Destination: Pondicherry

The French Riviera of the East

On the charm of the French world meeting the sea life – how can one not fall for something so surreal yet so real? The quietude of the alleys and the bustling boulevards; the amalgamation of Tamil and French cuisines and architecture; and the jaunty crowd, all make Pondicherry a compelling place to visit in India. The Union Territory of Pondicherry blessed with a picturesque coastline is indeed a destination for beach lovers where they can enjoy multiple water activities. The colonial architecture compliments the beach life whereas the far-situated Auroville adds another dimension to Pondicherry tourism. If there is one tourist destination in India that can cater to your need for a relaxing holiday, Pondicherry has to be it.

Pondicherry’s quaint cafe culture matched with a fun nightlife further adds to the cultural experiences of the city. On the other hand, the streets of Pondicherry’s French Quarter, also known as White Town, are lined with lovely mustard-yellow colonial houses draped in bougainvillea. A simple walk across the lanes, accompanied by coffee at a cafe entices one to extend their vacation here. There are numerous shopping spots, food joints, and yoga centres that offer a perfect pause to your maddening cultural trip across this country.

Places to see in Pondicherry

Puducherry Museum

The city’s reign over the eras is best represented in the form of artifacts in this special museum. It will take you through the time of Greek and Roman trade, the Pallava and Chola empires, and lastly French colonialism. Some items unearthed at Arikamedu, one of the most important commercial harbors in Pondy showcased some Spanish ceramics highlighting the time of Greek and Roman trade. The second period is represented by statues and stone sculptures from the Pallava and Chola empires. Arms, burial urns, and glass beads are among the other artifacts from this time period on display at the museum. Then there is an entire floor of French-era furniture that has been so well preserved over time despite the city’s humid atmosphere. It is truly worth visiting to see the history of this union territory and how beautifully it has still maintained it.

Aurobindo Ashram

Founded by Sri Aurobindo Ghosh in 1926, it is based on the teaching of attaining moksha and inner peace. Many spiritual seekers from all over the world are led to this place wanting to get a deeper understanding of life. It is a unique place that speaks of only peace and tranquility. One of Aurobindo’s disciples, Mirra Alfassa, was instrumental in the foundation of the ashram. She took care of the Aurobindo Ashram after Sri Aurobindo Ghosh’s death in 1950, and was known as the ashram’s ‘Mother.’ There are many devotees serving here on a daily basis and they all live together in the premises. Everyday tours are held at 8:30 in the morning beginning at INR 50 per person which also includes an educational introduction to the workshops where you can witness devotees doing batik work, hand printing sarees, and handloom weaving. You can book one through their online portal.

Paradise Beach

A short ferry ride across the backwaters will get you to this golden sand beach which is still comparatively underrated. Also known as Plage Paradiso, it is a scenic sight approaching the beach through the lush mangrove forests. The ride here makes up for a perfect doorway to unwind and relax at the beach. Fresh coconut water and modest snacks are available in a few shacks near the beach’s main entrance. One can also capture a lot of birds while traversing through the backwaters. If you are a nature lover, you will thoroughly enjoy the sunsets and sunrise on the eastern shore. While there are some water sports available, travelers can also be seen trying their hand at fishing.

Basilica of Sacred Heart of Jesus

The Church of the Precious Heart of Jesus, one of Pondicherry’s most sacred and religious sites, is located 2.5 kilometers south of the town’s bus station on the town’s south avenue. This church was built by French missionaries in 1908 and was accorded the status of a Basilica in 2011. It is one of India’s 21 Basilicas and the only one in Pondicherry. The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, one of Pondicherry’s most beautiful Catholic churches, is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. Biblical texts, as well as depictions of Jesus and Mother Mary, are etched in Latin on the entrance door. Festivals like Christmas and New Year are best to witness the activities at the church.

Auroville

Just 15 km from the city of Pondicherry, Auroville is an easy one-day trip from the city. This town’s tranquility captivates you, leaving you with a peaceful heart. Many visit the Auroville ashram to experience the cafes, explore the town’s lifestyle and chat with the locals. With a population of just over 2500 people from different nationalities led the place was called, ‘the universal town’. Some also visit the Matrimandir which holds great spiritual significance for practitioners of Integral Yoga. Tasteful cafes and restaurants spread across the city add to the experience for travelers who wish to simply sit back and soak in the city vibe.

Things to do in Pondicherry

Scuba Diving

The rich marine life off the coast of Pondicherry makes it an ideal spot to learn and certify in scuba diving. A newfound adventure thrill, this activity has many new takers across India and the globe, and Pondicherry surely doesn’t disappoint. During a dive, you may spot exotic creatures like manta rays, kingfish, sea snakes, lionfish, butterflies, crustaceans, and moray eels, among others. More experience and diving hours may also help you spot sharks, dolphins, and turtles if you go deeper. Now, many adventure seekers are looking at Pondicherry to experience diving and sign up for longer certifications. The artificial reef and rich marine life also add to the thrilling experience one has during their first dive itself. If you are looking for some adventure in your ongoing relaxing vacation, don’t miss out on trying out scuba diving in this town.

Enjoying the nightlife

Apart from the quaint cafes that offer the perfect coffee or reading spots during day time, there are some brilliant restaurants that offer a vibrant nightlife in this town. The pubs and cafes transform as the evening crowd pours in with some activities and events planned. Continuing with the relaxing vibe of the day the nightlife is more about a nice drink matched with good food as jazz plays in the background. Some beautiful bars located near Promenade Beach are also amazing hotspots to enjoy your evening dinner.

Cycling across an old French town

An interesting way to explore the serene Pondy is to sign up for a cycle tour that takes you across all the beautiful French alleys and colonial communities. Exploring the beautiful colored streets and heritage villas on vintage cycles has its own charm. It won’t tire but rather rejuvenate you as you go through those wonderful alleys and small roads.

The food in Pondicherry is characterized by a strong influence of French cuisine, particularly in terms of components and styles. Many restaurants serve authentic French cuisine, making it India’s best destination for French cuisine. Baguettes, Croissants, Italian Baked Beans, Stuffed Cabbage, and many other things are popular here. The Union Territory also gets its flavors from the neighboring South Indian states,

Top Hotels in Pondicherry

BEST TIME TO VISIT PONDICHERRY:

The months between October and February are ideal for visiting Pondicherry.

WHY VISIT PONDICHERRY?:

For picturesque beaches, French architecture, Auroville, Aurobindo Ashram, heritage, history, French cuisine, honeymoon, watersports, cheap alcohol, relaxing holiday, family vacation, pilgrimage tour.

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Bodhgaya

Lumbini, Bodhgaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar are the important places that are related directly to the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. In addition to these, there are various other important sites too where he had traveled during His lifetime. These are Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali, Keysariya, Kapilvastu, Sravasti, and many more.