Insider tips
Pondicherry
- An ideal Pondicherry holiday would be to spend a few days in the French quarter and a few days in Auroville. That way you experience the best of both, the city as well as peace and quiet of Auroville.
- ATMs here are few and far between in Pondicherry. Many restaurants here only accept cash. It is advisable to carry enough cash if you plan to eat outside.
- Auto drivers here are notorious for fleecing tourists and never go by the meter. A way to overcome this problem is to ask your hotel to arrange for an auto and fix the fare at the beginning.
- The best way to explore Pondicherry is on a two-wheeler, either on a scooter or on a bicycle. Public transport here is not reliable. A cycle can be hired for a day at any roadside shop. Alternatively, you can get in touch with a car-hire service to explore the area.
- The Tamil quarter is not a tourist-friendly area and being here late at night is not advisable.
- Avoid Gandhi beach on a weekend, the place resembles a crowded fair. The beach is crowded with hawkers and families and gets quite noisy and dirty. The stone beach is not meant for swimming. The best time to visit Gandhi beach is early in the morning on a weekday.