the catamaran pondicherry

Catamaran Brewing Company, Pondicherry

Catamaran Brewing Company recently opened in Pondicherry and has been generating a lot of interest in various food groups on social media.  I was quite excited about a new microbrewery, now even closer to Chennai compared to  Bengaluru.  I couldn’t wait to try!

Have always been a big fan of microbreweries!  The love for freshly crafted beer dates back to 2003-2004, where I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Kronenhof Brauhus in Bad Homburg, Germany umpteen times.  Till date that is one of the fondest memories I have, of sipping on freshly crafted beer in a 1L mug with pommes frites to nibble, on the side!   My trips to Bengaluru is never complete without a customary visit to at least one of the microbreweries!  Over the years, I have visited quite a few –  Arbor Brewing Company , The Biere Club , Toit Brewpub , Communiti , Vapor Pub & Brewery , Bangalore Brew Works, and more!  The list just keeps getting bigger and bigger.

Made up a weekend plan to Pondicherry with close buddies, and needless to say, Catamaran was right on the top of the to-do list.  We reached Pondicherry around 10:30AM and noticed that the place opened only at 11AM.  We decided to relax for sometime at Le Cafe, and then head to Catamaran. It was not difficult to locate the place, it was on quite a busy road right above Westside.  That said, parking was a nightmare!  It took my friend twenty minutes to find a parking place quite far away from there, and come back in an auto.  I was told they have a valet, but since it was a very long Friday night, they would be available slightly late on Saturday.

Meanwhile clicked some pictures of the place, the counter, the taps and so on.  The seating arrangement was quite comfy with circular sofas.  This definitely gave more privacy to guests and it was easy to catch a conversation.

We ordered a Beer Taster Tray to see what the choices were!  We were told one of the 5 beers – Pondy Pils , a pilsner wasn’t available.  We noticed a Belgian Witbier on the menu – Indian Summer .  Sadly, that wasn’t available too. Hopsunami – an Indian Pale Ale, Vox Populi – a dark lager, Yuri G’s drink – an oatmeal stout, and Chingari Cider – an apple cider were the available ones. The first pic doesn’t have the samplers placed in the right placeholders.  The second pic is correct.

We ordered quite a few of these, and I was repeating the IPA and the dark lager. 

We entered the place around 11:30 AM and we were told the starters could be ordered only by 12:45PM.  We managed with rice crisps until their kitchen dished out starters.  The 5 dips were good.  I personally liked the one which was like a mayo with a lemon pickle flavor.

Vaazhakkaai Nachos with Mango Salsa was one of the first dishes they managed to get ready.   It was wonderful.  Crispy and tasty!

Roasted Chilli Beef came next, and friends liked it.  The portion size seemed minuscule.  It tasted good and friends were happy.

Kozhi Polichathu was decent, but there was something lacking, probably salt and a little more masala.  It didn’t quite make an impression on the palate that would make me order it again.

Prawn Podi – 65 and Kozi Podi – 65 were the dishes we ordered next.  We knew it was going to be almost same with just different meat.  We did so because of my restriction to eating seafood.  The portion sizes was good.  Tasted good, though the chicken wasn’t as soft as I’d expected it to be.  The podi needed more punch.

Muttai Tempura Bonda was a clear winner!  Awesome!  This, I would order again without a second thought.  None of the dishes so far made a strong impression like this, except Vaazhakkaai Nachos.

Friends ordered Beef Bolognaise Lasagna , they loved it.  Noone had any complaints with this dish.  In fact, one of them specifically mentioned it was very tasty.

Meanwhile we got a complimentary shot each, of another beer which was called ‘ Smoky Santa ‘.  We were told it would have an aroma of bacon.  It was good, though I couldn’t quite clearly catch the aroma after downing a few glasses. 🙂  we continued with IPA. 

Malli Kozhi was the next dish.  Again, a mediocre Chicken starter.  It was quite underwhelming actually.  The taste didn’t quite make an impression. 

Loaded Beef Fries was good, friends said!  I ate just a very few fries untouched by cheese and beef.

Not a complaint, but another place that has only the special water – Blue Pine ! Not sure why the regular bottled water isn’t available.  

Overall, food was a mixed bag.  Only a few dishes were ‘wow’!  Rest of them ‘Okayish’.  It wasn’t necessarily something that you would complain about, but it just failed to tickle your taste buds.  Also it would have been great if Indian Summer and Pondy Pils were available, sadly we had to stick to the 4 variants only.  Mr. Ayyappan waited on our table.  Service was courteous, no complaints there!

