Sunday, May 25, 2014

Walking the streets of India's French Riviera: Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India's small little seaside  town, was a French occupied colony right from the 1670's to 1990's. The French might have left Pondicherry but the streets, the architecture, the cusine still are very reminiscent of the historical era.

Walking around the white town area, which has narrow streets lined with French styled bungalows, is a delight. Most of the houses were built during french occupation and  have a bright yellow to white paint and boast of french styled windows, gates,  lights etc.

A number of these houses have accomodation facilities and run restaurants or cafes.  It is indeed a 'worth it' experience to spend a few days in one of these bungalows to get the old world feel and taste some awesome french cusine.

Another great aspect about choosing White Town as a place to stay in Pondicherry is that the beach is only a stone throw away. Just a few minutes of walk through the pretty streets can take you right up to the rocky beach and a host of cafes and restaurants which line the street facing the sea.

Le Cafe is a must for tourists who enjoy bakery delicacies and a good ambience. The seaside location of the cafe and the good food it offers makes it a wonderful experience and gives it a 'money well spent' tag.

Another fascinating locale of Pondicherry requires a bit of a drive away from the center of the city. Auroville township located on the outskirts of the city has been set up on the premise that all men and women from different countries should live in peace and progressive harmony. The township has residents from all over the world and the famous Matri Mandir has been built here.

Matri mandir

One of the best beaches of pondicherry is the 'Paradise' beach and a number of seaside resorts located on this beach make for a delightful stay. 

Paradise beach

Arikemedu ruins

Aurobindo ashram



Pondicherry is a delightful small little seaside town which is rich in culture and history and a wonderful holiday destinition.

11 comments:

Deaf Mamma said...

Your post reminded me of my Pondi visit. Did you buy anything from Auroville ?

Best,
http://sinhasat302.blogspot.in/

Loudthinkin said...

Hey Shweta, isn't Pondi so beautiful?.. I loved every bit of it...I did a bit of rasta shopping in auroville..but what I cherish most is a handmade calender which sits pretty on my office work station :)

BeautyDrugs said...

Beautiful Post!! Nature is so beautiful. No doubt .. Loving whole post. Wanna go there.

Unknown said...

I'm actually afraid to go India alone because of the safety issues. Perhaps it is safer at Pondicherry?

Loudthinkin said...

Hina, thank you so much and yes you should definitely plan a trip... The place is very alive during Christmas to Newyear.. so that may be the best time to be there but get your bookings early or it will be difficult o find a place to stay there :)

Loudthinkin said...

Tiffany... I am so sad to hear that.. sad to hear that my country has such a bad image.. but honestly when I was in Pondicherry, it was teaming with tourists from abroad..and it's some distasteful incidences which have given the India a bad name but that's just media hype.. really , there is no such safety issue which should deter you from coming to a beautiful place like Pondicherry

Eng Tinkham said...

Awesome! I am a huge fan of nature. and if I had the chance I will visit india

Eng Tinkham said...

Awesome! I am a huge fan of nature. and if I had the chance I will visit india

Loudthinkin said...

I am so glad to hear that :) you won't regret it, I assure you!

Suzanne said...

Such an intriguing and interesting country. I would love to visit someday..

Loudthinkin said...

Suzanne, so happy to hear that.. plan one soon :)