For all those who are in South India and wish to spend a serene, sanguine weekend, Pondy is the place to visit. I have been to Goa too but there are couple of areas where Pondy scores over. It is less crowded and way cheaper (Being a Union Territory, the taxes are minimal). The city and its major tourist attractions can be covered in a day which makes it time saving. Let me quickly summarize valuable tips for the first timers-
Best Time To Visit- Dec To Feb. The weather is oppressive and sultry and even in these months, the merciless firmament pours fire (some of you from ICSE board may rem this line from Class VIII 'Drought' by Sarath Chandra Chatterji). There aren't any big time calendar events unlike Goa (season based Trans Parties etc.)
How To Travel- KSRTC has buses to the city most of which start at around 10 in the night from Bangalore and reach around 8-8:30 next morning. I would suggest go by train unless the means are not available. For all those in Bangalore, Garib Rath extends its service from Dec 10th to Jan 31st '09. Details for all those willing to know more on Garib Rath-
Fully AC luxurious train with every compartment having electronic signboards that keep informing about next destination. The train runs once a week.
Fare Rs. 381/-. Add 25 Rs/- extra for bedding. No Pantry
YPT-PDY D-23.15 A-8.30 FRIDAY PDY-YPT D-22.00 A-8.30 SATURDAY
*While returning, get down at Banaswadi that comes around 7.30 in the morning as train takes 2 hours to reach Yeshwantpur from there.
Dining- Melange available in Pondicherry ranging from quality South Indian to sumptuous French cuisine. There are plethora of seafood joints and wine shops to indulge in. The cafe at Auroville serves a variety of menu and is a good option for lunch. Do try the naturally prepared juice that is very refreshing at the same place.
Locals-Extremely co-operative and cheerful. Tamil is the most spoken language but locals manage with pretty decent Hindi and English. At the beaches though, provocative clothes may attract unwanted attention which is queer considering that the place is flocked by foreigners.
Clothing- The lesser the better. T-shirt Jeans would do. Do not forget to carry sunscreen, goggles, caps and for the more vanity lovers (alright skin conscious), umbrella to evade the sun. If going for only a day, make sure the baggage is not too heavy as it becomes cumbersome carrying it the whole day. You would need to carry extra pair if unwinding in the sea and there isnt a change room on any of the beaches. So better practice the Ranbir Kapoor style b4hand.
Accommodation- Ideally you would not want to extend the trip for more than a day unless wanting to enjoy the beach froth. I was suggested to take a cottage on the beach side and enjoy the black tranquility but the train returns to Bangalore the same day and hence it dint materialize. The cottages, hotels are all cheap and if you talk to the Auroville authorities b4hand to provide you the stay there, that s the best deal.
Transport- There are two main modes within the city. Hire a scooter/bike in 150Rs. (need to heckle out as they start from 250 Rs./-) or take a three wheeler. I would suggest the latter since there is no point in sweating out the whole day. The auto drivers are accommodating and dont grumble if you exceed waiting time. Sharpen your bargaining skills. Here is an example- To cover four places from the railway station (Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville, Auroville beach, Mission Street) they started from 500 Rs./- and came down to 300.
Places To Visit- Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville,Matri Mandir, Auroville Beach, Mission Street, Vinayaka Temple, Promenade , Raj Niwas, Museum, Mission Street, Sacred Heart Church. All of this can be visited IN A DAY.
Ashram- Ashram is 2 km from the station and charges are 25Rs/. to 30 Rs/- via auto. Wont take more than 20 minutes to cover the ashram. You can admire the French architecture in the vicinity of the ashram. Most of the streets are named after the French like Rue De Martin (Martin Street). Photogenic buildings, one art gallery, one good snack joint and beach all very close by. Breakfast can be taken up at that joint. A walk to the beach peppered by rocks is ideal for photos.
Auroville- A city that is 12 km from ashram. Auto charges 130 Rs. (start from 160Rs./-). The stretch to Auroville is refreshing with fresh breeze reinvigorating life back into the Bangalored lungs. One needs to visit the Matri Mandir inside the Auroville premises for which passes should be collected from a building. They would show you a 10 min presentation b4 issuing a pass but its worth the watch. A 1 km walk awaits you to the Mandir and the meandering lanes through backwoods are eyeful. For the old and handicapped, an infrequent tempo service runs for half the stretch. Visitors are allowed only a glimpse of the Mandir from 300 meters and its a picturesque spot. This is a good place to have lunch. Pl read more about the Mandir and Auroville at any website.
