Glimpse Into India’s French Aura | Sunway Manor | Pondicherry
Having lived in South India, Pondicherry now known as Puducherry was always on my wish list and recently I got a chance to visit this beautiful town. I love the name Pondicherry ( Pondi) and in this post I am going to stick to calling the town Pondicherry.
Pondicherry is situated in South India was formerly a French colony till 1954 and since then is a Union Territory . This town is one of the most visited destinations in South India for Indians as well as international travellers.
Most of this city was planned during the French rule and the perpendicular streets and pattern of arrangement are credited to their times. The town has 2 sections – French Quarter or White Town and Indian Quarter. Many streets throughout the town still retain the French names and it is a common sight to see many menus and signs in French even now.
White Town is the popular tourist area and has the rows of colonial styled villas and houses many of which have been preserved in the form of boutiques and restaurants.
Some of the must visit places in Pondi are,
- Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges
- Immaculate Conception Cathedral
- Auroville
- Promenade Beach
- Rock Beach
- Paradise Beach
- French War Memorial
CHURCHES:
Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges:
AUROVILLE:
“Auroville is a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. The purpose of Auroville is to realize human unity – Mirra Alfassa, Founder.
BEACHES:
HOTEL :
Though there are some excellent choices for stay in Pondicherry we chose to stay at Sunway Manor. The hotel is a medium sized property situated within close distance of Promenade beach and White Town as well as the Airport.
The property includes a outdoor swimming pool, spa and wellness centre and fitness centre. They have 2 restaurants – Open House Coffee shop and Gardenia which serves Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine.
As a food lover, I did get the opportunity to visit some well known restaurants and the below are not to be missed,
- Le Dupleix
- Cafe Xtasi
- Bay of Buddha
- Baker Street
- Kamatchi
Stay tuned for a snapshots of my food journey in Pondicherry.
If you are longing to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this town will charm its way into your heart with its scenic French quarter, modern heritage and spiritual experience.