Summary
When thoughts of Pondicherry arise, what flashes to your mind? It could be the pristine beaches, the awakening sunrises, the glam sunsets, the Indo-French architecture, the colonial buildings, the Instagrammable cafes or the food fusion. But do you know that the French Town has more to offer besides these? Yes!
Other than untouched beaches and limitless booze, Pondicherry has another commercial face that intertwines the traders and the buyers. The coastal region is the hub for shoppers and has many markets, like Serenity Beach Bazaar, Nehru Street Market and Saram China Market.
Pondicherry is a haven for shopaholics, and in this blog, we will explore the ever-buzzing Pondicherry Sunday Market. Read till the end of the blog to plan your shopping date!
How Did The Pondicherry Sunday Market Come Into The Picture?
The history of the Pondicherry Sunday Market dates back 30 years, when small traders around Pondicherry gathered in a particular place and started selling their products on Sundays. It was a win-win response, so they started assembling regularly every Sunday, which led to heavy traffic.
With the police and the then trade union leaders’ intervention, the market stayed, breaking all the emerging issues. The market has become a core shopping place with over 1000 shops now. It is a diverse place because traders from all over India come together to sell their products to tourists.
Since Pondicherry attracts travellers from everywhere, abroad and in India, especially in and around Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore during the weekends, the Sunday Market is a big hit for sellers and buyers.
The Rainbow Eco Villa, the best resort to stay in Pondicherry, recommends visiting the Sunday Market to experience the harmony of different cultures.
Pro Tip: Also, read about the best shopping malls in Pondicherry
Pondicherry Sunday Market’s Location And Timings
We know what you will be thinking now. Where is this Pondicherry Sunday Market located, right?
Here’s the address to visit next time you plan a Pondy trip.
Pondicherry Sunday Market,
Clock Tower, Bussy Street,
Chinnakadai,
Mahatma Gandhi Road,
Pondicherry- 605001
Here’re the timings to plan accordingly.
Opening Days: Pondicherry Sunday Market is open only on Sundays (Duh! That’s why it’s called a Sunday Market!) and closed from Monday to Saturday.
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM
Entry: It’s FREE!
Best Season To Visit: October to February, since the climate will be pleasant.
How To Reach The Pondicherry Sunday Market?
Now that you know the address, how do you reach the Pondicherry Sunday Market? Here’re some suggestions.
→ If you are travelling by flight, Pondicherry Sunday Market is 5.5 kilometres away, and you can take a cab straight to the market from the airport.
→ If you are travelling by train, Pondicherry Sunday Market is just 550 meters from the Railway Station, and you can walk to the market.
→ If you are travelling by bus, Pondicherry Sunday Market is 2.3 kilometres from the bus stand, and you can take an auto to the market.
Walking is the best way to explore the Sunday Market; finding a space to park your four-wheelers might be challenging.
Things to Buy At Pondicherry Sunday Market
Pondicherry Sunday Market is where you can buy A to Z household items! Listed below are the top 5 must-buy items you shouldn’t miss.
- Books
Are you a bookworm, always hunting for a good read? Then, Pondicherry Sunday Market is a paradise for you. Here, you can get books in Indian and world languages, like French, Italian, German, etc., for unbelievably lower rates with little bargaining skills. From fiction, non-fiction, history, medicine and motivation to world politics, you name it, and they have it.
- Handmade crafts
Are you looking for a decorative to adorn your home? Then Pondicherry Sunday Market is a perfect destination for you. You can find local artisan-made home decor items at the best price. We bet you cannot spot them online! Each is unique and worth it. You can purchase handmade pottery, textiles, incense sticks, and other jewellery items besides home decor in the market.
- Clothing
If you are a fashion geek, visit the Pondicherry Sunday Market for a cloth hunt. Whether traditional clothing like sarees, kurtas, etc. or western-style, you can buy everything under one roof!
- Spices
Pondicherry is also where you can re-stock your kitchen spices. Since vendors from all over India come and sell their stuff, you can find and purchase good quality whole and ground spices and their blends, perfect for Indian cooking.
- Souvenirs
Wherever you go, do you habitually collect things for remembrance? If yes, the Sunday Market is where you can buy a souvenir for your memorable Pondicherry trip. You can get from magnets, t-shirts, fragrances, beachwear, and brass figurines to wooden elephants based on your preference. Sometimes, you can even find vendors selling pets for sale! Pondicherry Sunday Market is where you will wonder about seeing the things kept for sale.
Tips For Shopping At The Pondicherry Sunday Market!
