Give yourself a Pondy break!

Puducherry, formerly known as Pondicherry is a Union Territory of India formed out of four exclaves of former French India- Pondichery, Yanam, Mahe and Karaikkal. Union territory is named after Pondicherry, the largest district of the four.

People are cool and they love their place, most of them speak fluent Tamil and French.

Pondy – as we fondly call it, Pondicherry offers something new and fresh every time I give a visit. I never get bored of this place. It might be because of my 'jaunty' uncle's family living in Pondy but then the place by itself has an aura of peace and happiness.

Yes the place is very small, no rules on road – What can you actually do in Pondicherry?

No, I am not going to list down all the beaches, temples, churches and parks(along with their history, no.) in Pondy. Only a few that you cannot afford to miss.

One day trip to Pondy / Two days trip to pondy / Sightseeing in Pondy /Leisure trip to Pondy.

Here are top 5 – (You can cover all the 5 within two days. Can be done in one day if you skip to go inside Auroville).

1. A visit to Manakula vinayagar temple and Aurobindo ashram. Both are only half a street apart. Ashram is a mausoleum – Samadhi of The Mother and Shri Aurobindo. It also serves as a place of meditation and a spiritual center for many Indian and foreign nationals.
   Ashram timing- 8 am to 12 noon; 2pm to 6pm. Children below 3 years are not allowed inside.
   Phone : 91-413-233604Email : bureaucentral@sriaurobindoashram.org
    
   

   

   
   
2. A road trip to Auroville. Auroville society and the MatriMandir, designed by French architect Roger Anger, is a concentration/meditation center for people seeking divine consciousness. Most of the residents are foreigners. This place takes half your day. The Auroville Visitors Centre (Ph: 0413 – 2622239), Call them up for advance booking. Cover Auro beach en-route.

 

3. An evening in the Promenade beach. Do not skip to stroll along statues, light house, Bharathi park and to snack on Le Cafe when you are here. 

4. Ariyankuppam boating. (Chunnambar). A very serene place I would say, you can reach the shore of the paradise beach with a 20-minute boat ride. This small island has resorts with tree houses and multi-cuisine restaurants. You can plan to spend a day or two here. Timing - 9 am to 5pm.

5. A movie and a day of shopping on the Goubert and Sunday markets. Shopping experience in Auroshree, Kalki, Casablanca have been good for me. For more options please check this list – http://meeranjali.com/Pondicherry_information/Pondicherry_Shopping.html.  

All places in Pondy are only a maximum of 12-15 kms apart. You can combine places according to your convenience and place of stay to prepare your own itinerary.

If the above list is done and you still have time, try these off-beat places too- 

1. Arikamedu – Archeological site that has structures reflecting Roman settlements and again you have a 20 minute boat ride to give you a view of Veerampattinam beach. Photographers take a note.

2. Ananda Rangapillai House- Home of a Dubash who served during the French East India Company days. Known for its hybrid French and Indian style architecture.

3. Puducherry Science center and Planetarium – The Science Park in Lawspet has various sections like demonstration corner, kids corner, marine and others. The Puducherry Science Centre and Planetarium is open from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm on all days except Mondays and National Holidays.
 

4. Tasmai Art Gallery - The gallery timing are: 3 to 7 p.m. daily except on Mondays.
Mornings by appointment only. They have an art shop where you can buy crafted items.

5. Botanical Gardens – Located in South Boulevard near old bus stand, this park has toy trains, dancing fountains, aquarium and a Japanese rock. Rides, food and beverages are chargeable. Timing- 9:00am – 8:00pm.

 

6. Ousteri Lake – This man-made lake also called Osudu is located 10 kms from Pondy. Boat-rides are available. Timings – 9 AM to 5PM.

 

Good Restaurants in Pondy - Click here.

Where to stay in Pondy?

Promenade, LePondy, Ocean spray resorts are good. Personally recommend Kailash resort next to Le Pondy. Click here - Kailash Resort to visit their website. Very well maintained, calm, pre-French styled place, nominal, good food and friendly staff. Do not confuse this with the one on ECR.

Next time I visit Pondy dear Pondy, probably I will have more options to update here :)

Pic courtesy: Pondytourism