The Coromandel Coast is one of the most beautiful parts of the country, and Pondicherry is an excellent base from where you can explore your environs. A historic walk through the city will not only show you its colonial charm but also its Dravidian splendour. Visit Manakula Vinayagar Temple to experience the soulful spirit of the south. Then make your way over to Auroville and visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Founded by a famous freedom fighter and philosopher, Sri Aurobindo, the ashram is the focal point of Auroville, an experimental commune style township founded by Mirra Alfassa, a woman of French descent, who wanted to create a community based on communal peace and harmony. Auroville means “City of Dawn” and continues to flourish. Mirra Alfassa became a pivotal figure and is commonly known as The Mother. The Matrimandir is a contemporary shrine created as tribute to man’s pursuit for perfection.

Pondicherry lies on the coast and one can make one’s way down the Promenade or head over to Rock Beach and Paradise Beach. You can also take a boat ride through the mangroves that surround the city, which are abundant with biodiversity.

Pondicherry is just a short drive away from the temples of Mahaballipuram that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology, a truly unique peek into India’s reptiles and amphibians! Pondicherry also lies along Tamil Nadu’s famous “temple trail” and one can easily do a day trip to see the ancient shrines of Chidambaram and Kanchipuram.

Pondicherry is full of delightful places to stay. Palais de Mahe, a CGH Earth Hotel, ranks high on our list, while the Villa Shanti, an independently owned and run boutique hotel is full of local charm. Pondy’s cuisine is a delightful blend of Franco-Indian influences and chances are you’ll be having a fluffy croissant with a steaming cup of South Indian Kapi (coffee)!

Endlessly charming and full of serendipity, Pondicherry is a delightful place to spend a few days and soak up the charms of the Coromandel Coast. Reach out to us today to discover more.