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Bored of the usual North India and Goa vlogs? Let's go somewhere different. Pondicherry (Puducherry), the "French Riviera of the East".
Prashant travelled solo for this one. Sunaina was in Pune for work, and he came over after a family trip to Tirupati.
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A short history
Pondicherry's story goes back 2,000 years. Archaeological finds show large-scale trade with the Roman Empire in the 1st century. After the Cholas and Pallavas, the French East India Company arrived in 1674 and made it their capital. The French and British fought over it several times. Fun fact: it was still under French rule when India became independent in 1947, and joined India only in 1954.
Today it's a Union Territory bordering Tamil Nadu. Hindi isn't widely spoken, but almost everyone speaks basic English, so language isn't a big problem.
Getting there
- Flight: Pondicherry has its own airport with direct flights from Bangalore, Chennai and more.
- Train: the railway station connects to many major cities.
- Bus from Chennai (what Prashant did): Tirupati → Chennai on the Saptagiri Express (about 3–3.5 hours), a night at the Pride Hotel, then an electric AC bus at 2 pm that took about 4.5 hours. Book a left-side window seat: you'll see the coastline. (Not sponsored, just a great service.)
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Open Trip.com →Where to stay: White Town
Pondicherry is bigger than people think. Stay in White Town, the French-colonial quarter that's barely changed in years. There's a photo op on every corner, and you can spend 3–4 hours just walking.
Prashant stayed at Hotel Aura by Voco Homes: about ₹7,000 for two nights (₹3,500/night) with breakfast. Not sponsored, just good value.
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Open Agoda →How many days?
Two days is plenty. There are beaches, Auroville, the Aurobindo Ashram and White Town. With a third day, add the mangrove forest.
Getting around
- Rent a scooty through your hotel reception. It's less risk of a scam. Film the whole scooty before you ride; the hotel itself advised this.
- Rapido bike rides for solo travellers: ₹27 to Rock Beach, when an auto quoted ₹150.
Day 1
Manakula Vinayagar Temple
A beautiful Ganesh temple with a lovely vibe. Start your trip here. There's lots of local shopping outside.
Auroville (do it properly)
About 30 minutes on a scenic road. From the visitor centre parking it's a long walk to the Matrimandir viewing point: 15 minutes plus another half km. A free bus brings you back.
Honest feedback: most tourists park, walk to the viewpoint, click a photo and think they've "seen Auroville". Prashant made the same mistake. Auroville is an experimental township, unique in the world, and you need to know the story: who Mirra Alfassa was, and why architect Roger Anger designed it this way. Otherwise you won't understand anything. At the entrance you can rent a cycle, and if you talk to locals you'll find much more to do. Go early morning or evening, not in the heat, and meditate if you like.
On the way back, stop at a café. The pizzas are amazing. Our pick is Tanto Pizzeria, which has great Google reviews.
Evening: a beach
Auroville Beach or Serenity Beach, then head back to town.
Day 2
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Phones are allowed but must be switched off. It's complete silence, with people meditating. Visit Sri Aurobindo's samadhi and sit for 5–10 minutes.
The promenade
Pondy Beach, Rock Beach and Promenade Beach are one shoreline, and none is big. You can't swim at Rock Beach because of the rocks. Pondy Beach has a small sandy patch. For a real beach day, go to Paradise Beach or Serenity.
The promenade is a no-vehicle zone, lovely for a 1–2 hour walk past the Gandhi statue, the war memorial and the lighthouse. Then go to Baker Street, a French café for tarts and cheesecake.
Also in White Town
- Sacred Heart Basilica: huge and gorgeous. Don't miss it.
- Bharathi Park.
- Café hopping: unique cafés, just like the vibe we loved in Chiang Mai.
- Arts & Crafts Village, about 15 minutes from White Town, if you like local crafts.
Shopping
Local shopping is good all over White Town, especially outside the Ganesh temple. You won't need to leave the area.
Expecting Goa? It isn't. Pondicherry is different, and that's the charm.
FAQs
How many days are enough for Pondicherry?
Two days, which suits a weekend. Add a third day if you want the mangrove forest.
How do I get from Chennai to Pondicherry?
Prashant took an electric AC bus, which took about 4.5 hours. Book a left-side window seat for coastal views. Pondicherry also has its own airport and railway station.
Which beach in Pondicherry can I swim at?
Not Rock Beach, which is all rocks. Pondy Beach has a small sandy patch; for a proper beach go to Paradise Beach, Serenity Beach or Auroville Beach.
TAGS: PONDICHERRY · PUDUCHERRY · AUROVILLE · WHITE TOWN · INDIA · ITINERARY
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Prashant & Sunaina
A travel couple from Pune with Kashmiri Pandit × Maharashtrian roots, 8+ countries and counting. Every rupee shared.
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