The Perfect Weekend Getaway to Pondicherry
Updated: Aug 27
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I've always dreamed of visiting Pondicherry, now known as Puducherry, the charming French colonial gem of India. The pictures of its tree-lined streets, ochre-colored houses, and adorable cafes have always captured my imagination. This summer, I found myself in Bengaluru visiting my parents, and to make it even more special, my sister flew in with her family, including their little one. Spontaneously, we decided to escape for a leisurely 3-day getaway to Pondicherry. With our parents, kids, aunts, and uncles all in tow, we made that weekend trip happen. This guide is here to help you plan the perfect itinerary. Discover the best sights of Pondicherry, unwind at handpicked guesthouses near the beach or center, and get tips on transportation, top attractions to explore and great restaurants to eat.
Table of Contents: The Perfect Weekend Getaway to Pondicherry Pondicherry (Puducherry), the charming French colonial gem of India When is the best time to Visit? What to Wear? How safe is Pondicherry? |
The Perfect Weekend Getaway to Pondicherry, the charming French colonial gem of India
Pondicherry, or Pondy for short, is one of India's seven Union Territories and is often called the "French Riviera of the East." This little town on Tamil Nadu's southeast coast is a former French colony that still has some French influence to it, let alone the fact that many people still talk in French and also many have retained their French passports even after the French handed over the territoty to India in 1954. When you enter the town center of Pondicherry, you will notice bright ochre coloured painted houses with bougainvilla everywhere, wide streets with French names, and charming colonial buildings. Pondicherry has some stunning beaches, though some are rocky and not ideal for swimming. The French quarter, while small (just three streets!), is charming. The real highlight, though, is the fantastic variety of restaurants serving delicious French and Indian cuisine. It's this mix of contrasting yet delightful experiences that makes Pondi so captivating for travelers like me!
In my mind, I pictured Pondicherry to be like Goa—coconut trees lining narrow roads with Vespas buzzing around, colonial houses, beach shacks serving fish fry, vibrant nightlife, and foreigners soaking up the sun on beaches. However, it turned out to be quite different. Pondicherry is a peaceful town where a busy Tamil neighborhood contrasts with a more open French quarter. You'll find strong Tamil cultural influences alongside reminders of French colonial architecture, monuments, and a local community that speaks French. Perhaps the influx of tourism has altered its original charm somewhat. But ofcourse, there are still places that are gorgeous hidden gems in India which havent been explored by a lot of tourists and might not get featured on Instagram. That doesn't take away the charm of Pondi.
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How to Reach Pondicherry?
✈️The nearest airport to Puducherry is Chennai International Airport, which is about 135 kilometers away from the city. To reach Chennai, you have several options. If you prefer flying, book a flight to Chennai International Airport (MAA) from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. If you're coming to Chennai from abroad, you may fly directly to Chennai International Airport (MAA) from select international locations or connect through major Indian hubs like Delhi or Mumbai.
🚖 From the airport, you may conveniently book a taxi to the destination of your choice using
EASY AIRPORT TAXIS BOOKINGS. Ubers are quite popular, reliable, and easy to travel in Chennai. From Chennai, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Puducherry.
🚆 If you're traveling by train, the nearest railway station to Puducherry is Puducherry Railway Station (PDY). There are several direct trains available from Chennai to Puducherry. Bangalore-Puducherry Weekly Express connects Blore to Puducherry, Dadar-Puducherry Express links Mumbai to Puducherry and the New Delhi-Puducherry Express offers a direct connection to the national capital.
🚌 The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) and private buses also offer a convenient way to reach Puducherry from major cities in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Telangana. They arrive at the Puducherry Bus Stand.
🚗 You can also opt to rent a car and drive yourself from Bengaluru or Chennai to Puducherry. Using ZoomCars in India is super easy and convenient. With a car always nearby, you can find one wherever you are. There's no security deposit, and you get unlimited kilometers, so you can drive as far as you want without extra charges. Choose from a wide range of cars, from small hatchbacks to big SUVs. Just log onto zoomcar.com or use the app to pick your city, date, and time, select your car, and start your journey without any hassle.
Where to Stay?
