PONDICHERRY

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OVERVIEW

Away from the hustle and bustle of big cities, Puducherry is a quiet little town on the southern coast of India. The unmistakable French connection, the tree lined boulevards, the quaint colonial heritage buildings, the spiritual sceneries, the endless stretches of unspoilt virgin beaches and backwaters and a surprising choice of restaurants serving a melange of cuisines provide a heady mix of experience that draws travellers from near and far to the city. It is the perfect place to come if you want to take the pace of life down a few notches.

PROFILE

The Union Territory of Puducherry comprises four coastal regions namely Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam. Puducherry and Karaikal are situated on the East Coast of Tamil Nadu, Yanam in Andhra Pradesh and Mahe on the West Coast in Kerala. The city of Puducherry is the Capital of this Union Territory. It lies on the east coast about 162 kms south of Chennai Madras located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. There are no hills or forests in this region. The major soil types found here are red ferralitic, black clay and coastal alluvial. The main spoken language is Tamil, though Telugu, Malayalam, English and French are spoken by a considerable number of people. Although the majority of the population is Hindu, there are quite a number of Christians and Muslims, whereas Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists are few in comparison. Puducherry, as many people feel, has a distinct spiritual vibration. Stories of resident sages come down throughout its history from the earliest days.

Puducherry has a special vibe, not felt anywhere else in India. It is a blend of spiritual aura, colonial heritage, Tamil culture and the cosmopolitan flair of many nationalities in a small but varied town. This inherent ambience of Pondy becomes most evident in the oldest part of the town which flanks the seashore boulevard.

The colonial buildings, some of which date back to the 18th century, stretch along a grid of clean straight streets which house French institutions, Hotels, Guest Houses, Restaurants, Boutiques and private homes, including the sprawling premises of the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Visitors to this area are greeted by mellow hues of cream, yellow, pink and grey compound walls interspersed by flamboyant bougainvillea bursting over gates and walls of courtyards.

Quiet beaches and peaceful resorts in the north and south of the city balance the towns busy, yet easy going life. Pondy, not only offers its own special attractions, but also doubles as the perfect base to explore the rich destinations of Tamilnadu that surrounds it. Some destinations, namely Auroville, the international City of Unity, the imposing Gingee Fort, the holy temple towns of Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamalai and Chidambaram, the heritage sculptures and magnificent rock temples of Mamallapuram Mahabalipuram and the cool lush hill stations of Yercaud and Kodaikanal should make your To,Do list.

Puducherry is best accessible by road from Chennai, Bangalore and even from Kerala. Chennai has an international airport and is easily reachable via a national highway from Puducherry, and offers good transit hotels in the vicinity for travellers arriving late at night.

Puducherry has a wide choice of hotels to choose from, Beach resorts for tourists and families, Heritage hotels for those who want to experience something out of the ordinary, high class commercial hotels for the corporate visitors and the neat Ashram Guest Houses for the spiritual seekers. Restaurants serve a rich variety of French, Indian, Asian and continental food and also have many international chains of fast food.

Puducherry is fast becoming a favourite shopping destination of the southern metropolitan cities. It is easy on your purse with low or no taxes. Although it is known for its traditional doll,making, textiles and silks, it is also the birthplace of several world class brands in leather, pottery, aromatics, fashion and handmade paper. These excellent products have become renowned solely on the merit of their superb quality. A new trend is the proliferation of exquisite decor boutiques and export,quality antique furniture galleries.

However, as you shall see, the Pondy Experience is considerably more than any of these unique and cloistered aspects. It is an experience that captivates all kinds of visitors , from those who want to take in the sites or shop, eat and stay, on their own terms.

The nickname Pondy sums up this shared feeling of belonging and having come home.

Destination Wedding in Pondicherry

It can be a wedding,cum,vacation with your best ones. Sounds very exciting, right? If you are going to get married soon and are looking for the right beach destination to get married, then we know just the place for you. Pondicherry aka Puducherry is a beautiful little beach town located near Chennai. Unlike the beach hub of India , Goa, Pondicherry has much cleaner beaches and is very less populated.

