Travel - Best Places of Interest

February 9, 2019 Travel

Accommodations and restaurants in Pondicherry

Accommodations to choose from colonial bungalows to small French boutique villas, resorts in Pondicherry are a travellers delight.

Accord Puducherry is 5.6 km from Pondicherry Train Station. Chennai International Airport is 159.3 km away.

A selection of Indian, European and Chinese dishes are served in the 24-hour Season Cafe. Zodiac Bar offers a selection of drinks. Legumes – Celebrating Vegetarianism is a concept restaurant that exclusively serves vegetarian delights.

Treebo South Avenue Pondicherry

Offering a restaurant that serves Indian and International vegetarian cuisine, Treebo South Avenue is located in Pondicherry, just opposite Pondicherry Railway Station

The French Villa Rèsidence

Located in Pondicherry, near Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Botanical Garden, The French Villa Rèsidence has a terrace. The nearest airport is Pondicherry Airport, 5.6 km from the property.

You may also like to read Best Places of Interest in Pondicherry

The French villa

The French villa is a heritage property set in Pondicherry, 0.7 mi from Sri Aurobindo Ashram and 701 m from Bharathi Park.

The Windflower Resorts and Spa Pondicherry

In the middle of lush natural surroundings, The Windflower Resort & Spa is in Pondicherry. It features an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant and standalone villas that overlook the garden.

Hotel Atithi

Located 3117 feet from Pondicherry Beach, Hotel Atithi features 2 dining options and rooms with modern décor.
Free WiFi and parking are provided.

Le Chateau

Located in the French Colony of Pondicherry, Le Chateau offers a restaurant. This self-catering accommodation features free WiFi.

The property feature 2 dining options that serves Indian and international delights.

White Town is a great choice for travellers interested in history, architecture and ambience .

Mel Ville

Mell Ville is a self-catering accommodation located within 0.6 mi from the popular attractions like the Gandhi Beach, Aurobindo Ashram and the Ganesh Temple. Auroville is 3.7 mi away.

Palais De Mahe – CGH Earth

Offering an outdoor swimming pool and a massage parlor, Palais De Mahe is located in Pondicherry. Free Wi-Fi access is available.

Mahe De Malabar serves a selection of Indian and Continental cuisines. Mahe Café is a coffee shop that serves piping hot refreshing beverages. Room service is available.

List of restaurants as a tourist in Pondicherry

Terrace Grill @ Hotel Atithi (Grill) – Go for their dinner buffet – it’s worth every rupee. The view on the roof top is also amazing. They have liquor too.

Hotel Sri Kamatchi (South Indian Non-Veg) – If you want to taste a different kind of Biryani than what you are used to, then try their Biryani. Some might find it to be a little on the spicier side though. You can also try Karandi Omelette, Kamatchi Chicken & Fish Kamatchi.

Villa Shanti (Multi Cuisine – Continental) – The ambiance of this place is stunning more than its food. Try their Ravioli & Stuffed Chicken Breast.

The Smoothie Bar (Desserts & Continental) – Great ambiance and amazing food & drinks. Must try: Coconut, Nutty Affair & Lean Machine Smoothie. Sorbet Ice-creams made with real fruits and their Continental Set Meal & Chicken Burger.

Zuka (Chocolates) – Try their Chocolate Pakodas, Hot Chocolate & Red Velvet Cakes. Most of their Cakes are delicious, their truffles aren’t great though.

Paris Restaurant (Vietnamese) – If you want a fine dining atmosphere, this is not the place to go. There are just two dishes (and only two) which you should try here: Chicken Noodles Soup & Chaiyo.

Italize (Italian) – 4 Cheese & Sausage Baked Pasta & Lasagna

Eat my Cake (Pastries) – Try their Cakes & Cheese Platter

Now for the Over Hyped / Places to avoid:

Cafe Xtasi – This is one of the most overhyped places in Pondicherry. You will see people flocking this place and the pizzas used to be good but now their quality, service and ambience sucks big time. There are better places to have pizzas in Pondicherry like New Farm Fresh.

GMT (Gelateria Montecatini Terme) – If you have ever tasted a real Italian Gelato or Sorbet you will know why after you try this place. Their Gelatos are fluffy and use low-quality ingredients.

Barbeque Nation – Don’t go by the brand name, this outlet has a cut-down menuMulti-Cuisineand their quality is terrible.

Baker Street – Though some of their dishes taste good, the value for money is near to zero. Most of the dishes are precooked and they just reheat them and serve. They, however, have some unique chocolates and bread.

