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Puducherry
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Pondicherry formally named Puducherry, makes you slow down and give yourself over to the quieter pleasures in life. The city, also known as Puducherry, attracts visitors with its serene beaches, historical architecture, and a culinary scene that marries diverse flavors. Here’s our guide to explore the best places to eat, shop, and sightsee in Pondicherry, offering a comprehensive experience for every traveler.
Walking or bicycling down Pondicherry’s tree-lined avenues is the best way to imbibe its old world charm. Soak in the bright colours and clean lines of the colonial buildings in the beachside French quarter and cross the canal for the restored grand Tamil mansions.
Pondicherry's beaches, especially Serenity Beach, located approximately 10 km from the city, offer an ideal getaway for couples. With its white sandy shores, palm-fringed landscape, and vibrant surfing scene in the surrounding azure waters, Serenity Beach promises sun, sand, and surf enthusiasts a delightful experience. Auroville, nestled within the city, houses a serene beach perfect for quiet contemplation, just a 30 minute drive from Pondicherry. Another notable destination is Promenade Beach, renowned for its rock-lined seashore, ideal for leisurely evening strolls. Adjacent to Goubert Avenue, the city's main historical promenade adorned with colonial structures, a 1.5 km long stretch offers breathtaking views. Walking along, you can appreciate landmarks like the statues of Marquis Dupleix, Mahatma Gandhi, and the First World War Memorial.
Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple, an ancient Hindu shrine predating the French colonization of Pondicherry, is dedicated to the Lord Ganesha. The temple boasts a significant attraction a 7.5 kg gold plated chariot, drawing visitors from the region to its annual Dussehra exhibition. The temple's walls showcase intricate engravings and paintings by renowned artists. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus stands as a prime example of Gothic architecture in India. A revered pilgrimage site, it is renowned for its stunning stained glass panels portraying events from Christ's life. Housing 28 glass depictions of saints associated with the church, this century old structure continues to captivate visitors.
Villa Shanti is the perfect destination for a relaxed afternoon with friends. The space consists of two parts: the open patio and the vertical garden situated in the older corner of the building. The cafe features a diverse menu, including your favorite continental dishes. Nestled in the heart of Pondicherry's historic White Town, Le Dupleix blends elegance, sophistication, and modernity in an 18th-century home. The menu showcases dishes with a fusion of French and Indian elements.
Cafe Des Arts, a beloved breakfast spot in the city, boasts chic yellow walls, graffiti art, and vintage objects scattered around. It's an ideal stopover for a quick lunch while shuttling between Pondicherry and Auroville, especially for the delightful seafood. La Maison Rose, a quaint courtyard restaurant, offers picturesque surroundings and continental cuisine a perfect place to enjoy coffee and escape from the world. Coromandel Cafe, located on the site of Pondicherry's La Maison Rose and led by chef Jay Adams, owned by Kiran Rao of Chennai's Amethyst fame, emphasizes local, seasonal produce in an indoor outdoor tropical garden setting. The restaurant provides a European culinary experience with a unique twist.
The French quarter is peppered with pretty, quirky boutiques that are worth browsing through. Rummage through the factory outlets of leather goods store Hidesign for great cut price deals. Stop by Fleurs en Flacon, an enterprise by the Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust, that creates organic perfumes and cosmetics as with all the stores here, check timings before you turn up.
If you’re inclined toward an earth-friendly, sustainable lifestyle, swing by Auroville, about a half-hour ride from the city. The experimental township set up in the vision of Sri Aurobindo and a French woman known as The Mother, is home to an international community that offers a wide range of activities. You can meditate at Matrimandir (or just take the scenic walk to view its unusual architecture from outside); drop by the farms in its green belt to volunteer, share a meal or take a class; take a course at hubs like Pitanga Cultural Centre; sign up for therapies at the Quiet Healing Center and pick up some La Ferme Cheese before you leave. Pizza is best served at Tanto. Stock up on jams like the Naturellement range and cheeses including La Ferme’s at Farm Fresh in Kuilapalayan, which also has a cafe.
Eco-friendly wear, incense, essential oils, and books are on hand at the Visitors Centre. Lunch at the simple but scrumptious veg restaurant The Right Path or grab a cuppa at Dreamer’s Café or at Bread and Chocolate before making a beeline for lifestyle stores Kalki and La Boutique d’Auroville, which also have outlets in the French quarter in the city.
The union territory of Pondicherry can be reached by direct flights from Bengaluru and Hyderabad; the nearest airport otherwise is in Chennai. Trains run to Pondicherry station, and to Villupuram Junction, about 35km from the city. Pondicherry is most easily accessible by road from Chennai in Tamil Nadu. Hop on to a bus from Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus or hire a cab, for the four-hour journey from Chennai. For directions on getting to Auroville, click here.
The best time to visit is from November to March.
Pondicherry, with its unique blend of French and Indian influences, offers a multifaceted experience for travelers. From indulging in diverse culinary delights to exploring vibrant markets and immersing oneself in the rich cultural and historical tapestry, Pondicherry is a destination that caters to a wide range of interests. Whether you seek relaxation on the beaches, spiritual exploration in Auroville, or a stroll through the quaint French Quarter, Pondicherry promises a memorable journey of discovery.
