Ayushi
Nestled on the placid Coromandel Coast, Puducherry is a charming blend of French elegance and Southern vibrancy. It’s as fulfilling a vacation spot for the family as it is for solo travellers. Renowned for its serene beaches and relaxing aura, this union territory offers a mélange of cultures along with beautiful French architecture and food promises to tickle your palette.
Here’s a guide to help you plan your (2025!) trip to Puducherry:
Getting there & getting around
To reach Puducherry, take a connecting flight via Hyderabad or Bengaluru, as these are the only places that currently have direct flights to the city. Alternatively, if you want to skip the hassle of changing flights, fly to Chennai and take the road to Puducherry (three hours) – do so during the day so that you don’t miss out on the gorgeous views of the Coromandel Coast. To travel within the city, skip the car and rent a bike for a fun (and hassle-free) experience.
Embrace the Charm
First up, make your way to White Town. With its colourful French quarters and quiet rock beach, this is Puducherry’s prime tourist attraction, and the perfect way to start your trip. Take a wander around the colony, drop in at the many cafés and bakeries, and make sure to click those Instagram-worthy pictures. Don’t forget to visit the stunning Sacred Heart Basilica, at walking distance from White Town.
Then head to Auroville, some 30 minutes from Puducherry. Founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa (‘The Mother’), this experimental yet lively township is celebrated for its humanity-embracing spirit and spiritual vibes, and also the meditation that takes place in the grand Matrimandir (before embarking on your trip, make sure to book your ticket for the session through their website). The walk to Matrimandir is a wonderfully restful one (30 minutes, but do carry a pair of comfortable shoes), with shopping and food pitstops, and also museums that document the history of Auroville and showcase handicrafts of the region.
Beside the Seaside
Hyped in the past, Rock Beach and Serenity Beach are now perpetually crammed. Give them a miss and choose Paradise Beach instead. Around 30 minutes from White Town, and reachable only by boat, Paradise lives up to its name, a magical stretch of soft sand that’s extremely clean and not at all crowded. In fact, you’ll have the place to yourself, to sunbathe and laze around in peace.
If you’re looking for a more happening slice of shore, check out Sandunes Beach. With multiple watersports and a huge aqua park, this beach has everything you’ll need, from shacks serving delicious food and alcohol to dedicated spaces for volleyball and other activities.
Taste of Pondy
When in Puducherry, indulge in the ice cream at Richy Rich – you’re definitely missing out if you give it a miss! Our personal favourite was their chocolate softie, a burst of flavours that simply melts in your mouth. Villa Shanti boasts a menu of comforting Gallic delicacies. Located in the lanes of White Town, this restaurant is not only budget-friendly but serves quality French, Indian and Continental cuisines, all under the same roof. Another not-to-be-missed eatery is the quaint Baker Street, also in White Town. Famous for its pastries, macaroons and freshly baked bread, Baker Street also has an in-house cold coffee that definitely hits the spot.
Looking to dine by the beach? You’ll find nothing better than The Promenade. Located right by the shore, this property has three restaurants catering to different tastes, while also providing a beautiful ambience and view. Lastly, do pay a visit to Zuka Chocolates for some mouthwatering hot chocolate (you can also buy artisanal handmade chocolate from here for your loved ones).
In short, Puducherry has everything going for it. It’s the perfect choice of vacation, one that’s a heady mix of luxury and culture. It’s also a gem of a destination, and a place full of endless possibilities. Read More: Missed the Midnight Grapes? Don’t sweat! Kickstart Your Year with 12 Powerful Intentions
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