TheWannabeTraveller

P.S. If you are scared to death of dogs then think twice before traveling solo to Pondy :p

Pondicherry is a great destination for solo travelers due to its small size, which makes it easier to make friends. It offers a unique mix of French colonial architecture, Indian traditions, and spiritual serenity. This blog provides insights into my experiences as a solo traveler in Pondicherry, including recommended places to visit and eat. All the places and cafes that I visited on this trip were either researched by me on the internet based on their popularity and cuisine type or were recommended to me by my office colleagues.

Tip: When traveling alone, it would be helpful to have a plan in mind for places to eat and visit. This way, even if you’re unsure of what to do next, you can refer to your list and have a rough structure for your day.

On my first day in Pondicherry, I arrived in the morning after an overnight bus journey from Bangalore. Despite missing the sunrise at the Pondicherry lighthouse, I made the most of my time by visiting Baker Street, a famous eatery known for its delicious French delicacies. Their croissants were a highlight of the visit. Afterward, I headed to my Airbnb, which was conveniently located between Auroville and Pondy city center. It worked out quite well for me as I was going to spend more or less equal time at both the places, so it acted like a good center point for me to freshen up (Link to the Airbnb). The host, Ms. Vijayalakshmi, provided a warm and homely atmosphere during my stay. Although the Airbnb had a simple and basic vibe, it was perfect for my needs.

Refreshed after a quick shower, I set off to explore Pondy. I visited popular tourist spots such as the Shri Aurobindo Ashram, the Manakula Vinayaka Temple, and the Puducherry Museum, all located in the charming white town. Afterwards, I stopped by Bread and Chocolate, a famous cafe, for a bite to eat. Although the cafe was a bit pricey, their food portions were satisfying. After wandering through the white town, admiring the colorful French architecture, I made my way to the Sacred Heart Basilica, one of Pondy’s iconic landmarks. In the evening, I decided to relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the rock beach. There, I had the pleasure of meeting a fellow solo traveler, and we spent the evening exchanging ideas and stories at Catamaran Brewery in the city center. As the day came to an end, I called it a day and prepared for the adventures that awaited me on the next day.

The most part of my next day I had planned to spend at Auroville. Early in the morning, I booked the tour for the inner chamber of Maitrimandir.

Tip: You have to book the appointment for it at least 2-3 days prior to your visit.

A visit to the Maitrimandir in Auroville includes a guided tour that starts at 8.30 am from the entrance of the Auroville visitor’s center. The tour lasts for about 1½ hours and provides information about Auroville, its vision, and the life and teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother (Mirra Alfassa). After the tour, visitors can take a peaceful walk around the Maitrimandir’s periphery and explore other places of interest such as Savitri Bhavan, Unity Pavilion, Bharat Nivas, and Tibetan Pavilion. For lunch, there are a few cafes inside the visitor’s center where you can have a good variety of food. I had veg momos (which were very good) and fresh watermelon juice. There you will also find a variety of freshly baked cakes and muffins, which looked very delicious. After lunch, I went for a sound bath at Svaram. It was a different experience where you are completely immersed in sounds from, I don’t know, like 50 odd different musical instruments. I will definitely recommend doing it.

In Auroville, you can also do various workshops like pottery, bamboo, etc. I was not particularly interested in doing those. So, as I had some time in the afternoon, I decided to visit this cafe in Pondy called New Daily Bread. There I tried their sweet bun. It was good. As I was still feeling hungry, I decided to go to one of the most photographed cafes in Pondy, Cafe des Arts. It is a very beautifully designed cafe decorated with artifacts giving it a vintage look. Also, the food taste and quantity there were good. I tried their vegan open sandwich and orange juice. Later, before heading to the evening event at Auroville, I stopped at Serenity Beach for a sunset. I spent some good time sitting on the rocks and capturing some golden hour moments. In the evening, I visited Auroville Youth Center where Aurovillians gather every Saturday for food, music, and drinks. It is a great opportunity to meet people from different countries and learn about their way of living. I met a German solo traveler who plans to explore different parts of India. We decided to meet the next day and explore Pondy together.

The next morning, after getting ready, I reached the Auroville bakery for some fresh bread and coffee. However, I didn’t check beforehand that it remains closed on Sundays. So, it wasn’t really an ideal start to the day. From there, I visited a cafe called the Coromandel Cafe for brunch. It has a really catchy ambiance. I had pasta tortellini, honey americano, and orange juice there. The food was good but the cafe is a bit on the expensive side. I was also suggested cafe Xtasi, which could be tried if you’re looking for more pocket-friendly options. Later, I was joined by my German acquaintance whom I met last evening. We decided to visit Eden Beach. It is a blue-flagged white sand beach. As it is located outside of the city, it is comparatively less crowded. We strolled along the beach, talking about varied and random topics such as the differences, pros and cons of first-world countries and developing nations, what he can do in India during his time here, and also touching upon our aspirations and goals in life. A meet with a German is incomplete without a beer. We ended our conversation with a nice chilled beer. As it was already getting late, I had to catch my return bus to Bangalore. Checking out from my Airbnb, I returned my scooter and got to the pickup spot of my bus.

And that’s how my first solo trip to Pondy wrapped up. I hope that this blog will help you to plan your next trip to Pondy. As I bid adieu, I would like to share with you the lessons that I personally learned during my maiden solo trip.

One of the most significant lessons I learned during my solo journey was the art of detachment. When you travel alone, you become fully responsible for your own experiences. You learn how to detach yourself from expectations, whether it’s the need to follow a rigid itinerary or the desire for constant companionship. Instead, you embrace spontaneity and allow yourself to fully immerse in the present moment.

Another valuable lesson that solo travel taught me was the impermanence of everything. As you venture into new places and meet different people, you realize that nothing lasts forever. Every encounter, every destination has its own unique beauty and expiry date. This awareness fosters a deep appreciation for the fleeting nature of life and encourages you to make the most of every experience.

Thank you all for reading my blog and all the best in preparing for your next travel destinations. Bon voyage!