#Hotels in Pondicherry near rock beach

[arjunrajsingh]

Hotels in Pondicherry Near Rock Beach: A Perfect Stay by the Sea

Pondicherry, India, on its southeast coast, is a town with a fascinating French architecture, nice beaches and a vibrant culture. Rock Beach is one of the most famous sites in the region for its beautiful scenery—looking out over the Bay of Bengal. However, if you’re ever planning a visit, staying at one of the hotels in Pondicherry near Rock Beach will enable you to enjoy the beauty of this beach without missing out on Pondicherry towns many attractions.

If you need a hotel near Rock beach in Pondicherry then why choose Hotels Near Rock Beach.

Rock Beach is alive and quiet place to take leisurral strolls on the promenade, watch sun rise or set, or just chill and enjoy the view at the ocean. Staying at hotels in Pondicherry near Rock Beach mean that you have easy access to the beach not to mention hotels in Pondicherry near Rock Beach are also close to famous places in town including the White Town, the French Quarter, and local markets. In its location, these hotels give visitors the opportunity to discover Pondicherry’s most important public attractions: Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry Museum and Bharathi Park.

If you opt for hotels near Rock Beach then you can also wake up early in the morning at the beach, enjoy local cafes, treat yourself to good seafood, among other things. These hotels suit any kind of choice and make your visit memorable and scenic in Pondicherry.

Accommodation for all budgets, including a.samurai comes within this category.

There are hotels in Pondicherry near Rock Beach for all budget travelers and luxury experience seekers. You can find many budget friendly hotels in this area with comfortable rooms, these have Wi-Fi, air conditioning and clean linens, which makes your stay a good as you would expect without breaking your bank account. If you’re a solo traveler, backpacker, or family, searching for affordable hotels that don’t skimp on convenience then these hotels are for you.

For the more indulgent, there are a number of upscale hotels near Rock Beach which all offer luxurious rooms with ocean views and more, as well as swimming pools, spas and rooftop dining. The things that these hotels are not offering are probably far more important and special. Imagine waking up to the see and hear waves just one or two steps from your room.

Pondicherry Life Is Easy Access to Pondicherry’s Attractions

Cheaper hotels in Rock Beach in Pondicherry for its hotels let you enjoy the cultural, historic and culinary ideals of the town without any stress. Charming cafes, art galleries and shops in the near French Quarter will convey Pondicherry’s French heritage. white town colonial architecture parks, shops, without traveling far from your hotel.

The Aurobindo Ashram is only a short distance from Rock Beach if you’re interested in spirituality. Although this peaceful sanctuary is a place for reflection and meditation, it’s also a must visit for anyone who wants to connect to Pondicherry’s spiritual side.

Dining Seaside and Locally Grown

Easy access to great dining options is one of the joys of booking hotels in Pondicherry near Rock Beach. Rock Beach is located around vibrant cafes and restaurants that serve both the French and South Indian cuisine in the area. And everything, from delicious croissants, coffee to traditional Tamil meals, is available to cater to every one’s palate.

In fact, many hotels located near Rock Beach have their own in house restaurants for seaside dining. That includes a fresh seafood dinner or that drink and the sunset over the Bay of Bengal. Given so many culinary options in Pondicherry, your stay here will be not only of the soul but of the taste bud too.

A Relaxing and Memorable Stay

You are in the center of everything Pondicherry has to offer when you are staying at hotels near Rock Beach in Pondicherry. You’ll have a little bit of everything all at your fingertips from the tranquil beach views to the lively streets of White Town. So whether it’s to ogle Pondicherry’s history, take in its pulsating art scene, or simply relax at the Rock Beach, being near here is ultimately a great way to balance a stroll on the beach with awesome adventure around town.

Travelers that in love with the coastline and the wealth of the cultural presents in Pondicherry should pick hotels in Pondicherry near Rock Beach. These hotels have options that work for different budget ranges, proximity to major attractions, and proximity to cafes and restaurants making enjoying everything this enchanted town has to offer quite simple! If you’re looking to stay away from the hustle and bustle for a couple of days or a few weeks, you can find all the knowledge you need from Pondicherry Gurus for having a serene and memorable stay close to Rock Beach.

[ulohotelsworld-blog]

Pondicherry also called as the Puducherry is one of the Indian union territories & the city is the biggest in Puducherry & has the monuments of four Dutch, Portuguese, British & French provincial time. Pondicherry might be an in style voyager goal in South Indin & has a few pioneer structures with the best budget-friendly Hotels in Pondicherry.

[indiaunpacked]

8 Picturesque South-Indian Beaches to Visit in 2021

The best scenic beaches along the Indian coastline are in South India. From Instagram-worthy sandy beaches to palm trees, and rolling waves, there's much to explore on the beaches across South India. Plan a fun family getaway or a romantic trip at one of these beaches this summer. Take a break from the hustle-bustle of city life and escape to the serene oasis of these beaches.

Concerned about the safety and hygiene measures during your travels? Consider booking your hotel stay with Oyo rooms. Oyo hotels are offering safe and hygienic accommodations while adhering to W.H.O standards.

Here’s are our choicest recommendations of the best South Indian beaches:

1. Serene surroundings & fun water sports at Pondicherry

Take a tranquil walk with waves washing over the sandy shores of the Rock beach. Some of the other beaches to visit are Pondicherry Beach and Tranquility Beach. As Chennai can get crowded during the peak travel season, it is advisable to book a hotel in Pondicherry in March/ April.

Other great places to visit in Pondicherry are Auroville and Sri Aurobindo Ashram that attract tourists from all over the world. As a city of cultural diversity, the majority of the population in Pondicherry are Portuguese, Dutch, English, and French. Book a hotel in Pondicherry at least two months in advance to avail the attractive travel deals.

Oyo rooms in Pondicherry and other locations are adhering to all W.H.O safety protocols to ensure a safe stay for all its guests.

Fun Activities: Walk by the beaches, water sports, nature walks

Majority of travelers: Couples, Solo travelers, Family

Easiest Route: The nearest airport to Pondicherry is Chennai, 148 km away. You can also take the state-run bus to reach Pondicherry from Chennai.

2. UNESCO World Heritage sites at Mahabalipuram

As a much-loved tourist destination, Mahabalipuram is located on the Coromandel Coast overlooking the Bay of Bengal sea. Plan a day trip to the ancient temples and medieval caves in Mahabalipuram. Bask in the sunshine and serenity of the breathtakingly beautiful white sandy beaches. The must-visit tourist attractions in Mahabalipuram are the UNESCO world heritage sites like the Shore Temple. Book a hotel in Chennai in the idyllic beach resorts in Kovalam and Sadras.

Fun Activities: Shore Temple. Beaches

Majority of travelers: Couples, Solo travelers, Family

Location of the beach: Tamil Nadu, India

Easiest Route: The nearest airport which is 22 km away is Chengalpattu is the nearest railway station. Chennai railway station is located about 60 km from Mahabalipuram.

3. Take a walk across the sandy coastline of Poompuhar Beach

Overlooking the roaring waters of the Bay of Bengal sea, Poompuhar Beach is a great beach to visit in Chennai. The rugged coastline stretches from the Kaveri River to the outskirts of Neithavasal. You can book your stay at hotels near Chennai airport while visiting the local beaches.

Avail attractive offers on hotels near Chennai airport during your summer vacation in Chennai.

Fun Activities: Take a stroll by the beach or plan a picnic by the beach. Attend a prayer and worship service at the Zion Church. Explore the artistic talents at the Silapathikaram Art Gallery.

Majority of travelers: Couples, Solo travelers, Family

Location of the beach: Tamil Nadu, India

Easiest Route: The best way to reach Poompuhar is by road. You can drive to Poompuhar Beach from Chennai and other cities.

4. Experience untouched natural beauty of the Karaikal Beach

Looking for a captivating holiday destination in Puducherry this summer? Soak in the sun, sand, and solitude of the untouched Karaikal beach. You can book your stay at the best hotels in Chennaiwhile visiting Puducherry.

