Pondicherry - The French Riviera of the East.

A love child of the French and Indian cultures, Pondicherry (Pudducherry) is a beach-side union territory located in Tamil Nadu. Previously until 1954, Pondicherry was French settlement. Now the old Bouganvellia-draped French-style houses, churches and even the newly built French-style shops, bright coloured cafes and restaurants give Pondicherry an exotic character to it.   

This French capital of India will definitely make you feel like you are someplace out of India when you visit places like the Rock Beach, Pondicherry Beach, Serenity Beach or the Botanical Gardens. And the best place to see Pondicherry with the same notion is to visit Auroville and Sri Aurobindo Ashram where people from all over the world come to seek spirituality through yoga and meditation. 

Pondicherry is such a place, which will never cease to surprise you with its unique style. There are several cafes and restaurants that serve impeccable French cuisine along with some lip-smacking international cuisines as well. As a popular beach-town, Pondicherry also offers you with the amazing nightlife through numerous clubs and beach-parties offering great music and delicious cocktails. There is so much to do and explore here, that you will not want to go back and experience more and more of this quaint French town of India. 

Best places I've been to and would love to recommend you :

Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach, also known as Plage Paradiso, is situated in Chunnambar, close to Pondicherry town. Adorned with the golden sand, this is a little-isolated beach. To reach here, you have to take a ferry across the backwaters, which takes around 20-30 minutes. There are a few shacks along the main entrance to the beach, and you can get fresh coconut water and some simple snacks - don't expect any fancy street food though.

Part of the fun in reaching the beach is the beautiful ferry from the boathouse - the backwaters on the way to the beach are green and have thick mangrove forests. Especially after the monsoons, the backwaters are fresh and green. You can spot a lot of birds while on the ride - and photography enthusiasts would relish the opportunity to get some great photos here.

The currents in the water are high, so it is advisable to not go deep in the water. Paradise beach is a great spot to reach early morning and get a view of the sunrise on the eastern coast. A variety of water sports facilities are available here as well. The travellers can try fishing as well: fishing rods and nets are easily available for rent.

Auroville

Located around 15 km from the city of Pondicherry, Auroville is located in Tamil Nadu and was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, a disciple of Aurobindo and fondly known as the 'Mother' of Sri Aurobindo Society. This place is the epitome of tranquillity and proves as the perfect escape for the ones in search of peace. The best way to experience Auroville ashram is to actually just sit in one of the cafes, and talk to some of the residents here about their experience of living in the city.

Conceived as the 'Universal Town', Auroville is an experimental township where people from across the world of all cultures and traditions come and live together in peace. People from 124 countries including Indians from 23 different states came together with some of their native soil brought from their homelands and deposited in a marble urn. Currently, over 2,800 people from over 195 different nationalities are the official residents of this township. The Aurovilleans as they call themselves live together on the principles of peace, harmony, sustainable living and 'divine consciousness' which was the philosophy of the Mother.

Seaside Promenade

One of the things that does justice to Pondicherry's French Roots is its beautiful Seaside Promenade. The area is well maintained, clean and beautiful and you can actually feel foam spray on your face while sipping a cooler in one of the many cafes at the promenade. Whether you're visiting during the sunny day or the starry night, the Seaside Promenade is equally feel good.

It is also known as the Rock beach.

Scuba Diving in Pondicherry

Packed with enchanting marine life, Pondicherry offers an amazing adventure of scuba diving off the country's East Coast. A dive into the sea will let you explore the rich life comprising of beautiful natural coral reefs and other exotic creatures such as manta rays, kingfish, sea snakes, lionfish, butterflies, crustaceans, moray eels and many more. Apart from that, if it is your lucky day you might even spot whale sharks, even sharks, dolphins and turtles. You also have an option of enjoying the dive at an artificial reef and experience the thrill of the activity making Pondicherry an irresistible diving destination.

The best part about it is sharing you with the best places to eat there. Housing the best French Cafes in India, Pondicherry is a foodie's paradise and is a great place for you to try out new gourmet cuisines from around the world. 

Here is a list of best cafes I've been to in Pondicherry - 

La Maison Rose

La Maison Rose is a boutique styled restaurant which depicts French architecture in its grandeur. The backdrop of this cafe in Pondicherry is a historic villa which lets you enjoy its French colonial style and offers a special feeling of your soul being at bliss. If you prefer dining amidst nature's serene beauty, then this place would complete awe you. The tables are arranged neatly under mango trees which offer a great ambience and perfect solace from the outside world.

Must Try: Lamb Chops

Location: 8 Rue Romain Rolland Street, White Town

Le Café

Le Café is located on the beach road and is the only seafront café in Pondicherry. What differentiates this café amidst others is that it is open round the clock. So, whenever you are in dire need of a drink or want to quench your insatiable appetite, then you don't need to keep track of time. Relax on the chairs facing the Bay of Bengal and soak in the cool blue water. This sight would take away all your pressure and would keep you mesmerized for hours. The cool breeze blowing by acts like a topping on the cake. A bite of the masala omelette to go with a hot and steaming cup of cappuccino would indeed take you into a different world altogether. The sun basking away to glory with its golden sunlight shimmering, the sky turning a crimson red and the sound of waves splashing by is a sight to marvel. It approximately costs around INR 450 for two.

Must Try: French fries and Lasagna

Location: No.40, Beach Rd, White Town

PRO TIP: Go there late at night to avoid the crowd

Satsanga

Set amidst lush greenery, this open-air café offers continental cuisine along with a breezy atmosphere. It is the perfect spot to spend your evening in Pondicherry. It offers an intimate atmosphere and personates warmth. 

Must Try: Juicy green pepper steaks and buttery lemon pies

Location: 54, La Bourdonnais Street, Near PWD New Head Office

Cafe de Flore

It is a small café at Pondy's Alliance Francaise. Simple yet delicious food with a lovely courtyard is what this café offers proudly. Mouthwatering pasta, fresh burgers made using fresh farm veggies and delicious Nutella crepes would surely top your list.

Must Try: Crepes are a must have for every connoisseur

Location: 37 Dumas Street, Maison Colombani - Alliance Francaise

Coromandel Cafe

Classy indoors with ample natural lighting and the garden set up outside of it in this cafe will definitely leave you in awe. The colonial-era theme is a tell that it serves English and French cuisines. Enjoy the sea breeze while you sip one of their speciality cocktails.

Must Try: Coffee Macchiato, Cheesecake, and Cucumber Martini

Location: 8, Romain Rolland St, White Town

And voila! You can refer this list and use it at your disposal for the most amazing places and cafes to be at.