Although, Pondicherry is not as popular a beach destination as some others in India. Perhaps because it doesn’t have a party all night like scene equivalent to the beaches of Goa. Or, the beaches are not as big and serene as the beaches of Andaman. But just like the beaches of Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Mangalore or the coastline of Kerala, the beaches of Pondicherry are varied and unique.
Do note that Pondicherry is one of closest beach destination to Bangalore and Chennai. You can always head here for a quick weekend getaway from either of these states. There are many beach resorts and exotic boutique hotels near the beaches in Pondicherry. With the backdrop of the Indo – French culture and mouth watering international cuisines, it is definitely a destination that can be visited multiple times. As it has so much to offer even beyond the beaches. So, after our two trips to Pondicherry, we bring you our cherry picked list of 5 best beaches in Pondicherry. That you should visit on your next trip.
Promenade Beach, Pondicherry – the most unique of the beaches in Pondicherry
Perhaps the most famous of the beaches in Pondicherry is Promenade Beach. Located right in the heart of the city, right besides the French Quarters of White Town in Pondicherry, this beach is like none other in India. Dotted by black rocks and marked with an excellent walkway all along, the Promenade Beach is a perfect place to unwind in the evening. Or have a perfect morning walk early in the morning. You get to see spectacular views of sunrise from here. (Reminded me of our days in Port Blair when we took morning walk along the beautiful walkway alongside the coast).
Things to do in Promenade Beach Pondicherry
- Just sit on the rocks and absorb the vibrant atmosphere around. Or, see the waves crashing against the rocks endlessly
- Enjoy some mouth watering food along one of the small outlets right on the Promenade. Or else, head to one of the cute cafes with great ambiance in White Town for a lifetime of culinary experience.
- Take this free walking tour of the White Town in Pondicherry, half of which is right around the Promenade.
- Visit the new light house at the end of the stretch.
Do you know, that in the evening after 6:00pm, the whole Promenade area is converted into a pedestrians only place. With no vehicles allowed. Which really makes it all the more enjoyable.
Where to stay near the Promenade Beach, Pondicherry
Boutique and Heritage hotels in White Town like Le Dupleix, Palais de Mahe – CGH Earth, La Villa, Grand Hotel D’ Europe.
Or, a little further, a lot of mid range hotels like Hotel Surguru Pondicherry and Hotel Atithi.
We stayed in some of the later hotels on our visits. Because they have much bigger campus and ample parking when compares to the boutique hotels. But at the same time, we are sure the experience of staying in a boutique hotel will be a very unique experience in itself. And hopefully, some day soon we will be able to share that experience with you.
Where to eat near the Promenade Beach, Pondicherry
Other than street vendors and small eateries that dot the pavement of Promenade beach, there are a lot of famous cafes of Pondicherry if you venture into the parallel street of White Town. Some of these are Coromandel Cafe, The Indian Cafe Express, Cafe Des Arts, Villa Shanti, Les Saveurs, La Maison Rose and Rendezvous Cafe Restaurant
Best Time to visit Promenade Beach, Pondicherry
07:30 AM to 08:30 AM in the morning and 05:00 PM to 07:00 PM in the evening.
Is there an entry fee to Promenade Beach, Pondicherry
No, there is no entry fee to Promenade Beach, Pondicherry.
Paradise Beach, Pondicherry – the secluded of the beaches in Pondicherry
A secluded beach in Pondicherry which is separated from the mainland by a narrow stream of backwaters, Paradise beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Pondicherry. On our first trip to Pondicherry, I was blown away with the fine white sand and the pristine blue waters that this beach offers. But that was a different story. Back then, this was one of the most beautiful beaches that I had so far seen in my life. Fast forward to today. After having visited the likes of Agonda Beach and Palolem Beach in Goa, Radhanagar Beach and Vijayanagar Beach on our trip to Andaman and even Benaulim beach in Goa, I would say, Paradise beach in Pondicherry is overall more hyped than it’s worth.
However, the one thing that this beach offers is less crowd and more tranquility. (Which go hand in hand, don’t they?). Perhaps because there is an entry fee and a boat ride to the beach. That not everyone will afford. And there are no vendors allowed. So, the beach is pretty clean and rush free. However there is very little shade on the beach. So not the best experience to be here either when its very sunny or raining. You should definitely carry an umbrella when visiting this beach in Puducherry.
Things to do in Paradise Beach Pondicherry
My most favourite thing to do in Paradise Beach Pondicherry is to pack a picnic bag and just relax here by the beach, enjoying the picnic with my family. You can as well swim in the waters here. Although going too much inside is not allowed. As the beach becomes steep and sloppy very soon.
Where to eat near Paradise Beach, Pondicherry
There are not too many eateries in and around this beach. There are some basic vendors selling some basic chips and stuff. Thats all. I highly recommend carrying your own food when heading here. Or else, you can venture to nearby Eden Beach for more food options nearby.
Best Time to visit Paradise Beach, Pondicherry
Between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm the Paradise Beach is open for public access. Ferries ply to and from the beach every one hour during this interval.
