Pondicherry, a coastal town surrounded by Tamil Nadu, is your answer to an idyllic vacation to refresh, relax and rejuvenate. It is a Union Territory of India and its name was officially changed to Puducherry in 2006. The town is heavily influenced by its history of Dutch, Portuguese, British and French Traders’ settlements over time.
An amalgamation of colonial architecture with French-style avenues, cobbled streets, alleys, and churches is spread across the charming seaside town, waiting to be discovered.
According to Club Mahindra reviews, the Club Mahindra Pondicherry Resort is a beautiful retreat spread over 24 acres of lush green – which makes for a perfect getaway. With its scenic greenery, gardens, and a beach for visitors – this resort will pull you into the most welcoming seaside holidays.
You can enjoy local delicacies at the in-house restaurant, get a spa treatment, or attend yoga sessions on its beautiful lawn. Club Mahindra Pondicherry Resort promises a holiday nestled in the lap of luxury, accompanied by world-class facilities.
Here are a few pointers to help you plan a perfect Pondicherry holiday, based on Club Mahindra resort reviews and local references:
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Pondicherry is between the months of October – March. The weather is ideal, with temperatures ranging between 15-30 degrees. It’s the perfect time for beach walks, cycling, yoga or simply soaking in the charming sights of Pondicherry. The warm beaches and the pleasant waters will be a break from the cold winters. Tourists can also delight in balmy evening strolls while watching sunsets and sipping cocktails at the beach.
How to reach
Pondicherry is well connected via roads to Chennai, which are well maintained and an absolute joy to drive on. The Puducherry Railway Station has train connections to most of the major cities in India including Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Delhi. There is also an airport in Pondicherry for domestic travellers. For international tourists, Chennai has the nearest international airport.
Places to visit
Below is a list of must-visit places in Pondicherry
- Paradise Beach
- Auroville Centre
- Seaside Promenade
- Rock Beach
- Sri Aurobindo Ashram
- Serenity Beach
- Auro Beach
- The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Things to do
If you are planning to visit Pondicherry for a vacation, these are the things one must try:
- Cycling or biking around the city
- Enjoy sunrise and sunset at the beach
- Take a boat ride to Paradise Island
- Go scuba diving or take surfing lessons at Serenity Beach
- Visit Aurobindo Ashram
- Spend a day at Auroville, one can also enjoy yoga sessions there
- Spend a day walking around the city, soaking in its history, architecture and culture
Must-visit restaurants
If you are a foodie, don’t miss out on eating at these restaurants in Pondicherry
- Café es Arts: Famous for French Cuisine
- Le Dupleix: Offers a variety of cuisines from Italian to Indian to Continental.
- Carte Blanche: Best seafood experience
- Surguru: Most delicious and authentic South Indian Food
- Madhuram: For the perfect vegetarian options.
- FinZ: Seafood Specialty Restaurant
- Sea Shellz: Buffet Restaurant
Pondicherry is a thriving destination for tourists, both international and domestic. Its history and legacy are born out of a confluence of foreign influences that gives the town a unique charm and also reflects in the myriad food cultures found there.
Pondicherry is welcoming to visitors — it is India’s answer to a quiet French town, lined with cobbled alleys and roadside cafes smelling of freshly brewed coffee! A stay at the Club Mahindra’s Pondicherry Resort will remind you of French coastal towns and provide you and your family with the picture-perfect seaside vacation.
(ThePrint ValueAd Initiative content is a paid-for, sponsored article. Journalists of ThePrint are not involved in reporting or writing it.)