Pondicherry Reviews

Overview of the destination
This is the first part of my review of the two destinations along the coastal part of Tamilnadu namely Pondicherry and Mahabalipuram. These two destinations complement each other so well that I decided to call them 'Coastal Couple.' Quite, Serene and beautiful. A stroll through the Pondicherry beach through the Gandhi chowk, Ashram walk or the Auroville, everything can be enjoyed in its own unique way. The Pondicherry beaches, Ashram, Auroville and then a drive through East Coast Road to Mahabalipuram for a glimpse into history adds a diverse holiday experience.

Food, sight-seeing and shopping
The best way to enjoy Pondicherry is to hire a bike. Its easily available at any market place, they just need your ID proof to be deposited with them and a couple of hundred bucks. One can hire it for about 150-200 Rs a day. Seagull Restaurant is a government rest which I liked most. Not because of the items served here but because of the location advantage it is having. Right on the beach with a view of the bridge into the sea. A must for everyone - An evening walk onto the Pondicherry beach with the sea smashing onto the shore.

Activities & things to do
Since I had taken a city hotel, I didn't get a chance to take a dip into the sea. Anyways I was even afraid of that. But one thing I didn't missed to take a dip into. And that?s 'Beer Wine'. They are damn cheap over here.

Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc.
I had air tickets from Delhi to Bangalore and vice versa. Already had a booking of luxury Buses from Bangalore to Pondicherry. Having started in night around 10 PM I reached Pondy early morning. I had a booking at Hotel Ram International. When I talked to them while doing a booking they said me that I would reach around 9 AM. And now when I reached at 5 they refused to entertain me saying that the booking started at 9 and all other rooms are full. Fortunately the autowala took me to Hotel Soorya International, a good budget hotel near ashram. Find the Review continuation 'Trip to 'Coastal Couple' - I' at Mahabalipuram Review pages

Overview of the destination
I along with my wife visited Pondy after it was referred to us by some of my friends. Initially I was bit sceptic after going thru net as Pondicherry didn?t have much to offer. But we were mistaken, if you love sitting by sea side and enjoy sea breeze this is THE place. Nice people and crowd are also decent. One can find lots of foreigners about Aurovindo ashram

Food, sight-seeing and shopping
Go to Auroville a must. Unique temple they are constructing is awesome. For those who hate idol worshipping & temple crowd et al this is marvellous. There is a secluded beach near Auroville where you can enjoy swimming and find lots of foreigners sunbathing tanning themselves. One can also indulge in shopping-handicrafts, clothes.

Activities & things to do
Auroville is a must. The main beach offers you a serene milieu facing opp French colony, just sit on any of the rocks holding your beloved hands & enjoy the sea breeze. Aurovindo ashram is another place one can go. Dont go to botanical garden - waste act.

Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc.
Stayed in Jayaram hotel. Nice and maintained well though food was strictly veg and south Indian touch. But lots of joints offering diff cuisine. avoid peak summers.350 km from banglore,6 hrs drive.