Pondicherry

“Smell the sea, and feel the sky; Let your soul and spirit fly.” -Van Morrion

And if you are craving to gift your spirit wings, drink a red bull and book your trip to PONDICHERRY... A complete trip that fits the pocket with the budget of ₹ 16,000-19,000p.p.

How to reach here:

Air : PONDICHERRY AIRPORT (PNY) can be one bet, or flying to CHENNAI AIRPORT (MAA) and thereafter catching a bus (from CMBT) or a private taxi can be a sparing bet.

Rail : Directly PONDICHERRY STATION (PDY) or VILLUPURAM JUNCTION (VM) in close proximity can be opted for travelling via rail.

Road : well connected by road , multiple buses ply daily from Chennai (153 km : 4-5 hours), Bangalore (307 km : 7-8 hours), Hyderabad(780 km : 15-16 hours)

Travelling from Chennai to Pondy? Serenity beach is the best way to begin the trip. The drive from Chennai to Pondy is beautiful, as you will be driving along the coast side. The bright stretch of glistening blue water is bound to take your breath away.

PRO TIP:

• From Chennai Airport, the nearest bus-stop is CMBT. In every 15 min a AC bus leaves for Pondicherry @ ₹ 250.

One can choose to spend the entire day at a beach facing villa. Just treat yourself to the relaxing and calming ocean; as the Serenity beach looks absolutely stunning from the rooftop. If you are one of those people who plan their trips according to the weather conditions, you might get a chance to interact with people surfing.

SUGGESTIONS:

• AIRBNB is the best option to find beach villas. While we are your best bet to help you get better prices than AIRBNB.

• Must try: "Chettinadu chicken/fish" from authentic south indian restaurant

• Though Theevu Plage beach resort is overrated but you should definitely try the "Pana Cotta"
  

The French colony aka White Town can be next stoppage point. You'll get to witness the French architecture, first hand. Don't forget to appreciate the roads flanked with palm trees on both sides, standing tall, and gazing the Promenade Beach.

You might rent a scooty (₹250) or bicycle (₹100) as per your convenience.

MUST COVER PLACES:

• Immaculate Conception Cathedral ( 7am- 12pm; 3pm- 8:30pm)

• Old Light House, Gandhi Statue at Promenade Beach

• Statue of Dupleix

• Maitrimandir (Auroville) Entry Fee - Free with pass Pass issuing time - 9am- 4pm (Mon- Sat) 9am- 1pm (Sun)

• Paradise Beach: This beach makes up for everything it lacks in the hype by offering a beautiful view. Since the hype is less, you might find it cleaner, and less crowded.

• Chunnambar Boat House to ride in the back waters.

EATERIES/CAFES:

• Cafe hopping in Auroville: A couple of notable cafe's are "Auroville Bakery", "Bread and Chocolate" and wood-fired pizza at "Tanto".

• On the Promenade you'll notice 'Le Cafe', which is the only place which caters you 24X7.

Pondicherry might not have many places one can visit but the beauty of this old French colony, lies in ites beautiful yet aggressive( tide- wise) beaches, Palm tree covered roads, the ancestral architecture, calming sea breeze and yummy bakeries/pizzarias. And important of all you get the cheapest booze.

VACATIONARY ADVICE:

You might want to keep your options open if you are a Delhite and opt for a connecting flight via Hyderabad. Most flights have between 8-10 hour layover, which will give you ample amount of time to hit a couple of iconic spots and enjoy hyderabadi biryani before your head home...

Let the waves hit your feet, and the sand be your seat.

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