights
- Matrimandir Viewing Point – Visitors can get passes to see the Matrimandir from a distance.
- Exhibitions – Displays about Auroville’s philosophy, architecture, and sustainability projects.
- Boutiques – Shops selling Auroville-made handicrafts, organic products, and books.
- Cafés & Food Court – Offers vegetarian and organic food options.