There are a variety of accomodation places to stay in Pondicherry. We looked at couple of hotel options with breakfast included on Booking.com and also homestays and villa stays via AirBnb. The best place to stay if you dont have transport is White Town. Its the french colonial part of town and has easy access to all the touristic highlights. If you have a car or rental, there are many nice accomodation options a bit further away from the city center, closer to the beach. Some of the nicest accomodations are highlighted below:
Budget Accommodation:
Villa Helena: This charming villa offers a cozy, home-like atmosphere with affordable rates, perfect for budget travelers looking for a quaint and personal touch.
Palais de Pondichéry: Located near popular attractions, this budget-friendly accommodation provides a taste of traditional Pondicherry architecture at a great price.
Villa Marinaa: Situated close to the beach, Villa Marinaa combines affordability with a relaxed seaside vibe, ideal for budget-conscious beach lovers.
La Tamara Luxury: Though slightly more upscale, La Tamara Luxury offers a luxurious experience at a reasonable price, with elegantly designed rooms and a tranquil ambiance.
Mid Range:
The Residency Towers Puducherry: As a 5-star hotel, it offers high-quality amenities and services, including a pool and spa, ensuring a comfortable and refined stay.
Grand Hotel D'Europe: Located in the heart of White Town and just 250 meters from the beach, this 4-star hotel provides a blend of historical charm and modern comfort.
The Bull Boutique Hotel: This boutique hotel stands out for its personalized service and stylish decor, offering a unique, mid-range stay with a local touch.
Luxury:
La Villa: This 5-star villa in White Town boasts elegant interiors and personalized service, making it a luxurious choice for those seeking a premium, centrally located stay.
Palais De Mahe: A 5-star CGH Earth Experience, Palais De Mahe offers an authentic heritage experience with its blend of traditional French architecture and modern luxury, just 100 meters from the beach.
Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay: This luxury resort offers stunning bay views and a range of high-end amenities, perfect for those wanting a luxurious beachside retreat.
When is the best time to Visit?
Absolutely avoid Pondicherry during the scorching summer months (April to June) and the rainy season (July to September). The heat is unbearable, with temperatures soaring between 27 to 35 degrees Celsius and humidity that leaves you dripping with sweat. From June to September, there's moderate rainfall from the South West monsoon, but it's not ideal for sightseeing. The best time to visit Pondicherry is from October to May when the weather is cooler and more comfortable.
What to Wear?
With tourists, students, and expats all mingling in Pondicherry, the place has a relaxed vibe and a casual dress code, thanks to the warm weather. Locals rock lungis (a traditional sarong for men) and saris (a long, flowing garment worn by women). Tourists can wear pretty much anything they like, though a bit of modesty is always appreciated.
Auroville: Dress modestly—think long pants or shorts and tops with sleeves.
Temples: However, it would be great to dress up modestly covering your shoulders in places of worship in India. Shorts are cool, but keep them below the knee.
Seasons: In winter, a light cardigan is good, but don't go overboard—Pondy doesn't get too cold. In summer and spring, stick to cotton—skirts, tops, shirts, and shorts.
Beaches: Shorts are fine, but keep them just above the knee. Pondy beaches are full of foreigners, so you'll see all kinds of clothing.
How safe is Pondicherry?
I believe it is generally safe as you have many solo tourists vacationing here, however solo female travellers must always exercise caution in any part of India. I was target to an unpleasant incident in Pondicherry on the Promenade however it was nipped in the bud thanks to Sidd's proactive response. As an Indian female traveller, I will always recommend travelling with a male friend or spouse or partner or in a group to any Indian city and not solo. And if you do so also, always exercise caution and beware of your surroundings.
Top Sights to Explore
Day 1:
We drove from Bengaluru to Pondicherry via the Tiruvannamalai Route on NH 77. About two hours into our journey, we stopped at Murugan Idli Shop in Krishnagiri for breakfast. Their idlis and sweet pongal were absolutely delicious and kept us satisfied until we reached Pondicherry, which took us about 5 hours. When we entered the massive Puducherry city entrance gate, the streets were bustling, like a lively marketplace everywhere we looked. As we explored closer to the French side of the city, we could see how nicely the French influences mixed with traditional Indian culture.
