Pondicherry

Pondicherry isn’t one of those places in India, which is hidden. It is one of the most popular weekend destinations from Bangalore and Chennai. In my trip to this union territory to Pondicherry, I discovered things and places hidden from the normal tourist eye. Places and things, which you would not find in normal travel books. The roads less travelled.

Pondicherry



Best way to get around this small town is on hired bikes. There are plenty of shops in Mission Street hiring bikes and kinetics for as low as Rs 100 per day. Get hold of the tourist voucher with a map on it and explore the lanes. The French Colony is worth driving around for. The other reason why I insist on rented vehicles is that they work out cheaper than the auto rickshaws.

French Town



Take the bike and head out for East Coast Road, the one that connects Pondicherry to Chennai. It’s a beautiful road, with many virgin and isolated beaches. There can be a few local fishermen around but they do not bother you. It’s a safe place, I can say that because I went for the trip with another girl friend of mine and we never had any issues with gawking men or eve teasing.

East Coast Road



Ride around Auroville, it is definitely different from Pondicherry town. They have accommodation options and private beaches. They few hotels in Pondicherry, which are priced high, are not so much worth the money you pay for. I would recommend Annamalai, Anandha Inn or Ashoka Beach Resort. Promenade and Le Dupleix are also good options, but slightly on the expensive side.

Auroville



Food is excellent in some of the places. For Continental try Le Club or Promenade. For India food, I recommend Ashoka and Anandha Inn. The liquor is amazingly cheap in Pondicherry; even five stars in Pondicherry work out cheaper when it comes to food and alcohol. The service is another thing that impressed me, in fact the hotel that we were staying in served us liquor at 2am, room service, and coming from Bangalore any place that serves alcohol after 12 am is heaven.

Hotel Promenade



Visit Pondicherry, do not expect it to be like Goa but explore the place with out expecting anything and you will be fascinated.

Nature Nirvana

The Place



Need a quick weekend break? A place that is close to Bangalore yet very different and remote? Then a plantation home stay aptly named Nature Nirvana is a great option. Situated at a distance of 250 kilometres from Bangalore in Chikmangalur this is a small resort set amidst acres of coffee plantation. The resort is situated purposely in a very remote corner. The last 6 kilometres stretch to the resort is a very narrow mud road so it is advisable to drive through that road only in a heavy 4WD or the resort can arrange for a pick up and drop from Chikmangalur town at an extra cost.

The Main Bungalow



The accommodation options range from dormitory cottages to rooms. The top floor of the main bungalow has a common room, complete with fireplace and two bedrooms. The rooms are clean and have all the basic necessities. The ambience is more like a home in Nature Nirvana, so don’t expect a five star room or service. The food is also mainly South Indian and is made like home food by the cook. Nature Nirvana has package deals, the charges include accommodation and all three meals, including morning and evening tea. The place does not have a bar, so it is advisable to carry your own liquor.

The Stream




There is actually quite a lot to do in Nature Nirvana. The holiday home is surrounded by plantation so one can hike around the greenery. A stream flows very close to the holiday home so take a small trek to the stream and take a dip in the stream or go fishing. Nature Nirvana also has a small artificial lake close to the stream, which offers coracle rides. There is a huge volleyball court in the front yard, so one can indulge in volleyball or even cricket. Or simply laze around in the hammock. There are also a number of board games available.

Nature Nirvana



The best activity however would be to sit around the bonfire in the evenings that is offered as a complimentary from the holiday home and enjoy your drink along with the delicious snacks prepared by the cook. Just lie down in the front yard and gaze at the stars, who knows the nature might inspire you to become a Wordsworth. Or if it gets too cold, the staff lights the fireplace in the common room and you can shift your part indoors.

The home like ambience, the hospitable staff, the peace and tranquillity make Nature Nirvana a pretty good destination for a short break.