Start off your day with a delicious breakfast at Baker Street. This French-style bakery offers a wide variety of pastries, sandwiches, and bread. The must-haves include croissants, pain au chocolat, and their savory quiches. Everything is freshly baked and the aroma will make your mouth water. The prices are reasonable and the quality of the food is impeccable.
Spend your morning exploring the utopian community of Auroville, founded by the spiritual leader Mirra Alfassa. While there, take a tour of the famous Matrimandir and the Banyan Tree. After the tour, head to the Auroville Bakery, which has a reputation for French-style bread and pastries made using organic ingredients.
Le Dupleix offers a perfect blend of French and Indian cuisine. Its stunning yet understated courtyard and regal decor will make you feel like royalty. The extensive menu features dishes including roasted lamb chops, chicken chettinad, and ratatouille. Pair your meal with a glass of house wine, and end with their outstanding desserts – crème brûlée and apple tart tatin.
Learn to cook traditional South Indian dishes at Surguru Spot. This 50-year-old institution is a popular eatery and cooking school. Join in on the fun and learn the secrets of Indian cooking. You'll be able to pick up kitchen tips, procure the finest produce from the market, and transfer your skills back home.
Start off your day with a leisurely breakfast at Le Cafe, located right on the Promenade. The view of the sea and backdrop of the Town Hall adds to the charm of the setting. The menu features cold shakes, milkshakes, and chettinad dishes. The cold coffee and fresh fruit platter are highly recommended.
The Puducherry Museum is a treasure trove of artifacts from the French colonial period and the Chola Empire. The museum houses rare and exquisite sculptures, bronze artefacts, paintings, and coins. Gain insights into the history and culture of the region with your visit.
Refuel yourself with a quick lunch at Surguru Spot while you're out souvenir shopping. It has a delicious and affordable vegetarian menu that is packed with flavor. Specialties include South Indian thalis, single-plate meals, and chaats. The coconut chutney and sambhar (lentil soup) are a must-try.
Villa Shanti is one of the most renowned restaurants in Pondicherry. The atmosphere is serene, the ambiance sophisticated, and the cuisine is an amalgamation of Indian and French. The menu changes periodically, but some of the signature dishes are the duck confit and the chocolate mousse. Don't miss out on their exotic selection of wines.
- For those looking for adventure, a yoga retreat, or surfing lessons, take a short trip to nearby Auroville.
- To experience the best of Pondicherry, we recommend travelling on a weekday.
- For the best deals on a trip to Pondicherry, try to visit during the off-season.
- Plan your visits to the restaurants in advance when visiting during weekends. They're crowded this time of the week.
- Seek the help of the locals to visit locations, for their knowledge on the tradition and history of each place is exceptional.