The region offers a mishmash of French and Indian culture that is reflected in the food, culture, festivals, and local life. Book the best hotels in Chennai in advance for a hassle-free travel this summer.

Fun activities: Take a leisurely stroll at the Karaikal Beach

Majority of travelers: Couples, Solo travelers, Family

Location of the beach: Tamil Nadu, India

Easiest Route: You can drive to Karaikal beach from Chennai or any other nearby city.

5. Capture mesmerizing sunset photos at the Manginapudi Beach

Enjoy the tranquil natural surroundings of the Manginapudi beach which a popular destination for tourists traveling to Chennai. Capture some instaworthy photos of the sun setting across the silhouette of a picturesque skyline.

Walk barefoot on the sandy seashore while holding your beloved's hands. Watch the fishermen busy gathering the day's catch and savor delicious sea-food at local street food stalls.

Fun Activities: Long walks by the sandy shoreline.

Majority of travelers: Couples, Solo travelers, Family

Location of the beach: Tamil Nadu, India

Easiest Route: You can drive from Chennai to the Manginapudi beach or hire a private cab for local sightseeing.

6. Walk around the longest stretch of natural coastline on the V.G.P Golden Beach

As one of the untouched beaches near Chennai, VGP Golden Beach is a must-visit beach for couples and families. There are a plethora of 3-star hotels in Chennai that are located around this beach.

Enjoy a fun ride at the VGP Universal Kingdom amusement park which is located around the beach. This mesmerizing beach features a long stretch of coastline along the Bay of Bengal sea.

Listen to the cascading waves break into the rocks around the coastline while the cool breeze sways through your hair. This is one of the safest beaches in Chennai to enjoy a swim in the soothing waters of the Bay of Bengal sea. This beach is often preferred for shooting movies owing to the unspoiled beauty and undulating landscape. Look for sea-view rooms at 3-star hotels in Chennai overlooking the mesmerizing beach.

Fun Activities: Plan a fun day-out at the Universal Kingdom amusement park. Take a walk by the beach.

Majority of travelers: Family, Solo travelers, Couples

Location of the beach: Injambakkam, Tamil Nadu

Easiest Route: VGP Golden beach is well connected to Chennai via roadways. You can drive, hire a cab, or travel by local buses.

7. Go dolphin watching at the Suryalanka Beach

Located near Bapatla, Suryalanka Beach is the ideal place to soak in the sun, make sandcastles on the beach, or go swimming. Plan a romantic weekend getaway with your loved one at Suryalanka Beach. Bask in the serenity of the beach to refresh and revitalize your senses. The coastline of this beach overlooks the raging waters of the Bay of Bengal sea. Don't forget to dab on some sunscreen while sunbathing at the beach.

Plan a dolphin sightseeing tour on speedboats, which is a major tourist attraction on this beach. Be enthralled by the natural beauty and bask in cool breeze while sunbathing by the beach.

Capture some unforgettable photos of the sunrise on your DSLR while visiting this beach during the early morning.

Fun Activities: Swimming, Sunbathing, Beach walks, Dolphin watching

Majority of travelers: Family, Couple, Solo travelers

8. Go for an evening stroll on the Marina Beach

One of the best beaches to visit in Chennai, Marina Beach is famous for being the second longest beach in India and the world. The sandy coastline stretches for approximately 13 kilometers. Visit this beach during early morning or late evening hours to avoid crowds of tourists. Capture some memorable photographs of the stunning sunrise and sunset views across the horizon tainted with hues of pink, orange, and yellow.

Fun Activities: Take a walk at Anna Park. Plan a beach picnic. Go for an evening stroll by the beach.

Majority of travelers: Couples, Family, Solo travelers

Location of this beach: Tamil Nadu

Easiest Route: Take the MRTS train to the lighthouse and cover the rest of the distance foot to reach the beach.

These are some of the beaches to visit in South India for a fun summer retreat this year.

[my-beardedgalaxycollection--blog]

chennai to pondicherry tour package

There are plenty of wonderful locations deserving a visit lying across the Chennai – Pondicherry route.

Some of the most popular destinations covered in Chennai to Pondicherry tour package are: Kovalam beach, Cholamandal artist village, Alamparai fort, Portuguese Catholic Church to name a few. Resistors spending leisure time in Pondicherry are seriously advised 2 try the Exclusive seafood varieties available and the restaurants and cafes across the city.

Our Chennai to Pondicherry one day tour package had a list of the most exotic places in the city. We checked in the hotel near the Promenade beach. After breakfast, we moved to enjoy the morning walk at the beach. It is one of the greatest attractions of Pondicherry tour package from Chennai.

The Promenade beach also known as the Rock Beach is a great place for nature lovers and experience seekers. Visitors here enjoy the walk near the seashore, play football and enjoy the seafood. Near the beach, we enjoyed the best seafood and French food that was enough to sensitize our palette. I think it’s a crime to miss the most delightful French cuisines in Chennai to Pondicherry one day tour package.

[oceansprayblog]

Pondicherry - The Perfect Getaway Destination

Pondicherry, a buzzing coastal town with amazing culture and astounding beaches.

With the city being a former French colony, you can still see the French legacy in the spectacular streets of Pondicherry. If you are looking for a place to relax in the cherishing company of your loved one's post lockdown, Pondicherry is the place for you.

Attractions in Pondicherry

The Promenade beach, a 1.2 km long stretch of rocks harboring the beach, is an amazing place to take an evening stroll.

Auroville is an exciting place to visit when you are in Pondy.

You can try scuba diving in Pondicherry and dive to enjoy a magical wonderland underwater along with your loved ones.

The French war memorial is an exquisite place built for the remembrance of fallen French Soldiers who laid down their lives during the First World War.

The Serenity Beach road is a fantastic spot for you to take a few snaps for Instagram.

The Auroville Botanical Gardens is your perfect place for an enjoyable evening stroll with your family.

Well, now that you have found the perfect getaway destination to take a break from the hectic lockdown lifestyle. The next thing is to find a perfect place for you to stay in the perfect getaway destination. Let us find you a perfect place to stay there. We understand that you are looking for a place that is both comfortable and luxurious. Looking for Hotels In Pondicherry Near Beach and finding one that suits you perfectly could be a tiresome task.

Well, worry not! We have found a perfect fit for you.

Welcome to Ocean Spray

The Best Place To Stay In Pondicherry. That's been created for the pleasure of you and your family. With an inbuilt multi-cuisine restaurant in the resort. You can experience fine dining, like never before. We offer our guests three different rooms with amazing views that make them feel relaxed and comfortable.

Our esteemed guests can choose from any of the three views we offer, namely

Water view villas

Higher view rooms

Open to Sky Plunge

Our private and public pools are all open to our guests. We offer private pools inside our villas for the enjoyment of your family. We also offer public pools that are spacious enough to host large gatherings. Making your stay a memorable one is the most important thing for our staff. Come experience life with us like never before at the best Pondicherry Beach Resorts. Ocean Spray, your happiness is our priority.

[mangaiworld]

How to reach pondicherry rock beach from Pondicherry bus station?

How to reach pondicherry rock beach from Pondicherry bus station?

Promenade beach is also known as Rock beach it is located and white town and it distance from bus station is 4kms This beach is a very pleasant and well accessible. So many hotels are near by the beach and you can stay at the hotel at beach view .you can enjoy the beach view from the hotel and also you can enjoy your dining with beach view. You just sit across in the evening for cooling breeze.…

[suvasri1986]

Life is very unpredictable. It gives us one probability to live it. But we hardly bestow it in a felicitous way. So lets adapt it for once by giving ourselves to the conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath. Yes this time I am penning down my experience about the placatory and meditating destination Pondicherry which is a way for nourishing and blossoming the divine within you.

