Cluny Embroidery Centre - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 3 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, Cluny Embroidery Center is a remarkable initiative founded by a local convent to provide employment for impoverished women in the community. It is one of the offbeat Pondicherry tourist places.

Cluny Embroidery Center is housed in an 18th-century heritage bungalow on Rue Romain Rolland Street. The building was donated by a French woman to help poor women in need and is currently run by Catholic nuns. It serves as a support Center for many poor and vulnerable women. It tells the tale of humanity's struggle for existence and hope.

Functioning since 1829, the center has been creating exquisite embroidery products in the form of laces, crochets, and other handmade items. Tourists are encouraged to visit the workstation to see live women at work with needles and thimbles. While the center accepts commercial orders from big brands, it also has its own in-house manufacturing facility where you can buy sophisticated, beautifully embroidered tablecloths, kerchiefs, cushion covers, bedsheets, bath sets, and pillowcases, among other things. The products are slightly expensive, but the high quality of the work makes the purchase justified.

In addition to this, visitors can explore the old building that has rustic beauty with towering ceilings, beautiful arched doorways, and a white-pillared portico at its entrance. The walls are covered with climbers, and the general beauty of the location has enticed thousands of visitors to visit it. A guest house is also available at the center, charging around Rs. 3000 per night for a twin room.

Timings: 9 AM - 12 PM & 2 PM - 5 PM, Closed on Sunday.

Entry: Free