Pondicherry is known as one of the top beach destinations in India, where people make a trip all the way from the other side of India to be here. But Pondicherry, as opposed to the conventional thinking, is not only about its beaches. This article talks about the other side of Pondicherry.
Pondicherry is doubtlessly thriving in the tourism sector. People from all over coming over for an experience in this beautiful place. An impeccable party destination owing to its beach parties, this city also has a long and fascinating history to its name. The French influence can be seen in the streets of Pondicherry where the old quarters are lined up with Rues and Boulevards of Mediterranean style houses and pastry shops. Cafes and bakeries resonate an outsider ambience as the menu, interior decor and architectural structure of these places are all French influenced. This influence has been rubbed in since the time of colonial rule making Pondicherry a unique experience for anyone.
Like Goa, most of the people come here for the beach parties; making them oversee the beautiful and historically rich side of Pondicherry that they could have gotten to see if only they had ventured a little far away from the shores. They come for a few days stay in one of the cheap hotels in Pondicherry, party for the whole night and sleep through most part of the day and then continue the drill until it is time for them to go back to their own respective destinations.
There are many ways to get around in Pondicherry. There are buses, auto rickshaws and tuk tuks available in all parts. You can also hire a scooter and bikes for about INR200 per day and bicycles for about INR50 per day. Although all these are available, the best way to get an intimate knowledge about Pondicherry and really appreciate its architecture and everything it is made of, taking a walk is the best way. The area in the city where the houses are concentrated are set in about a stretch of 2km making it a convenient walkable distance. In the midst of your tour you could stop by for a mug of nice warm coffee from one of the many cafes in Pondicherry and also snack on a freshly made croissant or muffin.
Pondicherry has a lot of activities to offer to its visitors ranging from daring activities and crash courses like Scuba diving to the most unlikely cooking classes. You can also take dance classes both Indian (Bollywood and Bharat Natyam) to other contemporary styles like Ballet, Tango or Hip hop. You can also get introduced to the art of meditation at the Auroville, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. But keep in that Auroville is ‘not’ a tourist spot. It is just that people go to meditate, but it is not actually a meditation center.
Pondicherry makes for a great holiday destination which is far more than just the beaches. Some people live in cities nearby and only come here for the beach parties as they have explored it on their previous expeditions, however, if you are a first timer to this destination, and you think the beaches and the beach parties are the only things this place has to offer, then think again. Because Pondicherry is all that and much more. Plan your holiday and experience all that this beautiful destination has to offer. Tickets and hotels can be booked online and your booking can be traced by checking your PNR status through a simple process.
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