We were there for a good four hours and had a nice time with close buddies.  Overall it was quite an elaborate outing with beer and food and we paid a little less than 9K in all.   I would certainly come back to try newer varieties of beer and to see their starters go from ‘Okay’ to ‘Lipsmacking’!

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Discover Catamaran's Craft Beer Mastery in Every Pour!

Chingari Cider

[apple cider] light bodied, sweet & tarty, bubby sparking apple wine. made using himalayan apple juice fermented with champagne yeast. bought to india by the german brewmaster oliver schauf in 2009, which revolutionized the youth's favourite drink., abv: 5% ✦ ibu: 0.

[Pilsner] Our award winning Pale lager is a Smooth, Crisp, fizzy, light bodied Pilsner (mild lager) brewed with a Reinheitsgebot's German Purity law using Malt, Hops, Yeast and Water. This beer has a balance of Maltiness and Hoppiness, which makes this perfect all time beer.

Abv: 5.5% ✦ ibu: 12.

[Mango Cider] Made with Alphonso mangoes, renowned for their sweetness, sourced from India's Ratnagiri region. This cider offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, perfect for a refreshing summer drink.

Abv: 5.6% ✦ ibu: 0.

Yuri G's Drink

[stout] a complex, harmonious, intense, dark ale with a roasty-burnt-smokey malty character, dried fruit flavors, and a warming bittersweet finish., abv: 5% ✦ ibu: 25.

[India Pale Ale] Bought to India by Britishers to quench their thirst. This beer highlights what hop can do to the beer. Hence, Beer has an aroma of Grapefruit, floral & Pine coming from the late kettle addition and dry hopping. Whereas on the pallet it gives the impression of citrus, spicy, resinous and tropical fruit.

Abv: 6% ✦ ibu: 40.

Indian Summer

[belgian witbier] beer originated from belgium and was revived by pere celis at hoegarden, after 400 years of lost prosperity. it is a light medium bodied beer with 60% wheat oats, bitter orange peels, coriander and chamomile. it's sessionable and highly refreshing., abv: 5% ✦ ibu: 8.

[West Coast Hazy IPA] Bold hoppy character with a lingering bitterness. Imagine biting into citrus fruits like grapefruit and orange, with piney undertones with a dry finish and a medium hazy body for a refreshing taste of passion fruit, Raw mangoes, grapefruit & pineapple.

Abv: 6.5% ✦ ibu: 55.

[Czech Dark Lager] A rich, dark, with a roast character that's quite prominent. Malty with an interesting and complex flavor profile. Beer delivering notes of toffee and dates, with a kiss of roasted malts and milk chocolate at the end.

Abv: 5.2% ✦ ibu: 18.

Light-bodied and smooth, Pale yellow golden hue, bright, crisp and refreshing, with a unique sourdough-like aftertaste derived from millets. Delightful spicy nose with hints of earthiness and grains. Crafted with care and innovation, 6 different Millet blend inspired by a local drink from Tamil Nadu, Koozh kanji .

Abv: 4.9% ✦ ibu: 8.

[Hefeweizen] Pale straw colored and hazy with a thick, long-lasting white head. Medium bodied with bready-grainy, sweet character from the wheat. Clove and banana-like characters are sensed on the palate with a hint of bubble gum at the finish. Very low bitterness and medium-high to high carbonation.

Abv: 6.0% ✦ ibu: 10.

AV Red Dust

[irish red ale] an easy-drinking pint, with subtle flavors. slightly malty in the balance with an initial soft toffee & caramel sweetness, a slightly grainy-biscuity palate, and a touch of roasted dryness in the finish..

Mogambo Seltzer

Pear like nose, sweet and citrus on palate along with a tartness of local tropical fruit (chinese orange). a perfect drink to enjoy on a lazy afternoon without worrying about carbs & calories., abv: 6% ✦ ibu: 0.

Magizchi Festbier

Also called as marzen. it offers a balanced and malty flavor with a touch of caramel sweetness, making it a smooth and satisfying oktoberfest beer., abv: 5.8% ✦ ibu: 18.

Brewing   Excellence

Best pale lager award for pondy pils (pilsner).

