EXPLORING PONDICHERRY
Pondicherry is a union territory and beach-side union territory situated in the boundaries of Tamil Nadu, famous for its fusion of Indian and French culture, this place is bound to give you a colorful and unforgettable travel experience. Until, 1950’s Pondicherry was under French influence comprising of a large French population with French-style architecture, shops, cafes, and churches. Also known as the French capital of India, Pondicherry is definitely going to give you a vacation experience abroad. Every spot at this place with adorned with elegance and fusion of different cultures, architecture, cuisines, beaches, and meditation hubs. The place is also quite famous for its colorful beaches and awesome nightlife with exotic vibes and magnificent history. Here is a list of places you surely do not want to miss out on during your trip to Pondicherry. Colorful Pondicherry with French-style architecture. Paradise Beach- 1) Visit this beach located at Chunnambar, which is going to amuse with its crystal blue waters and golden and white sands. 2) To enjoy the exotic and picturesque view, there are shacks built on the beach for a lounge-like experience and changing rooms for your convenience. Booze and swimming are not allowed at the beach, while the place has arrangements for fishing. 3) You can reach there through Cuddalore Road and it opens at 9 AM. Weekends are very crowded and packed at the beach. Golden sand at Paradise Beach. Sir Aurobindo Ashram- 1) This Ashram was founded by Sir Aurobindo in 1926 and is a popular tourist spot for visitors who seek to achieve peace and tranquility. 2) The Ashram is also famous for its giant library in various subjects like strength training, asanas, swimming, and sports. If you are a fan of spirituality and meditation, this place is perfect for attaining solitude. 3)The place is located at Marine Street and opens at 8 AM. Peaceful Ashram of Sir Aurobindo. Serenity Beach- 1)For a day full of sightseeing, Serenity Beach is a place full of aesthetics and refreshments. 2) Serenity Beach is a perfect place for your family or couple to picnic with soft sunlight and rejuvenating air. This beach is also surrounded by blue waters and golden sand. 3) It is located at Kottakuppam and is open throughout the day. Eye-catching views of Serenity Beach. Arikamedu- 1) Arikamedu is an important archaeological site, said to have been built in the 19th century with the Roman essence of history. 2) Glassware, beads, red and black ceramic statues, lamps, and stones present here will take you back to ancient roman history. 3) Arikamedu is a very underrated spot of historical and archaeological importance for our country. Magnificent archaeological site of Arikamedu. Promenade- 1)This place is a walking arena with rocky terrain and a shore of blue waters. 2) A heaven for photographers and long walks and eating haul, this place is popular for evening walks, sprawling cafes and restaurants around with a refreshing atmosphere of sea breeze and stalls for cotton candies. 3) Walk around the place and you are bound to have a great eating and gala time. Beautiful walking arena of Promenade. Auroville- 1)Auroville is a spiritual Ashram working with an aim of uniting humans of all walks of life irrespective of their status, caste, creed, or religion and to ignite the spirit of unity and harmony. Also known as the ‘City of Dawn’, the place serves as a meditation hub where one can achieve peace with his/her inner self. 2) The architecture of Auroville comprises a golden globe-like structure and many people all over the world come here for spirituality. 3) The place is located in the Viluppuram district. Divine Ashram of Auroville. Auroville Beach- 1)Auroville Beach is one of the most famous beaches of Pondicherry with a wonderful sea view and forest view. 2)Surfing is a common adventure sport here and a perfect escape from busy city life. People also come here for meditation and a tropical view. 3) The beach is open 24/7 for its visitors. Crystal clear waters of Auroville Beach. Chunnambar Boathouse- 1)Chunnambar Boathouse or ‘Plage Paradiso’, is boating plus picnic plus dining experience with sun lounge. Located at the merging point of backwaters of Chunnamber River and the Bay of Bengal, the place will provide you with an unforgettable boating experience comprising of sailboats, rowed boats, pedaled boats, jet skiing, and motorboats amidst the mangrove trees. 2) The boathouse also has many restaurants for continental food and beverages and beach sports to enjoy. 3) The boathouse is located before the national highway and you can reach there by ferry. An unforgetful place of Chunnambar Boathouse. Rock Beach- 1)Rock Beach is one of the most picturesque locations on the earth with worth witnessing landscapes and sunsets. Like other beaches of Pondicherry, Rock Beach also has sparkling blue waters, golden sands, and rocky shores. 2)You can expect crowds on weekends but the beach remains clean and fresh throughout the year also serving street food and delicious snacks. 3) The beach is situated in White Town and is open 24/7. Mesmerizing view of Rock Beach. Old Lighthouse- 1) Serving as a place for the great historical importance of 19th-century architecture, the Old Lighthouse is a magnificent milestone of engineering still navigating ships even after several years of construction. 2) Lighthouse is a perfect place for photography and learning history. 3) It is situated at Goubert Ave, White Town. The magnificent Old Lighthouse of Pondicherry. Immaculate Conception Cathedral- 1) This Cathedral is a perfect representation of Portuguese and Roman architecture like the ones situated in Goa. 2)Also known as ‘Samba Kovil’, Immaculate Cathedral is a very beautiful tourist attraction. 3) It is located at MG Road and opens at 7 AM. Breathtaking architecture of the Cathedral. Pondicherry Cuisines- This portion of the blog is for authentic Pondicherry dishes which you must try on your