3:00 PM - Pasta Bar Veneto
It was past lunch time when we reached Pondicherry and we were famished. For lunch, we went to Pasta Bar Veneto on Mission Street in Heritage Town. This place has a great 80s Italian speakeasy vibe. The playlist they had really set the mood perfectly. I highly recommend it for get-togethers with friends and family! Everything we tried—penne arrabbiata, spaghetti pomodoro, bruschetta, pesto pasta, pizza diavola, spinach lasagna, and a refreshing watermelon juice—was fantastic.
4:30 PM - Enjoy a Relaxing Retreat
Our Airbnb on Cazy Street, located in a peaceful residential area close to Promenade Beach and the French Quarter, was exactly what we were looking for. It appeared unassuming with its yellow exterior, but inside, it combined French and Indian decor beautifully, giving it a rustic charm. With four air-conditioned double-bed bedrooms, two cozy living rooms, a kitchen attached to a dining area, three bathrooms, two toilets, and an inviting open terrace in a charming cottage setup, it provided the perfect retreat after our long journey—a great place to relax and unwind.
7:00 PM - Dilliwaala6 on Marine Street
In the evening, we had a delightful dinner at Dilliwaala6 on Marine Street in White Town, enjoying tasty pure vegetarian North Indian food. Fantastic decor, perfect location in a heritage building! Later, after putting the kids to bed, we wanted to relax with some shisha (hookah) at Flaming Dragons Lounge & Nightlife to end the night on a good note, however it was already too late to make a beeline for it, so we just got back to our villa for a goodnight's sleep.
Day 2:
Next day, in the sweltering heat of 36 degrees Celsius we bravely stepped out to explore the parts of Pondi which we were dying to explore.
9:00 AM - Breakfast at Baker’s Street
We began our day with a satisfying breakfast at Baker’s Street. This cafe is well-regarded, with over 12,000 visitors giving it high reviews. Personally, I didn’t find the ambiance matched all the hype, possibly because it's popular among French locals. Despite billing itself as a cake and coffee shop, they actually offer a delicious breakfast menu upon request, featuring options like eggs, baguettes, and pancakes. We enjoyed our meal before heading to Auroville.
10:30 AM - Auroville also called ‘The City Of Dawn’
Auroville, considered one of the calmest spots in Pondicherry, was established in 1968 by ‘The Mother’ (Mirra Alfassa) as a visionary township where people from around the globe and all walks of life could live harmoniously. The drive to Auroville takes about 30 minutes from French Quarter along the beautiful East Coast Road, shaded by coconut trees. As we approached the parking area, we could already sense what makes this place so peaceful—vast stretches of greenery all around.
Parking: There's a specific parking area for visitors. Handicapped and VIPs have parking closer to the visitor center, saving them from a long walk. Parking costs Rs. 150. It's about a 5-minute walk from the parking area to the visitor's center. The green spaces helped make the walk bearable in the hot weather. |
The path is lined with shops selling local Auroville products like soaps, fragrances, and incense sticks. There's also a cozy cafe and juice center offering delicious natural juices. Further along the pathway, you'll find informative placards detailing the history and origins of Auroville. The Auroville Visitors Centre is where day visitors and guests can explore and learn about Auroville's ideals, history, and current activities. It's housed in a cluster of buildings that feature exhibitions, information desks, guest reception areas, boutiques selling Auroville products and handicrafts, a bookshop, cafes, and a food court. It's a great place to start your journey into understanding Auroville.
Note: From the visitor’s center, we hailed a free shuttle to the viewing point of the Matrimandir. You may also avail a private guided tour in an AC/ Non AC van with a guide of the language of your choice with an English/Tamil/French guide. |
After arriving there, we first noticed the magnificent and massive banyan tree.
About the Banyan tree
In late 1965, 'The Mother' chose a spot north of Puducherry to be the heart of Auroville. Architect Roger Anger discovered a solitary Banyan tree in a barren area overlooking the Bay of Bengal. This sacred Ficus Bengalensis, over 100 years old, became Auroville's geographical center. Known for its aerial roots that form new trunks, this Banyan tree has a diameter of about 50 meters.