Food and Hospitality Association competition, Singapore, 2023

Puducherry's Catamaran Brewing Company is all about beers, ales and new beginnings

People flock to the old French town of Puducherry, attracted and intrigued by its unique ambience and character. Now, the union territory's first microbrewery, Catamaran Brewing Company, is adding to the charm, providing visitors another stop for their weekend trip.

Initially, it was largely the youth who visited the microbrewery inaugurated on September 25, 2021. But now, with awareness of crafts beer, the clients have taken a liking and the footfall has gone up. "After nine months of roller coaster rides, we are seeing different age groups enjoying the place. This is because we have something for every age group," informs Rangaraju Narayanasamy, director of the company, with business partner Durgaprasad Radhakrishnan.

Catamaran started by serving four different varieties of beer - Indian summer, a Belgian-style wheat beer, Chingari cider, an apple cider, Vox Populi, a dark lager, and Pondypils, a pilsner. After the overwhelming response, two new styles - Hopsunami, an Indian pale ale and Heyhefe, a hefeweizen - are also available on tap.

Two varieties with seasonal fruit flavours are added every week. The most popular choice is India Summer, with its pleasant sweetness and zesty, citrus flavours, medium-light body, smooth and creamy (it finishes up dry).

The Chingari Cider, which is a low body, refreshing and bubbling with an apple aroma, balanced together with a sweet and tart flavour to mask the warmth of alcohol. It is particularly popular with women.

The light-bodied Pondi Pilsner has a sweet and malty character with a little hop of flavour at the end, while the Vox populi is moderately crisp with low to moderate levels of sweetness with caramel, toffee and smokiness from roasted malt flavours.

Those who prefer something strong can try the Hopsunami and Heyhefe. Hopsunami's earthy and grassy notes hit first with a malty sweetness rounding up with intense hop characters of citrus fruit with esters produced by yeast.

Bitterness lingers on palate, making it dry, but toffee and caramel malt characters wind up the back of the palate, making it sessionable. The Heyhefe is medium-bodied with bready-grainy, sweet character from the wheat and clove and banana-like characters with a hint of bubble gum at the end.

Their craft beer selection uses exotic flavours of local fruits, wheat, spices, edible flowers and roots and are unique and refreshing. For those new to crafts beer, there is a taster tray to try the different varieties.

"As the summer is a ripening season for fruits, we have been able to source fresh fruits directly from farmers and thus, we were able to make Mango Cider (made from Alphonso mangoes from Krishnagiri farms), Mango Gose, Pomelo Seltzer (made from locally grown pomelo fruits), Siragasamba Rice Lager (using traditional rice)," explains Rangaraju.

Several other flavours will soon be on tap, including Guava Cider, Hibiscus Sour Ale, Jamun Pale Ale, and even a JJ Pale Ale, among others, "We want to pay homage to beloved John John Eapen, who educated the people and bought them closer to craft beer," says Rangaraju.

Along with the beer menu, the food has also undergone transformation over the months. Modern South Indian, Pan Asian, French and continental cuisines are available - vazhakai nachos, podi fried idli, spinach walnut phyllo cups, beer batter onion rings, karuvepillai milagu kozhi, Thai chicken satay with peanut butter sauce, curd rice 2.0 and much more.

These are served with exotic mocktails and tiki cocktails created by Shatbhi Basu, the first bartender in India. "We are planning to launch Pondicherry creole food festival and are gearing up for the beer festival in September," says Rangaraju. The boat-shaped construction (with recycled wood) also provides a stage for artistes and upcoming talents.

As a part of the new thriving industry, the microbrewery also expects support from government to scale production. "We pay the excise duties for the installed capacity, but we are producing only around 3500 litres , as we are not permitted to sell in growler. We want the government to permit craft beers in growler takeaway and beach shack tap rooms,"shares Rangaraju.

Here's hoping.

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Indulge 14th anniversary special: Pondy’s first microbrewery, Catamaran Brewing Company impresses with its crafted ales

Pondy’s first microbrewery is a pitcher of wow from the get-go. Three years in the making (since the license was applied for) by partners Rangaraju Narayanaswamy and Durga Prasad Radhakrishnan — the Catamaran Brewing Company features five beers on tap on any given day. Their most recent addition — was the Oktoberfest-inspired Marzen (with malty notes), and we’re told there’s already a Hot Mulled Cider lined up for Christmas! As for the dining experience, the spacious 6,500 sq ft is designed to give you ‘cruise vibes’ with portholes for windows, a staircase to take you ‘upper deck’ and waiters wearing name tags like Jack Sparrow and Captain Red Beard.

