There are many destinations in India that are worth visiting and exploring other than New Delhi, Taj Mahal, Mumbai and Jaipur. If you make your way to the northeastern part of Tamil Nadu state, you will arrive in a city that makes you feel as if you were traveling in France. This pretty city is called Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry. Since the city is a French colonial settlement, you can enjoy the everlasting French legacy including the boutiques, bistros and colonial landmarks. Among the top-notch attractions in Pondicherry is Seaside Promenade. Nestled along Promenade Beach, Seaside Promenade is the ideal place to have a leisurely walk at anytime of the day. To make it easy for you to navigate, here is a guide to Seaside Promenade, Pondicherry.
Things to do
Promenade Beach
Before you start to explore the promenade, it would be nice to start with the beach first. Promenade Beach, also known as Rock Beach, can be seen from afar. It is best to come early to experience the spectacular sunrise. You can take a walk along the beach that stretches from War Memorial to Dupleix Park. Soak your feet in the water and admire the clear blue sky.
Mahatma Gandhi Statue
Not far from Promenade Beach, you can see a statue made of black stones with robust pillars in the surrounding. The imposing statue is the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, who is much adored by the Indians as he was the father of the nation.
Joan of Arc Park
A short stroll away from Promenade Beach, there is a beautiful park called Joan of Arc Park. Marvel at the French heroine and after, you can have a leisure stroll around the park with the view of lush greenery and the beach.
Restaurants
There are numerous restaurants that are situated along the promenade. If you wish to awaken your taste buds with a selection of Chinese, Thai and other Pan-Asian cuisines, stop by Bay of Buddha. You can indulge in your dishes while admiring the view of the promenade from above as it is a rooftop restaurant.
Another restaurant that you should try is Selva’s Sea View Restaurant, a vegetarian restaurant that is only a few steps away from the beach. Favorites at this restaurant include mushroom biryani and cucumber raitha.
Traveler's tips
Looking for a vegetarian restaurant by the beach? Stop by Cafe Udupi Ruchi, located right on the Promenade. Me and my friends absolutely loved the South Indian cuisine served here, such as the warm and crispy dosas. Another must-try item is the strong and flavorful filter coffee. The cafe offers both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned seating.
Travel Tips
Best season
Even though Pondicherry can be enjoyed all year round, thanks to its tropical climate, the best time to enjoy the city, its gorgeous vistas and attractions is between the months of July and early March. During the period, the weather is pleasant with humidity and light rainfall every now and then. But, if you want to visit the beaches, the best time may be during summer. The weather can be extremely hot and humid, which makes beaches the perfect place to relax and unwind. You can expect to see fewer tourists in the summer.
Stay vigilant, always
Wherever you are, staying vigilant cannot be bargained. You should always be aware of your surrounding and the people around you. To minimize risks, it is best to explore Seaside Promenade during the day when there are more people around, especially if you are traveling solo.
How to get there
Taxi
As in many places around the world, traveling places in Pondicherry would be faster and more convenient with a taxi. You can hail a taxi and let the driver know that you are going to Seaside Promenade. Every taxi driver in Pondicherry must know about this place.
Ride service
If the USA has Uber, India also has several app-based ride services. One of the most popular ones is called Ola Cabs. The order process is basically similar to an other app-based ride services.
Auto rickshaw
Get on an auto rickshaw for a unique experience when traveling around Pondicherry. Not many countries have auto rickshaws as public transportation.
Bicycle or scooter
If you like to travel on your own, you can rent a bicycle or a scooter. Both modes of transport can be rented at affordable rates. You may need your GPS or you can simply as the people you meet along the way to help you get to Seaside Promenade.
Where to stay (from USD 173)
The Promenade
If you aim to stay close to Seaside Promenade, then there is no place better than The Promenade. It will only take you about five minutes from the contemporary hotel to Seaside Promenade. You can rest easy and unwind in a spacious air-conditioned guest room that comes with a satellite TV and an en-suite bathroom with free toiletries, among others. Moreover, the hotel also offers free wireless internet that can be accessed anywhere in the hotel. When staying here, you can satisfy your appetite in three on-site restaurants. Visit Lighthouse Restaurant if you look to indulge in grilled dishes and seafood over the magnificent views of the ocean. If you are fond of Mediterranean and Oriental cuisine, stop by Blueline. And, Risque Bar serves light snacks and a selection of drinks.
Traveler's tips
If you're a group of four or two couples on a vacation, you can stay at this Airbnb right across the street from Celine's Kitchen in White Town. This snug and clean two-floor rental comes with a bedroom and an ensuite on each floor, along with balconies attached to each bedroom. In-room amenities include air-conditioning, fresh bedding, toiletries, and a minibar stocked with chips, snacks, and two bottles of beer. Moreover, the Airbnb is only a two-minute walk from the Promenade!
The Promenade
Address: 23, Goubert Avenue
Seaside Promenade, Pondicherry information
Seaside Promenade, Pondicherry
Address: Seaside Promenade, Pondicherry, India
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Department of tourism: Visit Pondicherry
History
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