Matrimandir
From here another 5 minutes walk and we were at the viewing point of the Matrimandir. It is a visual treat! The Matrimandir Viewing Point, located south of the Park of Unity, offers a beautiful view of the Matrimandir and its surroundings. You can get passes at the Auroville Visitors Centre after watching a short video about the Matrimandir. To get there from the Visitors Centre, you can take a relaxing 10-minute walk or a 30-minute walk if you want to see Bharat Nivas, Unity Pavilion, and Savitri Bhavan along the way. The Matrimandir is a dodecagon (A dodecagon is a twelve-sided polygon with twelve angles and twelve edges) marble dome Dedicated to Meditation. When you visit inside, you will know that the dome has an optical glass globe at its centre, allowing a shaft of sunlight to stream in. This focused sunlight is believed to enhance concentration whilst in the midst of peace.
Note: You can see the Matrimandir from a distance and learn about it and its gardens from stone plaques nearby. To go inside, you need to book a ticket at least 3 days ahead. For meditation inside, book a week in advance. Only children aged 10 and up can enter. If it rains, the Matrimandir closes for the day. Auroville residents, newcomers, and volunteers have specific times to visit, including silent meditation in the Inner Chamber. |
After spending nearly 3 hours here, we were famished and hot and a lemon soda was the need of the hour. The cafe in-house, Dreamer’s Cafe, was a great respite. After downing our sodas, it was time to leisurely eat lunch at one of the nice quaint restaurants in white town.
Entry is free
It's open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Duration of visit - 1 to 2 hours
There's also a free electric shuttle for those who prefer not to walk.
Location: Auroville Universal Township, Town Hall, Auroville, Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu 605101, India
For a guided walking tour of Auroville Ashram, BOOK YOUR TOUR HERE.
If you want an Auroville & Pondicherry Private Excursion from Chennai, book your tour HERE.
2 PM: Lunch at the vertical garden of Villa Shanti
La Villa Shanti, situated on Rue Suffren, is famous for its mix of French and Indian dishes and served us a delightful lunch. The restaurant has two unique areas: one with a patio and vertical garden, and another in the older part of the building that's air-conditioned. Lunch is available only until 2:45 PM on weekdays and until 3 PM on weekends.
Special Mention: What really impressed us was the flawless and outstanding service provided by the always-smiling, friendly, and politely spoken staff. |
3:30 PM - A Stroll in the French Quarter
From there, we decided to explore the French Quarter, also known as White Town and the French Riviera of the East. Basically the French Quarter is 4 streets - Rue Dumas, Rue Romain Rolland, Rue Suffren, and Rue La Bourdonnais. Why is it called the French Quarter? In 1674, François Martin, who was the Governor of the French East India Company, set up a trading post in Pondicherry. Over time, this small outpost grew into the main French settlement in India. Back then, European countries were competing fiercely for trade with India, leading to several conflicts. Pondicherry has been ruled by various colonial powers like the Portuguese, Dutch, and English. However, it was mainly under French rule.
We decided to explore the French Quarter on foot, since we had kids in strollers, an infant in a baby carrier, and parents in tow. Walking through this picturesque part of town was a delight, with its charming streets, cozy cafes, chic museums and vibrant bougevvilla flowers. We found buildings of the colonial architecture that have still been preserved and are a visual delight. You’ll see grand windows with iron bars, fancy balconies, large courtyards, round arches, and decorative columns.
While colonization had its downsides, the French influence in Pondicherry from 1674 to 1954 left behind some charming marks. Check out the below notable French Colonial Architecture buildings in the French Quarter:
Our Lady of Angels Church (Notre Dame des Anges) - Built in 1855 by French architect Louis Guerre, this beautiful Greco-Roman church is the only one in Pondicherry offering Mass in English, Tamil, and French.
Palais de Mahé - Located on Rue de Bussy in the heart of the French Quarter,is a gorgeous hotel housed in a stunning colonial building. It features a lovely courtyard and pool for guests.
Café des Arts - This cafe in White Town is Instagram-worthy with its beautiful paintings. It is known to serve tasty vegetarian-friendly European breakfast but it was permanently closed.
Pearl Bell Villa - A perfect yellow facade villa stands colossal in the heart of the French Quarter on Surcouf Street in White Town. It is a charming boutique stay in a restored colonial villa, offering elegant rooms and a cozy retreat.
