About hotels in Pondicherry
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A blend of French and Tamil influences topped with a layer of spirituality in the form of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, lends Pondicherry a very distinct character. The eclectic mix of East and West – in architecture, town planning, cuisine, and a free spirited global ethos makes Pondicherry a top draw for travellers from all over the world.
Hotels in Pondicherry reflect this blend. From French architectural marvels in White Town or French Quarter to the quintessential Tamil building style in Heritage Town, from budget guesthouses to ashram accommodation, Pondicherry offers many layers for visitors to peel, discover and get an insight into its fascination history and cosmopolitan culture.
Pondicherry hotels reflect the diversity of this former French colonial outpost in ample measure. While hotels such as Palais de Mahe and Hotel de’Orient are signature specimens of French architecture, the Tamil architectural style can be marvelled at Maison Perumal and Dune Mansion Calve. To enjoy these delectable properties make your
Pondicherry hotel booking online on Yatra.com. Avail attractive discounts that are currently on offer on the website. Get up to 40% off by using the promo code YATSTAY on your next booking.
Booking hotels in Pondicherry during Covid Times
While India gears up for another round of the virus menace, we at Yatra are extra cautious to ensure all health and safety protocols are strictly followed by our partner hotels. Yatra.com has classified many
hotels in Pondicherry as ‘Clean Pass’ hotels. Safe practices like checking temperature of staff daily, sanitising each room and public areas on regular intervals are steps we are continuously implementing to ensure safe travel of guests, as per stringent WHO guidelines. We would also urge all travellers to download the Aarogya Setu app for self-assessment and contact tracing. This will go a long way in fighting the pandemic.
Heritage Hotels in Pondicherry
Following the British to India for trade, came the French. The French East India company was started in 1664 CE to compete with its British counterpart for trade ties in India. After setting up two factories in Surat and Masaulipatnam, the French finally got a firm footing in Pondicherry in 1674, which went on to become a thriving city in subsequent years. Although the French made further inroads into India at places such as Mahe, Karaikal, Yanam, Balasore and Chandernagore, it was Pondicherry that formed the jewel in its Indian crown. With French settlers coming in, a new township with grid pattern and perpendicular street layout came up. This came to be known as White Town, an area between the canal and the sea, predominantly inhabited by the French. This area, along with the Heritage Town and its Tamil architectural marvels, are quarters that take you back in time through their heritage properties.
Heritage hotels in Pondicherry can be found in both White Town and Heritage Town. The Palais de Mahe by CGH is located just off the Beach Road. Built on the lines of a French mansion, this windswept property in hues of mustard and white is an architectural gem. High ceiling interiors, traditional wooden roof beams in rooms, balconies, arched doorways gives it a Mediterranean feel.
Le Dupleix by Sarovar Pondicherry is another city landmark. Named after the last French governor, this was restored by INTACH. Protruding balconies, a signature courtyard, excellent woodwork, antique textiles and furniture makes this a design enthusiast’s delight.
Gratitude Heritage Pondicherry is yet another classic heritage property. The owner bought this 200 year old house from a Frenchman, and got INTACH to restore it to keep alive the dual Franco-Tamil characteristic of Pondicherry. In the Heritage Town quarter Maison Perumal is a lovely hotel to experience the Tamil architectural style. With two courtyards named Thinnai and Thalavaram, this CGH property offers a window into a traditional Tamil household, which improvised and added French design element like the quintessential French windows. The
Dune Mansion Calve Pondicherry is another fine specimen of a Tamil house transformed into a heritage property. It is also known for its Mediterranean French fare, which includes the cooking styles of Provence, Occitania and the island of Corsica. The in house restaurant also serves fine Italian cuisine including risotto, pizza and pasta and spaghetti. While all these properties in the 4 to 5 star category, there many heritage hotels and guesthouses such as Du Parc and Villa Helena that allows budget travellers to experience heritage in Pondicherry.
5 Star Hotels in Pondicherry
5 star hotels in Pondicherry come in different forms and sub-categories: Wellness, Heritage and Boutique.
Dune Eco Resort Pondicherry is a standout wellness property, 15 kilometres to the north of Pondicherry along the East Coast Road. Spread over 35 acres, the healing centre curated by Deepak Chopra is one of the unique selling proposition of this property by the beach. It features 62 innovatively designed bungalows and rooms. The Residency Towers, located 4 kilometres from the airport, on Anna Salai Road, is a plush hotel with 75 rooms. It features facilities such as parking, housekeeping, medical service, health club, spa, swimming pool, and concierge among others.
Le Pondy Beach and Lake Resort Pondicherry located near Chunnambar River and Paradise Beach is tailor made for a relaxed holiday. Extensive use of traditional architectural techniques and materials such as tiles and thatch on slanting roof are a throwback to an eco-friendly Indian building style. With 72 rooms spread across 7 hectares of landscaped gardens, this is a place for an unhurried holiday. Facilities include a world-class swimming pool with multiple sections, a gym, a spa, an Ayurvedic centre, a large poolside party area, private beach, a game room, library, lounge and a playground.