Pondicherry, is indeed a destination for the ones who are peace lovers. The town pulls in the greatest number of remote and residential visitors basically because of the nearness here of the ‘Aurobindo Ashram’, and ‘Auroville’ in the close-by zone of Tamil Nadu. They are pulled in to these two organizations for the cherished ‘ Spiritualism ‘ and the ‘Lifestyle’ rehearsed there Pondicherry Town’s memorable French associations, the Heritage structures and French social linkages penetrating the town air are the other significant draw for remote sightseers, as likewise the Pondicherry – brought into the world French nationals living abroad at present. For the last gathering, it is home coming once in a couple of years.

If we go through the bygone times we can observe that Pondicherry is recorded only after the arrival of Dutch, Portuguese, British and French colonialists. By contrast, nearby places such as Arikamedu, Ariyankuppam, Kakayanthoppe, Villianur and Bahur, which were colonised by the French East India Company over a period of time and later became the union territory of India. Pondicherry have recorded histories that predate the colonial period.

Now let me glance you through the mesmeric attractions of Pondicherry which will enhance you to soujourn your holidays here. If you want to simmer down with a calmness filled up with peace and relaxation then fight with all your anxieties by meditating and gaining the positiveness within yourselves. Its none other than Sri Aurobindo Ashram completely based upon a spiritual community that inculcates to accomplish all kinds of negativity within yourself and velvet with positivity. The ashram grew out of a small community of disciples who had gathered around Sri Aurobindo after he retired from politics and settled in Pondicherry in 1910. Once confined to a few buildings in one corner of Pondicherry, the ashram’s growth has caused it to expand physically in all directions. Today Ashramites live and work in more than 400 buildings spread throughout the town. The central focus of the community is one group of houses including those in which Sri Aurobindo and the Mother dwelt for most of their lives in Pondicherry. This interconnected block of houses — called “the Ashram main-building”, or more usually just “the Ashram” — surrounds a tree-shaded courtyard, at the centre of which lies the flower-covered “Samadhi”. This white marble shrine holds, in two separate chambers, the physical remains of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Today, Pondicherry has become an important destination for spiritual seekers as well as tourists. Thousands of visitors from all over the world come to the ashram. The visiting hours for the visitors are from 8 am to 12 noon and then again from 2 pm to 6 pm.

Secondly, is the Auroville where you can find yourself in a new way. Auroville is a small town 6 km north of Pondicherry. This town was a vision of The Mother from Sri Aurobindo Ashram at Pondicherry as it’s an international town. She envisioned a town where unity will be celebrated and all will have a spiritual vocation. In July 2010, 2200 people from 43 different countries were living in the city. About 40% were Indians (more than 15% are French and 15% are German). The township of Auroville is meant to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. Auroville was founded as a project of the Sri Aurobindo in 1968 by his disciple Mirra Alfassa, popularly called “The Mother”. About 2,000 people from 50 countries live in this artificial village. Half of them are Indians and there are some 300 French people, 200 Germans and 150 Italians. The travel department of this organization takes the responsibility to take all tourists to this Auroville artificial village for visiting the Matri Mandir-dedicated to Mother for the purpose of meditation.

Matri Mandir

The next stop is the Pondicherry Museum A delight for art and history enthusiasts, the Museum has on display a fantastic collection of sculptures, handicrafts, archaeological findings from the Arikamedu Roman settlement and items from the French colonial time such as furniture and coins, among other things. The timings are from 10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm (Daily) and the Entrance Fee is Rs.15.

If you are always in love with flowers and plants then you can stopover at the Botanical Garden Featuring six gorgeous fountains, a large aquarium with ornamental fishes, Japanese rock, dancing fountain and a beautiful children’s train, the Botanical Garden of Pondicherry is truly an unmissable attraction. Established in the year 1826 by C.S. Perrotet, this 22-acre park is located favourably near the southern entrance of Pondicherry’s New Bus Stand. Over 1500 species of plants populate this park – some of which are indigenous to the region and some brought from other parts of the world. To help to easily understand about the flora, each plant/tree has been labelled with common, scientific and locally called names. The musical fountain show that is organised twice in the evening (during weekends) is definitely a must watch. The entry is free for all.

When relaxation willing to loosen up your body then hop into the Promenade Beach which is one of the liveliest areas in Pondicherry, the Promenade is situated along the picturesque seafront with a rocky beach. One can enjoy a leisurely stroll at the Promenade, which is a delightful experience especially on a pleasant day. There are also few cafes and restaurants nearby where you can enjoy exquisite French food or other cuisines. The timings for the beach are from10 am to 9 pm.

Promenade Beach

If you are a nature lover then definitely tap your feet onwards to the Serenity Beach where the sunrise and sunset gives a perfect picturesque. It is one of the most gorgeous beaches in Pondicherry, Serenity Beach is an unmissable attraction! Swathed with pristine golden sands and lapped by shimmering waters of the Bay of Bengal, this treasure trove of nature is secluded, quiet and of course, spectacular. Fringed by palm trees, this beach is an ideal place for beach lovers to spend moments of repose. Not over-crowded like other beaches in the country, Serenity Beach is definitely a must visit.

To excavate the glimpse of history peep into the French War Memorial The quaint victory monument – French War Memorial is located in White Town, Pondicherry. This elegant structure was built in the year 1971 to commemorate the martyrs of the First World War. This memorial is beautifully illuminated to pay homage to those valiant soldiers on 14th July every year – the occasion of Bastille Day (French National Day). People from the city and beyond visit the memorial to offer respect and veneration. The timings for visiting the memorial is from 10 am to 5 pm (Daily).

Lastly must make your visit to Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus which is one of the highly revered religious places in Pondicherry and is located on the south boulevard of the town. This beautiful church is an excellent example of Gothic architecture and is adorned with colourful stained glass panels illustrating the life events of Jesus Christ. A significant place of worship for Christian devotees in the country, the church is a must-visit when visiting Pondicherry.

Let me also satisfy your taste buds with the mouth-watering delicacies of Pondicherry Paris of the East. Pondicherry, heaven on Earth is what I would address this little UT. This pace is thus superb, do visit once potential. However, not in summer season, you may be baked by the recent sun. There is truly nothing like should eat foods here. Pondy, could be a mixture of varied cuisines of the globe. Like EU, France etc. If you want style, France Cuisines, do visit Bakers Street in Bussey Street. It’s delectable out there however very little but very tasty.

For European Cuisines, do visit, Mango Hill in Auroville. If you wish to induce very little native, strive drinking Pal Sarbath ( A drink made of Milk ), I’m positive you may adore it. It’s on the market right opposite to Balaji Theatre, Kamaraj Boswellia serrata. If you’re Non- Vegetarian, strive the Lobster primarily based food in Mango Hill. There are lot of eateries in the White town, which serves multiple Cuisines. Pondicherry, is very famous for Indian Made Foreign Liquors.

The best time of your arrival at Pondy is during the months of October to March as the temperature usually ranges between 15 – 30 degree Celsius. Over the years, Pondicherry has truly been the gem of South India and an ideal vacation spot. Summers (April-June) are quite hot and the temperature touches 40 degree Celsius occasion.

Places for you to dwell which will make you a pleasant stay in Pondy is mostly the guest houses offered by the Ashram association such as International Guest House, New Guest House, Park Guest House, Sea side Guest House, Ashram Guest House and many more. Apart from these if you like a luxurious stay you can reside onto the hotels like Le Mirage, Crossway, The Promenade, Le Chateau etc.

So, identify the negativity from yourself to combat through the spiritualism and meditation and move unto this fascinating and pleasant destination of Pondicherry.

PONDERING PONDICHERRY. Life is very unpredictable. It gives us one probability to live it. But we hardly bestow it in a felicitous way.

[satyatraveldiaries-blog]

Solo Trip To Puducherry ( Pondicherry)

Once the travel bug bites there is no known antidote , and I know that I shall be happily infected until the end of my life..

The wait is over and the day has come 23.June.2017 , Hyderabad – Chennai – Puducherry (Pondicherry /Pondi) the most awaited trip for me as its planned in the last min.

