Call 01306 744 656 or book a
Call 01306 744 656 or book a
With policemen in scarlet képis, street names in both French and Tamil, and boulangeries piled high with baguettes and croissants, Pondicherry offers an unexpected dash of Gallic charm on India’s south-eastern coast. This tiny seaside territory was part of colonial France until 1954, a legacy that has left its mark on everything from the graceful architecture to the inevitably superb local food scene.
The joy of being here is not so much the sights as the smile-inducing experiences. It would be delightfully easy to spend entire days here strolling or pedalling along tree-lined avenues lined with historic villas, pausing to indulge your tastebuds at cafés in every style from boho-arty to high-ceilinged elegance. There are beaches made for toes-in-the-sand meanders, including one of the country’s handful of Blue Flag holders; a broad and breezy promenade overlooking the Bay of Bengal where a statue of Gandhi keeps watch; and an open-to-all ashram where you can shake off any last lingering traces of stress with a sunset meditation session.
Speak to our South India gurus about creating your perfect Pondicherry visit complete with suitably chic accommodation and adventures that go beyond the ordinary.
Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Malcolm, who's travelled extensively in India. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember.
Freephone an expert 01306 744 656
