Top Things to Do in Pondicherry (Besides Eating All the Croissants)

My mind keeps telling me to be a modern-day explorer, to seek out new frontiers and exotic cuisines. But my heart? My heart just whispers one word, over and over: "Goa." It’s a conflict I’ve had for years—a dramatic, internal struggle between my wanderlust and my deep-seated love for comfort. This time, we settled on a truce: a new destination that promised the charm of old favorites. Our pick? Pondicherry (Puducherry), a place where the French legacy isn’t just a historical footnote—it’s a lifestyle, complete with mustard villas, bougainvillea, and the soul-soothing promise of a good croissant. I was ready to trade my beach shack for a boutique and my Kingfisher for a pain au chocolat.

The Great Escape: From Delhi's Winters to Chennai's Sun

I was lucky enough to snag a great flight deal. Two months of excitement later, we found ourselves in an Uber in the pre-dawn darkness. Our social media check-ins were, of course, a priority. You can't start a vacation without making your friends just a little bit jealous. The flight was smooth, except for the classic airline sales promotion. The air hostess was beautiful, and her voice was a symphony, so I found myself hypnotically nodding along, almost buying a duty-free perfume I didn't need. It was a relief when the breakfast cart finally arrived and broke the spell.

We landed in Chennai around 10 AM, ready to embark on our three-hour taxi ride to Pondy. The guy we pre-booked was, naturally, running late. The language barrier was an absolute comedy of errors.

Me (on the phone): "Hello? Taxi? Where are you? We are at the Chennai airport. Terminal 1."

Driver (in rapid Tamil): garbled noise about traffic 

Me: "Traffic? Yes. I see. But where are you?" Driver: more rapid Tamil

This went on for 20 minutes before he finally appeared.

The heat was brutal. It was February, but the sun felt like it had a personal vendetta against us. We had planned a stop at Mahabalipuram, but after the first hour, we unanimously agreed to skip it. The conversation went like this:

Me: "So... Mahabalipuram? That's the next stop."

Wife (wiping sweat): "We can just... you know... imagine it. I'm imagining a cold shower right now." Me: "Let's just go straight to Pondicherry."

And so, we continued straight, our souls desperate for a cool hotel room.

The Two-Hotel Saga: Pondicherry's Split Personality

We had booked two different hotels to experience both the city and the beach vibe. Our first was in the city, and the moment we checked in, we did what any sane, tired family would do: we jumped into the pool, clothes and all, like a scene from a low-budget Bollywood movie. We emerged an hour later, refreshed and exhausted, a paradoxical state of being only a long journey can grant you.

For our first evening's exploration, we hailed an auto-rickshaw, the most trusted mode of transport. We asked the driver to show us the sights. He took us to two temples and a church. I hadn't been to a temple in Delhi in ages, and here I was, on a "French getaway," on a spiritual pilgrimage. Later, we went to an authentic South Indian restaurant. They served us on a banana leaf. When we asked for a spoon, the entire restaurant stared at us with the kind of bewilderment usually reserved for someone who has just asked for a fork in a sushi bar. It was a humbling, hilarious experience. We were so full we had to be rolled out. We went back to the hotel and crashed while watching Shin Chan in Tamil. My son loved it, even though none of us understood a word, which I'm convinced is a sign of his future success.

French Quarters, Spiritual Interruptions & Croissant Cravings

The next morning, we were ready to hit the French Quarters and explore. Our first stop was the Aurobindo Ashram, a place of peace and silence. Silence. A word that does not exist in the vocabulary of a four-year-old boy. He ran around, clapping his hands and shouting, "Papa! Look at the big walls!" People in white were meditating, and their peaceful faces slowly contorted into looks of polite, but firm, disapproval. One lady gestured to me with a look that said, "Control your offspring, or I will." We got the hint and made a swift, dignified exit.

Next, we went to the Promenade, the rocky beach that runs along the Bay of Bengal. We took a few photos, felt the sea breeze, and then it was off to White Town. My soul was on a mission for one thing: French food. We found a little cafe and tried their wood-oven pizzas and their glorious croissants. They were so lovely, so buttery, so flaky, that I almost cried. It was a moment of pure bliss.

Beach Bliss & a Highway Breakdown

The next day, we were headed for our second hotel, near Paradise Beach. The drive out of the city felt like entering a new, peaceful world. Our part of the beach was untouched and nearly deserted. We tried a bit of yoga, but failed miserably. My wife just laid there, looking at the waves, while I attempted a Warrior II pose and promptly pulled a muscle.

The final day of our trip began like any other, but ended with an adventure we never saw coming. Our pre-booked taxi came 45 minutes late, and an hour into our journey, the car broke down on a desolate highway. The driver, in a moment of pure genius, told us he was going to get help. We waited for 30 minutes, calling him repeatedly. He just kept saying, "5 minutes." After about the tenth "5 minutes," my wife's patience was gone.

"He's not coming back," she said. "We have to stop someone."

I stood on the side of the highway, trying to flag down a cab, but they just sped past, as if they were a part of a "No Strangers" race. Just when I thought all hope was lost, a couple in a private car stopped. A kind cab driver who was also stranded helped explain our situation in his local language. The couple, a true gift from the universe, agreed to give us a ride. They dropped us at the airport with just enough time to catch our flight. We learned that the world still has good people, and that sometimes, the greatest adventures happen when your car breaks down.

Pondicherry Travel Guide: Our Unofficial, Unhinged, and Unforgettable Tips

Planning your own trip to Pondy? Based on our experience, here are some essential tips from a travel blogger who's seen it all.

How to Reach

• By Air: The closest major airport is in Chennai. From there, you can hire a cab or take a bus.

• By Road: The drive from Chennai to Pondicherry on the East Coast Road (ECR) is scenic. Just be prepared for the heat and a potential car breakdown—it makes for a great story!

• Local Transport: Once you're in the city, you can rent a scooter or bicycle, but the most fun (and chaotic) way to get around is by auto-rickshaw. Just be prepared to negotiate.

Best Places to Visit

• White Town & French Quarter: The heart of Pondicherry. Get lost in the beautiful, grid-like streets. Every corner is a photo op.

• The Promenade: A rocky beach and a great place for a morning or evening walk. It's a peaceful spot to watch the waves crash against the rocks.

• Aurobindo Ashram: A place of serenity and meditation. Just, you know, maybe don't bring a four-year-old.

• Paradise Beach: The name says it all. This is a must-visit for its beautiful sand and clear water.

• Serenity Beach: Perfect for surfers and those who want a more chill vibe.

Things to Do

• Explore on Foot: The best way to experience White Town is by walking. You'll discover hidden boutiques, charming cafes, and beautiful villas.

• Cafe Hopping: Pondicherry is a foodie's paradise. Try the French cafes, which serve excellent croissants and coffee.

• Relax: Don't overdo it. The whole point of Pondicherry is to relax. Lie on the beach, take a dip in the sea, and just chill.

Food to Try

• French Cuisine: You have to try the croissants, wood-fired pizzas, and the various French pastries.

• South Indian Food: Don't miss out on the local cuisine. Try the dosas, idlis, and a traditional meal served on a banana leaf.

• Seafood: Pondicherry is known for its fresh seafood. You can get fresh catch at the beach shacks, prepared just the way you like.

TL; DR

Our family trip to Pondicherry was a chaotic comedy of errors. We faced a late taxi, a car breakdown on a highway, and a near-miss with missing our flight, but the French Quarters and serene beaches made it all worth it. The moral of the story? The best vacation memories often come with a side of hilarious chaos and a kind stranger.