*This is a guest post by Rohit Agarwal of Transindiatravels.
Pondicherry or Pondy (as it is affectionately called) is a little French town in the Indian Union Territory, Pondicherry. The town has a huge influence of French architecture and culture that is reflected throughout the city. It is often called “The French Riviera of the East.” Pondy is thus a splendid amalgamation of South Indian and French culture along with a hint of Dutch, Portuguese and British elements. Situated alongside the Bay of Bengal, Pondy has a few stunning beaches with a wide range of water sports activities for the adventurous soul. Pondy is home to the highly esteemed Sri Aurobindo Ashram and hence is a popular spiritual retreat.
From sun-bathed delightful beaches to exquisite French monuments and a platter full of mouth-watering cuisines, Pondy is where you need to be to experience pure bliss! And to visit it with your better half as a yet another new experience. Here’s what you need to check out while you’re here!
1) Promenade Beach
An infinite stretch of blue water with sparkling white sand like a silver lining is just how breathtakingly beautiful is the Promenade beach! It is the perfect place to visit if you’re on your honeymoon. There is certainly nothing better to walk around the beach hand in hand with the love of your life. Many more tourist attractions are nearby including magnificent statues of Joan of Arc and Mahatama Gandhi. An old lighthouse, a War memorial and a heritage town hall some other major attractions.
2) Auroville
The city of dawn or Auroville was established as a Universal Town with the concept of bringing the world together irrespective or caste, colour, religion, gender or nationality. Designed by the famous architect Roger Anger, Auroville promotes harmony in unity and is a must visit! A major attraction of the Matrimandir situated in the heart of the city that is beautifully decorated in golden hue and an exquisite design that will take your breath away! The temple is where one can go and practice the art of introspection in such silence that engulfs you in peace.
Photo by Aleksandr Zykov, CC BY-SA 2.0
3) Chunnambar Backwater
Chunnambar Backwater is located approximately 8 km from Pondicherry and is an ideal destination for those wanting to enjoy some beach sports! Situated along the Plage Paradise beach, the Chunnambar Backwaters is a great picnic spot where you can spend time with your loved ones. As the pristine water filters sunlight, the sunset is a something to watch out for. There are many beach resorts and restaurants located nearby and on the beach equipped with facilities and delicious food.
4) Immaculate Conception Cathedral
The Immaculate Conception Cathedral is the oldest church in Pondicherry and was built 300 years ago. It is a cathedral for the Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Cuddalore. The land on which this beautiful church now stands tall was earlier home to three other churches that were built before the French occupation. The Immaculate Conception Cathedral was finally built here in 1791 and portrays some magnificent elements of French architecture.
Photo by BishkekRocks, CC BY-SA 3.0
5) Ousteri Wetland and National Park
The Ousteri Wetland and National Park lies 10 km away from the city on the Pondicherry-Villupparam road and is home to an immense variety of exotic aqua-fauna and migratory birds. The place offers a great way to connect with nature and wildlife and to do so with your partner is a refreshing experience! Migratory birds are a major attraction during the month of December. This place has become a major tourist attraction because of the houseboat services offered here.
Photo by pradeep_kumbhashi, CC BY-SA 2.0
6) French War Memorial
The French War Memorial was built in 1971 to honour the brave French soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War. It is located in White Town, Pondicherry. On July 14th every year, that is the occasion of Bastille Day (French National Day), this monument is beautifully lit up to pay homage to the martyrs of First World War. People from all over the town gather together on this day. If you’re in town around that time, do visit the French War Memorial and its beauty is sure to enchant you.
Photo by Aravindaraja, CC BY-SA 3.0
7) Serenity Beach
Beaches are always a perfect place to spend time with your loved one because of the calmness it bestows on one’s soul. One such beach is the serenity beach. The serenity beach indeed lives up to its name offering much peace and solace. Walking on the hot sand as the shimmering waves of the Bay of Bengal embrace your toes or candlelight dinner by the seaside are just a few ways to get some romance brewing. This stunning beach is sure to set that mood for you!
Pondicherry is a little town with a wealth of joy, peace and warmth to rejuvenate your soul.
Photo by roadconnoisseur, CC BY-SA 2.0
Rohit Agarwal is a travel-enthusiast and a writeromar. Belonging to a small town in India, he always dreamt of travelling around the globe. With that burning passion he has made his way across many cities learning and observing all that he could. And what better way to express it than to write? Having written many articles and blogs at Transindiatravels.com, he is sure to win your heart with his words.
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