6 Best Museums & Memorials In Pondicherry

Relive the rich history of the French colonial era by journeying down these imperial museums and memorials that'll transport you to a culturally rich and glorious past - you'll return with awe in your heart and a boatload of memories!

1. Pondicherry Museum

Picture Credits: zaki uz zaman

Go way, way back in time through the exhibits of this museum. With its ancient artefacts and relics of gods and goddesses as well as fossils, their collection is amongst the most extensive in Pondi. This is your educational trip through the past, so take some time out and head on over!

Location | No. 2, St Louis Street, Near Raj Niwas, White Town
Timings | Tuesday - Sunday From 9 AM - 6:30 PM

2. Ananda Ranga Pillai Museum

This mansion-turned-museum was home to Ananda Ranga Pillai, the governor of Pondy under the French rule. His journals are an insight into the Pondicherry of the 1700s. A perfect example of Indian and Gothic architectural styles, it's also a French colonial treasure that’ll definitely take you back in time!

Location | Ranga Pillai Street
Timings | 10 AM - 5 PM

3. Jawahar Toy Museum

With its unique collection of more than a hundred dolls, this museum is a kid’s dreamland. Although quite small, Jawahar Toy Museum is very well-maintained and the collection depicts cultures from all over India. This quirky and unconventional museum must be included in your checklist for exploring Pondi!

Location | Near Old Lighthouse, Goubert Avenue
Timings | Tuesday - Sunday From 10 AM - 5 PM

4. Bharathi Memorial Museum

Built in honour of Subramanya Bharathi, a famous poet and patriot of Tamil origin who settled in Pondi due to its pleasant weather and beautiful atmosphere, a lot of melodious songs and inspirational poems written by him have been showcased in the museum. It also exhibits beautiful photographs and paintings from the past!

Location | No. 20, Eswaran Dharmaraja Koil Street, Viratipatu, Heritage Town
Timings | 10 AM - 5 PM

5. French War Memorial

Erected in 1937, this memorial pays homage to the brave soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War. The monument is illuminated with pretty lights on every Bastille Day in memory of the soldiers. Come visit this memorial in Pondi and pay homage to the martyrs!

Location | Beach Road, Goubert Avenue
Timings | 10 AM - 5 PM

6. Kargil War Memorial

Picture Credits: priyall pereira

This beautiful memorial was built by the Indian Army to remember the 527 Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the Kargil War of 1999 between India and Pakistan. The pristine memorial overlooks the serene sea and is a reminder of the unflinching sacrifice of our brave soldiers!

Location | Beach Road, Goubert Avenue

Explore the glorious past through these museums!