Pondicherry: Vibrant Getaway on India’s East Coast

During the colonial days, unlike the British, the French did not have a lot of control over India. But, they did manage to stamp their authority in one small town on the East coast of India. This town, Pondicherry, a union territory located in the Tamil Nadu state of India is a vibrant concoction of rich Tamil culture, great beaches, a very visible French architecture, the site for meditation and calm and great French and Tamil food.



All these attributes ensure that Pondicherry is a hot favorite both with the domestic and foreign tourists. In fact, such is the diversity of this place that it is a very popular weekend getaway from the metropolitan cities of Chennai and Bangalore. For the young traveler, Pondicherry appeals due to the low cost of alcohol and good beaches. For the seasoned travelers, the French style colonial architecture, good French wines, great food and interesting culture keep them interested. For those who seek solitude or calm, head to the Auroville Ashram in Pondicherry.



There is so much that one can do here that you need multiple weekends here or even better if you have an extended holiday. With good road and rail networks, Pondicherry is very well connected with the rest of the country. And the hotels in Pondicherry span from a simple budget hotel to a colonial bungalow to beach side retreats making for a great set of options to choose from.



For those holidaying here, they need not just be limited to this seaside town. Instead, they can explore the UNESCO World heritage seashore temples at Mahabalipuram (about 50 kms north of Pondicherry), the massive Chidambaram Natarajar temple and one of the prime seats of Shaivism in India (about 70 kms south of Pondicherry) and/or the remote Danish town of Tranquebar (about 110 kms south of Pondicherry).



If temples and history, appeal to you, then you have lots of options in neighbouring Tiruvannamalai or at Kumbakonam, the capital of South India’s temples. The best part about all this is that you can base yourself at Pondicherry and explore all these places as part of multiple day trips, according to your convenience and choice. There are many budget hotels in Pondicherry if you are a budget traveler. If you are not one, then the rich collection of Pondicherry hotels will ensure that you are spoilt for choices.

Go ahead and enjoy this rich and diverse town on India’s East Coast!!

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Auroville – A Zone of Peace and Greenery

There are quite a few things that one associates with Pondicherry in India. The French settlement and its ensuing lifestyle, Auroville, Aurobindo Ashram and the magic of the east coast.


But, when it comes to finding inner peace, locals and foreigners alike proceed towards Auroville.


Auroville is located about 14 kms north from the town of Pondicherry on the fringes of the east coast road highway.


Auroville or the city of dawn is an extremely green and forested corridor in an otherwise dry and deforested region. This greenery is a pleasant break from the harsh temperatures outside this evolving city.


When I visited this place a couple of weeks back, I found the temperatures inside to be three degrees (in degree celsius) lower than the temperatures outside, which is quite a difference. And the credit for all this goes to the vision of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.


During my visit here, I got to visit the Matrimandir, which is at a short walk from the Visitor’s centre. Unfortunately for me, the Matrimandir was closed, but I got to admire it and its peaceful and green surroundings from the outside. The Matrimandir or the sanctum of peace is still under construction and is hence only open during the morning hours.


The thing that captured my imagination here is the huge banyan tree with its umpteen roots. Apparently, this banyan tree is the geographical centre of Auroville. Sitting under the shade of this massive banyan tree is very relaxing is what I found.

My short trip to Auroville was great, but I yearn for more. This place deserves at least a week if not more to become one with it and admire and appreciate its peaceful values.

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