A solo traveller's trail

Pondicherry will awe you with its quaint French influence. Its cafés, pizzerias and often-heard French greetings will ensure that the city (officially known as Puducherry since 2006, but locally called Pondy) is not a typical beach destination in southern India that confines a holiday to sun, sand and surf.

Best suited to be explored between November and March, Pondicherry is often the ideal weekend getaway for many from Bengaluru and Chennai. While driving is the best way to get there, because you can enjoy plenty of scenic vistas en route, some opt for overnight bus journeys to save time.

As a solo traveller, I opted for a bus journey which took me safely to the city. After a good sleep at my hotel, I headed to Le Café, located near the Promenade beach in central Pondicherry, to satiate my appetite. The setting was perfect as waves splashed the rocks and the cool breeze pacified the afternoon sun. And the food was good, not great. But the cold coffee stole the show. My next stop was the mesmering Paradise beach. There are no shacks around, so packing snacks is a smart idea for longer stays there. I strolled the beach, I read a book and enjoyed the solace that a noisy city doesn’t offer.

Up next was hunger, yep. So off to Café xtasi I went. It’s known for its wood-fired pizzas served with the perfect crust and vegetable or chicken toppings — a must-try when in Pondy. By evening, there was a slight dip in the temperature and the cool air was welcoming. Back at the Promenade, I saw a swarm of people strolling the beach. And even at midnight, I couldn’t miss the same energy on the bustling street. Many roof-top cafés are open late at nights, and promise safety. 

Next day, I woke up to a bright sunny morning and enjoyed an English breakfast at the hotel. The day’s itinerary looked  great...

It takes an hour to reach Auroville, an ‘experimental township’, from the central town of Pondy. I had pre-booked my ticket, although a visitor’s pass can be sought on reaching there. However, to visit the Matri Mandir, tickets have to be booked at least 2 days prior to the visit. I was welcomed by the soulful sound of wind chimes. Then, the documentary, which included the virtual tour of the Matri Mandir, explained how Auroville has evolved. I was impressed by the journey of Mirra Alfassa, fondly addressed as The Mother, who helped to establish Auroville in the 60s.

While I sipped a cappuccino in between eating a slice of carrot cake, I listened to the stories of the people in Auroville and realised the dedication each volunteer has to improve the model town. Factories are set up across the city to make vendible organic products and home décor items. This is apart from the Auroville’s in-house shopping store.

After I shopped for souvenirs, I was set to take on the routine life back at home, because the gratifying break promised a fresh start.