With our top 22 picks for things to buy, explore the greatest shopping in Pondicherry and indulge in some retail therapy. Everyone can find something in this little coastal town, which offers everything from handmade ceramics and incense to silk saris and apparel with a French influence.
Introduction
While making your plans to Pondicherry, make sure to include time for shopping. Pondicherry, officially known as Puducherry, is a small seaside town with colonial architecture and streets with a French influence.
The city is well-known for its busy shopping scene in addition to its stunning beaches and spiritual vibe. Pondicherry has a lot to offer shopaholics, from silk saris and incense to handmade pottery and apparel with French influences. Also not to forget, if you are planning to visit with your friends or family, Rainbow Eco Villa offers great accommodation with all the amenities for your comfortable stay.
We’ve collected a list of the top 22 items in Pondicherry in this article so you may indulge in retail therapy and bring home some lovely souvenirs.
For the best buys you can find in Pondicherry on your next visit, Keep reading!
What will be your first purchase?
- Handmade Soaps and Skincare Products : 142
- French Cheeses and Wines : 106
- French-Inspired Baked Goods and Pastries : 99
- Other : 93
Total Votes: 440
Shopping in Pondicherry: 22 Best Things to Buy in Pondicherry
22. Auroville Products
Auroville offers a wide range of eco-friendly products such as organic food, handmade soaps, handmade paper, handloom products, and much more.
Where to get this from? Auroville Visitor Centre.
Average Cost? Ranges from INR 100 to INR 2000.
21. Handmade Pottery
Pondicherry is famous for its handmade pottery, which comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours.
Where to get this from? Kalki, a pottery studio located in Auroville, is a popular destination for handmade pottery in Pondicherry.
Average Cost? Ranges from INR 100 to INR 2000.
20. Sarees and Textiles
You can find a wide range of fabrics such as silk, cotton, and linen, in traditional and contemporary designs.
Where to get this from? Sari Kish, Casablanca, and Fab India are some of the popular shops in Pondicherry for sarees and textiles.
Average Cost? Ranges from INR 500 to INR 5000.
19. Incense Sticks and Essential Oils
You can find a wide range of incense sticks and essential oils in Pondicherry, which is known for its fragrances and therapeutic properties.
Where to get this from? Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville offer a variety of incense sticks and essential oils.
Average Cost? Ranges from INR 50 to INR 500.
18. Leather Products
Pondicherry is home to a number of leather shops that sell a variety of products such as bags, wallets, belts, and shoes.
Where to get this from? Hidesign is a popular leather shop in Pondicherry.
Average Cost? Ranges from INR 1000 to INR 5000.
17. Perfumes and Fragrances
Pondicherry is known for its fragrances and perfumes, which are made from natural ingredients.
Where to get this from? Kalki, Auroville, and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram offer a variety of fragrances and perfumes.
Average Cost? Ranges from INR 100 to INR 2000.
16. French Cheeses and Wines
Pondicherry has a strong French influence, and you can find a variety of French cheeses and wines in the city.
Where to get this from? La Fromagerie and Villa Shanti are popular destinations for French cheeses and wines.
Average Cost? Ranges from INR 500 to INR 5000.
15. Handcrafted Candles
You can find a wide range of handcrafted candles in Pondicherry, which are made from natural ingredients and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Where to get this from? Kalki and Auroville offer a variety of handcrafted candles.
Average Cost? Ranges from INR 100 to INR 1000.
14. Wooden Handicrafts
Wooden handicrafts are widely available in Pondicherry and come in a variety of designs, including carved figures, trays, and bowls.
Where to get this from? You can find wooden handicrafts at many shops in the city, including the Pondy Bazaar and La Maison Rosewood.
Average Cost? Ranges from INR 200 to INR 5000.
13. Authentic Indian Spices
You can find a wide range of spices, including cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and turmeric.
Where to get this from? You can find authentic Indian spices at local markets such as the Goubert Market and the Grand Bazaar.
Average Cost? Ranges from INR 50 to INR 500.
12. Silver Jewellery
Pondicherry is known for its beautiful silver jewellery, which is made by local artisans and comes in a variety of designs.
Where to get this from? You can find silver jewellery at many shops in the city, including Sree Thangam Jewellery and Caramel.
Average Cost? Ranges from INR 1000 to INR 5000.
11. Handmade Soaps and Skincare Products
Pondicherry is home to a number of shops that sell handmade soaps and skincare products made from natural ingredients.
Where to get this from? You can find handmade soaps and skincare products at shops such as Auroville and Kalki.
Average Cost? Ranges from INR 100 to INR 1000.
10. Local Paintings and Artworks
Local artists in Pondicherry create a variety of paintings and artworks that reflect the culture and heritage of the region.
Where to get this from? You can find local paintings and artworks at galleries such as Artisans Angkor and Kala Kendra.
Average Cost? Ranges from INR 1000 to INR 5000.
9. Handmade Paper and Stationery
You can find a variety of handmade paper and stationery in Pondicherry, including notebooks, journals, and greeting cards.
