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.