Bibliothèque Publique - Don't forget to check out the Romain Rolland Library. This is a lovely colonial-era library that offers a glimpse into the French intellectual heritage of Pondicherry.
5:00 PM: The Promenade
The promenade is basically a great walking strecth of 1.2 kilometeres along the shore of the popular Rock Beach of Pondicherry. It starts from the War Memorial and ends at Marquis Dupleix Statue.
Here few structures of notable interest are:
French War memorial (Des Indes Francaises) - French war memorial featuring stark white columns & a soldier statue in tranquil garden surrounds.
Goubert Ave - The serene stretch is famous for its beautiful Rocky Beach and the lovely promenade that runs along the road.
Puducherry Beach - One cannot swim in the sea because of its rocky shoreline and strong undercurrents.
Le Dupleix - For a restaurant with a historical charm with a mix of international and local dishes Le Dupleix is a great choice. Average Price: ₹700-₹1,000/€8-€11 / $8-$11 per person.
The nearby Rock Beach is also not recommended for swimming. Since it is artificial, the water depth can increase suddenly, making it tricky to navigate with the waves and currents. So, it’s best to stick to enjoying the beach from the shore! |
Mahatma Gandhi Statue
This is a beautiful place on the promednae. Quite well made and preserved, the Mahatma Gandhi Statue is one of the major landmarks on the Promenade. Built by the renowned sculptor Roy Choudhary from the Madras School of Art and Crafts, this tribute to the father of the nation was installed in 1965 at Promenade Beach.
Old Lighthouse
As a huge sunset lover, I can tell you that the best spot for capturing stunning sunset shots is definitely the Old Lighthouse of Pondicherry. Just a minute's walk from the Mahatma Gandhi statue and an 8-minute stroll from the French Quarter, this lighthouse, 29 metres in height was built in 1836, is now a museum. While the new lighthouse, built in 1971, is functional, it doesn’t quite have the charm of the old one.
They used to permit drone filming here before, but now the police have banned the use of drones in this area. |
Live Art Museum - Wow (Wonders of White Town)
As we strolled from the promenade towards Sufferen Street, we came across an intriguing museum featuring a statue of Mr. AP Shreethar outside. The museum was labeled as the Live Art Museum. We later discovered that AP Shreethar, known for his Wonders of White Town, is also recognized as the pioneer of the world’s first Live Art Museum and has received the prestigious Lenin Muzem Award. This little museum on Sufferen Street in Villa Kouga is quite fascinating. On the ground floor, it houses a Teddy Bear museum where we enjoyed seeing a large collection of teddy bears dressed in colorful outfits from different countries. Upstairs on the first floor, there's a Fish Museum displaying a variety of colorful fish influenced by modern artistic exploration.
Continuing on, there's a Live Art museum featuring silicone statues of famous personalities like MS Dhoni, Sai Baba, Mother Teresa, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jackie Chan, and more. The tickets are a bit pricey, but it's definitely worth visiting to see the impressive creations of this skilled artist.
Entrance Charges: ₹295 per person
Duration: 20 minutes.
Timings: Mon to Sun - 10 AM to 10 PM.
Bay of Buddha
Perched atop the Promenade Hotel along the scenic Goubert Avenue White Town, this delightful Asian cuisine restaurant offers stunning views of Rock Beach in Pondicherry. Their must-try dishes include chicken dim sums, green Thai curry (vegetarian), and water chestnut with bamboo shoot stir fry.
Day 3
9 AM: Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam
Before you start your day, consider visiting Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple for a blessing. It's a popular spot for both pilgrims and tourists, known for its vibrant facade and intricate carvings that truly impressed us. Even if you're not particularly spiritual, you can still appreciate the incredible craftsmanship from the 1500s.
The temple showcases stunning Tamil Deccan architecture and is located in the heart of the French quarter. Its colorful facade, adorned with idols of gods and goddesses, along with murals on the walls, creates a deeply spiritual atmosphere. Being devout followers of Lord Ganesha, we were delighted to attend the prayer service at this 500-year-old temple dedicated to our beloved elephant god. We left our shoes at the counter outside and purchased flowers and coconuts to offer during our visit.
