My Pondicherry Tale : Where French toast meets filter coffee and streets wear sunglasses

Between catching up on long-overdue stories and indulging in juicy gossip sessions, time flew by unnoticed. Before we knew it, we were cruising into the charming streets of Pondicherry. There's something magical about the scent of coastal towns-the salty breeze, the faint aroma of sea and sand-that instantly lifts your mood. And oh, the excitement was palpable! We could barely contain our joy as we began unloading our bags, ready to dive into the check-in ritual and let the adventure unfold.

Checking In: Villa Shanti

We had booked Villa Shanti for the next 2 nights, a boutique hotel tucked away in the French Quarter. With its clean, understated facade and cozy entrance, it felt like stepping into a quiet retreat. Inside, the ambience whispered "relax," and that's exactly what we did - bags down, shoes off, and cocktails in hand.

Lunch with Art: Café des Arts

Post a quick shower , we landed at Café des Arts - the kind of place that's as photogenic as it is delicious. Its mustard-yellow walls and quirky street art are impossible to miss. Inside, vintage furniture, laid-back vibes, and fresh salad and juices set the tone for a perfect Pondi afternoon.

Exploring the Promenade:

We then set out to explore the Promenade beach. The iconic Rock Beach (Promenade Beach) is where Pondicherry truly comes alive. Mornings/afternoons here are breezy, with locals walking, tourists clicking photos, and the sea crashing against the black rocks. The view is calming, yet full of life - a perfect place to just sit and soak it all in.

Walking down the promenade, we stumbled upon GMT Gelato - boasting the "finest Italian ice cream." Outside, street life bustled: vendors selling trinkets, a sadhu deep in thought, and scooters zipping past. Pondicherry is all about these little scenes that catch you off guard.

Perfect dinner date at Villa Shanti:

We made our way back to the hotel around 6 PM, eager to unwind and recharge before heading out for our quiet dinner date at our charming Villa Shanti. The transformation was magical-what had been a tranquil, almost deserted café in the afternoon had come alive by evening, buzzing with laughter, clinking glasses, and the warm hum of conversation. Thank goodness we had made an early reservation! Nestled into our cozy corner, we spent nearly three blissful hours sipping wine, savoring a perfectly cooked steak, and losing ourselves in heartfelt conversation.

It was the kind of evening that wraps up a long, adventure-filled day with grace-a perfect blend of indulgence and intimacy.

Day 2: It was all about exploration!!

We started the day with a cute little spread of breakfast at Villa Shanti before heading out to the paradise beach.

Paradise Beach is a slice of heaven that lives up to its name. With powdery white sands, swaying palms, and turquoise waters that stretch endlessly into the horizon, it's one of Pondicherry's most pristine and picturesque beaches.

To reach Paradise Beach, you have two options: either begin at the Chunnambar Boat House and enjoy a scenic motorboat ride through the backwaters, or drive directly to the beach if you have your own vehicle. Since we had our own car, we opted for the direct drive. Upon arrival, we kicked off the experience with a few thrilling water activities before heading to the shore for a refreshing swim. And what a swim it was-pure joy! We spent nearly two hours soaking in the sun and sea, completely immersed in the moment.

By the time we wrapped up, we were sun-kissed, happily exhausted, and ravenous. That's when we decided to make our way to Auroville for a well-deserved lunch. Thankfully, Paradise Beach is equipped with changing rooms and shower facilities, so we freshened up quickly before continuing our adventure.

Italian in Auroville: Tanto Pizzeria

A trip to Auroville isn't complete without a stop at Tanto Pizzeria. Famous for its wood-fired pizzas, it lived up to the hype. Watching the pizzas come fresh out of the oven, the aroma alone was worth the visit. But the truffle aglio olio simply stole the show! You cannot leave this place without having their homemade ice tea.. We started with one bottle but ended up finishing two!

The Golden Glow: Matrimandir

Our day wrapped up with a visit to Matrimandir in Auroville - the golden dome rising out of the red earth, surrounded by serene greenery. Standing there with friends, the world felt a little quieter, a little slower, and a lot more beautiful.

On our way back, we stopped for coffee at the famous "Bread and chocolate" in Auroville.

After returning to our hotel, we squeezed in a quick nap to recharge before heading out for dinner at an incredible Chinese spot called "Flaming dragons". The evening unfolded with laughter, a playful round of drinking games, and our all-time favorites-fragrant fried rice and fiery chilli chicken.

It was the perfect finale to an unforgettable trip. What a day, and what a way to wrap up our Pondicherry adventure-with full hearts, happy bellies, and memories that'll keep us smiling for a long time.

Day 3: Heading Back

Day 3 started with a morning stroll at the promenade, taking multiple pictures against the colorful houses and witnessing a vintage car exhibition.

This was followed by a scrumptious lunch at coromandel café before heading back home.

The Benjabi recommendations:

1. Stay at a boutique villa and ditch the hotels

2. Visit during the winter months (November to March) for the best weather and scenic beauty

3. Must visit cafes: Coromandel Café, Café des arts, Bread and chocolate, Le café, Tantos

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-By The Benjabi Affair

A Bengali girl and a Punjabi boy having found their common love for travel and tea