Pondicherry is a tourist destination not only due to its variety of virgin beaches and gardens but also because of it monuments which are an integral part of Pondicherry History. These monuments signify a variety of activities that have happened here in the past like battles and sieges, Maharajas, courtesans, the French rule and so on.

A number of monuments can be found along the cost of the Promenade beach which includes the statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Joan of Arc and Dupleix, the War Memorial etc. Across the street where the Gandhi statue stands prominently, there is a Nehru statue built as well. The area in the front of this statue is used for hosting several cultural shows and commercial activities throughout the year. Along the side of the Promenade Beach there is a French Heritage building which acts as the information centre for tourists here.

The building which houses the government machinery is the Park Monument with the Aayi Mandapam standing in the middle. Aayi was a courtesan in the 16th century in whose noble gesture of building a reservoir in place of the home she lived, earned her fame. . The government park is shaded in green and the Aayi Mandapam is spotlessly white. Arikamedu is a site with historical relevance as it was supposed to be a great trading centre with the Romans. It holds great promise for a student of history. One could find the remains of a French Jesuit Mission House here.

The other important monuments worth a visit are the Ananda Ranga Pillai Mansion This mansion is unique in that it is a mix of French and Indian style of Architecture .He was the most famous Dubash of Dupleix and his diaries have helped unveil a lot of information about the French rule in India. The 19th century light house also serves as an interesting monument. It is now abandoned but remains near the Place Du Government.

The monuments in Pondicherry are not only famous for the history behind them but also for its sheer beauty and elegance.