Cream Affair – Don’t get carried away by the photos of their desserts. Except for the fact that their bubble waffles are shaped different there is nothing worth speaking about. Their ambience is good though.

The Pasta Bar Vento – The ambience of this place is nice, but the food is a big let-down since some of their items are precooked. Not the place to go have good pasta.

Cafe des Arts – Except for the nice-looking yellow walls which will look great on Instagram, there is nothing great about this place. Their food is overpriced and tastes bad. Don’t even get started on service.

There are a lot of more good restaurants, I will try and add more places and dishes as time permits.

Have you been to Pondicherry and to more good restaurants, please do share in the comments section?

February 6, 2019 Travel, Within India

Best Places of interest in Pondicherry

Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry, is a city and capital of the Pondicherry union territory of Southern India. Though the place is small in geographical size this place was the largest French Colony in India. The city has a long and interesting history of trade and war.

A colonial touch blended with the robust Tamil culture, Pondicherry is just a two-hour picturesque drive away from Chennai. Blossoming bougainvilleas, crumbling cathedrals on leafy boulevards and 18^th century colonial buildings color the former French colony of Pondy, which sits on the Bay of Bengal.

This photo of Pondicherry is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Pondicherry, a destination that promises travellers sanctity and serenity. It is indeed one of the most charming and mesmerising places to visit in South India

Below are the best places of interest in Pondicherry –

1. Paradise Beach, Pondicherry:

There are a few decent beaches to the north and south of town. Quiet, Reppo and Serenity beaches are all north of the Centre, within 8 km of Pondicherry. Chunnambar, 8 km south has Paradise beach (also known as the Plage Paradiso) water sports activities and backwater boat cruises. This is a little-isolated beach and in order to reach here, you must take a ferry which takes around 20–30 minutes.

2. Water Sports in Pondicherry:

Pondicherry is quickly becoming every beach lovers favourite hideout. Several water sports along its white sandy beaches are another reason for travellers to love Pondy.

Water sports activities like scuba diving, parasailing, banana boat rides but also its unique cultural traits, excellent food varieties and innumerable sightseeing options, Pondicherry is a true delight to travellers who long for an off-beat travel experience.

3. Auroville Ashram:

Founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo and a French woman known as “the Mother”, a place where you can relax and calm your inner being. The best way to experience Auroville ashram is to just sit in one of the cafes and talk to some of the residents about their experience of living in the city. The architecture of the city is as interesting as the concept.

Auroville Matri mandir Pondicherry ashram spiritual
IC: Pixabay

The main attraction here is the “Matrimandir”.

The best way to experience Auroville ashram is to just sit in one of the cafes and talk to some of the residents here about their experience of living in the city.

4. Botanical Garden:

A popular tourist attraction of Pondicherry, Botanical Garden was established by C.S. Perrotet in the year 1862. The garden is home to several exotic varieties of rare plants as well as an aquarium.

This photo of Pondicherry Botanical Gardens is courtesy of TripAdvisor. This wide range of plants has been collected from various parts of India and around the globe. Aquarium is an interesting place to visit which abodes diverse collection of aquatic organisms as well as fish flora.

5. French War Memorial:

French War Memorial is a stylish structure located in the Goubert Avenue and is dedicated to the soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War. On 14th of July every year, an annual commemoration ceremony is held here during which the monument is beautifully illuminated. This memorial offers a pleasant experience to all visitors.

6. Pondicherry Museum:

Pondicherry Museum is in Bharathi Park, houses a fantastic collection of sculptures. It has the remains of the archaeological findings from the Arikamedu Roman settlement.

This photo of Pondicherry Museum is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Bronze sculptures of god and goddess, a wide gathering of temple lamps, handicrafts and art are also kept here. Some specimens of Chola and Pallava art from Pondicherry and Karaikal are displayed in the sculpture gallery.

7. Pondicherry Lighthouse:

The new lighthouse at Pondichery is seen in the background, the old lighthouse is seen in the foreground.
Dr. Ajay B. MD

The Lighthouse is one of the remarkable landmarks in Pondicherry. The French Riviera of the East, Pondy has two lighthouses, an old one and the new one. Where the former has been closed for public appearance the latter serves as the spot for giving its visitors the most amazing bird’s eye view of the city.

8. Seaside Promenade:

This photo of Seaside Promenade is courtesy of TripAdvisor

One of the things that do justice to Pondicherry’s French Roots is its beautiful Seaside Promenade. The area is well maintained, clean and beautiful and you can 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 feeling good.

9. Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple:

This photo of Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is said to have been established almost 5 centuries ago. The temple is situated behind the Raj Niwas, the sanctum is enshrined with a grand idol of Vinayaka called Vellakkaran Pillai.

10. Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus:

Traveller photo submitted by tsashi (Feb 2013) Tripadvisor.in

The Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus is situated 2.5 km away from the Pondicherry Bus Station on the south boulevard of the town. One of the most beautiful Catholic Churches of Pondicherry, the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus beautifully showcases the Gothic architecture. Biblical words can be seen engraved on the entrance in Latin along with the images of Jesus and Mother Mary on the door at the entrance. Occasions such as New Year, Christmas Eve, and Easter Day are celebrated at the church in a grand way.

11. Barathiyar Museum at Pondicherry, a hidden treasure of Pondicherry-

Interesting and absorbing. Tamil Poet & freedom fighter Subramania Bharathi’s life history showcased in a place where he lived shortly. Felt one’s trip to Pondicherry is not complete if this place is not visited. House converted into Museum is well maintained & clean. One can understand the art of communication & expression in those days. It is the elder’s responsibility to highlight to the children about our past and their struggles to retain their identity and how they connected & respected Gandhiji.

Bharathiyar House in Puducherry. He was staying there for 10 years.
Balogic

Subramanya Bharathi was a Tamil poet & a patriot. He had to flee British India due to his activities against the foreign rulers & arrived in Pondicherry in 1908 as a fugitive. He composed some of the finest patriotic & romantic compositions.

He built his home here which has been later converted into a museum honouring him & has become a place of pilgrimage for all Tamil followers.

12. Iskcon Pondicherry-

Visit this place for a spiritual peek into your inner self. ISKCON’s core beliefs are based on highly revered traditional scriptures, particularly the Bhagavad Gita and the Srimad Bhagavatam. It is a great place to meditate, and is highly recommended on your trip to Pondicherry.

Pondicherry City Bike Tour with Breakfast

Have you been to Pondicherry? What are your best places of interest in Pondicherry?

January 28, 2019 Travel, Round the world

Best Cities in Europe

Where are the best places in Europe to travel?

In Europe, I would recommend the following cities and the many other places you could go to roughly an hour from there:

SALZBURG

This beautiful Austrian city which was made famous in the movie “The Sound of Music” was a delight to visit. It was also there that I visited my favourite palace to date which is the Hellbrunn Palace famous for its Trick Fountains, massive gardens, and the location for the pavilion where the song “I am 16 going on 17” was sung.

Get out:

Hallstatt

One of the most beautiful places I have been to in 104 countries, this UNESCO little town along the lake surrounded by mountains is also home to the oldest salt mine in the world – another reason to visit it.

Eisriesenwelt (World of the Ice Giants)

Just outside of Salzburg, you get the opportunity to visit the largest ice cave in the world! It was an eye-opening experience for me and one I would recommend.

Second pick:

SAN SEBASTIAN

Undoubtedly Spain has many amazing cities you have to visit (I do love Andalucia – Ronda is still on my list) however there is a reason why San Sebastian was voted European Capital of Culture in 2016. If you are a foodie, this Basque city will be a delight – tapas, cheesecake (Bar La Vina), and the many Michelin-starred restaurants you can choose from. You have the mountains, the beaches and the favorite shops in the old town to explore.

Get out:

Biarritz

If you are a surfer, you would have heard of Biarritz. A seaside town in France just north of San Sebastian, it is another place you must visit when in the area.

Third pick:

DUBROVNIK

This famous Croatian seaside UNESCO city does not need any more introduction. Made famous by Game of Thrones, you want to lose yourself along the city walls within the old towns and soak in the sun.

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Get out:

Kotor

Kotor in Montenegro is a stunning UNESCO town not far south of Dubrovnik. Kotor Bay is the deepest natural fjord-like bay in the Mediterranean Sea.

Mostar

The Old Bridge (Stari Most) is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the icon of Mostar – undoubtedly my favorite place in Bosnia. The bridge was originally built by the Turks in 1566, destroyed in 1993 (war), and rebuilt in 2004. At 21m high, one can pay to see a member of the Mostar Diving Club dive off the bridge into the river below.

In 2009, I did a road trip across 9 countries in 9 days in the Balkans. That was when I visited Kotor for the first time, and Dubrovnik and Kotor for the second time.

Fourth pick:

ZURICH, Switzerland

Zurich is an incredibly beautiful city. On a clear day, you can see the Alps as you stroll down the streets heading toward the Lake. If you love desserts, please stop by Sprüngli at Paradeplatz on Bahnhofstrasse famed for the Luxembürgerli (macarons) and delicious desserts. For the best chocolates, go to Läderach. Cafe Schober in the old town has arguably the best hot chocolate (for 10chf) and my favorite thing to get for breakfast has to be the chocolate croissant (Schoggigipfel) from Buchmann Bäckerei (underground in the main train station or basement of Jelmoli mall).