I reached Pondi(Puducherry) around afternoon , checked in to my hotel opposite to bus stand and freshed up. In no time without wasting a min googled for the best two wheeler rentals, found Vijay Arya located near to the bus stand is the best as majority of the people recommended. Rented Yamaha for two days to explore the new place. Vijay Arya rentals will charge you Approximately 300 – 1200 INR based on the vehicle you choose for a day (9am – 9PM)

My first spot is Auroville located 10- 14 Kms away from the city . More than a tourist place its main objective is to tell the world about the way of living. You can visit mantrimandir here , but you need to follow the protocol to access it .Mantrimandir - A spiritual place for practitioners of integral yoga initiated by The Mother of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.You can watch video at the visitor center that gives you an idea about what auroville is and what to expect. You can get the pass from the center to view the mandir, It’s a km away from visitor center here you can view the mantramandir from the viewing point. You can spend some time and then come back. If you want to go inside the mantrimandir you need to register two days prior to get the pass.

Other attraction s: Boutiques, café , Books/CD shop .I spent around 1hr at Auroville and then decided to move ahead to serenity beach.

Serenity beach is on the way from auroville to Pondi . It was a nice beach indeed, where fisherman boats and nets spread across the Sea shore in the evening. I spent my time here by walking along the shore , sitting on the black big rocks gazing at the blue waters of the bay of Bengal.

Time to move on from the shore to the most happening place in pondi , Promenade beach. It’s a pride for Puducherry and stretches approximately 1.5Km lined up with big black rocks . These are usually of granite boulders set up by govt. for soil erosion. Walked along the stretch for a while, sitting on the rocks , gazing at the blue waters( what else can we do apart from watching the beauty of the bay of Bengal) and finally returned hotel .

Second day , I woke up early while it was still dark to see the sunrise from pondi promenade beach. There were few people on the streets, but promenade seaside is filled with morning walkers and sunrise viewers. As the weather is cloudy I need to wait for a while to spot the sunrise. After a walk , I came across this place 24hrs coffee lounge “Le Cafe” which overlooks the sea and the rocks.

A sip of coffee and relaxed . As the sun became harder started walking slowly towards white town .White Town ,this is an old French colony which has now become a posh neighborhood of pondi .The French and Roman inspired buildings here are mostly in white and mustard color. This is one reason the name white town suits this place aptly. One would visit lot of foreigners for obvious reasons of this place being a French colonial place in the 1950’s.

It’s time to move ahead to Aurobindo Ashram – Here you will find the Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo . A pin drop silence is maintained inside the ashram. Walking down the lane I came across the famous manakula Vinayagar temple(lord Ganesh). An elephant outside the temple is the main attraction as she was blessing passersby.

Next spot Paradise beach, its 7km away from the city .To reach this place you need to halt at chunnamber take a boat to paradise beach. They will charge you INR 200 to and fro from chunnamber boat house to paradise beach .Keep in mind this beach is deserted. The sea near the beach is ideal for people who like entering in to the water and have some fun. There is no such provisions for any kind of accommodation on paradise beach and people can stay in the beach till the last boat leaves at 6.30PM.

Paradise beach is just the perfect way to end a trip in by relaxing and spending time in crystal clear waters of bay of Bengal.

Transportation - Adequate No of buses from Chennai run by both Tamil & pondi govt.

Vijay Arya Rentals – They will charge you 300 – 1200 based on the moped you choose for a day (9am – 9PM)

Signing off for now .

[arjunrajsingh]

Hotels in Pondicherry Near Rock Beach

Pondicherry is a stunning coastal town with the perfect blend of French Colonial charm and a peaceful long stretch of beach side relaxation. Rock Beach is one of the most popular spots in the city being a long scenic stretch by the Bay of Bengal. If you’re traveling to Pondicherry, then booking a hotel in Pondicherry near Rock Beach means you will be close to the beach as well as other main attractions. By staying at one of the many hotels in Pondicherry near Rock Beach, you can wonder around the ocean, have access to the cafes, shops, or historical landmarks nearby.

Why to stay in Hotels at Pondicherry near to Rock Beach?

If you are choosing one of the hotels in Pondicherry near Rock beach then you get to wake up to the sound of the waves and morning strolls on the exquisite promenade. Rock Beach is close by which makes you able to see the sunrise, relax with cool sea breezes in the evenings and quickly get to the French Quarter — with its beautiful streets and European style architecture. And it allows many of the hotels in Pondicherry near Rock Beach to have easy and convenient access to local restaurants and cafes so that you can enjoy the city’s culinary treats.

Pondicherry Rock Beach hotels types.

Budget Hotels: If you’re a traveller on a tight budget, there are, of course, the budget hotels near Rock Beach in Pondicherry that provide clean rooms, free Wi-Fi, perhaps some free breakfast too. If you’re not looking to splurge on a hotel close to the beach, these are perfect. The examples are even small guest houses or local hotels with a comfortable rate.

Mid-Range Hotels: If you are looking for a bit more comfort, then mid-range hotels in Pondicherry in the area of Rock Beach are spacious, have modern facilities and often additionally provide such services as room service, laundry and guided tours. Close to Rock Beach you will find hotels like Hotel Le Dupleix and Hotel De L’Orient which provide a nice mix of heritage charm and modern comforts for the location.

Luxury Hotels: Looking for a little bit of upscale comfort, luxury hotels near Rock Beach Pondicherry have elegant rooms with a spectacular view of the ocean, personalized service, and are packed with top notch facilities. The Promenade and Palais de Mahe offer you an unforgettable stay, with these hotels, located right beside the beach, you can relax in style.

Hotel Deals in Pondicherry near Rock Beach

Initially, consider location, budget, and hotel amenities, when booking hotels in Pondicherry near Rock Beach. But if it’s a peak season and you know what a great location hotel this is, then try to book in advance, because these places fill up fast. You can even compare reviews online or find a special offer to get the best price on your stay.

Overall, hotel prices in Pondicherry, near Rock Beach are just what you need for some beachside relaxation and some easy access to the city’s cultural and historical sights. There are many hotels for all budget visits as well as luxurious hotels so you will have a pleasurable and worthy stay in Pondicherry.

[mouli-paul]

Sri Lanka Trip - November 2013

I remember not being too happy to learn from my father that my first trip out of India would be to Sri Lanka. You can very well say that I was quite ignorant and naive. My feeble attempts to change his decision were of course taken no notice of. So, with a dull face and hesitant mind, we were off to Sri Lanka in the month of November. And the year was 2013. It might be because of the doubt or the unwillingness to go that I quite vaguely remember the teeny tiny details of the whole trip. Father had booked a customizable trip through Club 7 and it had cost us around 50k each. We had intentionally avoided any group tour packages as it would rob us of our freedom to actually explore any place. But even opting for a customizable one didn’t help much either as the tour guide who had been appointed for our whole trip wanted us to hurry up in all the locations. Reason? The usual. He had to cover all the “particular spots” within a given timeframe. But regardless of all these petty issues, our trip was good. And, yes, I would love to go back to Sri Lanka again. Preferences do change over the years.

Cut short. Let’s get to the actual trip. We had boarded an evening flight to Chennai from Kolkata and had to stay back there itself for the night. Our flight to Colombo was scheduled for the following morning. Chennai to Colombo takes around 1 hour 15 minutes by flight and the airline we had booked was Sri Lankan Airlines. The view as we went up high in the air and looked down was one of a kind. It was an expanse of vivid and sky blue throughout till the time we reached Colombo. It was still blue even when it was just half a minute left for landing. We reached Colombo around 11 in the morning and our tour guide was there waiting at the arrival gate. I vividly remember his face but unfortunately not the name. He looked very much Indian but he obviously was not. With the help of broken English he communicated with us and ushered us towards the parking lot. His first question as he was putting on his seat belt was, “Which country are you from?” I answered “India” and then “Kolkata”. He had heard of India but nothing about Kolkata. I was quite surprised at his ignorance as Srilanka is just a neighbouring country. How could he have just “heard” about India? But, that’s pretty much the scenario there. As we started our drive, not even for a single moment did I feel that I was anywhere out of India. And, that made me feel even more gloomy. But yes, Sri Lanka is pretty much a cleaner version of India. Clean, paved roads with shops lined on the sideways. Yes. I also remember a lot of coconut trees as well. 