Inside, we were mesmerized by the interior decor. The upper walls were adorned with 40 different types of Ganesha from around the world, and the surrounding walls featured statues and murals depicting Lord Ganesha and his family.
Legend has it that the French tried to destroy this temple. During Dupleix's time, they made several attempts, but the Hindu community protested strongly. The British and Marathas also threatened to invade, so the temple was spared. There's a story that says the French even threw the temple deity into the sea multiple times, but each time, it returned to the same spot where the temple stands today. |
The temple is open daily from 5:45 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
10:30 AM - Suruguru Spot restaurant
After a holy prayer service, it was now time to savour a delicious breakfast in the very acclaimed and very basic Suruguru Spot restaurant on Jawaharlal Nehru street, just 5 mins walk from the temple. The South Indian Paratha, Palak puris, masala uttapam and Pongal are to die for. We ended this delightful meal with a portion of Kashi meal and filter coffee. After this sumptuous meal, we made a beeline to the Aurobindo ashram before it could shut its doors to visitors.
11:30 AM - Aurobindo Ashram
Next up was our visit to the Aurobindo Ashram. Auroville is different from Aurobindo Ashram. Don’t confuse the two because it’s not the same. Auroville lies to the north of the promenade 16 kms from French Quarter while the ashram is located in the French Quarter.
Note: The ashram features only the samadhi and a bookshop. If you deeply admire Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, the visit is definitely worth it. Our entire visit lasted just 20 minutes, with most of that time—15 minutes—spent browsing in the bookshop. |
It was set up by Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa (The Mother) in 1926. The Ashram is a significant spot that thousands of people visit worldwide, and it is the destination of Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. You must visit the library and the crafts center. Besides, you can purchase handmade paper mâché dolls from Ashram's factory.
Who are Sri Aurobindo and Mother?
Sri Aurobindo (1872–1950) was an Indian philosopher, yogi, and poet who played a key role in India's independence movement. Later, he focused on integral yoga to enhance human consciousness. The "Mother" refers to Mirra Alfassa (1878–1973), a French spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo. She helped establish the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry. Together, they developed Integral Yoga, aimed at transforming human nature and achieving spiritual growth.
Timings: Mon to Sun - 8:00 am – 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
1:00 PM -Coromandel Cafe
After a much spiritual journey and purchasing a plethora of books on Aurobindo, mother, the freedom struggle and tales for children, it was now time for some coffee and cake. The Coromandel Cafe on Romain Rolland street is a great pick for alcoholic beverages, coffee and some snacks. Attached to a library and a green outdoor seating, it gives visitors a joyfully French experience in the heart of the French quarter. It has gorgeous interiors, a very elegant ambience and is indeed a great spot for a photoshoot and a slice of cake.The restaurant, lounge and outdoor seating is a great spot for taking photos and for an chill evening out.
Timings: Mon to Sun - 8:45 am–11 pm
That wrapped up our day. After exploring the highlights of Pondi over two days, we were ready to return to Bengaluru. If you have an extra day to spare, don't miss out on exploring the beaches. Keep reading!
Day 4 (If you have another day to spare):
9:00 AM - Goubert Market
Goubert Market - It’s a fantastic spot to start your day, interact with the locals and get a feel of their daily life. Once called the Grand Bazaar, this market was established in 1826 by the French right on the edge of the French Quarter. It was later renamed Goubert Market in honor of Édouard Goubert, who was Pondicherry’s mayor and first chief minister in the 1960s. Locals affectionately call it Periya Kadai, which means “big store” in Tamil. It’s one of the city’s oldest and most bustling markets.
If you’re looking for fresh veggies and fruits, this is your go-to place. Oh, and if you’re a fish lover, Goubert Market is your paradise!
You can buy fresh produce, woven baskets, saris, leather goods, silk, jewellery, flowers etc.
Treat yourself to delicious street food, like crispy dosas, spicy chaat, and irresistible sweets.
You’ll find traditional artisans and craftsmen showcasing their intricate creations, from handmade pottery and woven textiles to stunning jewelry and wooden handicrafts.