Shopping can be exciting, but there are some ways to shop to turn it into a memorable experience. We are listing some tips and tricks below to shop at the Pondicherry Sunday Market.
#Tip 1: Start early to avoid overcrowding.
#Tip 2: Keep a list of what you want to buy to prevent overbuying.
#Tip 3: Bargaining is the key to shopping, and never restrain yourself from asking for a lower price.
#Tip 4: Though it is digital India, don’t fail to carry cash!
#Tip 5: The market can be chaotic; be patient and explore the shops you want to buy things from without haste and purchase well.
#Tip 6: Enjoy your experience at India’s one of the finest Sunday Markets at Pondicherry.
What To Eat Around The Pondicherry Sunday Market?
After strolling around the Pondicherry Sunday Market and with all the shopping, we are sure you will be tired and hungry max! Carrying food can be an extra load, so what to do?
The Rainbow Eco Villa recommends food from nearby cafes and restaurants for you to hop on and satisfy your taste buds in the middle of the purchase.
- Never say no to a croissant from the Baker Street store!
- How about a Nutella and Banana Crepe from Crepe in Touch store?
- A filling steak or pasta from Les Chefs restaurant!
- A hydrating juice or a smoothie from the New Banana Cafe!
- Chocolate hunt at Zuka Choco-la!
What Are The Nearby Attractions to the Pondicherry Sunday Market?
When you are in Pondicherry, you can plan your Sunday more productively. After visiting the Sunday Market, you get ample time to explore the French Town. Here’re some places you can club with your visit to the market.
Promenade Beach: A coastal haven for beach lovers! For spectacular views, you can plan your sunset at Promenade Beach, also known as Rock Beach.
Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM
Entry Fee: Nil
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart: If you are a fan of neo-Gothic architecture, you should get to this church that will leave you in awe.
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fee: Nil
Arulmigu Manakula Vinayakar Temple: Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, this temple is a must-visit when you are in Pondy.
Timings: 5.45 AM to 12.30 PM; 4 PM to 9.30 PM
Entry Fee: Nil
The French Quarter: Don’t miss this colonial heritage since it is Instagram pictures worthy! The charming streets, quaint cafes and French-style houses will make you go, “Wow”!
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: Nil
The Lighthouse: The iconic landmark that gives panoramic 360-degree views of the city is the Pondicherry Lighthouse.
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fee: Rs. 10
Pro Tip: love beaches? read more about the top 5 cleanest beachs in pondicherry
Plan Your Stay At Rainbow Eco Villa, The Private Paradise!
If you travel as a family, friends, or couple to Pondicherry, Rainbow Eco Villa is the best place to plan your accommodation. Nestled amidst lush greenery, the resort has over 50 amenities and 40 facilities, ensuring a safe and serene stay.
Moreover, the Rainbow Eco Villa is pet-friendly. So, you can take your paw friends on weekend getaways too! It is an eco-friendly resort contributing to sustainable living. It is the best place to unwind your stress, relax, and spend quality time with your companions
From Rainbow Eco Villa, you can start early to the Sunday Market, finish shopping and explore the nearby places.
Conclusion
Your weekend outing is sorted with a visit to the Pondicherry Sunday Market. The best deals will double your joy, and the cool part is that there’s no entry fee!
Club the shopping escapade with nearby attractions, and yay, your Sunday is a Fun-day! Wear comfortable shoes, apply sunscreen, stay hydrated and be aware of your belongings during the purchase.
FAQs
1). Which streets are famous for shopping in Pondicherry?
Nehru Street, the French Quarter, Rue Du Commerce, Bharathi Park Night Bazaar, Sunday Market, etc., are some well-known shopping hubs in Pondicherry.
2). What Pondicherry Sunday Market is known for?
Pondicherry Sunday Market is known for its products, like clothes, handicrafts, souvenirs, food and more. It is the best place to buy unique things at affordable prices.
3). Is there antique shops in Pondicherry?
Many antique shops in Pondicherry sell furniture, jewellery, textiles and artwork. You can spot them at the Sunday Market.
4). What are the nearby attractions to Pondicherry Sunday Market?
The nearest attractions to Pondicherry Sunday Market are Promenade Beach, Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple, the French Quarter, and the Lighthouse.
5). Is Pondicherry Sunday Market worth the hype?
The Pondicherry Sunday Market is worth visiting because it offers a variety of unique products at an affordable price. However, it should be noted that it can be crowded, products can not be of the quality you expect, and it is not the place to shop for high-end goods.
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