Puducherry, a cultural, spiritual treat

Pristine beaches, spiritual retreat, multi-cultural and well-planned township reminiscent of French colonial rule... Pondy is your perfect weekend getaway Some places have the power to lure you back again and again. Pondicherry is one such place which is thankfully also closer to namma city. Natural beauty with blue waters on one side and greenery on the other, multi-cuisine restaurants, virgin beaches and cheap beer... for all this and more, Puducherry is definitely one helluva place, perfect for a weekend getaway. And the best thing is that being a small town, you don't need a guide and can explore it on your own. French influence: Be it the architecture of the buildings or even the patterns of the streets, one can't help but marvel at the colonial style. You can spend half a day admiring the many heritage buildings and monuments in Puducherry. Hit the shores: Nothing like lazing around by the sea. The place has quite a few stunningly picturesque beaches. Take a sun bath while admiring the coconut palms on the bay. Adventure sports: Pondy is also the place for those who love to try exciting stuff - yes, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing et al! Getting around: Do away with taxis and autos. For a change, hire a bicycle to go round the small town. It's not just cost effective, but eco-friendly too. And, it's also the best way to take in the sights and sounds of the place. Spiritual retreat: The union territory with its tranqui surroundings, quiet lanes and places like Maatrimandir and Aurobindo Ashram is a perfect escape for those seeking spiritual gratification.Another place for the spiritual soul is definitely the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. A foodie's paradise: The town has an interesting amalgamation of food - sea food, organic food, Italian food - you name it and it's there! On an average you should be able to survive with Rs 500 for a day. Auroville: The City of Dawn is an experimental township in the making. Maatrimandir, a golden globe roofing a meditation hall, is one of the architectural wonders. You can opt to stay at the Auroville guest house or even homestays. Be at peace while trying out some organic delicacies. Where to stay Pondy offers innumerable accomodation options - hotels, homestays with kitchenette, cottages. You could either opt to stay by the sea or in the city limits where food is more accesible. Lodging is available for every budget, and in some cases, you can book online as well. Don't miss Bharti and Bharthidasan Memorial museum Auroville Island beach Churches Raj Niwas - the governor's official residence, again a french structure Alliance Francaise Aurobindo Ashram Manakula Vinayagar Koil Shopping lanes Mahatma Gandhi Street (MG street) Romain Rolland Street Nehru Street (JN street) Cathedral Street (Mission street)