If you haven't been to Pondicherry, deem yourself not privy to a very interesting part of Indian tourism industry. A city like no other, Pondicherry started wooing travellers from all across the world almost a decade back and has not stopped. Rightly so. A very French setting and architecture makes it the closest you can get to France in India, but this is not all. The city equals France in terms of all things cool; count in the cuisine that is on offer, colourful beach crowd, a fast-growing expat community, and of course the fact that Pondicherry is also home to Auroville. Yes, the Auroville that is an experimental township, first of its kind. If the idea of exploring sustainable living is high on your mind, Auroville is where you must be. Adding more to Pondicherry's charm is one of the best surfing schools in the world, run by two Spanish brothers.Think of more and we are sure Pondicherry will have that as well. After all, Parisians do not fall in love easily. And if they do, they do it for al the right reasons.
Pondicherry Travel Guide
5 trendy seaside hotels in Pondicherry
Pondicherry is not only about heritage. It’s also home to several luxurious seaside resorts that let you live in close proximity to the ocean.
The 6 best heritage hotels in Pondicherry
Pondicherry is home to numerous colonial villas, which have been restored and transformed into charming heritage hotels.
Pondicherry hotels that are perfect for backpackers
A fast emerging backpacker destination, Pondicherry offers enough budget stay options to exercise some degree of individual choice. While homestays such as La Maison Radha and Le Ciel are a great choice for a longer sta...more
Resorts in Pondicherry—perfect for a relaxed vacation
A place as pretty as Pondicherry needs equally beautiful stays to justify its gorgeousness. Pondicherry, counted amongst most stunning beach side destinations down south, is home to some amazing and lovely hotels. There’...more
Green’s Guesthouse
One of the best budget places for vacationers in Auroville, Green’s Guesthouse is a backpackers’ haven. Clean, airy, AC/non-AC rooms with attached washrooms and services like Wi-Fi access, laundry (you can use their wash...more
Restaurants in Puducherry that you must not skip
The quiet little town of Puducherry should be on your travel wishlist, if not already. This gorgeous seaside town is a beautiful amalgamation of traditional and French culture, best of which can be seen in its food. As y...more
Pondicherry restaurants that will tickle your palate
Thanks to its chequered history, Pondicherry’s cuisine is a melting pot of Tamil, French, Portuguese and Vietnamese influences.
5 Pondicherry eateries for the sweet tooth
Pondicherry has several bakeries and cafés that churn out some of the best breads and pastries in the region. These five joints merit a must-visit for anyone with a sugar craving.
Satsanga
Set in a leafy courtyard, this picturesque restaurant serves French and Italian food concocted with farm-grown organic vegetables and fresh seafood.
Baker Street
This bakery’s reference to Sherlock Holmes in Francophone Pondicherry is a bit misplaced but the breads, pastries and savoury snacks are right up there with the best in the city.
Beaches in Pondicherry that should be in your itinerary
It is already famous for its Indo-French heritage and architecture, but these beaches in Pondicherry offer even more reasons to visit the charming city. While Pondicherry’s Promenade Beach is more of a sea-facing pathway...more
A guide to Pondicherry’s top attractions
Pondicherry will bowl you over with its cobbled lanes, blue waters and the sheer abundance of natural beauty. There is an interesting range of places to visit including ancient temples and churches, an experimental town ...more
Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
This church is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in India. A revered pilgrimage spot, it is quite famous for its brilliant stained glass panels depicting incidents from Christ’s life. A century-old structur...more
Promenade Beach
Situated in the heart of Pondicherry, this is rock-lined seashore is better suited for walking. It is adjacent to the Goubert Avenue, the main historical promenade of the city, which is lined with beautiful colonial bui...more
Auroville Beach
Tucked inside the neighbouring township of Auroville, this beach is the perfect spot for quiet introspection. A 30-minute-drive from Pondicherry, it has all the tranquillity in the world you can ask for. There are no res...more
The coolest things to do in Pondicherry
A destination like no other, Pondicherry is fascinating. Owing to its popularity as a laid back destination, also a great hit with expats and backpackers, this town boasts of a number of things to do. Dabble in surfing, ...more
Learn surfing at Kallialay Surf School
Riding waves is probably the coolest thing to do in Pondicherry. Visiting Kallialay Surf School―run by two brothers from Spain―should be on the top of your to-do list if adventure is on your mind. The school has won acc...more
Volunteering at Auroville
If travelling for a cause is on your mind, Pondicherry has a lot to offer. Pondicherry’s neighbour Auroville wears the tag of India’s first experiential town, a major centre for volunteers interested in healthcare, educ...more
Yoga at Yoganjali Natyalayam
Learn the ancient practice of yoga at some of India’s best yoga schools in Pondicherry. Choose from vinyasa, hatha yoga, Iyenagar, Bikram, ashtanga or therapeutic form of yoga, Pondicherry has expert teachers for it all...more
Past perfect: A walk through Pondicherry
Pondicherry has found a delicate balance between its past and the present, and is a great example of an old city reinventing itself as a modern-day travel destination.
5 discerning boutiques in Pondicherry
Pondicherry’s leafy streets are dotted with boutiques selling clothes, leather products and other bric-a-brac.
Hidesign Flagship Store
Hidesign – the leather company known for its hand-crafted, eco-friendly leather products – was born in Pondicherry. Its main factory is located on the outskirts of the city, while the flagship store stands on Jawaharlal ...more
Weekend trips from Pondicherry
Culture, adventure, nature, religious, heritage and more—the places to visit near Pondicherry have everything on offer. While Chennai, just a short drive away, is a great place for culture lovers, Kodaikanal is alluring ...more
Mahabalipuram
Once a bustling port town, Mahabalipuram draws visitors because of its ancient temples and beautiful beach. Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site, it has an impressive temple complex dating back to the time of the Pallava ...more
Periyar National Park
Periyar National Park is a protected area in the districts of Idukki and Pathanamthitta in Kerala, south India. Famous as an elephant and tiger reserve, the Park is often called the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary or Thekkady...more
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