First Timer’s Guide To Pondicherry
I’m certain that your bucket list already has Pondicherry or Puducherry as one of the places you would want to eagerly visit, so allow me to take the pressure off of you and guide you through a fascinating trip.
Starting with a little history, Pondicherry is one of India’s seven union territories and is popularly referred to as the French Riviera of the East. It is also referred to as the Paris of the East because of the beautiful french quarters which exist there.
If you are looking for an inexpensive method of commuting, there is Pondicherry Tourism Development Corporation which provides bus services for tourists from nearby cities and covers almost every spot in Pondicherry. A comfortable and faster way to reach Pondicherry could be by hiring reliable cabs in Chennai to your accommodation in Pondicherry, without any stress.
Talking of accommodation, I have enlisted a few from the many available options.
Accommodation
Category 1: For solo travellers
If you are a solo traveller and looking for a scenic place to stay that isn’t too extravagant, a hostel or motel would be a good option for the following reasons:
- It would be a touristy home.
- Within your budget.
- Fun and pleasant stay.
Category 2: A budget trip with friends
On a budget trip with friends, the things you need for the right accommodation is a private space where you can do your own thing, enjoy services and have the place all to yourself for quality time. Some of these stays require you to book early and also provide tent stays!
Some of these places include:
- Beyond Community
- Vitara Spaces
- Auroville Comfort Ville (slightly expensive but worth the service)
Category 3: Family
Whether planning a honeymoon or just a mere gateway away from the stress and responsibilities, you can plan your stay at Pondicherry in some cosiest, on a budget stay.
These stays have their own well-ventilated veranda rooms and comfortable space.
- Mango Hill
- Sharanya
- Villa du ocean (promenade beach is within walking distance from here!)
Places to Visit
If you are a visitor from Chennai and looking for a comfortable ride with family and friends, you can opt for a chauffeur driven service as the Chennai to Pondicherry cab fare is very nominal. They provide you with fully sanitized courteous chauffeurs and on-time pickup.
Paradise beach
This beach has a pristine vibe located at cinnabar in Cuddalore road with clean restrooms with changing rooms so that you don’t have to worry about your wet sandy clothes.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
This ashram was founded by Rishi Aurobindo in 1960. This ashram holds many social activities like meditations, yoga and swimming. It even has libraries, so please feel free to do so if you just want to sit back and relax.
Timings: 8:00 to 12:00 pm.
Scuba Diving in Pondicherry
This activity is a thrilling experience for all the visitors, and it is a must-try for all. It includes 2 days of training, after which you are allowed to dive deep up to 12 metres into the ocean anywhere in the world as they provide you with a certificate.
Food
Pondicherry is famous for its lip-smacking street food that will compel you to throw Chef’s kiss as a reaction to the melt in mouth taste varieties. What is south India if you go back without tasting the crispy, spicy, and chewy dosas, right! We have the right destination for you. If you want to grab some dosas while commuting, stop by this place opposite the JipMer campus. Following are a few items you must try:
- Crab masala fry near Rangapillai road
- Samosas and other street food
- Gulab jamuns and jalebis
- Dosa at Annapurna
- Khow suey on mission street
The Cart opposite Nilgiri hills is the place for some must-try crab fries, fish fry, and squid prawn masala provides you with tongs and napkins in case eating crab gets messy.
Apart from the pristine relaxing beaches, food, and scenery, those beautiful French quarter streets could also help you with your insta friendly posts. Hence, take a trip to Pondicherry for this vacation.
Bon Voyage!