Your Definitive Guide To Exploring And Shopping in Pondicherry, The Serene South-Indian Beach Destination With A French Vibe (2019)

Pondicherry is a quaint little union territory to the south of India. Though a part of India, it gives you a total French vibe! The remnants of the French occupation still exists in architecture, language, and food. There is also a fascinating intermingling of the French and Tamil cultures that you can enjoy. Truly, Pondicherry gives the word quaint a new meaning. Time slows down, and you get to enjoy the simple things in life. Pondicherry has something for everyone; from architectural buffs to foodies. Even a simple traveller can find tons of stuff here.

You can just about cover Pondicherry in a day, but it has many opportunities for someone looking to wind down. You can try your hand at yoga, meditation, pottery or maybe just walking and sinking your feet in the golden sands at the beach. The adventurous lot can try their hands at some water sports too. Pondicherry can fulfil your every need in terms of vacation.

Pondicherry has a lot to offer in terms of shopping for tourists. From exquisitely designed clothes to intricately handmade crafts such as dream catchers, incense sticks, scented candles, pottery and terracotta, and more. You should also keep an eye out for local handicrafts made from coconut shells and knick-knacks made from eco-friendly material. Since the union-territory is octroi-free zone, whatever you buy there would be generally cheaper.

Rue Romain Rolland is one of the most beautiful and prolific streets in Pondicherry. There is nothing you cannot get here. From western wear to ethnic wear to Kashmiri boutiques you have everything next to one another. If you are short on time, make it a point to visit Janaki and the Kashmiri boutique. Apart from apparel, you can lay your hands on handmade incense, candles, perfumes, and aromatherapy products. When you are tired and worn out, there are little cafes and also the numeral multi-cuisine restaurants for your mid-day cravings.

ADDRESS - Romain Rolland St White Town, Puducherry - 605001

Your trip to Pondicherry is not complete without a visit to Casablanca. It is one of the most interesting and trendy stores in the city. Plan a visit to the store even if you are not shopping. Window shopping is much more fun. On display are attractive home decor, leather goods, casual wear garments, and much more. They also have a good selection of cosmetics and perfumes from international brands.

The most interesting part is the products from Auroville and the home decor section. They have separate sections dedicated to these. Pondicherry’s own leather goods brand Hidesign also has its section with a wonderful collection of products from belts to bags and shoes.

ADDRESS - 165, Mission Street, Pondicherry

Serenity Beach, situated to the north of Pondicherry, is also home to one of a kind bazaar similar to the flea markets. The Bazaar is set up only on the weekends and operates from 10 am to 5 pm. You can find some genuinely unique handicraft items, including bags, garments, accessories, and more. This is a far cry from the regular bazaar that you might have encountered.

Something is refreshing about the Serenity Beach Bazaar, which is more of a family event. You have people from all over Pondy coming over to display their wares. When you are tired, you can enjoy some delicious bites from several stalls while listening to refreshing live music. Complete with a small garden, Serenity Beach Bazaar is interesting and charming.

ADDRESS - Serenity Garden, Pondicherry - 605104

Like with most of the shops in Pondy, the Neemrana Shop also offers a unique shopping experience. The boutique is associated with the Neemrana Hotels which are operated by the Neemrana Group. The shop offers a small and chic collection of decor and artwork used in their hotels. Also on display are western and Indian wear, accessories, table linen, trays, candles, and candle stands. Though there are limited items on display, every product is exclusive. You won't be able to resist the temptation of getting your hands on to at least something.

ADDRESS - 17, Romain Rolland St, White Town, Pondicherry - 605001

A small shop filled with beautifully carved handicrafts and clothes for both children and adults. You would want to fill up your suitcase with everything they will have to offer. It would be that amazing! Along with readymade items such as clothes and handicrafts, you also can get the clothes tailor-made if you plan ahead.

ADDRESS - 44, 1st Floor, Aravindar St, Heritage Town, Puducherry, 605013

Anokhi, an apparel chain store is a family favourite for comfortable indo-western wear. It was first started almost 40 years ago in Jaipur and is famous for its perfectly hand-printed cotton wear. White or pastel colours with hand-printed designs in bright colours is a typical signature of Anokhi. Their prints are made with traditional methods of printing by using wooden blocks. You can also see beadwork, applique work, and mirror work in their garments.

The store also stocks home furnishings like bed sheets, quilts, bedcovers, etc. At the centre of the store, you can find the most beautiful shawls. The designs found on Anokhi products are indeed one of a kind and are made by skilled rural workers specially trained for this purpose.

ADDRESS - No.1, Caserne Street, Pondicherry - 605001

It is indeed surprising that Pondicherry is home to India’s premier leather brand. They also have the privilege of being sold at international outlets. The company is also environmentally conscious and opts for eco-friendly options for tanning.

Their flagship store in Pondy is a massive three-storey haven for leather goods. Wallets, handbags, backpacks, briefcases, shoes, garments, leather accessories; take your pick! The store also houses a cafe, Le Hidesign Café, which offers excellent coffee and free wifi too.

