Pondicherry is known as French Capital of India and you will understand why once you visit. There are so many places here which makes you feel you are somewhere out of India.
I visited Pondicherry with my friends in May (yes it was very hot there, but worth it :)). Our budget was very less and so were the leaves(perks of working in IT industry), so we planned only for a weekend. Even though our stay and transportation to and from Bangalore was planned, we did not have any plan what we were going to do once we reach.
At the end of the trip I realized, we don't really need to have a full proof plan to go somewhere if we really want to go.
Transportation:
We took a train from Bangalore to Pondicherry on Friday night around 9:00 PM and reached Pondicherry at 7:00 AM. Its 10 hours journey but no harm in opting it as you will be travelling at night so you can have proper sleep and remain fresh the next day for the exploration.
Again for returning, we boarded the train around 8:30 PM in Pondicherry on Sunday and reached Bangalore by 5:00 AM. This arrangement gave us 2 whole days to enjoy the city and costed us 500 INR for both ways tickets.
Accommodation:
We had booked rooms through OYO for 900 INR per night. Our stay was around 1km away from the station and walk-able distance to white town. I recommend you all to book hotels or hostels nearby station. This way you will be saved from over priced hotels in white town and still be closer to it.
Day 1:
Mantrimandir is the yoga center of Auroville. People from all around the world come here to lead a life without any discrimination. Visitors are not allowed to go inside the premises, we can see it from the viewpoint.
It is an isolated beach of golden sand and to reach here we had to go take a ferry ride through the backwaters which was one of the best experiences.
Ferry ride - 300 INR
It is one of the less know beaches in Pondicherry but equally beautiful. We enjoyed the bath at this beach.
In evening, we left for Rock beach in white town. The walk here is so surreal with the cold breeze, cute cafes around and little strangers passing on cute smiles :). You can't play in the beach here.
Day 2:
You need to get up early to witness a pleasing sunrise at Rock beach. White town,with all the french named streets and cafes, will make you feel you are walking in a city in France.
One can experience amazing breakfast in Le Cafe at the beach. You will find variety of stalls selling handmade products and small cafes with mouthwatering dishes.
If you want peace and some time for yourself, this ashram is must visit place. You have to switch off your mobiles before entering. Outside the ashram you will hear honking and people talking,but the moment you enter inside, you'll only hear bird's chirping and its so soothing.
Let me know if I missed any must visit place from Pondicherry, will definitely go again and see them.
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