Why You Should Sneak Away to Pondicherry This Last Quarter of The Year

It's usually humid in Pondicherry throughout the year, but we still like it because who doesn't like the beach. But it's far more pleasant if one plans a visit between October-January. And we highly r

It’s usually humid in Pondicherry throughout the year, but we still like it because who doesn’t like the beach. But it’s far more pleasant if one plans a visit between October-January. And we highly recommend that you give a chance to this beach on the eastern coast of the country as opposed to the ones on the western coast; this Union Territory is not as commercialised, thereby promising unparalleled peace and tranquility. It is a 155 kms drive away from Chennai and just a flight away from Bengaluru or Hyderabad.

Here are some more reasons to prove that Pondicherry is a great place for a short vacation:

Pristine beaches

The beaches in Pondicherry are so clean, you’ll be taken by surprise. No hawkers or vendors, it’s a beach where one can not expect any commercial activity. You could sun bathe and look into the horizon where the beautiful blue water meets the sky with absolutely no interference. Some of the best beaches though are Promenade beach, Paradise beach, Serenity beach and Auro beach.

French architecture and colour-splashed houses

It’s a delight to see a quaint town with houses that look like they’re straight from the postcard. Pretty by-lanes with French colonial architecture also make for great photograph. Since it’s such a compact town, one could easily explore it on feet or rent a bicycle.

Auroville

Image courtesy: Getty

It is a township very close to Pondicherry that promotes peace and spiritual healing. Matrimandir, an ashram, is quite architectural marvel where one can avail various healing therapy sessions. A great place for yoga and meditation, the structure belongs to no particular religion or sect. Auroville also has a lifestyle boutique and gorgeous cafes where you can unwind after sight-seeing.

Cafes, coffee and cocoa

Image Courtesy

Now, who doesn’t like any of the those? From some kickass coffee, to an authentic French croissant, to hot chocolate to salmon fishcakes and fresh salad  – everything you eat is bound to taste divine. The food is crafted with a lot of love and care and the cafes that deserve a visit are: La Closerie, Zuka, Cafe Des Arts and Le Cafe. The cafe in La Maison Rose deserves a special mention for its garden restaurant.

Churches and museums

Pondicherry is very rich in history and culture. And is home to about 30 different temples and churches. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, an early-20th-century Catholic church, Manakula Vinayagar Temple with an elephant , Pondicherry Museum displaying carriages and stone sculptures and bronzes and Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual center devoted to integral yoga are some important places to visit.