We were visiting Nellore for a friends marriage on a thursday and had time on the weekend to plan for a place. We chose pondicherry and plan was to start early in the morning from Kavali in Andhra Pradesh.
The strip commenced at 6.30 and plan was to reach pondicherry by 12 noon via Chennai. The trip started and we were four friends driving a Maruti Baleno. We had a stop after Nellore for a breakfast and went to a drive-in. The restaurant was beside a BP fuel point and had a children play area, well maintained toilets and every thing was fine including the parking and food. Though a bit expensive but was worth the money spent and started again.
On the Way you will pass through the Nelapattu Bird sanctuary and we has skipped it assuming we can cover and return back. However, if you are not sure of your return path better you visit it. This is one of the best places to see as the Flamingos throng here for breeding in the sseaon. The chances of spotting a lot of others birds are also high. If you are a nature lover, the Pulicat lake and the area make it a ideal spot to visit.
We Crossed the border and entered Chennai and took the outer ring road to head to Pondi. Our plan was to drive the East Cost road and reach Mahabalipuram and stay a Night and head to Pondy. Due to the Chinese Premier Xi ping we had to skip that plan and head to Pondy. We had a break for 1 mins for a brief smoke and tea and headed straight to pondy. We passed the Ford Car Factory and reached pondy at 12 PM. The Weather was good with a drizzle here and there and the roads were good but has to shell a lot of money to tolls.
It was around 12.30, as planned we reached pondicherry. we had moved around a lot to see if we can get a good place to stay. however, through makemytrip .com we found a good deal to stay at Villa Montecarlo - in the Heritage Town. The First impression was great and we felt like we are in another world with the charm and the majesty of the french. The old style architecture and the well laid out rods and the majestic pavilions make you feel the vintage times of the erstwhile pondicherry.
We had moved to the room, which was big well laid and clean. The staff at the hotel were very cordial and soft spoken. We settled our things and went out for a lunch. Very near to the hotel within a walk-able distance was Hotel Adayar Bhavan. we had a very nice vegetarian lunch and headed to hotel for short sleep.
In the evening at 5.30 PM, we set out to see the rock beach. we explored all the beach road and had walked to the promenade Beach. We visited the Police Headquarters, Light House, The Mahatma Statute and Fountain Decor. It was a full moon and the reflection of the moon in the sea is a sight to behold. We returned back to reach Aurobindo Ashram Guest house, though entry is restricted. we walked on the Old port Pier and returned to settle at the sea Gulls Bar and Restaurant. The Open Bar was quite a good place for a beer and enjoy the sea side breeze.
The Best part of the pondicherry is to enjoy the Night Life, but on the Saturday and Sundays most of the places famous for night Life have restricted stag entry. So try to take your girl friend along if you wanna enjoy the pub and disco in Pondicherry. We were stags and really missed to enjoy the Night life. we headed to the Villa Krish Rooftop Bar beside our Hotel and had a drink sitting in the roof top. But after exploring, I would suggest you settle for a drink at Hotel Ajanta Sea View...Facing the rock Beach just across the road. The Ambiance and the views are stunning.
The food In Pondicherry is bit expensive but u can find a lot of options. It has everything to offer like sea food, Continental, Local cuisine, Andhra, Tamil, Kerala and French. We packed food and drinks and settled to our room for a drink and merry.The food at Karaikal restaurant was yummy though the quantity was less.
Next Day we woke up, early in the morning and walked straight to the rock beach to view the Sunrise. The View of the Sunrise in Pondicherry is never to be missed. It all happens in 15 mins but a view to behold and cherish. We visited the Lady of the Angeles church after the Sunrise and planned our day ahead. We planned to drive around the ECR road and had a adventure activities for the day before noon after our breakfast at Adayar Bahavan. Taste the Pongal and Chandrakala Sweet there.
Thrill Valley is the place we chose, We had ATV rides, Shooting, Archery, Trampoline jump, Zap-line and Rope Climbing and headed to the beach. We skipped the Auroville Beach and went to the serenity Beach. The beach was pristine clear and no crowd. We spent a few hosurs and went for our lunch at Adayar Bahavan.
After a sumptuous Lunch, we headed to the Paradise Beach for Dinner on the Boat. But it was closed and we headed to the paradise beach. This is the only paid beach in Pondicherry and well maintained. The waves are less and if you are water baby this is the place to be. We had a plan for snorkeling and Scuba diving but it needed a full day, which costs 9000. we couldn't make it but sure to do it once again when we go there. We spent out evening at the paradise beach swimming, we had a jet boa ride and also few water sport adventure at this site. We didn't find much places for water sports but there are a lot of tours conducted along with the local fisherman to take over the sea and show the fishing and other activities. We never went on any guided tour but has a plan to do a bicycle tour next time we visit, only one that seemed interesting.
That Night we settled at Rendezvous Bar for a drink and relax after hectic day and the mood of leaving pondicherry the next morning. The place and ambiance are good. There was a live music band and the food was tasty. We had a couple of hours to spend there and went to the party in the room. With lot of liquor options at very low rates,this was like party with unlimited drinks and food teasing, chatting, expressing with friends. The Night was spent till we were full and exhausted.
The Next day, we left Pondicherry and left for Kanchipuram, to visit historical temples and had a darshan of Goddess Kamakshi. The Temple is rebuilt and well maintained. we visited a few other temples and headed for shopping at Patchiappan's silk House, for the elegant Kanchi sarees for our better half and kids(only to excuse ourselves from travelling on a holiday leaving them at Home :)). We had our return and though passed through thiruttani, the temple famous for murugan,we had to skip because of our long road ahead. We passed thirupathi, Ontimitta and finally reach Hyderabad at 3 AM in the morning. If you have a day it is better u visit this places too.
In the conclusion, Pondicherry is for people who love pristine beaches, the Old heritage charm, The adventure, Liesure, Drink and Food and a place to get lost with your partner. If you are a solo traveller, rent a bicycle or a bike, book a cottage at the seaside for one day, go for a scuba diving, heritage walk. Visit the Vinayaka Temple, the Chruch and the old streets of pondicherry. In the evening enjoy the street food trucks near the Asian House, relax at a cafe with a beer and a book, or take your girl friend for a pub. If you are a shopper, there are a lot of antique shops, book shops and learning and volunteering events you can plan in advance. Happy Holidaying in Pondicherry.
Special Thanks for my friends Krishna, Vinay and Many many thanks for Manideep for driving us safe. We enjoyed each other in our company and never got lost in unnecessary things. Kudos Guys, let us plan once gain to another place...Keep identifying.