Beer rasam We settle in at a table just beneath what appears to be a ‘centre piece’  attraction —  a 25-foot surfboard suspended from the ceiling, just as chef Koushik S aka the ‘mad chef’ rolls out his first appetiser. As we quickly discover, beer has been creatively woven through the food as well. We sample crisp pani puris filled with tangy rasam laced with apple cider and crunchy vadams with a beer cheese dip. “Each beer takes about eight hours to brew,” Rangaraju informs us, as we take a quick break from tasting for a quick look-see of the brewing unit. “Last night, we started at 10 pm and ended at about 6 am,” he shares, while head brewer Suryakanth walks us through the prepping steps (milling, filtration, boiling). All of this, is of course, not including the 13 to 17-day fermentation cycle.

Think local  German brewmaster Oliver Schauf who incidentally worked on India’s first microbrewery (Doolally) in Pune over a decade ago, was roped in for the setup, which includes equipment from Italy and China weighing close to 13 tonnes and malt grain imported from Belgium. With a capacity of 500 litres, trials for new flavours are usually done with about 15  litres. And Rangaraju tells us, “We’re planning to use a lot of local ingredients.” Expect fruity flavours with jackfruit, coconut and mango as well as brewed pitchers of millets, coriander and vetiver. 

In-cider information We sip on the Chingari Cider (light and sweet) and graduate to the Vox Populi (dark lager with caramel notes) as we continue with the rest of our meal which is a spread of Modern South Indian, Pan Asian and Continental. The Homemade Fries loaded with beef bolognese and melted cheese and the innovative Masala Ratatouille Onigiri (sushi-meets-ratatouille) are flavour experiments we’ll be raving about for a while. INR 1,800 for a meal for two, including beverages. 

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First Ever Craft Brewery In Pondicherry

Traditionally, Pondicherry has been a sunny, sandy place with a laid back culture that suits its fun-loving spirit of beer. In addition to fine breads, cheeses, and chocolate, European influence added another level of flavour. In addition, the new Catamaran Brewing Company , which was unveiled on Saturday, 25th September ’21, is a welcome addition to Pondicherry’s beer scene. First Craft Brewery In Pondicherry. It is now possible to enjoy a wide selection of unique craft beers in the eclectic city’s chill space.  

“Vanakkam Pondy” reads the introductory flyer. This reflects the founders’ dream to open a craft brewery in a Tamil-speaking state. The Catamaran Brewing Company, the first Brewery In Pondicherry was launched to present locals and tourists with the taste of locally crafted international beers… Beers that stand out in flavour from mass-produced ones and are paired with the finest gourmet foods!

The story behind

First Brewery In Pondicherry, the Catamaran Brewing Company, was launched 25th September, 21. Its founding fathers, Ranga (Rangaraju) and Prasad (Durga Prasad), made the decision to begin from this point after a long and determined journey. Prasad was working for a Fortune 100 tech company when he decided to take up home-brewing as an interest. As a result of his experience at Blackstar Brewing in Austin in 2016, he was immediately hooked. Prasad decided to quit his job, return to India, and become a brewer. “Due to its proximity to Chennai, I immediately thought of Pondicherry as the perfect beach destination,” he says.

Meanwhile, Ranga built on his passion for food by opening a restaurant called Sicilys at the Beach Promenade in his hometown of Pondicherry.

Prasad and Ranga reconnected in 2016 and the Catamaran Brewing Company was born as a result. However, the journey was not easy. Prasad returned to Chennai from the U.S. in 2017 and started knocking on government doors asking for a license to start a craft brewery. Pondicherry finally had its maiden microbrewery policy after several years, then came the designing, sourcing, and the actual establishing of the microbrewery, which were also hampered by the pandemic.

Beer and Food

Catamaran’s Head Brewer, Suryakant Singh, adheres steadfastly to CBC’s ‘craft with commitment’ credo to provide guests with the best craft beer experience possible. CBC uses imported malt and hops to give the ales their structure, while using fresh ingredients from the local market, such as oranges and coriander, to create a truly local taste.

Shatbhi Basu, who runs STIR: Academy of Bartending, guides CBC with a range of mocktails, smoothies, and pouring liquors that will be available.

