Pondicherry is one of the most off beat destinations to travel to in India. A French colony during the British Era, this place has still retained its wonderful French charm. A small town, just a few hundred kilometres out of Chennai, Pondicherry or Puducherry, as it is called now, is a must visit for anyone who loves beach towns.
Walking through the lanes of this little town, it is easy to forget that you’re actually in India and not in small French town in Europe. The paved streets and European bungalows can confuse even a seasoned travellers’ soul.
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If you really want to experience the charm of this little town, then here are some experiences you need to have when you travel to Pondicherry.
- Stay in a historic hotel : A lot of Pondicherry hotels are not your conventional tourist hotels. These hotels have be created out of old French quarters and they still retain their French charm. The Tamil quarter, or the Ville Noir, is the ‘living quarter’ where you can experience the unique Franco-Tamil ambience, a mix of both French and Indian hospitality.
- The Cross Cultural Experience: Nowhere else in India will you find a culture that is such a stark blend of two very different cultures. You can find traces of French influence in the food of Pondicherry and also Tamilian influence in the architecture of this little town. Just walking up and down the streets is an experience in itself and to top it off, every other turn is a photo opportunity you cannot miss.
- Beaches: Pondicherry has a number of beaches. These beaches are largely untouched and clean, unlike the other beaches in India. Paradise beach in Pondicherry is like a shot out of a postcard. This place is a must visit for anyone travelling to Pondicherry. You can enjoy a beautiful sunset at this picturesque beach or you could indulge in some water sports here too.
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- Experience Auroville: Auroville or the ‘the city of Dawn’ is a unique town, just a few kilometres outside Pondicherry. In this town, men and women, from any country of the world can live together in peace and harmony. The huge golden dome in the centre of this small town is a huge attraction and a perfect picture opp.
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- French churches and basilicas: Pondicherry is home to a number of colonial churches that will instantly transport you to the small European towns where you can expect to find them. A must visit among these is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, also known as the Parent church for Catholic diocese for Pondicherry and Cuddalore. Established in 1907, attending a service or even just sitting in silence in this church can help you calm yourself and go down a few stress levels as well.
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No matter what you do, whether you live in one of the many Pondicherry hotels or choose experience this French town with some locals, travelling to Pondicherry is something every travel buff must do at least once is his or her lifetime.
