Just 2
1/2 hours away from Madras along the scenic and well-maintained East Coast Road
(ECR) is Pondicherry. It is at best a great weekend destination. Especially if
you're based in Madras, or even Bangalore, plan a drive down to Pondy during
one of the long weekends. It would be worth the visit.
Pondy is a great place for bargain shopping. It's a typical laid back south Indian town. Don't go shopping for brands here. You won't find many any ways!
Pondy is a great place for bargain shopping. It's a typical laid back south Indian town. Don't go shopping for brands here. You won't find many any ways!
Shop
for some great products from the Aurobindo shops and boutiques. They are worth
the price, albeit, slightly on the higher side. At least you are assured of
good quality stuff. Secondly, Pondy is a decent destination for leather goods.
This is Hidesign's home turf. Their products are by and large good. But be wary
of what you buy and compare prices. Sometimes they fleece you. Actually, mostly
they fleece you!
Pondy
has a 2 km long beach, which is very hot during day time! Go for early morning
and late evening walks, to enjoy the peace and quiet. Chunnambar backwater
resort is another nice picnic spot. Be prepared to meet milling crowds of
downmarket tourists from neighbouring villages! The backwater boat ride is
nothing to write home about. Boozing is a major attraction in Pondy. Indulge,
if you like!
Avoid
Pondy during the summer months. It usually gets too hot for comfort. Stick to
the French quarter of the town. It is certainly better than the other side,
which is nothing but a typical dirty small Indian town. There are lots of
excellent eateries, serving mostly Continental fares (to cater to the palates
of the foreigners who can be seen swarming are all over the place!!). Check out
the many non-descript and hidden beaches along the coastline of Pondy. They
will be refreshingly good. Be warned about the locals and foreigners who will
be peddling drugs/women etc.
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