A Walk through the French Colony of Pondicherry

A French colony until 1954, Pondicherry or Puducherry is a Union Territory town surrounded by the southeastern state of Tamil Nadu in India. The French style built colonies, lined with trees and mustard coloured villas make for a pretty site to live or to lodge. Pondicherry has the little sweet nothings that are worth visiting and experiencing once in a lifetime. Take a few hints from this section.

Go through a travel portal which would guide through the best spots, eateries, shops, and hotels in Pondicherry. Since Pondicherry is not that vast in area, it is easier to explore it. The closest airport to Pondicherry is the Chennai Airport, which is 135 km away from Pondicherry. One can hire a cab from the airport to reach Pondicherry.

French Quarter/White Town

These are a series of cobbled streets, lined with trees adorning the bougainvillea-draped mustard-white villas that scream of the French chic bohemian style of architecture. No one would ever want to live or lodge anywhere else once they have been to the "White Town" of Pondicherry. Some of the finest hotels in Pondicherry are located in this very French Boulevard, so grab the best one.

Aurobindo Ashram

For inner peace seekers, this place can do wonders. Founded by Sri Aurobindo and a French woman known as "The Mother," this flower shaped dome ashram has devotees working in different departments. They preach of integral yoga that will help attain divinity to human nature. The evening meditation session is open only to those who have the passes or are a guest at the ashram.

Seafront

Take a romantic stroll at the Goubert Avenue or Beach Road. At the crack of dawn and dusk, this whole stretch is heavenly. As a cherry on top, traffic is banned from 6:00 pm to 7:30 am on this road. It would be an added advantage if one is staying at a seafront hotel or guesthouse.

Located on the promenade, this calm and serene church has the facade that one cannot ignore but notice. The twin towers and dome in a gloomy pink color make for its structure and the insides are just surreal. For a quiet or some alone time, make a visit to Notre Dame des Anges.

Shopping and Eating

Some known and some local brands are there in Pondicherry that make sure that the shopaholics get their dose of dope. The chic boutiques look so cute and pretty that one cannot resist visiting them at least once.

The food in Pondicherry is a fusion of French and Coastal cuisine. Be it small or big, every eatery in Pondicherry will make sure that their visitors have the feel of the fusion to the fullest.

Thanks to the Indian Railway that there are pretty good options to travel to Pondicherry from anywhere across the country. The airlink isn't that feasible, since the airport is 135 km away. So depending on the city of departure, choose a feasible mode for a comfortable journey. Au revoir.