Shopping & Handicrafts

Best Shopping Spots in Pondicherry

Pondicherry is a shopper’s delight, offering a mix of traditional Tamil handicrafts, French-inspired boutiques, and eco-friendly Auroville products. Whether you're looking for local souvenirs, stylish apparel, or handmade home décor, these shopping areas promise an authentic and enriching experience.

 1. Sunday Market – A Treasure Trove of Local Handicrafts & Antiques

 Best for: Traditional handicrafts, vintage collectibles, affordable souvenirs

✔️ A vibrant weekly flea market held every Sunday
✔️ Famous for handmade jewelry, antique clocks, vintage furniture, and brass statues
✔️ Shop for handwoven baskets, South Indian pottery, and wooden carvings
✔️ Bargain-friendly! Negotiate for the best prices

 What to Buy?
 Handmade masks & wall art – Great for home décor
 Antique jewelry – Traditional Tamil & Indo-French designs
 Vintage posters & paintings – Unique collector’s items

 Location: Near MG Road, Pondicherry
 Best Time to Visit: Early morning (8 AM – 12 PM) for the best finds

 2. Auroville Shops – Eco-Friendly & Handmade Products

 Best for: Sustainable shopping, handmade organic items, ethical fashion

✔️ One-of-a-kind stores selling eco-friendly, sustainable products
✔️ Known for organic skincare, handmade paper, and handcrafted clothing
✔️ Find aromatherapy candles, essential oils, and handcrafted home décor
✔️ Many products are made by Auroville’s skilled artisans

 What to Buy?
 Auroshikha Candles & Incense – Fragrant, hand-poured candles
 Handmade notebooks & journals – Eco-friendly stationery
 Ethical fashion & accessories – Sustainable, handwoven fabrics

 Location: Auroville Visitors Centre
 Best Time to Visit: 10 AM – 6 PM (Closed on national holidays)

 3. Mission Street – Boutique Shopping & Fashion Stores

 Best for: Trendy fashion, designer boutiques, Indo-French fusion styles

✔️ Pondicherry’s main commercial street with a mix of modern & traditional stores
✔️ Features Hidesign’s flagship store, selling premium leather goods
✔️ Home to chic Indo-French boutiques offering stylish apparel & accessories
✔️ Great for footwear, sarees, jewelry, and casual wear

 What to Buy?
 Hidesign leather bags – Premium handcrafted wallets & travel bags
 French-style boutique clothing – Indo-European fashion pieces
 Trendy accessories & ethnic jewelry – Handmade statement pieces

 Location: Mission Street, Pondicherry
 Best Time to Visit: Afternoon & evening (2 PM – 8 PM) for a relaxed shopping experience

 Pondicherry – The Perfect Shopping Destination!

From bargain shopping at Sunday Market to eco-friendly finds in Auroville and high-end fashion on Mission Street, Pondicherry offers something for every kind of shopper. Whether you're looking for artisanal crafts, handmade souvenirs, or stylish apparel, this charming town has it all!

 Which shopping spot in Pondicherry are you excited to explore first?