Even though a lot of tourists flock to this gorgeous town for vacations because of its gorgeous beaches and French,style architecture, the town still hasnt lost its old,world charm and that is what makes it a perfect destination for an intimate beach wedding. The streets of Pondicherry, especially White Town, are lined with mustard,coloured French colonial villas and chic boutiques.

It is a very dreamy set,up for a dream wedding. Apart from its French architecture and legacy, Pondicherry is extremely famous for its stunning beaches. Some of them are Auroville Beach, Paradise Beach, Serenity Beach, Mahe Beach, Karaikal Beach, Promenade Beach aka Rock Beach and many more.

Out of all these, Rock Beach Pondicherry is one of the prettiest beaches lining the town. It is a gorgeous beach with clean waters and striking black rocks strewn across the edge in a stunning manner.

Le Pondy Beach Resort

Le Pondy is a stunning French,styled sea facing 5,star resort with a very vibrant mid,century ambience. The Pondicherry Airport is nearest to Le Pondy at a distance of 40km and takes 45 minutes to travel. You can also travel to Pondicherry from Chennai International Airport, which takes about 3 hours. Le Pondy has a total of 70 rooms with a sea or lake view sprawled across 14 acres of land.
The beach side resort has a huge banquet hall ideal for wedding ceremonies as it can accommodate around 350 people. There is also a large poolside area perfect for pre,wedding pool parties, sangeet, and mehendi ceremony.

Distance From Airport , 15 Km
Travel time , 29 Min
Category , 4 Star Deluxe
Total rooms , 70
Deluxe , 54
Villas , 16
Swimming Pool , 1
Restaurant , 2
Lounge and Bar , 1
Parking , 60

Event Venues

Banquet Hall , 350 Pax
Board Room , 60 Pax
Outdoor Lawn , 500 Pax

Bonjour Bonheur Ocean Spray

Conceived as Pondicherry by the French and affectionately known as Pondy, the city has its conspicuous French connection. Away from the hustle bustle of the metros, this quiet little town offers the peculiar mustard,yellow colonial heritage buildings, virgin beaches, a medley of cuisines, the quaint spiritual wave and the alluring art. Here, soaked in the whiff of the Bay of Bengal and stationed in the ripples of its own beautiful man,made lake, Ocean Spray grasps the enchantment and the intimacy in its own breath. Bonjour Bonheur Ocean Spray Resort showcases nature at its best. The Majestic grandeur architecture overlooks the overwhelming swimming pool with the sound of the gushing cascades and the smoldering view of the sky. Interiors reflect the warmth of its aristocratic ambiance. Villas with private swimming pools provide an exclusive composition. One of its kind nightclub quenches the thirst of the night life birds. The mesmerizing experience of candle light dinner on the boat in the lake is just meant for those special romantic moments. Statuesque trees give the unmistakable view from the esplanade.

Distance From Airport , 17 Km
Travel time , 24 Min
Category , 4 Star Deluxe
Total rooms , 106
Deluxe , 72
Villas , 34
Swimming Pool , 1
Restaurant , 2
Lounge and Bar , 1
Parking , 80

Event Venues

Tudor Hall , 35 Pax
Trafalgar Hall , 700 Pax
Mid Bay Poolside , 250 Pax
Outdoor Lawn , 4000 Pax

Grand Serenaa Hotels and Resorts, Pondicherry

Seeking out for a place outside your home and still feel home?. An ideal ambience with the perfect combination of an iconic design and modern luxury bids you for an extraordinary experience at Grand Serenaa Pondicherry. Detaching one from the hustle , bustle environment of the cities and for those who are looking out for a revitalizing, it is high time that you check out our resort , style accommodation suiting the best of your choices. Grand Serenaa is a simple yet a modern resort away from the city. a perfect choice for all your occasions , meetings, conferences, wedding or a vacation under a single roof.

