Explore White Town: A Hidden French EXPERIENCE in Pondicherry

Cheap drinks, great food, and a slice of France

Usually, I am not a big fan of short trips, as they make you feel like a tourist instead of a traveller. But if there is any place to be a tourist, it’s White Town, Pondicherry. I must say, the French have great taste. The architecture, aesthetics, and overall vibe will pull you in and make you fall in love.

Apart from the architecture, my favourite part of the town was Beach Road. With no vehicles allowed, one side had deep blue beaches, while the other was lined with artsy cafes, bars, and heritage homes. Combined with trees planted sporadically for shade, this was a paradise for walking. The colourful walls of those heritage homes will definitely provide photo enthusiasts with some elegant clicks.

Speaking of walking, my two friends and I didn’t use a single vehicle after landing in White Town. The roads were so beautiful that I was hitting Google Fit’s weekly fitness goals every single day. You can rent a scooter if you are in a hurry, they aren’t too expensive.

Now, talking about the important stuff — obviously, the food and alcohol. Catamaran Breweries is a must-visit — their fresh brews are delightful. The rooftop bar at Ajantha Guest House offers a beautiful aerial view of Beach Road and the Bay of Bengal. The best food I had was at Villa Shanti. The place was so posh that we stood out like sore thumbs, but the food was absolutely delicious. Baker’s Street on Beach Road is the place to go for dessert. The smell of freshly baked bread will pull you in if you walk too close.

We visited a few more cafes and bars, including the much-hyped Writer’s Cafe, but I found it too congested.

For one night, we stayed in a small heritage home to experience its charm. It was well worth it — the architecture kept us cool even without air conditioning. And if you’re travelling solo, there are plenty of great hostels where you can meet new people.

At night, you can sit at the beach — the clear sky and the silent waves will transport you to another world. I felt the town was well-planned, every road seemed parallel to each other, leading to one destination: the beach. You can’t get lost even if you are drunk. Trust me, I tried.

Overall, White Town is a fantastic getaway if you just want to relax and kick back for a while. It’s far less crowded than Goa and is actually peaceful. You’ll feel rejuvenated when you get back to your usual life.