Pondicherry: A Weekend Escape

There’s something undeniably thrilling about a road trip with friends. One fine day in the summer of 2015 in Bangalore, we decided to explore this beautiful Union Territory in the southern part of India. Pondicherry is a name that reverberates in every budget traveler’s mind. Some people call it Poor Man’s Goa because it’s super cheap and has beaches like Goa. The vibe is of course not the same as you will find in Goa.

Poor Man’s Goa: Pondicherry

Like every college-going student who is broke, we decided to visit Pondicherry as we ran out of budget to visit Goa. The road trip adventure excited us and we made a plan. Thankfully, Pondicherry, a charming coastal town just 300 km from Bangalore, was the perfect getaway solution.

A week of planning – booking a Zoom car rental and finalizing our itinerary – culminated in that exciting Friday evening. We had planned everything a week ahead in advance. Finally, the day came and with the car packed and anticipation buzzing, we hit the road on Friday evening after wrapping up our work.

The highway was a dream – smooth tarmac and clear skies, making the 6-hour drive a breeze. The route from Bangalore is definitely not scenic but worthy of driving the car. Conversations flowed, punctuated by bursts of laughter and singalongs to our favorite playlists. This is a perfect highway for those who like to cruise on a silky road.

Reaching Pondicherry felt like stepping into a postcard. We parked the car at our pre-booked hotel and immediately set about securing our trusty steed for the weekend – a scooter! At a mere 300 INR a day, it was the perfect way to navigate the narrow streets and hidden gems of the town. Cars, we soon realized, were strictly for the wider highways. The check-in process was smooth and we dozed off as soon as we saw the bed.

The next morning was the day of exploration. Our first stop? We had an amazing breakfast at the popular cafe on the M.G. Road. Since the French colonized Pondicherry, the culture was visible on every corner from food to streets. After our scrumptious meal, we headed towards alluring Paradise Beach.

The name did not disappoint! Golden sand, turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees created a picture of paradise. We spent hours soaking up the sun, splashing in the waves, and building sandcastles that rivaled any architect’s masterpiece (well, at least in our imaginations!). The water sports are quite popular here and this is the only happening beach in Pondicherry.

Next on the agenda was Auroville, the famed experimental township known for its focus on peace and human unity. The Matrimandir, a giant golden sphere at the heart of Auroville, was a sight to behold. The serene atmosphere and the township’s unique vision left us feeling inspired and reflective. We spent the rest of the day meditating at the center and found peace there. After our beach fun and meditation centre, we called it a day.

Day 2 Exploration began. No trip to Pondicherry is complete without exploring its French colonial past. We cruised through the French Quarter, marveling at the colorful houses, quaint cafes, and charming boutiques. Wandering through streets lined with bougainvillea and stopping for a coffee at a French cafe transported us straight to Europe, minus the jet lag!

Our final stop was a local church, its grandeur and intricate architecture were a testament to Pondicherry’s rich history. The stained-glass windows cast a kaleidoscope of colors across the interior, creating a truly awe-inspiring space.

This Pondicherry trip was a perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and cultural immersion. Scooting around town, the wind in our hair and the sun on our faces, added a whole new layer of fun to the adventure. We returned to Bangalore feeling refreshed, with suitcases full of souvenirs and hearts brimming with memories.

So, if you’re looking for a quick and refreshing escape from the city, consider a Pondicherry pitstop! It’s the perfect destination for a scooter spree with friends, offering a delightful mix of beaches, history, and French flair.

Read our other blog on our weekend trip to Ooty.

To learn more about Pondicherry tourism, visit their official website.