ADDRESS - 159, Mission Street, Pondicherry - 605001

An innocuous shop in a little corner that you would miss if you are not careful is a favourite among all tourists of Pondicherry. The boutique displays stuff that is made in Auroville. From trendy apparels and accessories to handicraft decor, you can find everything here. Their lampshades are a must-buy. They are intricately designed using handmade paper and dried flowers. Though expensive, you can find people milling around at all times!

ADDRESS - 38 Jawaharlal Nehru street, Pondicherry-605001

Looking for some self-care? Kalki has some of the best self-indulgent products on its shelves. Spending time in the store itself is a form of therapy; it is exquisitely designed and smells fantastic too thanks to the collection of aromatherapy products, scented candles, and essential oils on display. The shop also has many interesting products made of silk and cotton. And then there are accessories like handbags, hats, jewellery and more. All the products are made in exclusively Auroville.

ADDRESS - 134, mission street, Pondicherry

Your quest for beautiful artefacts from Pondicherry is not yet over without a visit to Auro Wood Works. You will get to see impeccably carved wooden creations everywhere. You can find everything from pen stands, to bowls and even figurines of Gods. Every piece is unique, and there is a variation in everything. They primarily use Oakwood, Teakwood, Portiawood, and Jackwood. If you end up purchasing a lot from them and worry about taking it all back, then they have got you covered as they ship it all over India.

ADDRESS - 144/E, M.G. Road, Kottakuppam Puduvai, Pondicherry

Pondicherry is known for many things; golden sandy beaches, well-laid streets, cheap alcohol, and finally, gourmet food. They have numerous cafes catering to the millenials and a few hole-in-the-wall cafes too. Some are right on the beach where you can enjoy the sunset as you sip the poison of your choice.

Le Cafe is probably the only seafront cafe in Pondicherry, and it is open 24/7. Be it day or mid of the night; Le Cafe is open to quench your thirst. Imagine sitting by the beach cradling your hot drink with some delicious hot fries while watching the sun go down (or up).

While everyone's out here talking about women empowerment, they are showing how it's done by running a cafe in Pondy. Run by women only, the cafe is quaint and very artsy, the cafe is essentially an art boutique with a cafe on the terrace. You can see the boutique extending to the decor of the cafe in a non-intrusive way. If you choose an evening to visit the cafe, you can witness their live events. While you are there, get your hands on their pizza, fresh cakes, and those heavenly fresh juices.

This is yet another small cafe, something that Pondy is famous for. But this one comes with a large courtyard. Order some mocktails and a burger or pizza; or, maybe a coffee and one of those Nutella crepes; you are sure to make it your regular haunt while you are there!

Another cafe that sells those divine crepes. This one has an unmistakable air of European flair. Imagine an old house with tons of character, antique furniture that has seen multiple stories play out and bright yellow walls with black murals, and that precisely describes the Cafe des Arts. Every inch of the cafe speaks of the bygone French era. They serve the best crepes with several varieties to choose from. Also, don't forget to try out their gazpacho, baguette and delicious sandwiches.

As the name indicates, Zuka Choco-la is heaven for chocoholics. Not anywhere near the other cafes, this small store has the most delicious chocolates in Pondicherry. You might want to sit around for a while and enjoy everything they have to offer. Check out their hot chocolate complete with a chocolate spoon, chocolate-dipped cookies, and lemon tarts.

The Seaside Promenade is one of the most visited places in the city and also does justice to Pondicherry’s reputation. The beach itself is rocky, but a concrete road runs along the beach. It is so close to the beach itself that you can feel the ocean spray as the waves crash on the rugged shore. Lounge on one of the numerous benches and enjoy a cooler from one of the seaside stalls. Or maybe you could visit one of the attractions on the beach such as the lighthouse, French war memorial or the Mahatma Gandhi statue.

Auroville Beach or Auro Beach as lovingly called by the locals lies close to the Auroville township. The beach is serene and much less crowded. So, if you are looking for a bit of peace, Auro Beach is the place for you. However, the calm waters make it an attraction during weekends. Few companies also offer water sports on weekends; however, it is not a regular attraction of the beach.

Serenity Beach isn't just named as such for nothing. The beach excludes a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. The golden sands, the green creepers, the palm trees dotting the shore, and the sweet smell of the ocean makes this an ideal spot for visitors. As the waves are higher than the adjoining beaches, you can also spot an odd surfer. Keep an eye out for the weekend flea market as well.

A short drive from the city and a 30-minute ferry ride away is Paradise Beach. True to its name, the beach is indeed a paradise. From the golden sands to the creepers on the beach, Paradise Beach ticks all the right boxes. You can either lounge on the beach chairs with a drink in hand or take a swim along the shore. It is not advised to swim deeper due to the fast and tricky underwater currents. There is also a restaurant right on the beach, so do plan for a long day with lots of fun.

This is not a beach but warrants a mention here owing to its beauty and importance. Ousteri Wetland and National Park is situated at about 10 km away from the city right at the border of Pondicherry and Tamilnadu. The place is famous for the migratory birds that visit around every year in winter. The national park also includes a manmade lake that is known for its rare and exotic fish. It is indeed a wonderland for birdwatchers and photographers.