Get out:

Interlaken

The adventure capital of Switzerland, this little town in the Alps between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz offers much for everyone. For those looking for the adrenaline rush, why not try canyoning, rafting, paragliding, skydiving, kayaking, paddle boarding, and more? You should most certainly go up some mountains such as Schilthorn (the James Bond mountain) and visit Lauterbrunnen and the unique glacial Trümmelbach Falls.

EUROPE

Every traveler’s dream destination. Although everyone has a different list of favorites, here are some of the picks that I feel capture the best essence of Europe.

FLORENCE:

Florence^[1] is the marriage of romance and art. It houses many masterpieces of architecture. Visit the place and indulge in the art and music scene of the destination and be one with Italy. Do try the cuisine here as Italian cuisine is considered one of the finest ones. There are lots of nightclubs and pubs that can be enjoyed in the destination and hence making it the picture-perfect destination. Treat your soul to its sparkling beauty and you’ll be proud of planning this trip.

LUCERNE:

Luzern, Winterpanorama, Europe — Image courtesy-Switzerland Tourism

This place is mainly known for its preserved medieval architecture. A compact city in Switzerland, it sits amid snow-capped mountains on Lake Lucerne. Lucerne[2] is considered the gateway to central Switzerland. Thanks to its attractions, souvenirs, beautiful lakeside settlement, and nearby excursion mountains, the town is a destination for many travel groups and individuals on their journey through central Switzerland.

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SALZBURG:

Salzburg is an Austrian city on the border of Germany, with views of the Eastern Alps. The rich history, musical roots, magnificent architecture, and vibrant culture are what make Salzburg^[3] one of the top travel destinations in the world. The word Salzburg means “salt castle”, referring to its massive fortress and the white gold that is derived from the mountains in the South. The city was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

So, what is/are your best city/cities in Europe?

The Best Things to See or Do When You Visit Cyprus

Settling for the right holiday destination can be a difficult task. There are so many countries with beautiful places to visit you can include on your bucket list. You need to factor in a few things before settling for one place, however. Make sure you are familiar with the weather conditions of your preferred holiday destination within the specific season you want to go.

You also need to determine your budget to know the amount you have to spend on your trip. Travel blogs and magazines can be of great significance when it comes to choosing the perfect holiday destination. There are different sites that have proper information on the different places you can visit. Cyprus is one place you can pick as your next holiday destination.

Walking along the sea coast in Protaras, Cyprus | by Monika Kostera (urbanlegend)

This Mediterranean island nation has beautiful beaches and attractive sites you can check out. However, you need to have proper documentation before touring the country. This helps prove your type and period of stay. One document you will need is the Cyprus tourist visa which is a must for any tourist.

You can get it from their embassy by applying after following the right application procedure. There is also an option of getting one through different visa agents. You can visit https://one-visa.com to get your visa processed fast.

The following are best things you can do or places to see when you are in Cyprus. Let’s have a look at some of them.

Tour the Villages of Cyprus

Cyprus, Fikardou, Village, Medieval
IC:Pixabay — Cyprus, Fikardou, Village, Medieval
IC: Pixabay

Away from the city or urban life in Cyprus, you can take the step of visiting their villages, which hold much of the more traditional way of life. You will come across so many things when you tour their villages.

Traditional Cypriot foods like Halloumi, Sheftalia, Kleftiko, and Tirokafteri are some of the things you will come across. You will get the first-hand experience of how they are prepared. You also have the opportunity to learn about their culture and their traditions. You can also sample some of their crafts.

You may like to read A taste of Cyprus -Halloumi

The Troodos Mountains

Cyprus Troodos Mountains Countryside landscape
IC: Pixabay

This is one of the largest mountains situated at the heart of the island. It is made up of very steep slopes covered with beautiful tree species. There are also several villages around the mountain. It has one of the most scenic views in the country. There are some lovely restaurants you will find too where you can sample some of the island’s dishes. You should visit and catch that beautiful view.

Fasouri Water Park

Limassol Fassouri Watermania Water Park
IC: altgiperon

You should visit the Fasouri Water Park to get some world-class water entertainment. It is one of the best water parks on the island and is perfect for the whole family. There are different features there that can also keep your kids entertained.

Limassol Old Town

You can also visit the Limassol old town and have a look at its many attractive features. Something that will catch your view is the beautiful architecture. Their streets are also designed perfectly. You can also sample some cuisine from the different restaurants in the area.