Some of the Beers on tap are:

Indian Summer (Belgian Witbier)

The perfect summer beer with its large collar of white foam, CBC’s Indian Summer is a refreshing citrus flavoured clean beer with hints of coriander and chamomile.

Pondy Pils (Helles Lager)

Helles is a beer for beer lovers. Great for a stuffy day, CBC’s Pondy Pils is an earthy, balanced, light-bodied, subtly sweet pilsner.

Yuri G’s Drink (Porter)

CBC’s Yuri G pays tribute to a London brewer, who created a fresh brewed ale that quickly became known as the ‘Working man’s pint of choice’ in 1722. Wood smoked malt adds the smoky depth to this dark beer that echoes the original flavours of caramel, molasses and coffee.

Chingari Cider (Dry Apple Cider)

A true cider, CBC’s Chingari Cider is made with apple juice and is gluten free. Surprisingly heady for a cider (ABV 4.5), this drink comes with a sweet and tart flavour akin to a bite into an apple.

A dark lager that’s a Rauch and Brown Ale hybrid.

An Indian pale ale.

Chef Koushik Shankar, better known in his TV Food Judge avatar as the ‘Mad chef’, is behind the finger licking culinary dishes that provide a fitting accompaniment to CBC’s craft beers. The modern South Indian, Pan-Asian and Continental cuisine at CBC is a fusion fare created by the ‘mad chef’ in his own special style. Fare includes Vazhakai Nachos with Mango Salsa, Beer Rasam Panipuri, Podi Fried Idli 2.0, Masala Ratatouille Onigiri, Theepori Wings, Kallumari, Kadugu Eraa, Dimsums, Baos, Spinach Lasagne, Burgers, and Michelin Star Dessert Concepts.

Is Puducherry about to witness a craft beer revolution thanks to Catamaran Brewing Company? Possibly. For now, though, it is the only place where all ages can enjoy a meal while those above the legal drinking age can enjoy craft beer from a range of local breweries .

We wish all well to the Catamaran Brewing Company, the First Brewery In Pondicherry

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Sea Cruise in Pondicherry – Timings, Price etc

Sea Cruise in Pondicherry

Sea Cruise in Pondicherry allows one to marvel at the breathtaking sunrise views, exotic mangroves forest and pristine waters. It is one of the new adventure activities for tourists in Pondicherry. Have you ever imagined swimming in the sea? Then your dream can become true now. A Sea cruise in Pondicherry is one of the popular fun activities that you can explore when you are in Pondicherry.

Mangroves and Harbours:

Sea Cruise in Pondicherry starts at 6 am and lasts for two hours. The cruise will begin at the Pondicherry Mangrove Forest . Mangroves are one of the unique habitats which have become a forest in the past two decades with the help of locals and conservationists. Pondicherry Mangroves are giving a tough fight to Pichavaram Mangroves as a tourist destination. You can find a lot of bird activity during your cruise through the mangroves. More than 70 species of birds have been recorded in these mangroves and nearby areas.

Once you cross the mangroves, you will see the rows of fishing boats docked along the sides of the Pondicherry fishing harbour. On the other side fishermen in catamarans through a cast net in the Ariyankuppam river to catch fresh catches of the day. After crossing the port, you will reach the river mouth or estuary, where the river and sea join at this point. It will be a bumpy ride till you cross the estuary from the river to the Bay of Bengal.

Cruising in the sea is a fun activity, and it will be an experience that you will never forget. From the sea, you can see the Pondy Marina Beach, followed by the towering Lighthouse. The boat will cruise up to Rock Beach in White Town , Pondicherry and see another side of Pondicherry from the sea.

Swimming in the sea:

You will be asked to wear a life jacket at the sea cruise’s start. Life Guards will be there to take care of you. Tourists can enjoy swimming in the sea with the help of lifeguards. The instructor will explain the dos and don’ts before venturing into the sea. Swimming in the ocean is a surreal experience, a rare opportunity you should not miss when visiting Pondicherry.

After swimming in the sea, you will be returned to the mangroves in the ariyankuppam river and visit Arikanmedu, which is the archeological site. Ruins of Arikanmedu will take back you to the ancient period where Pondicherry had a relationship with the rest of world like rome etc. Sea cruise trip will end after the Arikanmedu visit.