Our first stop was Bentota. In fact, our 6 day trip was divided into 3 places and Colombo was not among them. The places were - Bentota, Nuwara Eliya and Kandy. So it was a combination of beach, hill station and plateau. Bentota was roughly a 2 hour drive from Colombo Airport. I also remember having Coca Cola at a small roadside stall. The sideways were lined with more trees and the roads had much less people as we were nearing Bentota. Pretty much a beach town like Goa, Pondicherry, Gokarna and so on. Our hotel was just beside the Bentota Beach which obviously gave us a lovely view for the next two days. Bentota is basically a beach town so there are no separate names for the beaches. Most of the hotels have their own private beach and the whole area is named as Bentota Beach. There are few parts of the beach where you can find hidden fisherman villages. An assortment of 10-15 huts where the locals reside. We chose to relax on the first day and we didn’t have any other option as well. Our itinerary was sketched in that manner. Our exact tour started the following morning. However the remainder of the day was not wasted at all. We went out for a walk and hunted down a few shops which were visible. Bentota is a sleepy beach town precisely. So we couldn’t see many people or too many shops in the vicinity. Almost a 20 minute walk got us to a market area where we got our regular supplies of teabags, milk powder, coffee powder and sugar. And I had also found and bought one Sensodyne toothpaste. Post returning to our hotel we had a heavy lunch and yes everything is half the price of Indian rupee. For e.g. a 500 Sri Lankan Rupee sandwich would cost you INR 250. In the evening, at around 4 we headed for the beach which was just a few steps away from the hotel. We spent a good 2-3 hours, watched the sun go down, took pictures of the waves crashing on the shore. The whole of the beach is scattered with hard rock hills here and there. Father’s expression at that time was priceless.

The following day, we started at around 9 in the morning although it was not very long ahead. Our first stop was just within a few minutes. It was the Bentota Turtle Hatchery and the fisherman’s village just beside that. I don’t clearly remember the number of turtle species but yes there were quite a few of them, different ones. The locals who were in charge there showed us newly hatched baby turtles and yes, they were of course cute. The turtle hatchery is not a very big area and therefore didn’t take much time for us to cover it. Just beside the hatchery there were few fishermen who were getting ready for the day’s catch. Sadly, we couldn’t communicate much because of the language. Our tour guide kept on giving us bits of information about the locals, the fishing technique, fishing season, types of fish and much more. The next stop post the turtle hatchery was Moragalla Beach which was again a short distance of about 15 minutes from where we started. This was again a secluded beach area but it was huge. It was a bit scorching under the afternoon sun but nevertheless a beautiful place to visit. After spending an hour or so we headed for the Bentota Buddhist Temple or the Kande Viharaya Temple in Dhargha Town. This temple has the highest Buddha statue which is 160 feet tall. Towering over the whole town, the statue can be seen from a distance even before you are anywhere nearby the temple. There’s an old Hindu temple at the back and the statue is in the front. That’s all about Bentota. Of course there are many more places in the town but those were not part of our itinerary and therefore we couldn’t visit. We returned back late afternoon and the remainder of the day was spent in the hotel itself. 

Our next destination was Nuwara Eliya, the hill station. As it was a 5 and half hour journey, we started around 8 in the morning. On the way we stopped by at the Pedro Tea Estate, the largest one in all over Sri Lanka. It had started drizzling at that time. I don’t remember the roads clearly but yes there were a couple of safety pin loops and the temperatures steadily dipped as we entered the petite hill station. Somewhere around 1 in the afternoon we reached and our hotel was there at the starting of a winding lane. We had to climb up a bit. Just like in Bentota, it was a rest day for us. So, we chose to do a bit of roaming around in the Eliya town. One thing in Srilanka or I guess any country where English is not spoken so well is the difficulty in communication. There were many occasions when we asked for a particular type of food and we were given something else. So, if you have food restrictions, it’s better to stick to the hotel food. The hotel staff there was really hospitable and gave us extra helpings of food. Father was happy as he got to have Dosa with Chicken Curry for breakfast the following day. No complaints here!

Our day started with a tour of the pretty town and our tour guide pointed his finger towards various buildings and named them. We saw the police headquarters at Nuwara Eliya along with a few other important buildings. Post a half an hour tour of the town we headed towards Gregory Lake. It was situated at a distance within a few minutes from the main town. The weather was perfect and it was raining, but not heavily. The tea gardens served as the perfect backdrop for the huge lake. There’s a well-paved road running parallel to the lake where you can take a walk to roam around and see the whole of the place. Houseboat and boating facilities are also there if you wish to go boating. The boats were quite interesting there - swan shaped and huge.  A zigzag wooden bridge takes you further into the lake. We spent a good amount of time there and started for our next stop. There were few small locations where we had stopped but, I vaguely remember them. Most of them were tea gardens, small and big tea estates. Some places we were allowed to enter while in some we just saw from a distance. Our next stop was Seetha Amman Kovil Temple, a place of historical importance. We had also stopped to visit the Hakgala Botanical Garden but had to drop the plan because of the huge entry fee. It was somewhere near to INR 600-700 per person, extra charges for camera and so on. We returned to our hotel late afternoon and spent the evening taking a walk through the town. Post 7 in the evening, the weather grew way too cold and hence we had to retire to our room.

The following morning we started for Kandy which would be our last destination of the trip. It was a 3 hour drive from the hills to the Kandy plateau. We reached quite early, somewhere between 10 to 11 in the morning. As there were no plans in the itinerary till evening, we independently went out and roamed in the city, had some SriLankan food, bargained with the people selling masks. Yes. There were those huge demon-ish looking masks being sold everywhere in Kandy. They cost some 500-600 per mask. At the centre of the Kandy town is the Kandy lake and you can see opposite sides of the town from either side of the lake. From a particular part of the town, you can also see the Royal Palace of Kandy. In the evening around 6 we were taken to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. It is based in the Royal Palace of the kingdom of Kandy. It houses the legendary Buddha tooth. The monks there chant Malwatte and Aegerine prayers. We had to stand in a queue and go through various doors to get the final glimpse of the tooth. The pure white color architecture shone bright like gold under the evening light. Post the visit we went in for a Sri Lankan cultural performance which went on for an hour.

Next day we visited the Perandeniya Botanical Gardens which was quite huge and took us almost 2 hours to cover the whole of it. Most of it was a pretty picture with various species of plants, herbs and trees. There are almost more than 400 species of plants and the unique collection there is the Giant Bamboo of Burma. There were quite a lot of tourists in this garden. Even more than we had seen in the temple. Our tour guide then offered to show us two extra places as we were done with our sketched itinerary. First one was a wood carving factory and second, the University of Peradeniya, some 8 kms away from the town. 

When I look back now, I really miss not taking the photos which I should have taken that time. Also, I would again go back to Sri Lanka as soon as I get the opportunity. It really is a place worth visiting. We took a flight the next day from Colombo Airport. 

[ulohotelsworld-blog]

Pondicherry also called as the Puducherry is one of the Indian union territories & the city is the biggest in Puducherry & has the monuments of four Dutch, Portuguese, British & French provincial time.