Auroville Beach- 6km from Auroville city. Certainly one of best beaches in India. Ideal place to have fun and frolic in the sea. Do remember that there are no change rooms.
Mission Street- This one is the central market that caters to eateries, clothes, accessories, daily purchases. Very close to Mission Street is MUST SEE Vinayaka temple.
Museum- Walking distance from Mission Street. Closes at 5 PM so plan your day. We missed this.
Governor House (Raj Niwas) is close by and the building looks beautiful.
Promenade- As the sun sets, this is the place to be. One can view the larger than life statue of Mahatma Gandhi and a memorial for WWI soldiers. The place is abuzz with vendors in the evening.
Sacred Heart Church- Quaint, right across the Railway Station. Visit the place in the night to witness amazing colors within the church interiors.
For Frugal Budgeteers-
1. Always carry water bottles and refill them whenever, wherever possible. Same for fruits, biscuits, namkeen etc. Once in a while indulgence in local ice-cream will do no harm J.
2. Right across the station you have street vendors who give 4 idlis and 1 vada all in 10 bucks. Ideal breakfast.
3. Remember that three wheelers can accommodate more than three.
4. Make sure that in Auroville, you have this naturally prepared juice (in 2, 3 flavors). It tastes amazing. There is a posh cafe that charges 35 bucks while there is a small shop close by that charges 15.
5. Ideal is a Day stay. If more, talk to Auroville authorities b4 to see if they can accommodate you.
6. Haggling is the mantra esp. against auto drivers. They have a coherent union so it may take a while before you get the right price. But they are polite.
Shopping- Incense sticks of various flavors are available at Auroville. For Liquor enthusiasts, I have heard its dirt cheap.
Miscellaneous- The Railway Station is beautiful but devoid of restrooms and waiting rooms (that’s horrendous). You may find dearth of places to relieve yourself so better make use of whatever opportunity. Lastly, always carry a smile. They say Traveling tends to magnify all human emotions so have a safe and pleasant Pondicherry visit.
Best Time To Visit- Dec To Feb. The weather is oppressive and sultry and even in these months, the merciless firmament pours fire (some of you from ICSE board may rem this line from Class VIII 'Drought' by Sarath Chandra Chatterji). There aren't any big time calendar events unlike Goa (season based Trans Parties etc.)
How To Travel- KSRTC has buses to the city most of which start at around 10 in the night from Bangalore and reach around 8-8:30 next morning. I would suggest go by train unless the means are not available. For all those in Bangalore, Garib Rath extends its service from Dec 10th to Jan 31st '09. Details for all those willing to know more on Garib Rath-
Fully AC luxurious train with every compartment having electronic signboards that keep informing about next destination. The train runs once a week.
Fare Rs. 381/-. Add 25 Rs/- extra for bedding. No Pantry
YPT-PDY D-23.15 A-8.30 FRIDAY PDY-YPT D-22.00 A-8.30 SATURDAY
*While returning, get down at Banaswadi that comes around 7.30 in the morning as train takes 2 hours to reach Yeshwantpur from there.
Dining- Melange available in Pondicherry ranging from quality South Indian to sumptuous French cuisine. There are plethora of seafood joints and wine shops to indulge in. The cafe at Auroville serves a variety of menu and is a good option for lunch. Do try the naturally prepared juice that is very refreshing at the same place.
Locals-Extremely co-operative and cheerful. Tamil is the most spoken language but locals manage with pretty decent Hindi and English. At the beaches though, provocative clothes may attract unwanted attention which is queer considering that the place is flocked by foreigners.
Clothing- The lesser the better. T-shirt Jeans would do. Do not forget to carry sunscreen, goggles, caps and for the more vanity lovers (alright skin conscious), umbrella to evade the sun. If going for only a day, make sure the baggage is not too heavy as it becomes cumbersome carrying it the whole day. You would need to carry extra pair if unwinding in the sea and there isnt a change room on any of the beaches. So better practice the Ranbir Kapoor style b4hand.