Timings: 6.00 AM to 3.30 PM

Duration: 120 Min (2 Hours)

Minimum Persons: 4 Pax

Price: Rs.3000

Additional Persons: Rs.500 per person

Maximum Persons: 10 Pax

Distance : 8 Kms (Up and Down)

Inclusions: Life Jacket, Life Guards

Location: Pondicherry Mangroves Forest

Whatsapp for Booking: +91-7604942994

Nearby Attractions and Adventure Activities: Kayaking in Mangrove Forest , Paramotoring , Arts and Crafts Village , White Town

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• Pondicherry

10 Boat Rides and Cruises in Pondicherry that you must take!

Also read: Pondicherry Travel 2023: The Complete Guide for Your Trip

1. Chunnambar Boathouse and Paradise Beach:

Location: Chunnambar Boathouse, Puducherry

Timing: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Duration: Approximately 1 hour

Price: INR 200 per person (inclusive of boat ride to and from Paradise Beach)

2. Ousteri Lake Boat Ride:

Location: Ousteri Lake, Puducherry

Timing: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Duration: 1 to 2 hours

Price: Starting from INR 500 per person

3. Arikamedu Boat Exploration:

Location: Arikamedu, Puducherry

Timing: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Price: INR 800 per person (inclusive of guided tour)

4. Promenade Beach Sunset Cruise:

Location: Promenade Beach, Puducherry

Timing: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Duration: 1.5 hours

Price: Starting from INR 700 per person

5. Pondicherry to Paradise Island Cruise:

Location: Puducherry, Paradise Island

Timing: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Duration: Approximately 4 hours

Price: INR 1,500 per person

6. Pulicat Lake Bird-Watching Expedition:

Location: Pulicat Lake, Puducherry

Timing: 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Price: INR 1,200 per person (inclusive of bird-watching guide)

7. Serenity Beach Catamaran Ride:

Location: Serenity Beach, Puducherry

Timing: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Price: Starting from INR 600 per person

8. Mahe River Backwater Cruise:

Location: Mahe River, Puducherry

Timing: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Price: INR 900 per person

9. Karaikal Boating at Ammayar Koil:

Location: Ammayar Koil, Karaikal

Timing: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Duration: 1 hour

Price: INR 300 per person

10. Pondicherry to Cuddalore Ferry Ride:

Location: Pondicherry to Cuddalore

Timing: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM

Duration: 2 hours

Price: INR 400 per person

Also read: 10 things to do in Pondicherry for an Unforgettable Trip

So, let's set sail together and delve into the magical waters of Pondicherry! Each boat ride is a chapter waiting to be etched into your travel diary, promising memories that will linger long after the ripples subside.

Published at 17 Dec 2023

About Author

Prerna Dixit

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15 Must-See Places to Visit in Pondicherry for Tourists

Pondicherry is unlike any other place in India! Located on the south-eastern coast of India, there are so many places to visit in Pondicherry!

What makes Pondicherry, also referred to as Puducherry, so unique is its history and blend of cultures. The French gained control in the 17th century and their influence can still be seen today, especially with the architecture. Hence, walking around Pondicherry is unlike walking around any other town or city in India.

While the rest of India gained independence from the British in 1947, Pondicherry’s independence was not included in this because it was controlled by the French. The French actually left in 1954 and it officially became a union territory of India in 1963.

If you’re planning a trip, then I highly recommend checking out these top places to visit in Pondicherry! There’s beautiful and lively beaches, relaxing parks, museums to learn more about the history and culture, and loads of neat cafes, restaurants, and bars.

This post is all about the best places to visit in Pondicherry.

Top Places to Visit in Pondicherry

#1 french quarter.

Right along Pondicherry Beach, also known as the Promenade, is the French Quarter neighborhood. This area is extremely charming with its colonial-style buildings. It’s honestly so cute and like a slice of France in India! 

The French Quarter is full of places to stop by. You’ll find lots of cute little cafes and boutiques. There are also art galleries.

I recommend walking around this area to soak in the beautiful architecture, then stopping by one of the cafes or famous restaurants for some food.

#2 Bharathi Park (My favorite of the places to visit in Pondicherry!)

Just inland of Promenade Beach you can find Bharathi Park, one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry. It’s a small park with a Greco-Roman structure in the middle and cute small walkways that are shaded.

If you’re looking for a leisurely walk or a place to sit and relax, Bharathi Park is an easy stop to include in your trip. There are beautiful fountains and flowers as well as a play area for kids.