Where to get this from? Auroville and Kalki offer a variety of handmade paper and stationery products.
Average Cost? Ranges from INR 100 to INR 1000.
8. Terracotta Artefacts
Terracotta artefacts are widely available in Pondicherry and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Where to get this from? You can find terracotta artefacts at many shops in the city, including the Pondy Bazaar and Maison Perumal.
Average Cost? Ranges from INR 200 to INR 5000.
7. Handwoven Baskets
Handwoven baskets are a popular item in Pondicherry and are used for a variety of purposes, including shopping and storage.
Where to get this from? You can find handwoven baskets at local markets such as the Goubert Market and the Grand Bazaar.
Average Cost? Ranges from INR 200 to INR 1000.
6. Metal Artefacts and Sculptures
Metal artefacts and sculptures are widely available in Pondicherry and come in a variety of designs, including wall hangings, statues, and figurines.
Where to get this from? You can find metal artefacts and sculptures at many shops in the city, including Kalki and Auroshree Handicrafts.
Average Cost? Varies depending on the size and complexity of the piece, but generally ranges from INR 500 to INR 5000.
5. Traditional Tanjore Paintings
Tanjore paintings are a traditional art form that originated in the town of Tanjore in Tamil Nadu. These paintings are known for their rich colours and intricate designs.
Where to get this from? You can find traditional Tanjore paintings at galleries such as Kala Kendra and Artisans Angkor.
Average Cost? Varies depending on the size and complexity of the painting, but generally ranges from INR 5000 to INR 50,000.
4. Antique Furniture
Pondicherry is home to many antique shops that sell furniture from the colonial era. You can find a variety of items, including chairs, tables, and cabinets.
Where to get this from? You can find antique furniture at shops such as Sattva and Auroshree Handicrafts.
Average Cost? Varies depending on the age and condition of the piece, but generally ranges from INR 5000 to INR 50,000.
3. Authentic South Indian Pickles and Preserves
South Indian pickles and preserves are known for their unique flavours and are a popular item in Pondicherry.
Where to get this from? You can find authentic South Indian pickles and preserves at local markets such as the Goubert Market and the Grand Bazaar.
Average Cost? Varies depending on the type and quantity, but generally ranges from INR 50 to INR 500.
2. French-Inspired Baked Goods and Pastries
Pondicherry has a strong French influence, and you can find a variety of French-inspired baked goods and pastries in the city.
Where to get this from? You can find French-inspired baked goods and pastries at bakeries such as Baker Street and La Boulangerie.
Average Cost? Varies depending on the item and quantity, but generally ranges from INR 50 to INR 500.
1. Book Market
The Sunday Book Market in Pondicherry is a popular weekly market where you can find a wide range of books, from new releases to old classics.
Where to get this from? The Sunday Book Market takes place near the Old Bus Stand in Pondicherry.
Average Cost? Ranges from INR 50 to INR 500.
A Quick Stay at Rainbow Eco Villa Pondicherry
Families and groups of friends looking to unwind and enjoy some quality time together can find a tranquil and secluded getaway at Rainbow Eco Villa, Pondicherry. This eco-friendly home, which is located in the township of Auroville, offers stunning views that will astound you.
With no concern for privacy, enjoy a barbecue by the pool while the sun sets in a verdant garden. The property is a great choice for a weekend getaway because of its close proximity to Serenity Beach and the Pondicherry airport.
Takeaway
South Indian coastal town Pondicherry is renowned for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and diverse culture. Don’t forget to go shopping if you’re planning a trip to this charming town. Pondicherry offers a wide variety of goods, including handcrafted ceramics, fragrant incense, and gorgeous jewellery.
Fashionistas and art enthusiasts congregate in the French Quarter, while the Tamil Quarter’s traditional marketplaces provide a window into daily life there. Walk the streets, bargain with the sellers, and buy some interesting souvenirs to remember your trip to Pondicherry.
FAQs
1. Are 2 days enough for Pondicherry?
Usually, 4 days are sufficient to visit all of Pondicherry’s tourist attractions. If you don’t have much time, two to three days are enough to see all the key attractions. A well-thought-out itinerary or a checklist of a few destinations you want to see are both very helpful.
2. Is Pondicherry cheaper than Goa?
Pondicherry is believed to be less expensive than Goa in terms of lodging, dining, and activities. Yet, costs can differ based on the time of year and a town’s particular neighbourhood.
3. Is Pondicherry famous for liquor?
Liquor is not particularly famous in Pondicherry, people from nearby states tend to visit the city to buy alcohol and enjoy nightlife because of its tax exemption on Liquor.
4. Which is the best time to visit Pondicherry?
Despite having a mild climate, the best time to visit Pondicherry is from October to March.
5. What is unique in Pondicherry?
Pondicherry is a distinctive town with a fusion of Indian and French cultures that gives it a unique personality. The town draws tourists seeking to unwind and immerse themselves in its laid-back atmosphere with its spectacular architecture, delectable cuisine, lovely beaches, and calm atmosphere.
0 Comments