When you hear the term Pondicherry, it's more likely that you picture immaculate beaches and imposing churches than temples. However, there is a lengthy history of temples in this former French colony; some of these temples date back to the 10th century AD.

Magnificent temples dotted around this small town with an intriguing blend of French and Indian heritages are renowned for their architectural beauty and religious significance.

Explore the list of 9 famous temples in Pondicherry that guide you through the spiritual heartland of India; here are those 9 temples:

1. Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple | White Town

Visitors are immediately drawn to the temple's vividly painted gopuram, but Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple is more than just its striking appearance and design. Constructed more than 350 years ago.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Temple Timings: 5:45 am to 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm - Every day.
• Nearby Places: Sri Aurobindo Ashram, French Institute, Bharati Government Park and Pondicherry Museum.

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2. Vedapureeswara Temple | Heritage Town

This temple town is devoted to the worship of Lord Shiva, a highly revered god. The Temple of Vedapureeswarar serves as an illustration of this. Thought to be the most well-known Shiva temple in Pondicherry.

• Best Time to Visit: Between October and March.
• Temple Timings: 6:00 am to 12:30 pm and 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm - Every day.
• Nearby Places: The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Franco Indian Ayur Center, Sita Cultural Center, and Pondy Cycle Tour.

3. Varadaraja Perumal Temple | Heritage Town

The Varadaraja Perumal Temple has been a fundamental part of the city's religious landscape. One of the oldest temples in Pondicherry and the surrounding area, this notable Vishnu temple was constructed in the eleventh century by the Cholas.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Temple Timings: 6:30 am to 12:00 pm and 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm - Every day.
• Nearby Places: Gracia Samuel Poultry Farm, Vasavi General Store, Jilki shop, and Weekly Sunday Market.

4. Kamakshi Amman Temple | Kamatchi Amman Koil Street

Hindus worship Durga in a variety of ways. One such manifestation of the goddess is Kamakshi, to whom the Kamakshi Amman Temple in Pondicherry is devoted. Among the town's most revered temples, it is more than 500 years old.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Temple Timings: 6:00 am to 12:00 noon and 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm- Every day.
• Nearby Places: Sri Ulagalandar Temple, Giri, Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, and Pandava Thoothar Perumal Temple.

5. Sri Gokilambal Thirukameswara Temple | E Car Street,Villianur

Because of its amazing construction, this shrine serves as both a popular tourist destination and a place of worship. Lord Shiva, who is revered as Thirukameswar, is the dominant god here. Gokilambal refers to the goddess worshipped with Shiva.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February.
• Temple Timings: 5:00 am to 12:00 noon and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm - Every day.
• Nearby Places: Ousteri Wetland and National Park, Water Sports, Reppo Beach, and Chunnambar Boat House.

6. Sithananda Swamy Temple | Karuvadikuppam

The Sithananda Swamy Temple is not like other temples devoted to worshipping angels or deities. Instead, Guru Sithananda Swamigal, a saint, is revered, and his teachings are honored in this structure.

• Best Time to Visit: November and December.
• Temple Timings: 6 am to 12 pm and 5 pm and 8 pm - Every day.
• Nearby Places: Meera Mosque, Arulmigu Angalaparameswari Amman Temple, Varagaraja Perumal Koil, and Kamatchi Amman Koil.

7. Irumbai Shiva Temple | Villianur

Regarded as one of the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalas, the followers of this ancient Shiva temple hold it in high regard. It is one of the few temples in the Pondicherry area where Mahakaleshwar, the avatar of Lord Shiva, is revered.

• Best Time to Visit: January and February.
• Temple Timings: 6:00 am to 12:00 noon and 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm- Every day.
• Nearby Places: Matri Mandir Visitors Centre, Irumbai Mahakaleshwar Sivatemple, Sri Maha Saneeswara Bhagavan Temple and Panchavadi Anjaneyar Temple.

8. Panchavati Anjaneya Temple | Pondicherry

As the name suggests, it's a Hanuman temple in Pondicherry with a 32-foot-tall idol of the ruling deity inside. In addition to this enormous idol, the magnificent temple architecture consistently brings in many visitors and devotees.

• Best Time to Visit: From October to March.
• Temple Timings: 7:00 am to 11:00 am and 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm- Every day.
• Nearby Places: Kolam Class, Pondicherry City Bike, Sadhana Palace and Paradise Beach.

9. Navagraha Temple | NH 32

Given that it is devoted to the worship of the nine planets in Hindu mythology, the Navagraha Temple is genuinely unusual. There are also enormous statues of the gods connected to each planet here.

• Best Time to Visit: Between October and April.
• Temple Timings: 6:00 am to 11:00 am and 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm- Every day.
• Nearby Places: Sri Pratyangira Devi Temple, The Sacred Heart Basilica, Rock Beach and Pondicherry Museum.

The temples in this town are historical treasure troves, much like the museums in Pondicherry. Each tells a story of spirituality and masterful architecture. After spending time at the beaches, you should set aside some time to visit these amazing shrines located in and near Pondicherry.