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There are many reasons to visit the laid-back beach town of Puducherry. Its French colonial history and strong French influence in its architecture, culture, and cuisine make it a unique destination in India. You can explore the French Quarter, visit the French War Memorial, and try some delicious French-inspired dishes. Puducherry’s beautiful beaches with their range of activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The spiritual and wellness centres, including the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the Matrimandir offering yoga and meditation classes, as well as a peaceful atmosphere for relaxation and contemplation. And, the temples and churches such as the Manakula Vinayagar Temple, the Varadaraja Perumal Temple, and the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, among others.
There are several reasons to visit Puducherry and many famous things to do here too. But even shopping in Puducherry is fun. There are several markets and shopping places in Puducherry, such as Nehru Street and the Puducherry Government Handicrafts Emporium, where visitors can find souvenirs and local handicrafts. And, the French Town is dotted with the best boutiques you’ll ever see. So, bookmark this list of shopping places in Puducherry for your holiday.
1. Janaki – House of Auroville
A popular shopping place in Puducherry, Janaki – House of Auroville has many things to buy. Shop for Ayurvedic skincare and haircare, aromatherapy products, and even eco-friendly apparel. You’ll find toxin-free local brands of skincare and bath products, Acacia wood furniture, and other wooden serveware and dinnerware. The store is spread over two floors and is popular amongst locals and tourists for its eco-friendly range of items. They also house handicrafts from the best craftsmen and artists in the region, making this one of the best spots for shopping in Puducherry.
Location: 16, Kosakadai, Ambalathadayar Madam St, Heritage Town
Timings: 10am-7pm
2. Aura Experience Store
A boutique that serves as a one-stop shop for apparel, home décor, and handicrafts, this is one of the shopping places in Puducherry that you should not miss. Discover a range of skincare brands that are made keeping your skin and the environment in mind; shop for cushion covers, bed linen, and more, or buy fragrances and other aromatherapy products as souvenirs. If you’re planning on shopping in Puducherry for apparel made from organic or sustainable fabrics, Auro Experience Store is a great spot for that as well.
Location: 16, Goubert Ave, White Town, Puducherry,
Timings: 9am-7pm
3. Kriti Ecoboutique
Supporting tribal and organic products Kriti Ecoboutique, as the name suggests, offers eco-friendly products. When you’re shopping in Puducherry and looking for souvenirs to buy Pondicherry’s famous things, this is the spot to go to. You’ll find several handcrafts to take home, apparel, home décor, jewellery, handbags, and other items, making this an ideal place to shop in Pondicherry.
Location: 6, HM Kassim Salai, Viratipatu, Heritage Town
Timings: 10am-7pm (closed on Sunday)
4. Sund'art
A store that’s worth walking into even if you’re not planning on shopping in Puducherry, Sund’art is a colourful shop with a large collection of clothes, pouches, buntings, and whatnot all made by hand. These handmade items are uniquely designed, mostly made of cloth and upcycled fabric, and are colourful. You’ll find several items for kids and adults here. And, it’s one of the best places for shopping in Puducherry if you’re looking to go home with custom-made souvenirs.
Location: Sports ground, No :1 Frederic, Fredric Ozanam St, opp. Indira Gandhi Stadium, Colas Nagar
Timings: 9.30apm-7pm (closed on Sunday)
5. Auro Boutique
A unit of Sri Aurobindo Udyog Trust, Auro Boutique is a gift shop that’s ideal to buy Puducherry famous things. When you’re shopping in Puducherry for souvenirs, head to this boutique to pick up handmade paper items like boxes, notebooks, diaries, and paper lamps. You can also buy fragrances, incense sticks, handmade soaps, and more, all of which are made by the trust.
Location: 12-A, Jawaharlal Nehru St, near Manakular Vinayagar Temple, White Town, Puducherry, 605001
Timings: 9.30am-7.45pm (closed on Tuesday)
6. Boutique du Kashmir
You never know when you need a quality pashmina. That’s why Boutique du Kashmir is one of the shopping places in Puducherry that offers exactly that. Along with other apparel like kurtas, dupattas and salwar suits that are embroidered in the Kashmiri style, you’ll find other clothing too. Shopping in Puducherry includes a whole lot of experiences, who knew?
Location: WRPM+P4H, H.M.Kassim Salai, Heritage Town
Timings: 10am-8pm
7. Via Pondicherry
A designer boutique for handcrafted fabric bags, Via Pondicherry is a high-quality shopping place in Puducherry. The boutique is one you must visit If you’re on the hunt for Puducherry’s famous things. Exquisite fabrics with florals and embroidery work are cut to make totes, sling bags, wallets, clutches, and bags of all kinds. The boutique also has a few pairs of shoes, and other accessories to shop.
Location: 38 Romain Rolland Street, Near, Bussy St, White Town
Timings: 10am-5pm (closed on Sunday)
8. Sri Aurobindo Handmade Paper Factory
Owned and operated by Sri Aurobindo Udyog Trust, the handmade paper factory is in Puducherry’s French town, and is one of the best shopping places in Puducherry for stationery lovers. While there are several places to visit in Puducherry, you mustvisit the paper factory to see how handmade paper is made. And then, head to the factory’s gift shop to shop for handmade paper items. You’ll find everything from hardbound and softbound diaries to paper lanterns, notebooks, origami paper, and a host of other items. You can also shop for paper craft items to gift to kids you know so that they can indulge in craft projects.
Location: 50, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Salai, Kuruchikuppam
Timings: 9.30am-12.30pm; 1.30pm-5.30pm (closed on Sunday)
Places for street shopping in Puducherry
9. Nehru Street
If you're running out of things to do in Puducherry, hop to Nehru Street. This street is popular for shopping in Puducherry when you’re on the lookout for streetwear and jewellery. Shop for western outfits, shoes, and other knick-knacks along the way.
Location: JN Street, Opposite the Police Station, MG Road Area, Puducherry
10. Serenity Beach Bazaar
Located on one of the best beaches in Puducherry, Serenity Beach’s bazaar is a popular shopping place in Puducherry if you’re on the hunt for junk jewellery, colourful beachwear, slippers, and other items. It’s similar to Goa’s flea markets and night markets, and is definitely worth checking out.
Location: Serenity Beach, Thandirrayan Kuppam, Kottakuppam, Puducherry
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