Immersing Your Soul     

We travelled to Pondicherry recently and may we say, we just found our soul sister city! If you’re one for cool cafes, cooler vibes and walks around pretty bylanes, like our Head Ninja, Radhika Bhuptani, check out her check-list!

We stayed at a beautiful French villa called La Closerie in the thriving neighborhood of White Town, very close to the beach promenade – a great location to navigate the city from. Look out for the decadent treats at the Coromandel café bakery, Thai cold coffee at the Café Des Arts, crunchy chocolate peanut butter at Mason & Co and so much more! It’s also a great place to immerse yourself in some cultural and spiritual experiences apart from some good old retail therapy!

                                                                     

The most noteworthy characteristic of Pondicherry is its very French flavour that seeps not only into the food but also its quaint bylanes and architecture. We stayed in a thriving neighborhood called White Town that is host to some of the coolest cafes and homestay options. It is along the shore, which means you’re always close to the beach promenade and a beautiful walk. We stayed at a very tastefully done French bungalow called La Closerie. If you love surrounding yourself with all things pretty, this place is paradise.

A must-check on your list here should be the Coromandel Café – everything from their food and menu options to the décor and bakery is simply fabulous. Also try out Café Des Arts, a great place with great vibes and may we add, the best Thai cold coffee! Definitely stop by Mason & Co chocolate factory to pick up some decadent chocolates, hot chocolate, crunchy peanut butter and lots more. It’s café, Bread and Chocolate is also a great place to treat that sweet tooth. Head to Tanto Pizzeria for good ‘ol pizza meal.

                                                          

What’s a holiday without some retail therapy thrown in, right? Pondi has some great places to pick up little things. If you’re looking for clothes though, make sure you go to Auroville – that’s where you’ll find the best deals. Certainly cheaper than White Town, for the exact same piece! Auroville also has a great variety of organic soaps, pottery products and other such to choose from.

           

Needless to say, the Auroville Ashram is the main attraction and the town in general is a great place for cultural activities, community activities and volunteering at organic farms etc. Matrimandir at Auroville offers a unique spiritual experience if you’re so inclined. The Puducherry Museum is also a great place to understand the cultural roots of this melting pot. Very importantly, Pondicherry is a picturesque place that offers lots of pretty walkways. So if you’re not sure of what to do, just walk around and you’re sure to stumble upon lots of interesting sights!