Today, it is mainly this old French part of Pondicherry that will please you as it is quiet and not as polluted as Chennai. Many of the restaurants, plotted around in the streets near the beach are inspired by the french cuisine, but nonetheless serve a Indian-French fusion kind of steak.
Yet Pondy is the perfect getaway from the big city for a weekend. The State of Pondicherry is independant from Tamil Nadu, resulting in the sale of tax free alcohol, at strongly reduced prices compared to Chennai. Eating and Drinking is the credo in Pondicherry!
Things to See
Mahadma Gandhi Memorial on the Beach
Sri Aurobindu Ashram
Places to Stay
The Promenade Hotel*****
Pondy's own 5 star boutique hotel, overlooking the sea and right in front of the Gandhi Statue. See their website here.
Hotel Mass ***
Situated right next to the bus station, this is one of the bigger hotels in Pondy. visit their website to check availibilty and prices (starting at 1800 Rs).
Guesthouses
There are many guesthouses available offering basic double rooms with bath room for only 400 Rs a night, on a 24 hour check-in basis. Before checking in you do good to run a quick check-up of the actual room and see if running water is available as well as clean bed sheets. Take a walk around in the streets near Pondicherry beach and you'll find one soon.
Guesthouse Villa Labourdonnais
Rue Labourdonnais
Pondicherry
How To Get There?
A taxi will bring you from Chennai to Pondicherry for prices ranging from 1800 to 2500 Rs. depending on how much they try to ripp you off and the size of the vehicle.
You can also take the bus in CMBT and take the 3,5 hour ride to Pondicherry for 61 Rs among (many) locals.