[my-beardedgalaxycollection--blog]

chennai to pondicherry tour package

Pondicherry is one such place in India that makes you feel you are in France. Lately, I started working in an IT firm in Chennai. A Chennai to Pondicherry two day tour package was offered by my company for my splendid quarter performance. I started Pondicherry tour package from Chennai by road via East Coast Road. The bookings and arrangements were the responsibility of the HR department of my office. I and my brother reached Pondicherry early morning to enjoy the Promenade beach and French breakfast. The French dishes were mindblowing

CHENNAI TO PONDICHERRY ONE/TWO DAY TOUR PACKAGE available to visit around twenty to forty top places in Pondicherry. Those places are to be must visit atleast  once in your life time. Pondicherry also called Puducherry once ruled under French government until 1954. Some people are there who still speak French. White town area that resembles the cities of france which is close to promenade beach just make the viewers think like they are in france. The  Promenade Beach,that has number of statues which fringes White Town. The most important statue here is that of Mahatama Gandhi. Hence, the beach is also called Mahatama Gandhi Beach. The climate of Pondicherry also like wet and dry that makes the tourists feel better.

I spent a lot of time on the Rock beach with my family, enjoyed the pleasant breeze, morning rise, and scenic beauty of the sea. It was a clean beach surrounded by attractive French restaurants offering amazing dishes. Nearby was the Aurobindo Ashram, an ashram built by the great philosopher and poet who came to Pondicherry to escape the British ruler’s injustice. He greatly contributed to the historical significance of the Union Territory by indicating its spiritual unity. 

Rock beach is regarded as one of the most attractive sight-seeing places in Pondicherry. This beach is situated on the busy streets of Pondicherry. In the evening, a lot of activities take place on the beach which makes the place even more happening. It is surrounded by restaurants, art galleries, and the famous French war memorial is just 0.4 km away from the beach. In order to get a sunrise view, many people book a hotel near the rock beach. You will also find many food outlets located nearby. So you can spend your evening enjoying your favorite food and a scenic view.

[oceansprayblog]

Ocean Spray - A Marvel In Pondicherry!

Pondicherry, affectionately known as “Pondy” is the most well-known tourist destination in South India. The city which is an Indian Union Territory evokes a myriad of emotions in the heart of any curious traveler. Pondicherry houses so many beautiful tourist destinations. Pondicherry is also the destination for luxury resorts. The ocean spray resort is one of the best 5 Star Hotels in Pondicherry offers tailor-made packages based on your budget and personal preferences.

The ocean spray resort has always been one of the top hotels to stay in Pondicherry which will redefine your experience. The ocean Spray resort is the best place for ultimate relaxation. The luxurious resort is the perfect venue for your diverse needs. The Pondicherry beach hotel is the desirable address of the quaint and beautiful city and satisfies the curiosity of every traveler. It comes with wonderful recreational facilities too. Get ready to experience Pondicherry from an unseen perspective with your stay in one of the best 5 Star Hotels in Pondicherry. Ocean Spray is one of the best Pondicherry Hotels near Beach that houses a wonderful multi-cuisine restaurant and beautifully decorated accommodations.

Tourist places are located very nearby the resort to make your visits very comfortable. Paradise beach or Plage Paradiso is one of the famous tourist destinations in Pondicherry. It is located at a distance of 30.9 km from the Ocean Spray resort. The popular “Pondicherry beach” and the symbol of French civilization, Rock beach is the most attractive spot in the entire Pondicherry and it is located at a distance of 16.7 km from the luxurious Ocean Spray resort.

Established by The Mother of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Matrimandir is situated in a large open space called Peace. It is called the soul of the city and is considered to be the place for Internal Yoga. It is located at a trivial distance of 16.4 km from the Ocean Spray resort. If you ever want to engross yourself in immense spirituality, a visit to the Aurobindo ashram is a must. It is just 16.1 km away from the Ocean Spray resort.

Being one of the best pondicherry beach resorts, Ocean Spray boasts of so many special facilities to live up to all kinds of expectations, passion, interest, and occasion. Ocean Spray would present the mesmerizing backdrop for all your needs as the ostentatious hideaway has everything you want. The resort also presents a lot of games and activities to engage the guests. Besides, the resort provides a separate spacious area for the kids to enjoy and a large pool to have a good time. The hotel’s nightclub and other activities are sure to interest youngsters. The beachside party gets more enjoyable with Lilaea, the 12000 sq. ft largest island pool in Southern India. A visit to the resort’s Elysium Spa promises to be a rejuvenating and natural healing experience for us.

Ocean Spray is surely one of the premier resorts in Pondicherry providing all the best facilities at a very nominal cost. Book now for an unbelievable stay in the quaint town of Pondicherry!

[tripstations]

Epic Road Trips from Bengaluru You Must Take

One of the best ways of experiencing the real beauty of an outdoor experience is by taking a road trip! Here are some awesome destinations near Bengaluru that you can take a road trip to:

1. Sangam

If you love photography then a road trip to Sangam from Bengaluru has to be on your bucket list. As you get off the highway, you begin a 30-kilometer stretch to reach Kanakpura which is set amidst lush green coconut trees (don’t forget to try the mouth-watering fresh coconut water which is sold along the stretch). Adventure enthusiasts will enjoy the large boulders along the stretch perfect for rock climbing! Enjoy driving on winding, narrow curvy roads after which you will reach the confluence of two rivers- Akravarthi and Kaveri. This is a perfect weekend getaway near Bangalore.

Distance: 96 km

Approximated driving time: Two and a half hours

Pit stops: As you need to leave early to reach Sangam, don’t forget to stop at Kamat to relish delicious breakfast. You can take another halt at Kanakpura where you can enjoy sugarcane juice and also the breath-taking views of the lush greens.

2. Sakleshpur

Image Credits: Ashwin Kumar Flickr

A beautiful blend of lush greens and coffee plantations, a road trip to Sakleshpur is an unforgettable experience and hence is an ideal weekend getaway from Bengaluru! As you take the Nelamangala exit you will find yourself driving on one of Bengaluru’s finest roads where you can hit the cruise control setting of your car to enjoy a relaxing drive. As you enter Hassan from the bypass, the road becomes winding and offers picturesque views along with the sound of wind gushing through the valleys.

Distance: 260 km

Approximated driving time: Five hours

Pit stops: Clean washrooms are found near Channapatna along with many petrol pumps. On your way back, don’t forget to try the scrumptious food at the Malgudi restaurant.

3. Wayanad

Image Credits: Sandeep Gangadharan Flickr

Wayanad is a picturesque plateau located in the foothills of the Western Ghats. Enjoy a smooth drive from Bengaluru to Wayanad surrounded by verdant mountains and pit stops which will make your journey so much more exciting! A number of different tribes inhabit the region of W.ayanad and can be spotted along the way. A road trip from Bengaluru to Wayanad is highly recommended as the terrain keeps on changing every half an hour and serves as a treat to the eyes.

Distance: 270 km

Approximate driving time: Five and a half hours

Pit stops: Approximately one hour after leaving the city roads you will find a bowling venue at Grips which is the perfect way to relax. A few miles ahead is one of Asia’s largest amusement parks Wonderla, perfect for children. At Gundlupet, take a right from the Mysore Ooty road and enter the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary where elephants crossing in herds is a stunning sight.

Read more:

4. Pondicherry

If you love to laze around and relax on the beach, Pondicherry is a perfect weekend escape from Bengaluru. On your journey, you will drive through the beautiful country sides with clean water bodies teeming with flocks of birds. On your way, you can stop at Gingee Fort which is a complex of structures across three hills. Don’t forget to drive by East Coast road to enjoy the fresh air from the beaches nearby.

Distance: 315 km

Approximate driving time: Five and a half hours

Pit stops: Breakfast at Sri Krishna Bhavan is highly recommended and adjacent to Cafe Coffee Day and a petrol pump. You can also stop at a McDonalds near Soolagiri for a scrumptious meal.

5. Goa

The journey from Bengaluru to Goa is exciting and is a must do road trip to take from Bengaluru. Traveling via Hubli is the most common choice and offers a number of detours which can be taken on the way. If you’re travelling via Hubli stop at Chitradurga, known for its huge boulders and picturesque valleys it is the ideal place to relax after a long drive. The most marked boulder is the Stone Fort with grinding stones and oil cauldrons. If you opt to travel via Karwar or Honnavar, Jog Falls is a must see. India’s second highest plunge waterfall, Jog Falls is the perfect de-tour to enjoy a stroll amidst the mist of the falls.

