Stressed out? Time to go on that long-pending solo trip? Still haven’t figured the destination? It’s time to make your mind. Awaiting you is Puducherry, the town of beaches. And if you are a sea-lover, this quiet little town will be your perfect pick to enjoy a serene walk along the sparkling sands and vintage streets.
Officially known as Puducherry, Pondicherry is a Union Territory which is an erstwhile French colonial settlement, the legacy of which still reflects in its streets, architecture and charm.
An overnight journey from Kochi by bus or train takes you to Pondy, where you could choose an accommodation at White Town, the French quarters known for its colonial villas, heritage hotels, art galleries, multi-cuisine eateries, quirky boutiques, and maze-like streets that transport you to a vintage era. From budget home stays to heritage villas, you can find a stay that fits your pocket. Rue Romain Rolland, Rue Surcouf, Rue Dumas, Rue De La Marine… the names of the streets and byroads pique your curiosity. Lined by shady trees and vintage lamp posts on either sides, the clean roads get an elegant ambience by the mustard yellow villas and boutiques.
Gandhi Memorial
The best part of White Town is the Rock Beach, also known as Promenade Beach, which gifts you one of the most beautiful views of sunrise. The beach-bordered walkway passes through iconic structures like the four-metre-tall Gandhi Memorial, French War Memorial, Puducherry Secretariat, Ambedkar Mani Mandapam and a 19th century light house. The nearest avenues to the beach houses Romain Rolland Library, Bharati Park, Pondicherry Museum and the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
After exploring White Town on foot, the next best option to roam around Puducherry and visit the famed locale is to hire a scooter at Rs 300 per day. Not only is it budget-friendly, but offers an opportunity to seamlessly explore the town with the aid of Google Map.
Auroville Beach
Head to the next popular destination Auroville, the City of Dawn, the experimental township aimed at realising human unity where sustainable living practices are followed. Greeted by the music of wind chimes and coloured bottles hanging from the huge tree at the entrance, you can explore on foot the wonders of Auroville, the art works and installations on the path to Matrimandir (The Mother’s Shrine), the documented history of the place and the over-a-century-old solitary banyan tree with its aerial roots rooted to the ground forming new trunks. Under the huge banyan tree that covers a diametre of over 50 metres, one can sit and enjoy the premises, meditate and even introspect.
Path to Matrimandir
The highlight of Auroville is the Matrimandir, which is believed to be the living symbol of Auroville’s aspiration for the divine. From the viewing point, visitors can enjoy the magnificent sight of the shiny structure. The Park of Unity linking the Matrimandir, amphitheatre and banyan tree includes red sand stone petals emanating from the spherical structure, each petal symbolised by a flower.
If interested, one can explore the international zone, covering Tibetan pavilion, Inuksuk and Savitri Bhavan, the self-supporting industries and training centres, the cultural zone for arts, sports and education-based activities, the organic farms, dairies and orchards. The effective water and soil conservation practices in Auroville are a remarkable achievement in the hectares of wasteland.
After the township, head next to the nearest beach. Take a stroll along the sun-kissed Auroville Beach with its amazingly cool, crystal clear waves; it makes your day. Watching the fading hues of sun, feel all your stressful thoughts vanish.
Nights at White Town are lively. Street food, cultural events and the lit French-style avenues and a stroll along the Rock Beach walkway gazing at the stars fill you with immense joy.
Begin the next day with a tour of the famous museums, gardens, temples and churches. For a spiritual person, a visit to Basilica of Sacred Heart of Jesus, Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Immaculate Conception Cathedral and Aurobindo Ashram would be fruitful. History buffs can try the museum and libraries.
Once in Puducherry, never miss the beach-side eatery experience. The seafood platter is a gourmet’s delight! The delicious prawns and spice-coated squid dishes are a must-try to complete your journey. Complete the solo journey with a ride to Paradise, the sea-shell-laden gorgeous beach where you lose yourself in the stunning view of the limitless sky joining the tranquil sea in the horizon. If you can afford to spend a little more, try your hands in the adventure water sports – kayaks, surfing and skydiving.
Do not give Puducherry a miss. It’s not just a piece of preserved history, but the land of dazzling charms. Two days are all it takes to help you rejuvenate and feel alive again!