#3 Pondicherry Museum

One of the best places to visit in Pondicherry to learn about the history is the Pondicherry museum. It’s open from 10am – 5pm except and closed on Mondays.

The museum has a great collection of sculptures and archaeological finds. It also houses ancient bronze and stone artifacts. This is a great stop for history lovers or travelers who enjoy learning about the diverse history of India.

#4 Sacred Heart Basilica

This is a stunning Catholic church with Gothic-style architecture and reflects Pondicherry’s colonial history. It’s famous for its beautiful stained glass windows that show Biblical scenes.

If you are interested in seeing the architecture and bit of history of Pondicherry, then it’s a gorgeous place to visit. It was built in the early 1900s and has daily masses, but is also open just for tourists to see as well.

#5 Sri Aurobindo Ashram

The Aurobindo Ashram was founded by Sri Aurobindo and is famous for its spiritual teachings, serene ambiance and beautiful gardens. It’s a place for meditation and self-discovery.

The ashram is open to day visitors. There is also the option to stay at the ashram but that is meant for spiritual seekers and not the average tourist.

I’d recommend visiting for a day if you’re interested in seeing an ashram and it’s a great place to meditate or practice yoga.

#6 Promenade Beach

Promenade Beach is a must-see if you’re traveling to Pondicherry. It’s just over 1 km long and is the perfect spot for sunrises and sunsets, or just to hang out and relax.

It’s a great place for a stroll with a beautiful view and lots of little snacks or drinks you can buy too. It’s not overly crowded but still lively enough to create a fun atmosphere.

It’s also known as Rock Beach because here are rocks that line the coast between the walkway and water. You can sit along on the rocks to enjoy a closer view of the sea too.

This is my favorite spot in Pondicherry to hang out because it’s a great place to chill but still enough going on to make it an entertaining time!

#7 Mahatma Gandhi Statue

If you walk along Promenade Beach, you will certainly pass the Mahatma Gandhi statue! It’s a well-maintained, quick stop to add in your trip. 

You’ll see the bronze statue surrounded by granite pillars. The statue pays homage to Gandhi, the famous leader of India’s independence.

While I wouldn’t say it’s worth a special trip in itself, chances are you will probably pass it if you are along the promenade or near the other famous places. So, it’s worth having a look and getting a picture!

#8 The Storytellers’ Bar, Catamaran Brewing Company and Cosy Resto Pub for nightlife or drink-seekers

Like the cafes, there’s a lot of great places to grab a drink or experience the nightlife in Pondicherry.

• The Storytellers’ Bar is located just near the promenade and is a small bar with a great vibe! They have neat decor inside with a book/story theme and they have nice cocktails. Depending on which day you go, you can enjoy live music and DJs and they also sometimes offer ladies nights and Bollywood nights.
• Catamaran Brewing Company is a great stop for beer lovers! I love checking out breweries when I travel around India because it’s still a relatively new thing, not like in the US where I can find them all over. The Catamaran Brewing Company has a nice selection of beers and is a great place to get dinner. The decor inside is quite fun and ocean-themed.
• Cosy Resto Pub is a fun place for a lively night out with music and a good vibe. Although the name is a bit simple, this is a popular and spacious place for going out. They’ve got some nice snacks and pizza along with good drinks. I recommend checking out the roof-top deck for a nice view of the city and a fun atmosphere.

#9 Manakula Vinayagar Temple

This is one of the most famous temples in Pondicherry. I love the style of temples in South India because I think they are so colorful and beautiful! But this temple really is a site to see.

Manakula Vinayagar Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It’s famous for its golden chariot and intricate carvings along the stone walls.

While Pondicherry is quite laid back and used to foreigners, you should try to dress a little more conservatively as usual for visiting a temple and remember to remove your shoes.

#10 Pondy Marina

Pondy Marina is another one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry. It’s also lively similar to the promenade, but one major difference is the beach actually has sand lining the shore with some rocks.

This is a great place to go with kids because they have a lot of games and activities to enjoy. There’s horseback riding and an adventure zone with rides. You can also find ATV’s and big lawns to relax on. 

There are a ton of cheap food options at Pondy Marina, so it’s a great place to go for adventure or just to hang out and have a snack!

#11 Botanical Garden

This is a beautiful spot to enjoy a wide variety of exotic plants and trees. It’s a place where you can appreciate the beauty of nature and walk around in peace.

