THE SERENE PONDICHERRY
If serenity and peace is what you’re looking for, then Pondicherry is arguably the best holiday destination in India. Officially known as Puducherry and generally referred to as ‘Pondy’, it is a union territory located along the Bay of Bengal. Pondicherry needs no introduction! You will come across numerous blogs and articles appreciating the beauty of this beautiful weekend getaway destination. Pondicherry is known for its quiet beaches, French architecture, and an unmissable old world charm.
This beautiful union territory was once the capital of the French colonies in India. The town still has several French street names, colonial-era townhouses and villas, and French restaurants that take you back to that era. In one part of the town, the cobbled streets, French-style bougainvillea-draped houses show the French connection, whereas the other part is typically South Indian. Many tourists find this dual nature of the town startling. But, it simply adds to the charm.
The first thing that strikes visitors about Pondicherry is the peace and tranquility. Be it at the Aurobindo ashram, the old churches or the beaches, it is found everywhere.
This beautiful union territory was once the capital of the French colonies in India. The town still has several French street names, colonial-era townhouses and villas, and French restaurants that take you back to that era. In one part of the town, the cobbled streets, French-style bougainvillea-draped houses show the French connection, whereas the other part is typically South Indian. Many tourists find this dual nature of the town startling. But, it simply adds to the charm.
The first thing that strikes visitors about Pondicherry is the peace and tranquility. Be it at the Aurobindo ashram, the old churches or the beaches, it is found everywhere.
Places to Visit
Arguably, Pondicherry is best known as a meditation and yoga center of the South, thanks to the Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville. However, there are many other places that are a must-visit here, not forgetting the Promenade beach with the iconic statue of Mahatma Gandhi.
The Aurobindo Ashram
The Aurobindo Ashram is located in the center of the city. Founded in 1926, it is a community of disciples of Sri Aurobindo. The main building houses the Samadhi of Sri. Aurobindo and the ‘Mother’ (previously known as Mirra Alfassa). General visitors can access the Samadhi and the book shop in the building, whereas guests staying at the Ashram have an access to other areas and activities undertaken there. Visitors can meditate around the Samadhi or at the meditation hall located in the building. Every year, the Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville are visited by spiritual seekers from all parts of the world.Auroville
This is a small developed town, 6 kms from Pondicherry. Based on the vision of The Mother from Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the planned town is a spiritual place where thousands of people from various countries live. The Matrimandir, or the golden globe, is the nucleus of the town. The globe, a remarkable structure, is considered an architectural achievement. The outside of the globe is plated with gold, while the inside has geometric patterns. Visitors can learn about the history of the Matrimandir and meditate inside the globe. The purpose of the town planners was to create a township where people belonging to various communities could live in peace, unity, and harmony.Beaches
The Promenade beach, Serenity beach, Auro beach, and Paradise beach are some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches of Pondicherry. With a promenade of 1.5 kms running along the beach, the Promenade beach is the perfect place to relax, take a stroll, and watch the sunrise. The fact that vehicles are not allowed along this promenade only adds to its beauty. The Paradise beach can be accessed by road as well as a boat. The beaches in Pondicherry, being relatively less crowded and non-commercial, offer the much-required solitude to tourists. They take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city life and provide the much-needed relaxation.Chunnambar Beach and Backwater
The Chunnambar beach resort and water sports center is located 8 kms from the city of Pondicherry. It is one of the most relaxing places at Pondicherry with a tree house, boat house, and water activities. The Chunnambar beach is an isolated beach located near the mouth of the backwater. With various kinds of rental boats and beach activities, this is a perfect family picnic spot. One of the exciting things to look for here is accommodation on tree-top houses. Enjoy delicacies at the multi-cuisine restaurant, have an unrestricted view of the backwaters from the tree top, or try your hands at trekking, Chunnambar beach resort will not fail to thrill.Eating Out
The culture of Pondicherry is a mixture of French and Tamil, with Portuguese influences. A quick weekend getaway will not be sufficient to savor the city’s amazing food culture and eclectic range of restaurants. Be it the French pastries or the Chettinad food, the city’s food culture truly reflects the multi-cultural amalgamation that Pondicherry is.One can find tiramisu, macaroons, eclairs, brioche, mille feuille, and also chettinad chicken, kadugu yerra (prawns curry), palpayasam, appams, and pongal here. Pondicherry has many pizzerias, with fresh wood-fired pizzas, bistros, and cafes. It is also intriguing to find many Asian flavors, Goan food, and Bengali cuisine in Pondicherry. The food culture of Pondicherry reflects a happy and exciting blend of not only French and Tamil cuisine, but also of its neighboring states such as Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
Pondicherry is a place to experience France, in its full glory, while being nearly 6,000 miles away from France. This is a place for you if you are a travel enthusiast, a foodie, a beach lover, or a spiritual seeker. This is also a place for you if you are a party animal or a heritage lover. In short, Pondicherry is a place for everyone!