Hello travel buddies, it’s Garima on this side.
As a corporate professional, long weekends are gold. My sister asked for a chill spot—easy reach, cool vibes, good stays, budget-friendly. I’m on the hunt for an Independence Day escape in India.
The task took time, but my travel instincts kicked in. Always keep a list. Puducherry or Pondicherry fit perfectly—great August weather matched my sister’s checklist. Decisions are made smoothly. This Union Territory is a rich blend of Indian and French cultures and scenic beaches. Peaceful vibe, perfect for relaxation and spiritual exploration. Evolving food scene with traditional and modern cafes.
I spent 4 days and 3 nights in serene Puducherry, your next serene destination in India.
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Routes to Puducherry
- To get to Pondicherry from Chandigarh, you can choose between road, railway, or flight.
- Since there were no direct flights from Chandigarh to Pondicherry, we opted for a direct 3-hour flight to Chennai first.
- From Chennai, we took a cab from the airport, which took an additional 2 hours to reach our hotel in Pondicherry.
- Alternatively, you can skip the cab and take local buses from Chennai to Pondicherry.
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Places to visit in Puducherry
- Promenade Beach
- MG Road (for shopping and eating)
- Sunset or Sunrise Boating across Mangrove Forests
- Flower Market (during the morning)
- Rock Beach
- Puducherry Museum
- Paradise Beach
- Serenity Beach
- French Colony (for photography across multiple-colored walls)
- Auroville
- Sacred Heart Basilica
- Romain Rolland Library
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Hidden Gem in Puducherry
During our stay, we stumbled upon the ‘Sita Cultural Center,’ an activity hub offering various local classes on cooking, music, and more. A highly recommended experience is their morning or evening cycling tours, priced at around Rs. 1500 per person. Lasting for 1.5 hours and conducted in small groups of 8–10 people, these tours provide a detailed and enjoyable exploration of the Union Territory.
The best stay in Puducherry
Based on my experience, choosing accommodation in or around the White Town area is an excellent decision to maximize your time in the Union Territory. This location offers close access to numerous cafes, beaches, and shopping vendors, enhancing your overall experience.
- On day one, we chose to stay at the Ginger Hotel, which I would rate an average of 3 out of 5.
- On Days two and three, we spent a little extra and stayed at the De Fleur Hotel and Hotel Ibis, respectively.
All these accommodations are conveniently located near many tourist attractions, allowing easy exploration on foot or by hiring a taxi or auto.
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The Best Food in Puducherry
We explored a variety of places for meals, including fancy cafes and authentic local stalls. I recommend you try a mix of both to truly experience the essence of both Indian and French culture in Puducherry. Eating out in the area wasn’t overly expensive, and many cafes offered reasonably priced food, making it a delightful culinary experience.
Here is a list of my top recommendations and the respective eateries:
- Cafe Des Arts: Berry Crepes, Organic Green Teas, and Affogato
- Saravana Bhavan: Traditional South Indian Thali Lunch
- Le Pondicherry: Cappuccino and Croissants
- Surguru Restaurant: Ghee Podi Roast Dosa
- Local Vendors for Coconut Water and Filter Coffee
- The Chez Artizan: Handmade Pastas and Vegan Ramen
- Le Cafe: Filter Coffee, Traditional Butter Jam Toast, Veg Cutlets, and Organic Teas
- Pasta Bar Veneto: Handmade Pastas, Pizzas, and Cocktails
- Sicily’s: Pasta, Pizza, and Garlic Bread
- The Smoothie Bar: Fresh Juices and Smoothies
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The best time to visit Puducherry
Though it’s always warm in Pondicherry, the ideal months to visit are October to March. The town’s charms, though, vary depending on the season. Nevertheless, the weather becomes somewhat calmer and cooler in October and beyond, making it ideal for sightseeing, beach activities, and diving.
Tips for Travelers
- Bring cash; not all local vendors accept online payments.
- Pack flip-flops for the beach stay.
- Make a short list of cafes in Puducherry to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- When you shop from local vendors, you can get very good deals on authentic stuff.
- To get around Puducherry, you can walk, use local autos, taxis (local or Ola), or, if you drive, rent scooters or cars for longer distances.
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What is the average budget for the trip?
Accommodation in the Union Territory varies in price, from Rs. 1500 per night for hotels and hostels to around Rs. 20K for luxury resorts. Meals also have a wide range, from Rs. 50 for a South Indian thali to Rs. 300 for a cafe meal. If you plan to rent a scooter for a day, it’s approximately Rs. 400, excluding petrol costs.
Puducherry, with its vibrant streets, delectable cuisine, and cultural gems, is undoubtedly a destination that etches itself into your travel memories.
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Happy Exploring!!!