Distance: 700 km

Approximate driving time: Twelve to fourteen hours

Pit stops: Don’t forget to stop at Kamat Upachar in Dobaspet for a quick bite! As you continue you’ll find a Café Coffee Day in Arasikere with clean washrooms.

Read more: Best Luxury Hotels in Goa for a Great Family Holiday

6. Coorg

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Coffee plantations, verdant hills and beautiful views will greet you. The route from Bengaluru to Coorg is packed with interesting de-tours right after crossing the outer-ring road. On your way, you can stop at Shivananasamudra, India’s second largest segmented Waterfall with scenic views and pleasant weather throughout the year, perfect for a romantic stroll! The Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary is a great place to observe multifarious species of birds and comprises of few islets of crocodile infested waters!

Distance: 250 km

Approximate driving time: Six to seven hours

Pit stops: If you’re travelling with kids stop at Wonderla, an amusement park with over fifty dry and water rides! After which, near Bidadi Town is the Innovative Film City with entertainment centres including Louse Tussaud’s Wax Museum and Ripley’s Museum. For a quick highway treat, stop at Rasta Café in Ramnagaram or at Café Coffee Day in Maddur.

7. Coonoor

Known for its tea and spice plantations, grasslands and forest trails, Coonoor is the ideal destination for a road trip. You can enjoy curvy roads with various viewpoints to enjoy panoramic sights. If you opt to travel via Bandipur stop at the Himvad Gopalswamy Betta, a hill enveloped with fog throughout the year perfect for a small trek. Wildlife enthusiasts can explore Bandipur National Park to spot Mysore Royal Tigers!

Distance: 290 km

Approximate driving time: Seven and a half hours

Pit stops: For a scrumptious lunch you can stop at Saravana Bhavan in Gudalur. On the way, you will find multiple tea stalls where you can enjoy hot tea along with Maggi! Being a popular route, there are various petrol pumps and clean washrooms along the way.

8. Nandi Hills

For bikers, Bheemeshwari is the perfect destination to bike to! The 60-kilometer journey boasts of well-kept roads and multiple rest-stops. Bikers can enjoy curving hill roads and rugged terrains to navigate through. As you bike, the gradient of the slopes gets steeper making the ride more challenging!

Distance: 60 km

Approximate biking time: Four hours approximately

Pit stops: A popular route, there are various tea stalls on the way along with clean washrooms. You can stop at Kodigehalli to buy drinks for an energy boost before you ride on.

9. Agumbe

Enjoy a journey with an abundance of coffee plantations and cardamom estates with the aroma of coffee wafting through the car. The lush tropical landscape of the hills offers scenic views throughout the drive. Throughout the journey, the landscapes change from seasides to the Western Ghats ideal for photographers to capture breath-taking views.

Distance: 380 km

Approximate driving time: Seven to eight hours

Pit stops: There are numerous petrol pumps and dhabas on the way to enjoy delicious warm paranthas with white butter!

10. Hassan

A drive to Hassan will give you a quick glimpse of village life as you travel on one of Bengaluru’s best highways (NH 48). As you drive towards Bellur, there are several nurseries on the way with various plantations, stop and take some snaps! On your way, visit Shravanbelagola, the most popular pilgrimage sites for Jains with one of the tallest monolithic statues.

Distance: 185 km

Approximate driving time: Three to four hours

Pit stops: For a lunch break you can stop at Swathi Delicacy for north Indian food. On the way, there are various petrol pumps and shops open 24/7 for snacks to munch on the way.

Book Your Flight to Bangalore

Image: Tags: Road trips from Bangalorebangalore road tripseasy road tripsfun road trips from bangalorebest road trips from bangaloreRoad trips from bengalurubengaluru road tripsfun road trips from bengalurubest road trips from bengaluruCategories: Road TripsLocation: Bengaluru IndiaLatitude: 12.971599Longitude: 77.594563 Author Recommends:

Author Recommends Desc: The Aurobindo Ashram was founded in 1926, and is one of the major highlights of Pondicherry </br> Auroville is an experimental township or a universal town, designed by famous architect Roger AngerAuthor Recommends Fact: See

Author Recommends Desc: Wayanad: Fried rock crabs </br> Muddu Vada </br> Gandhakasala (scented rice found in Kerala)Author Recommends Fact: Eat

Author Recommends Desc: Dil Chahta Hai, Finding Fanny, Go Goa Gone, Bobby, and many other blockbusters were shot in GoaAuthor Recommends Fact: Filmy

Author Recommends Desc: The world famous variety of coffee is on top of every shopper’s list </br> Take home signature spices like pepper, cardamom, oregano, sage, etc </br> Local chocolate and homemade wines are also a speciality hereAuthor Recommends Fact: Shop

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The spiritual town of Mahabalipuram lies 56 km from Chennai International Airport, on the way to Pondicherry. A small yet historic town, Mahabalipuram tells the stories of Mahabharata through its rich architectural galore. Who says rocks do not have life?? 

The History Of Mahabalipuram

The ancient town of Mahabalipuram derives its name from Mamallapuram, or the city of Mamalla.  Ptolemy, the Greek Philosopher named the town as Malange.

The artistic monoliths of Mahabalipuram are attributed to the Pallava Kings of the 7th Century AD, who ruled the famous sea port and trade center of Mamallapuram. The advent of the European travelers in the early 7th Century also referred the name of Mahabalipuram as the land of the “Seven Pagodas”.

Read:- Pondicherry Tales – Prelude

[su_row][su_column size=”1/3″][su_button url=”https://trips.trawellblogging.com/flights/DEL0501MAA10011&#8243; target=”blank” background=”#d03304″ size=”4″ wide=”no” center=”yes” radius=”0″ icon=”icon: paper-plane” text_shadow=”0px 0px 0px #fff7fd”]Flights to Chennai[/su_button][/su_column][su_column size=”1/3″][su_button url=”https://tinyurl.com/hotels-in-mahabalipuram&#8221; target=”blank” background=”#d03304″ size=”4″ wide=”no” center=”yes” radius=”0″ icon=”icon: hotel” text_shadow=”0px 0px 0px #fff7fd”]Hotels in Mahabalipuram[/su_button][/su_column][su_column size=”1/3″][su_button url=”https://clnk.in/g9OB&#8221; target=”blank” background=”#d03304″ size=”4″ wide=”no” center=”yes” radius=”0″ icon=”icon: taxi” text_shadow=”0px 0px 0px #fff7fd”]Rides To Mahabalipuram[/su_button][/su_column][/su_row]

A Glimpse into the Pallava Dynasty

The Pallava Rulers, who constructed this majestic port town, ruled the area since early 3rd Century with their capital in Kanchi.

Archaeologists during their several explorations have unearthed Roman coins and pottery which is a testimony to the foreign trade in this part of the Indian territory.

There is no doubt that the Pallava rulers through their artistic fervor, documenting scriptures and countless seafaring exchanges for trade and commerce with the other parts of the world have helped in the spread of the Hindu culture beyond the Indian boundaries.

Strolling The Streets of Mahabalipuram

On the way to Pondicherry, we decided to halt at Mahabalipuram. The small town of Mahabalipuram delves deep into the fine art and craftsmanship. The entire town lives and breathes on art.

Check Out Taxis from Mahabalipuram To Pondicherry 

As you walk through the narrow lanes of the town, you can hear the clanking sounds of the hammers and chisels coming from all directions, relentlessly trying to sync one another.

The craftsmen work with unrelenting focus, with every strike of hammer gently giving shape to an impeccable masterpiece. They are so much into it that they have no clue about the people passing by. Their ultimate reward lies in bringing their imagination to life.

And do they succeed in creating one!