5 Plans to Make Your Valentine’s Day Special in Mumbai
Love is in the air as Valentine’s Day is around the corner! If you’re still looking for ways to spend your Valentine’s Day in Mumbai, we have the perfect plans to make it unique and auspicious for you and your partner. From nature and adventure lovers to party spirits, this guide has the right thing for all kinds of couples. Get out of the usual wine and dine and spend an enchanting evening with the most romantic and offbeat experiences in the city of dreams. 1. Dine amidst the vast blueness of the Arabian Photo by: @rohan.das_ (Instagram) Rare are the places that can provide an exquisite view with a meal worth savoring. The Ark Deck Bar is an excellent place to relish both of them at the same time. Anchored in the middle of the Arabian Sea, the Ark Deck Bar provides an amazing view of the city line of Mumbai. Take a 12-min speed boat ride from the BandraSealink jetty to reach the bar. Decorated in blue and white, it resonates with Mediterranean vibes. It consists of an open-air bar deck and an indoor sit-down restaurant. With a vibrant and intriguing atmosphere, it is a perfect place to spend a romantic evening with your loved ones. The food is equally good as the ambiance, fusing the delicacy of Indian and contemporary recipes. With a capacity of over 150 people, it’s a haven to enjoy your food while floating on the Mumbai waters. Hold hands with your loved one while the sun slowly melts down over the sea and the city lights at the shore take over the magical evening. Make sure to get an early booking to avoid hassle! Price: Rs. 4000-6000 for a couple. Location: Bandra-Worli Sealink, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050 Contact number: 079755 82052 2. Wander in the wilderness with your partner If you and your partner prefer to have something out of the ordinary, head to the Far Out! Camp. Located in the middle of the city, the exclusive camping experience provides a recluse for adventure-loving couples. Spend a night with your partner under a blanket of stars amidst the shades of green. Take a caravan trip and lie in the arms of nature with a pre-booked camping night at the Far Out. Providing lake views and a garden, it is located in the Western Suburbs district of Mumbai, 5 km from Aksa Beach and 11 km from Bombay Exhibition Centre. Dance the night off with heartwarming music and a barbeque party. From flea markets, spas, and water parks to bonfires, the camp provides the gig for a once in a lifetime romance. Make your Valentine’s Day special as you wake you in the arms of your partner on a misty morning. Leave behind the hectic city life and spend your day together in a peaceful retreat. Price: Starting from Rs. 5000 for a couple Location: Island Club Resort 123 Khanivade, Umbar Pada, Hedavde, Ahmedabad Highway, Virar, Maharashtra 401303 3. Surprise your bae with a hot air balloon ride Make your Valentine’s Day adventurous with a gust of wind caressing your face as you fly in a hot air balloon at Lonavla. Drive down a few kilometers from Mumbai to get this magical experience. Watch the colorful balloon getting filled and get a chance to sit in it. Get on cloud nine with your loved one as you ride over the Sahyadri ranges. With a panoramic view of the lush green landscape 800 feet below your feet, a hot air balloon ride fills the void of boring city life. Embrace the thrill-seeker within you as you go on an adrenaline rush with your partner. Feel the crisp air breezing through your hair as you enjoy an adventurous romance. As the sun lights up the valleys of the beautiful place, find yourself floating on clouds of serenity. Make this Valentine’s Day the best with an hour of soaring over an exquisite landscape with the person you love the most. Price (Per Person) on weekdays: ₹9,800 Price (Per Person) on weekends: ₹12,000 Duration: One hour 4. Celebrate your love with a roller coaster ride If you and your bae are in for some fun, Adlabs Imagica is the place to be. Loving someone can be a roller coaster ride, why not make this statement true on the day of love? Perfect for adventure-loving couples, Imagica provides a great ambiance to celebrate your V-Day. Live your childhood with awesome activities and fun games designed especially for couples. Relish your moments with a romantic candlelight dinner at the pirate-ship themed bar of Arrmada. A budget efficient plan, the package comes with a gift voucher of Rs. 200, availing special discounts on candies and merchandise bought from retail stores in the park. Conclude your evening with a guitar show under the stars. Bring home your memories for the day with a beautiful photo souvenir to frame your love. Location: 30/31, Sangdewadi, Khopoli-Pali Road, SH 92, Off Mumbai-Pune Express Way, Tal-Khalapur, Khopoli, Maharashtra Cost: Rs, 3499 for a couple Dates: 11th February to 14th February 2021 Timings: 10:30 AM to 8 PM 5. Party through the night at Tryst A great way to spend a budget-friendly Valentine’s night is to celebrate your love at Tryst. Known as a Mumbaikar’s initiation to the world of clubbing, Tryst remains one of the favorite clubs among the young adults. Located inside the Skyzone Mall at High Street Phoenix, it boasts a massive dance floor and some great lilting music. It’s the best place for party-loving couples and night owls. With bright glitzy interiors and a zealous crowd, the Tryst provides an enchanting ambiance to spend your night. Book an exclusive party table in advance and sip on some amazing cocktails. Party through the night with some great Bollywood music as you and your partner take over the dance floor and bring home some amazing memories. Location: Tryst, 462, Senapati