Is there an entry fee to Paradise Beach, Pondicherry
Yes. INR 150 is the entry fee to Paradise Beach , Pondicherry. And camera is charged extra. This includes the to and from ferrying via a boat in the backwaters which takes around 15 minutes either ways. There can be long queues at the entry ticket counter on weekends and extended weekends. So, plan your trip accordingly.
How to reach Paradise beach, Pondicherry
One can take a taxi or autorickshaw to the Chunnambar boat house. From here, one can take the entry ticket and take a boat ride to reach the Paradise beach. Also, it is now possible to walk from the newly constructed Eden beach to Paradise beach.
Where to stay near the Paradise Beach, Pondicherry
Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay is located very close to Paradise Beach.
Serenity Beach, Pondicherry
One of the top and most popular of the beaches in Pondicherry is Serenity Beach. It is frequented by locals and tourists alike. The beach is particularly famous for surfing. In fact, there is a surfing training school near this beach. Which also offers short term courses in surfing.
Things to do at Serenity Beach
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Taking surfing lessons
- Sunbathing
- Trying out the beach shacks and eateries
Where to eat near Serenity Beach, Pondicherry
The Serenity beach is one of the few beaches in Pondicherry that is well dotted by cafes and shacks. So, you can try these for some good seafood and snacks.
Best Time to visit Serenity Beach, Pondicherry
For swimming and surfing, early morning and evening hours are preferred. For relaxing and sunbathing, you can visit this beach all through the day.
Is there an entry fee to Serenity Beach, Pondicherry
No.
How to reach Serenity Beach Pondicherry
You can take a taxi, a cab or just drive to this beach.
Where to stay near Serenity Beach, Pondicherry
The Well’s Serenity beach house and Wild Sand Beach resort are two popular places to stay near Serenity Beach, Pondicherry. Although, White Town is also not very far. Where there are far more stay options from boutique hotels to guesthouses to home stays.
Eden Beach, Pondicherry – the only blue flag beach of Pondicherry
Eden beach Pondicherry has emerged as a beautiful addition to the beaches in Pondicherry. Honestly on my first trip to Pondicherry I had not even heard about this beach. Fast forward to day, and it is the only proud blue flag certified beach in Pondicherry. Which means it is the cleanest beach of Pondicherry. With washroom facilities, changing rooms and certain shacks. This is one of the perfect beaches to visit with family and young children.
Things to do in Eden Beach Pondicherry
- Let the kids play in the sand.
- Enjoy a relaxing meal on beach side shack.
- Visit here for a beautiful sunrise or sunset.
- You can also swim in the beach here.
Where to eat near Eden Beach, Pondicherry
There are a few small beach side restaurants near Eden beach. You can as well carry your own food. Or carry a picnic hamper with you.
Best Time to visit Eden Beach, Pondicherry
You can visit this beach all through the day as it has shade options and shacks nearby.
Is there an entry fee to Eden Beach, Pondicherry
No, there is no entry fee to Eden beach Pondicherry.
How to reach Eden Beach Pondicherry
Eden beach lies in Chinna Veerampattinam, very close to Paradise beach. But unlike Paradise beach, it is on mainland. A 30 mins drive from Pondicherry bus stop will take you to Eden Beach. Or, you can as well hire a taxi or autorickshaw to reach here.
Where to stay near the Eden Beach, Pondicherry
Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay is located very close to Eden Beach.
Eden beach cottage is another economical place to stay right on the Eden Beach.
Auroville Beach, Pondicherry (Auro Beach)
Auroville beach or Auro Beach is located close to Auroville in Pondicherry. It is a clean beach, with crystal clear water. And coarse golden sand. It is one of the best surfing beaches in India. It is also one of those few beaches in Pondicherry which has shacks.
Things to do at Auroville Beach
Swimming, surfing, strolling are some of things to do on Auroville Beach.
Where to eat near Auroville Beach, Pondicherry
There are very limited to almost no options right on the beach. You can venture towards the town or towards Auroville for eateries.
Best Time to visit Auroville Beach, Pondicherry
Auroville beach is known for spectacular sunrises. People prefer to visit here in the early hours of morning between 6:00am to 9:00am. You can visit here with family to swim, surf or just enjoy the sunrise.
Is there an entry fee to Auroville Beach, Pondicherry
No. Entry to Auro Beach is free.
How to reach Auroville Beach Pondicherry
Auroville beach is located around 9km from the city, towards Auroville. You can drive to the beach, or hire a taxi or auto rickshaw.
Where to stay near the Auroville Beach, Pondicherry
There are a few guesthouses for stay inside Auroville. Auro Farms, Villa Du Ocean, Auro Oceanic Resort and Le Aham are some of the stay options very near to Auro Beach Pondicherry.
Apart from the above, there are quite a few smaller and lesser known beaches along the coast of Pondicherry that the locals prefer. Some of these being Mahe Beach, Karaikal Beach, Reppo Beach and Veerampattinam Beach.
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