Accommodation- Ideally you would not want to extend the trip for more than a day unless wanting to enjoy the beach froth. I was suggested to take a cottage on the beach side and enjoy the black tranquility but the train returns to Bangalore the same day and hence it dint materialize. The cottages, hotels are all cheap and if you talk to the Auroville authorities b4hand to provide you the stay there, that s the best deal.
Transport- There are two main modes within the city. Hire a scooter/bike in 150Rs. (need to heckle out as they start from 250 Rs./-) or take a three wheeler. I would suggest the latter since there is no point in sweating out the whole day. The auto drivers are accommodating and dont grumble if you exceed waiting time. Sharpen your bargaining skills. Here is an example- To cover four places from the railway station (Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville, Auroville beach, Mission Street) they started from 500 Rs./- and came down to 300.
Places To Visit- Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville,Matri Mandir, Auroville Beach, Mission Street, Vinayaka Temple, Promenade , Raj Niwas, Museum, Mission Street, Sacred Heart Church. All of this can be visited IN A DAY.
Ashram- Ashram is 2 km from the station and charges are 25Rs/. to 30 Rs/- via auto. Wont take more than 20 minutes to cover the ashram. You can admire the French architecture in the vicinity of the ashram. Most of the streets are named after the French like Rue De Martin (Martin Street). Photogenic buildings, one art gallery, one good snack joint and beach all very close by. Breakfast can be taken up at that joint. A walk to the beach peppered by rocks is ideal for photos.
Auroville- A city that is 12 km from ashram. Auto charges 130 Rs. (start from 160Rs./-). The stretch to Auroville is refreshing with fresh breeze reinvigorating life back into the Bangalored lungs. One needs to visit the Matri Mandir inside the Auroville premises for which passes should be collected from a building. They would show you a 10 min presentation b4 issuing a pass but its worth the watch. A 1 km walk awaits you to the Mandir and the meandering lanes through backwoods are eyeful. For the old and handicapped, an infrequent tempo service runs for half the stretch. Visitors are allowed only a glimpse of the Mandir from 300 meters and its a picturesque spot. This is a good place to have lunch. Pl read more about the Mandir and Auroville at any website.
Auroville Beach- 6km from Auroville city. Certainly one of best beaches in India. Ideal place to have fun and frolic in the sea. Do remember that there are no change rooms.
Mission Street- This one is the central market that caters to eateries, clothes, accessories, daily purchases. Very close to Mission Street is MUST SEE Vinayaka temple.
Museum- Walking distance from Mission Street. Closes at 5 PM so plan your day. We missed this.
Governor House (Raj Niwas) is close by and the building looks beautiful.
Promenade- As the sun sets, this is the place to be. One can view the larger than life statue of Mahatma Gandhi and a memorial for WWI soldiers. The place is abuzz with vendors in the evening.
Sacred Heart Church- Quaint, right across the Railway Station. Visit the place in the night to witness amazing colors within the church interiors.
For Frugal Budgeteers-
1. Always carry water bottles and refill them whenever, wherever possible. Same for fruits, biscuits, namkeen etc. Once in a while indulgence in local ice-cream will do no harm J.
2. Right across the station you have street vendors who give 4 idlis and 1 vada all in 10 bucks. Ideal breakfast.
3. Remember that three wheelers can accommodate more than three.
4. Make sure that in Auroville, you have this naturally prepared juice (in 2, 3 flavors). It tastes amazing. There is a posh cafe that charges 35 bucks while there is a small shop close by that charges 15.
5. Ideal is a Day stay. If more, talk to Auroville authorities b4 to see if they can accommodate you.
6. Haggling is the mantra esp. against auto drivers. They have a coherent union so it may take a while before you get the right price. But they are polite.
Shopping- Incense sticks of various flavors are available at Auroville. For Liquor enthusiasts, I have heard its dirt cheap.
Miscellaneous- The Railway Station is beautiful but devoid of restrooms and waiting rooms (that’s horrendous). You may find dearth of places to relieve yourself so better make use of whatever opportunity. Lastly, always carry a smile. They say Traveling tends to magnify all human emotions so have a safe and pleasant Pondicherry visit.