For those who love luxury and high design while being in the heart of town, the Promenade bang on Beach Road is the perfect place. Designed by American architect Ray Meeker, the façade draws on the design vocabulary of the French colonial structures along the Pondicherry’s iconic road. The rooftop, garden and lounge pool were designed by Made Wijaya – the landscape design specialist from Bali. This property is a design connoisseur’s destination. The impeccable service, many sea facing rooms and the rooftop restaurants make it a runaway hit. With 30 rooms and suites in three categories, it offers amenities such as minibar, wooded flooring, coffee/tea maker, electronic safe, work desk and chair, laundry and room service. The wine and dine options such as the rooftop lounge – Bay of Buddha showcases the best from Japan, Malaysia, China, Vietnam, and Thailand. Pondicherry has had a long history of trade and immigration with China and Southesat Asia and taking in those elements, the chef has crafted an eclectic menu comprising Tom Kha Kai, Khmer Roast Chicken, Seafood Sushi Platter, and Holy Basil Cheesecake. Blueline, Risque and the Story Teller’s bar make up the other restaurants and bars.
Budget Hotels in Pondicherry
While many backpackers to Pondicherry just land up at the railway station or bus terminus and ask the autorickshaw driver to take them to a hotel, the better thing to do is research and book online on websites such as Yatra.com for additional benefits. For example, Yatra.com offers a Clean Pass classification to hotels basis high quality hygiene standards. In these Covid times this is an invaluable quality assurance feature. Likewise the Yatra Smart Choice (another classification) properties offer flexibility in the case of cancellation with priority helpline support, along with a host of other benefits. Most of the hotels in this category can be found around Anna Salai Road, Heritage Town and East Coast Road. Look out for
Citi Business Hotel Pondicherry, Tamizh Park, Executive Inn and guest houses such as Shakti and Star. Budget hotels in Pondicherry are ideal for solo travellers, students and young business executives.
Couple Friendly Hotels in Pondicherry
In a city where female flower seller greet you with a Bonjour, one can be rest assured about its internationalism and cosmopolitan ethos. From top 5 stars like
Le Pondy Beach and Lake Resort to heritage marvels like
Palais de Mahe and Le Dupleix, all welcome guests who visit as couples. No questions asked!
Even so, to be doubly assured, you may search for hotels tagged as ‘couple-friendly’ on Yatra.com. This ensures a hassle-free check-in. Proof of local ID is the only thing required. Pondicherry offers 90 plus couple-friendly hotels on Yatra.com. All the
couple friendly hotels in Pondicherry on Yatra.com offer good discounts as well. Use coupon code TOGETHER to avail up to 40% off.
Hotels Near Popular Landmarks in Pondicherry
Unlike many other destinations with monuments and must visit sites, Pondicherry is more an experiential destination where travellers walk around the streets of White Town and Heritage Town with their colourful buildings, roadside coffee joints, designer boutiques, seaside cafes… to take in the vibe, to soak in its dual culture, to connect with its at once spiritual and bohemian undertones.
Hotels near popular landmarks in Pondicherry would include attractions such as Promenade Beach, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Arikamedu mainly.
Hotels near Promenade Beach Pondicherry
Hotels near Promenade Beach are most sought after. It is the finest location in White Town, with many attractions of the French colonial era around this area. So if the colonial period exploration is your primary motive, look out for hotels such as Palais de Mahe and Le Dupleix. Both these heritage properties are within half a kilometre of this beach. These properties are ideal bases to walk around and soak in the charm of a small piece of France in India. Hearteningly, many Indians hoteliers are stepping up and restoring beautiful old French mansions for posterity. Heritage is alive and thriving here.
Hotels near Sri Aurobindo Ashram Pondicherry
In 1910 the Cambridge educated proponent of India’s freedom from the British, Sri Aurobindo retreated from politics into an inward journey. He relocated to Pondicherry, then under French rule, to establish the Sri Aurobindo Ashram
in 1926 along the Mother (a Frenchwoman named Mirra Alfassa). The ashram today draws followers from across the globe. Combined with Auroville, it is a drawcard for the spiritually inclined, as it is for curious travellers in search of new philosophies.
Hotels near Sri Aurobindo Ashram Pondicherry include The Promenade, La Villa and Villa Shanti on the White Town side, and the Dune Mansion Calve and Mansion Perumal on the Heritage Town side. All these are within a kilometre from the ashram.
Hotels near Arikamedu Pondicherry
A significant archaeological site resides in the backyard of Pondicherry at Arikamedu. It was a trading post with ancient Rome. Archaeologists date the period from 2nd century BCE to 8th century CE. Located about 8 kilometres from the city centre,
hotels near Arikamedu include the Sunway Manor and Le Pondy Beach Resort. A must visit for history lovers!