There is also a small train that can take you around the garden which is especially fun if you are traveling with friends. Inside you can also visit a little aquarium to see some different fish, snakes and turtles.

The Botanical Garden is open from 9am – 6pm daily. It’s a great place to visit as a family or enjoy as a couple as well!

#12 Cafes! – Le Cafe, Cafe des Arts, and Coromandel Cafe (But there are so many more great options too, it’s tough to pick the best places in Pondicherry for food!)

There are literally so many unique and delicious places to visit in Pondicherry when it comes to cafes! I can’t even choose my favorite, but these three are well-known and I’d highly recommend them.

• Le Cafe is on the coast at Promenade Beach. What makes this cafe so unique is that it’s right along the beach with stunning views of the sea. While there are many cute cafes around, this one has the best view. They also have rooftop seating if you want to view from higher up.
• Cafe des Arts is extremely cute to visit with great coffee and desserts. They also have breakfast, salad and sandwiches which you can enjoy indoors or outside. It’s got a vintage look and the style inside reflects the French influence. What I love most about this cafe is the ambience because the decor is very artsy, as the name would suggest!
• Coromandel Cafe is more upscale and offers amazing dishes for lunch or dinner! They also serve drinks. You can eat inside but they also have a really cute garden area that’s full of greenery. I definitely recommend eating here if you don’t mind spending a little extra money compared to nearby places!

There are still so many other cute cafes to visit in Pondicherry, but these three are my top recommendations. They are all a bit different in their own ways and are pretty close together near the promenade and French Quarter.

#13 Serenity Beach

Located towards the north of Pondicherry, Serenity Beach is the perfect stop if you are looking for a less crowded beach. It has a sandy coastline making for a beautiful walk along the coast.

It’s also a nice place to watch the sunrise and sunset. People also surf and go swimming here. There are a lot of restaurants nearby too. 

While there are several nice beaches around Pondicherry, this is the best one to visit if you are looking for a relaxing, quiet spot away from the crowd!

#14 Paradise Beach

On the opposite side of Pondicherry towards the south, you will find Paradise beach. Aside from the beautiful views to relax around, what makes this beach special is the boat rides. You can reach the beach by driving around over the bridge, or take the jetty across. 

The Chunnambar Boat House is a popular way to reach Paradise Beach because it’s a fun experience along the backwaters. They can also arrange for water sport activities if you’re looking for that, but the boat rides are the most fun!

Aside from soaking in the sun, there are also great restaurants around Paradise Beach to enjoy a meal or snack.

#15 Auroville

Auroville is not technically in Pondicherry, but it’s an easy 20 minute drive north and totally worth the visit! 

Auroville is a really unique, experimental township focussed on unity and spiritual growth. People have to apply to be a part of the official community which is very collaborative and supportive of each other.

For visitors, there are so many things to do in Auroville itself. There are a lot of cafes and restaurants with locally sourced food, especially because Auroville has a lot of sustainable farming practices.

It has a famous Matrimandir or temple with a beautiful area to walk around. You can also find countless workshops around yoga, meditation, healing, environmental practices and more.

There is really so much to do in Auroville, it’s worth staying there for a few days if you have the time! Otherwise, it’s not a far drive from Pondicherry and is worth checking out for a day.

Pondicherry is a unique place to see in India given its history and French influence. There are so many places to visit in Pondicherry and I would definitely recommend checking them out if you can! Wishing everyone a wonderful trip and be sure to check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to India for more tips!

While Pondicherry and Auroville are unqiue destinations, there is still so much of the country you should visit if you have the time and are able! Extend your trip and see one of these 7 incredible places to travel in south India !

This post was all about the best places to visit in Pondicherry.

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Sunrise Ride

Only on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Time: 5:30 AM – 7:00 AM

Departure Point : Uppalam Expo Ground

Reporting Time: 5 AM

₹650/Seat per adult

₹325/seat per child.

Cruise Ride 1

Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Reporting Time: 8 AM

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Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Reporting Time: 11 AM

Sunset Ride

Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Reporting Time: 2 PM

We provides Sea Sightseeing Tour services from the Cruise / Boat. Explore the best tourist places in pondicherry such us Promanade Beach, Rock Beach, Gandhi Statue, Lighthouse, Pondy Marina Beach, Veerampattinam Temple, Chinnaveerampattinam Beach, Paradise Beach and a few beaches can be seen from the Bay of Bengal Sea on the Cruise / Boat .