Distance of 3 km from Pondicherry Bus Station Market is accessible from gate number 2 |
Just don’t expect a tranquil, scenic experience—it’s more of a whirlwind of chaos, with a smell that could knock your socks off. But trust me, it’s totally worth it for the cultural explosion and the fantastic photo opporutnites!
Timings: Mon to Sun - 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Address: Goubert street, opposite to Police Station, Nehru Street, MG Road Area, Puducherry, 605001
11:00 AM - Paradise Beach
Our Airbnb was just a 20-minute drive from Paradise Beach. Being a coastal town, Pondicherry has no shortage of beautiful beaches, but not all are great for swimming or water sports. For a real treat, check out Paradise Beach and Auroville Beach—the former is to the south of the Promenade, while the latter is to the north.
Getting to Paradise Beach is an adventure in itself. You have to start at the Chunnambar Boat House, where you’ll need to pay separately for entry and then again for the boat ride to the beach. Once you get your tickets, you enjoy a scenic 15-minute boat ride to the beach. You can choose between a motorboat or a speedboat, but first, consider spending some time at the boat house. On reaching the beach, yuo will notice there are lifeguards and changing stations, but they’re not in the best shape, so use them at your own risk.
The real highlight is the seafood lunch at Jellikettu restaurant, right across from the boat house. You must try their Jellikattu special vazhai ilai virundhu – a meal with 21 items!
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5:00 PM - The Pondicherry Museum
If shopping is not your scene just like my dad, then you can head to the museum. The pondicherry museum is where your cultural appetite will really be satisfied. The museum offers a delightful mix of relics from various eras and cultures. you'll find treasures from the pallava and chola dynasties (starting around 275 AD), ancient Greece, colonial France, and of course, ancient india. check out sculptures, pottery, weapons, coins, and even old-school vehicles like palanquins and pousse-pousses, which are like funky versions of tuk-tuks.
Opening Hours: Tue to Sun - 9 AM to 6 PM Pondicherry Museum Entry Fee
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7:30 PM - Dinner Delights and Famous Foods of Pondi
Craving some biryani that'll make your taste buds dance? Head over to Biryani By Kilo on Rue Romain Rolland for a dish that’s as aromatic as it is delicious.
Seafood lovers, rejoice! The Fisherman’s Wharf on Chunnambar Boat House Road is your go-to spot for a crab masala that’s simply irresistible.
And don’t miss out on dessert—Sundaes on Rue des Poudres has a Roasted Coffee Creme Ice Cream that’s the cherry on top of your Pondicherry culinary adventure.
Shopping in Pondicherry
Make sure to set aside some time to explore Nehru Street during your trip to Pondicherry. It’s a great spot for shopping! Here’s where you can find some local treasures:
HIDESIGN Products: Since HIDESIGN products are made right here in Pondicherry, you’ll find them at lower prices in the city. Check out their flagship store on Nehru Street for a good selection of their stylish leather goods.
Auroville Products: For organic produce, essential oils, and fragrant incense sticks, head to the Auroville Visitor’s Centre or their boutiques around town. These items are popular among both tourists and locals.
Ajrakh, Balotra, and Sanganer Fabrics: Visit the Pondicherry Craft Centre or Sangam Arts and Crafts for a great selection of these traditional fabrics. These shops offer a range of colorful and beautifully patterned textiles.
Jewelry: Head to Pondy Bazaar or L’Atelier for a variety of jewelry, from handcrafted pieces to more modern designs.
Stoles and Toiletries: Pondicherry Handicrafts and The French Connection are great places to find elegant stoles and high-quality toiletries.
Local Foods & Spices: Grab some jams, chutneys, and aromatic spices to bring a taste of Pondicherry back home. Nehru Street and local markets are great places to find these delicious souvenirs.
Home Furniture: For stylish and unique furniture pieces, check out La Maison Rose or Rishi Furniture. They offer a mix of contemporary and traditional designs.
The timings of the market are from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Here's the address – Nehru St, M.G. Road Area Puducherry, Tamil Nadu 605001. |
Closing Thoughts
So, if you're ready to trade your everyday routine for a taste of France in India, Pondicherry awaits with its quaint alleys, beachfront serenity, and a croissant-wala on every corner. Bon voyage!
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