Explore sunny beaches, crayon-bright buildings, spiritual ashrams, a fusion of Indo-French cuisine, and Pondicherry’s finest with Zostel Pondicherry (Auroville Road).
If you’re seeking hostels in Pondicherry, Zostel Pondicherry (Auroville Road) is here to the rescue! With a hip vibe, many cosy corners, calm-toned interiors, and plush stays, this Zostel invites you to a laidback beachside getaway.
A mood board mixing crayon-bright buildings, sunny beaches, and spiritual experiments in its green outskirts, Pondicherry is a new-age meets old-world travel spot. The colonial-era ville has a spiritual and bohemian-chic vibe that no one can resist. And with old-world gallic architecture, a lovely promenade, and renowned ashrams, travellers lovingly call it ‘Pondy’. Walking or cycling through its interconnected streets and tree lined roads, you will come across French-style houses, many bakeries and cafes, and ornate churches. To add to the fun, it offers cheap liquor and a French-influenced cuisine.
Best places to visit in Pondicherry
Tanto Beach
For travellers looking for relaxation and avoiding the beach crowd crush, Tanto Beach is the perfect spot. Take some freshly baked French delights with you from the nearby eateries to ease your hunger pangs and enjoy a spot of outdoor games. Full moon nights are an exceptional time to visit the beach for a soothing beach walk under the moonlight.
Auro Beach
With an unparalleled setting, brimming with calm and serenity, Auro Beach is a perfect mix of sun, sand, and sea. It is nice, clean, and well-maintained and has golden sand spread all over the beach.
Serenity Beach
Secluded, quiet, and absolutely gorgeous, Serenity Beach is a pristine strip of golden sand. It overlooks the shimmering waters of the Bay of Bengal, so look forward to soothing swims. But don’t venture too deep into the sea.
Promenade Beach
Flooded by joggers and walkers, Promenade Beach is the most iconic spot in Pondicherry. On a walk from the beach’s one end to another, you will come across the Joan of Arc statue, the town hall, the War Memorial, and the Gandhi statue. And when you want to relax, you can sit on the rocks and gaze for hours at the crashing waves.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Sri Aurobindo and a French woman called ‘The Mother’ founded the ashram in 1926, focusing on the guru's teachings on ‘internal yoga’. A visit to the ashram treats your senses to calm and serene interiors. An evening meditation session is a must-do here.
Evening Meditation: 7:45-8:15 pm
Notre Dame de Anges
One of the most attractive churches in Pondicherry, Notre Dame, was built in 1855. It overlooks Promenade Beach, right across a statue of Joan of Arc. The orange-pink domed exterior houses a smooth, lined interior that makes for an excellent backdrop for your pictures.
Timings: 5:30 am-12 pm, 4-8 pm
Paradise Beach
A place with a befitting name, Paradise Beach is among the best beaches in Pondicherry. Dip your feet into the sapphire blue waters and sample the local treats from the nearby shacks.
Note: You can reach this spot via a scenic ferry ride. However, we recommend you take your private/rented vehicle.
Old Lighthouse
Located between Promenade and Rock Beaches, Old Lighthouse overlooks the vast Bay of Bengal. It’s a great spot to catch panoramic views of the sea and Pondicherry town.
Best cafes in Pondicherry
Cafe des Arts
To make this bohemian cafe a bit desi and a little less European, they added a rickshaw in the garden. But it's still a feast for the eyes as well as our tummy. With low tables and lounge chairs spread across rooms and on the terrace, the cafe boasts a casual yet refined setting.
What to try: Salads, Crêpes, Baguettes, Omelettes, Toasties, Coffees, and Fresh Juices.
Villa Shanti
One of Pondicherry’s hottest fine dining spots has a very casual, fancy vibe with candle-lit tables and a colourful cocktail bar. The Franco-Indian menu runs right through the European/North Indian range of dishes. And the best part? It remains open all day for snacks and drinks.
What to try: Mushroom Fantasy, Citrus Salad, Paneer Bharta, Sangria, and Risotto
Villa Helena
Engulfed with tropical gardens, Villa Helena is a fashionable Indian-continental eatery run by Pondicherry’s favourite culinary teams. A lantern-lit patio with white columned corridors makes for a dreamy setting. And the menu has the whole world in it.
What to try: Salads, Fillets, Pastas, Cheese Boards, and Indian classics.
Surguru Spot
Craving for something from the South? Surguru is the Spot! Here, you can keep the pun aside and grab your favourite South Indian dishes in a comfy AC dining hall with yellow-washed pillars.
What to try: Dosas, Vada, Idli, and Thalis.
Baker Street
For kuch meetha, head to Baker Street. Instead of Sherlock Holmes, an army of delicious bakes will be waiting for you here.
What to try: Cakes, Sandwiches, Croissants, Biscuits, Baguettes, Brownies, and Quiches
Coromandel Cafe
Located in the colonial-era neighbourhood of Pondicherry, this cafe offers a great selection of Continental and freshly baked desserts. Make sure you reserve a table in advance.
What to try: Moroccan spiced prawns, saffron kahwa, nut & banana blondies, and hot pink benedict.
Auroville Cafe & Bakery
With an open sitting on a verandah full of lush green plants, this bakery is amongst the finest ones in town.
What to try: Croissants, buns, baguettes, biscuits, pizzas, quiche, vegetable tarts, pies and rolls.
Tanto Trattoria Pizzeria
Pizza on your mind? Then head to this relaxed Italian pizzeria with shared terrace tables. They also prepare healthy food options from vegan, vegetarian to sea food.
What to try: Baked pizzas, vegan, vegetarian, and non-vegetarian dishes.
Marc’s Cafe
Run by a team of passionate, cheerful, and enthusiastic coffee lovers, Marc’s Cafe has a reputation for brewing the finest coffee. They source their beans from select estate in South India, and roast them at the cafe to ensure your cup smells and tastes as fresh as possible.
What to try: All kinds of coffee.
Bread & Chocolate
Craving something baked & sweet but you’re dieting? At Bread & Chocolate, you can eat your favourite desserts guilt free because their menu is full of healthy food options.
What to try: Apple tart, affogato, barbajada, croissant, and poached eggs.
