Puducherry is the ultimate destination for travellers who are looking for serene beaches, vintage hotels, French cafes and some quality ‘me’ time. However, if you are in Pondy, you cannot miss checking out these 5 gems that the quaint little town lovingly encapsulates. By Priyanka Chakrabarti
Puducherry is an explorer’s dream come true. Think of old-world colonial buildings, bougainvillaea flowers contouring long stretches of the town, chic boutiques, delectable seafood and endless cups of hot coffee. Yes, that’s Pondicherry for you. When in that part of the country, don’t forget to visit these 6 places.
1. La Maison Rose
La Maison Rose is a boutique-themed restaurant that beautifully portrays classic French architecture in its ultimate brilliance. If you prefer dining amidst nature, then this place would take your breath away. You can sit back, relax and enjoy your meal under mango trees while cool breeze sways your mind to a different world altogether. Oh, and yes, don’t forget to have their lamb chops! You are welcome.
2. Auroville
Auroville is about 15-kilometres away from the main city. However, it should be the top 3 places on your Puducherry itinerary. It’s a brilliant experimental township where men and women from all walks of life attempt to live together in harmony. Known as the City of Dawn, Auroville also focusses on sustainable living. So, you can brush up your agricultural skills, participate in a dance workshop, visit the stunning Matrimandir or destress with yoga sessions while you’re there.
3. Paradise Beach
If you are looking for a serene time at a beach, take a ferry to Paradise Beach. It is one of the hidden gems of Puducherry, still untouched by tourists. Go to a hut, keep your stuff there, get your bathing suits on and dive right into the waves. Also, once you are done swimming, indulge in some local, freshly prepared seafood. Did we hear “slurp?”
4. Scuba Diving
Like a dose of adventure while holidaying? Puducherry has something for every kind of traveller. Here, you can go for a scuba-diving session conducted by a company called Temple Adventures. Guess what, you can actually choose to take the plunge at 20 different underwater sites. They are experts in conducting dives, friendly people too who would love to take pictures of your while you are at it! Need we say more?
5. Ousteri Lake Bird Sanctuary
Ousteri Lake is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. Crowded with lotuses, this lake is home to many rare species of birds like flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, terns, and more. When here, don’t forget to try boating.
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