With just six hours away from Bangalore and ample of sea to breathe in, Pondicherry is an easy choice for a weekend. So, here is what we did for an entire day in Pondicherry. Given a chance, I would extend my stay for the entire weekend and not just one day. But then, I was tight on time and tried to experience the best of the beautiful Pondicherry in one day. I must say, you will be really happy to know the Pondicherry that I saw.
We boarded a bus on Friday night from Shantinagar Bus Stop. Having done with dinner, all packed for Pondicherry, we stepped into the bus. And that being a sleeper bus, off we went to sleep.
Next morning, around 5:30 am, the bus dropped us in Pondicherry. Getting off the bus, we were greeted by a group of auto driver. They are always available, but you have to master the art of bargaining in case you are a tourist. A cute little sister researching at the Pondicherry University was going to our partner for the day. So, we were aware of the rates to reach our hotel. Yet, we had to struggle a lot. And finally made the deal.
Even though for a day, but we needed a place to rest and freshen up. We chose a place near Auroville that was perfect for our tight budget. Vedanta Wake Up- Auroville Beach was our place of stay. We were tired and headed straight to our room. The entire day was to be spent exploring Pondicherry, hence we thought of resting our back for a while. Sorry, for capturing pics of the room. But, trust me it was cozy. In case you are travelling in a group, do look out for their dormitory. It’s perfect for every gang.
Ready for the day, we headed towards the Auroville beach. Our travel partner took us to this amazing place situated right on the beach; Nalla Eco Beach Resort. This resort is a good option in case you are coming down with your family or as a couple, and wish in Auroville. However, we were tight on budget and hence stepped in to only celebrate the day.
Ready for the day, we headed towards the Auroville beach. Our travel partner took us to this amazing place situated right on the beach; Nalla Eco Beach Resort. This resort is a good option in case you are coming down with your family or as a couple, and wish in Auroville. However, we were tight on budget and hence stepped in to only celebrate the day.
Having taken a round of the property and gazing at the sea right in front, we sat in one cozy corner. Sipping on chilled beer and having some great food, we sat there spending almost 4 hours.
Did I tell you that we ditched the blazing sun and ran to the beach? Not just that, as we also spoke to a couple of fishermen as they seemed busy wrapping up their day.
Next, we headed to Serenity Beach. One of the most beautiful beach of Pondicherry, and a must visit one, if you are a sunset chaser.
As we sat on the rock platform that ran right into the sea, what a sight it was! The sun setting towards the right and some crazy bunch of people still bathing in the sea towards the left, as I sat on the platform, waving at the sun setting behind.
This beach closes after sunset. So, in case you wish to visit, do it before 6 pm. Once closed, it usually becomes a bit secluded. But, then you have couple of nice cafes on the road that leads to the beach. Here’s a special suggestion from a street food fan. As you enter the beach, just where the road starts, you can find a dosa vendor. The aunty in that shop sells some amazing hot dosas with a tangy tomato chatni. Do try the egg dosa. To me, it was one of the best food that I had since a long time.
With the night encroaching, we headed toward the White Town. The beautiful lanes look regal during the day. Having seen that already, I was skeptical if the lanes would look so good by the night. But for once in life, I was proved wrong. The White Town is so beautiful that it looks beautiful all the time. And with the street lights showering their aura from above, the yellow tint all around, the town shined like a precious jewel. Moving from one lane to the one, we headed to an ice-cream parlor. Done with that we headed to our hotel. The beautiful day was about to come to an end.
Our bus to Bangalore was at 9:30 pm. So, we got back to the hotel and freshened up to leave. Pondicherry wasn’t ready to bid us goodbye. For the sweet little sister who was accompanying us for the entire day, got us some amazing pizza from an outlet that they usually invade.
As we got ready to leave, we sat in the common area of the hotel. And wished, if we could stay there for another day. Tight on schedule, we bid goodbye to the beautiful French colony; with a wish to visit soon!
