4 | Travel | Pondicherry Photo Diary

Pondicherry is a small beach town located in Tamil Nadu, India. It’s a 4 hours journey from Chennai by road and an overnight train journey from Bangalore.

Pondicherry was under the French rule till 1954. This tiny hamlet is famous for the culture and architecture the French left behind as well as beautiful, untouched beaches. It is also famous for Auroville, which is the township set up by Shri Aurobindo. A town set up for all men and women from across the globe to live together in peace and harmony.

Once a quieter town, tourists throng Pondicherry these days for its pristine beaches and fun water activities. Best time to visit Pondicherry is between December & February. If possible, visit the town during the week. Weekends see a huge tourist footfall. Pro tip: rent a scooter the second you get there. It’s the best way to travel around. I’d suggest an itinerary but I spent most of my time in Pondicherry just walking around, eating and generally chilling.

Here’s my photo diary:

Rock Beach:

Rock Beach & me
Weekend crowd
Beach bums
Sunrise mission but it was too cloudy

Promenade along Rock Beach:

Beautiful sea facing hotels
Old lighthouse
Such happy, vibrantly painted walls

Churches of Pondicherry

White Town (French colony):

This town is too cute
Vintage doors
A really old house
Short history lesson
Classic yellow wall “Insta” photo

Auroville:

Matrimandir (prebook meditation time if interested)
Weekend “selfie” crowd
Very pretty gardens and unusual plants all around
Store inside Auroville
Cafe in Auroville
Look at how aesthetic the wash basin is!

Auroville, Serenity & Paradise Beaches

Auroville Beach
Relatively less crowded beach. (I’m overdressed for the beach since we came directly from Auroville.)
Serenity beach (I just realised I didn’t get too many photos of this beach since it was crowded and we were busy watching some people surf)
Paradise beach (the prettiest beach. A river meets the sea at this beach. But this beach is too commerical!)
The river. (One has to take a boat ride on the river to reach the beach)

Tamil Parts of Pondicherry

Sunday Bazaar (definitely visit!)

Food Food:

Cafe Des Arts (most popular cafe in Pondicherry)
Lunch at Cafe Des Arts
Bad photography – amazing gelato at the promenade
South Indian food cravings @ Murugan Cafe
Because my body has more coffee than water
Zuka Cafe for all your chocolate cravings

Where we stayed:

This was my first time living in a hostel in India. I had planned to book a picturesque Airbnb (there are many) but since my plan was not 100% final, I booked the hostel as a backup. We ended up being too lazy to book another accomodation. I really liked the hostel, it’s location and it’s general vibe.

Micasa Hostel, MG Road

Hope you enjoyed seeing Pondicherry through my lens. Once the world goes back to normal, definitely visit this beautiful town to chill peacefully at the beach. Are you a beach person or a mountain person?

Stay safe!

12 Comments Add yours

  1. TheHiddenEdge says:

    It looks stunning!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Beautiful shots! Haven’t been to Pondicherry, but it looks a little like Fort Kochi. Must put it in my travel list for my next trip to India. Thanks for the inspiration! 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Happy Panda says:

      Thank you! ☺️
      Ya, it does look similar to For Kochi both have remains of India’s colonization!
      Definitely spend a few days enjoying this beautiful town.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Lani says:

    I have heard of Pondicherry and your photos have convinced me I must go! Love the colonial architecture. xo

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Happy Panda says:

      Thank you!

      Definitely visit India once things are better. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  4. christine says:

    Beautiful! I’m such a mountain person, but my toddler is all about that beach sand. I’m so glad the hostel was a good experience! I’ve only had a few hostel experiences in Ecuador – I always loved that option. Did the one you stayed at have beach views? 😋

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Happy Panda says:

      It sadly didn’t have beach views but it was a short walk from the beach. ☺️

      I like mountains but the sea is just ❤️!

      Like

  5. gypsysoul says:

    On my list…since ages! Beautiful post.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Happy Panda says:

      Thank you! Definitely should visit. ☺️

      Like

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