Dialogue with the Monoliths

As you venture through the streets, you will feel teleported to the ancient times. Traditional markets, a lake in the center of the town, handicraft shops and small scale traditional industries, all in the backdrop of a monolithic landscape of temples.

Most of the temples in Mahabalipuram are rock-cut monoliths, that is, they have been chiseled out from one single piece of rock. But, there are temples in rock masonry as well.

The monuments here can be defined as the monoliths, caves,temples and sculpted panoramas.

The Arjuna’s Penance

The Arjuna’s penance is the first remarkable stone inscription that crosses your eye. A panoramic sculpture inscribed on the rock, this single inscription is a journey in itself. The journey of Arjuna’s penance.

  This sculpture is about 43′ in height and 96′ wide, and is carved out between two adjacent boulders connected at the center. The Arjuna’s penance relates to two different legends. Several other small incidences run in parallel to the episode.

The first one indicates Arjuna in a severe meditation pose, standing on one leg (top left) in order to obtain Lord Shiva’s Weapon. Lord Shiva stands next to Arjuna. On the either side of the rock partition on the top, the sun and the moon Gods (with circular discs behind their heads) observe the penance. In between the rocks, you can also see the Nagraj and Nagrani ( The king and queen of the serpents) observing the penance.

At bottom left, the Rishi teaching the students in none other than Guru Dronacharya and their beheaded bodies simply indicate their bodies here but minds wandering somewhere else.

At bottom right, a monkey tries to imitate Arjuna’s penance but gets caught immediately with its bloated belly; unlike Arjuna who fasts as a part of his austerity, whereas the cat has been slyly feeding upon the rats moving around near its feet.

The second legend speaks of Sage Bhagiratha who engages in austerities to bring the Ganges down to the earth. Lord Shiva realizing that the earth would not be able to hold the enormity and force of Ganges water tries to break its flow with his hair.

Krishna Mandapam

The Krishna Mandapam is a pictographic journey through the various moods and gestures of Krishna, in his daily life.  A combination of rock cut cave and a sculpted panorama on rock surface have been used. The style is a combination of Indian and Roman architecture evident from the way the lions on the left end of the wall have been crafted out.

Krishna’s Butterball

The Krishna’s Butterball is a paradox to the laws of gravity and scientific logic. Resting on the slope of a hillock, the Krishna’s Butterball has been tested over time in both natural and human capacity to move from its place but to no avail.

The Ganesha Ratha (Chariot)

The Ganesha Chariot or the Ganesh Ratha is an intricately designed temple in the form of a chariot designed with a mix of Pallava and Greek architecture.

The Varaha Cave

The Varaha cave displays one of the ten avatars (Dashavtars) of Lord Vishnu when he tries to protect the Bhudevi (Goddess of Earth) after she is tormented by the demon Hiranyaksha.

The Trimurti Cave

The Trimurti Caves is dedicated to the Trinity – The Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. The three temples are carved out in a sequence into the rock structure.

You can access the temple through a large passage cut out through a solid rock. These rocks also display how the artisans used the ancient methodology to split massive boulders.

A series of close knit holes are drilled on the rock face. These holes are then loaded with hollow bamboo rods filled with cold water. The water would expand at lower temperatures to crack open the rock.

While the method is scientifically applicable and possible, what is intriguing is the weather in this part of the country. Mahabalipuram has a sultry weather being close to the coastline and the winters are usually pleasant than cold. For water to reach its expansion phase, the temperatures should actually fall to 4 degrees.

The Shore Temple

The last part of our exploration was The Shore Temple. Just half a kilometer walk from the monoliths is the Shore Temple.

The Shore Temple Complex unlike the rest of the monolithic structures is constructed overground made out of granite. The temple was constructed under the rule of King Narasimhavarman-II and acted as a landmark for the seafarers of the time.

A well manicured grass lawn surrounds the temple and is protected by a huge wired boundary wall acting as a barrier between the main temple and the coastline. A pavement connects the main temple with the entrance gate.

The rough seas often close in on the neighboring monuments during high tide. When we reached the temple in the evening, the thick dark clouds had started to cover the skyline. The sea waves also began to gain height and it partially covered the Mahishasura Rock on the shore.

The central sanctum of the temple is essentially a Shivalingam and is placed in the main shrine of the temple. Two other shrines placed adjacent to the main shrine are also present of which the second one too is dedicated to Shiva.

Read More:- The Kathmandu Diaries

The third shrine placed between the two bigger shrines is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and shows him in an inclined form.

The entrance passage is lined on its either side with sculptures of lion-heads that add to the beauty of the architecture.

An elliptical shaped tank is constructed next to the temple premises which is similar to a water-fountain.

As the day sets in, the rough sea waves send the soothing coastal breeze that eases out the day’s fatigue. You can walk down the beach on the east side of the temple from where you can get access to the Mahabalipuram beach.

The rains had been on for more than an hour now yet, the excitement was high. It was time to explore some more of Mahabalipuram from here.

Pondicherry Tales – By The Shores Of Mahabalipuram The spiritual town of Mahabalipuram lies 56 km from Chennai International Airport, on the way to Pondicherry.

[arjunrajsingh]

Exploring the Best Hotels in Pondicherry Near Rock Beach

Combining French colonial charm with panoramic coastal scenery, Pondicherry is a sought-after destination for travellers. Two of the highlights of this picturesque town are Rock Beach. It's a lively coastline that's perfect for a morning stroll. Watch the sunset and relax by the sea If you are planning a stay in this coastal paradise. Choosing a Pondicherry hotel near Rock Beach can add enormous value to your experience. Brings you closer to various activities And at the same time, there is a stunning view of the sea.

Why stay in a hotel in Pondicherry near Rock Beach?

Staying at a hotel in Pondicherry Close to Rock Beach This allows easy access to one of the city's most lively areas. Praia d'Oroc, which has a long walkway It's a great place for a walk. Watch a street performance Or just relax with a book. When choosing a hotel near this area You'll be able to enjoy the energy of the beach during the day and the tranquillity at night. Being close to Rock Beach also means you're close to White Town, an area filled with quaint cafes. French architecture and cultural framework

Best budget hotels in Pondicherry near Rock Beach

For travellers interested in luxury there are many more accessible and convenient hotels in Pondicherry. Near Rock Beach, Treebo Trend South Avenue is a popular school. Providing clean rooms Free Wi-Fi and breakfast coffee are included. All of this just steps away from the beach. Another great budget option is the Coramandal Heritage Hotel, which has cosy cottages that combine historic charm with affordable prices. These hotels provide basic amenities without compromising on comfort or quality. This makes it ideal for travelers looking for the perfect stay in Rock Beach with limited luxury.

Mid-range hotel with additional comforts

If you are looking for a little more convenience. There are many mid-range hotels in Pondicherry. Close to Rock Beach With exclusive facilities and spacious rooms, The Promenade is a popular school. It offers well-appointed rooms with stunning sea views. And restaurants outside the area another option is Le Dupleix, a historic hotel with a luxurious interior. Modern amenities and not far from the beach these hotels are ideal for travelers who want a balance between comfort and value.

Boutique and luxury hotels for a unique experience

For a unique and memorable stay Boutique hotels like Villa Shanti and La Closerie Bay of Bengal are great options. Luxury hotel in Pondicherry near Rock Beach Combining French Colonial style with modern luxury. Deliver an outstanding and enveloping guest experience. From the tastefully decorated rooms to the peaceful patios. These hotels are ideal for those seeking a taste of coastal elegance.

Choosing hotels in Pondicherry near Rock Beach allows you to experience the best of Pondicherry's seaside charm. Whether you are looking for budget accommodation or a luxurious getaway. There are many options to choose from. Being located close to Rock Beach means you can enjoy the lively beach atmosphere during the day. and relax in your hotel at night. From morning walks to long walks to sunsets at Beira-mar, a perfect stay in Rock Beach guarantees that your visit to Pondicherry will be relaxing and uncompromising.