Distance From Airport , 6 Km
Travel time , 14 Min
Category , 4 Star
Deluxe Total rooms , 70
Deluxe , 55
Suites , 15
Swimming Pool , 1
Restaurant , 2
Lounge and Bar , 1
Parking , 65

Event Venues

Palacio Hall , 500 Pax
Zest , 50 Pax
Krishnaa Hall , 70 Pax
Lawn , 650 Pax

The Windflower Resort and Spa, Pondicherry

Tuck into a sumptuous colonial breakfast. Stroll along the beach with the gulls. Take a leisurely dip and get playful with your loved ones. Rekindle your romance on a backwater cruise. Treat yourself to rejuvenating spa treatments. Discover stillness of the mind at the ashram and bow your head in reverence at the Matrimandir. Marvel at the magnificence of historic buildings and finish the day with the sunset at the beach. Remnants of colonial France, eastern mysticism, serene beaches and a fusion of Tamil and French culture and cuisine... Experience it all during your flavoursome Pondicherry vacation at The Windflower Pondicherry resort, set in Veerampattinam between the backwaters and the Bay of Bengal.

Distance From Airport , 12 Km
Travel time , 24 Min
Category , 4 Star Deluxe
Total rooms , 51
Deluxe , 45
Villas , 6
Swimming Pool , 1
Restaurant , 2
Lounge and Bar , 1
Parking , 50

Event Venues

Conference Hall , 350 Pax
Board Room , 50 Pax
Outdoor Lawn , 150 Pax

Nalla Eco Beach Resort, Pondicherry

The Nalla Eco Beach Resort is a simple, contemporary French style 3,star resort located near Pondicherry beach. It has a tranquil ambience that you will fall in love with. The resort is just 10 minutes away from the Pondicherry Airport and it barely takes half an hour to reach there. From the Chennai airport, it takes roughly 2.5 hours. The resort has 70 rooms for accommodation. It has the most beautiful sea facing lawn that holds a capacity of 1500 people, making it perfect for the wedding reception. The resort also has a banquet hall with a capacity of 150 people for small wedding ceremonies like sangeet and mandap.

Distance From Airport , 12 Km
Travel time , 24 Min
Category , 3 Star Deluxe
Total rooms , 70
Deluxe , 46
Villas , 24
Swimming Pool , 1
Restaurant , 2
Lounge and Bar , 1
Parking , 70

Event Venues

Conference Hall , 150 Pax
Board Room , 20 Pax
Outdoor Lawn , 1500 Pax Dune Eco Village and Spa, Pondicherry Our village is designed for travelers who are looking for a place for a long, leisurely stay surrounded by tranquility, peace, and comfort. This 25,acre eco,friendly beach village features uniquely designed bungalows and cottages, a swimming pool, a tennis court and 700m of pristine beach. The Dune welcomes guests all through the year. We aim to create an environment to live in harmony with nature and men The Dune had 55 uniquely designed bungalows fusing traditional and modern architecture and 2 wedding venues which includes landscaped gardens, bungalows, and antique Mandapa.

Distance From Airport , 16 Km
Travel time , 22 Min
Category , 4 Star Deluxe
Total rooms , 55
Deluxe , 45
Suites , 10
Swimming Pool , 1
Restaurant , 2
Lounge and Bar , 1
Parking , 50

Event Venues

Conference Hall , 150 Pax
Lawn , 250 Pax

St James Beach Resort, Pondicherry

Established in 1998, the St James Beach Resort is a beautiful 3,star beachside resort near Pondicherry beach. The resort has a natural and peaceful ambiance and it is covered in lush greenery. It is located at a distance of 10.7km from Pondicherry airport and takes less than 30 minutes to reach by car. From the Chennai airport, it takes about 3 hours. The resort has 40 rooms with traditional interiors. The rooms have the most gorgeous views of the Pondicherry beach. There is a sea facing lawn which can hold 1,500 people and a huge beach view conference room with a 300 people capacity.

Distance From Airport , 11 Km
Travel time , 17 Min
Category , 3 Star Deluxe
Total rooms , 40
Deluxe , 35
Suites , 5
Swimming Pool , 1
Restaurant , 2
Lounge and Bar , 1
Parking , 40

Event Venues

Conference Hall , 300 Pax
Board Room , 40 Pax
Sea Facing Lawn , 1500 Pax

India Destination

A page form the India Destination Digital Book, click here to access