To really get
to know Pondicherry and its unique
atmosphere, you have to walk. The
city is full of refreshing views that
are best explored on foot at your
own pace.
By
choosing any one of the recommended
walks below, you will be amazed by
what you can discover about Pondicherry.
French
Quarter
- Rue Suffren, Rue Dumas, Rue Romain
Rolland, Rue St Louis, Rue François
Martin, Rue de la Marine etc...
In the French Quarter, the streets
are wide and facades are usually characterized
by continuous wall to wall construction
with high walls and elaborate gates.
High
ceilings, tall arched doors and windows
with louvers dominate the space inside
the houses. The walls are usually
painted in cream, yellow, white and
pink.
Tamil
Quarter
- Rue Kamatchi Amman Koil, Rue Chetty,
Rue Vysial, Rue Rangapillai, etc…
The
Tamil Quarter consists of streetscapes
with row houses which vary much in
character with that of the French
Quarters. Their exterior facades often
feature a veranda and a semi-public
portico supported by round wooden
pillars.
Muslim Quarters
- Rue Cazy, Rue Moullah, Rue Milad,
etc…
The
highlight of the Muslim Quarter is
definitely “Rue Cazy” with its characteristic
and largely unscathed architecture.
The Jamia Mosque and the small prayer
houses in Rue Moullah add an exceptional
charm to the street.
Shopping Streets
- Nehru Street, Mission Street, Mahatma
Gandhi Road, Romain Rolland Street,
etc…
Nehru
Street is the main commercial street
in Pondicherry. The city is known
for its textiles, silks, antique furniture,
traditional doll making, world-class
brands in premium quality leather,
pottery, aromatics, handmade paper,
etc.
On
weekdays, most shops are open from
10.00 am to 1.00 pm / from 4.00 pm
to 9 pm.
On Sundays, many shops are closed
(restaurants are open).
Sunday
Market is held in the long Mahatma
Gandhi Road. You can find a variety
of cheap products, handicrafts, toys,
used books, clothes, souvenir, etc.
However, be prepared to be part of
a crowded market and don’t forget
to bargain.
Beach Road
(Also known as Goubert Avenue &
The Promenade)
No
visit to Pondy is complete without
a walk along the Beach Road.
Beach
Road is the evening refuge from the
heat. It is a splendid place to watch
people; Tamil families with frolicking
children, power walkers, tourists
from India and around the world, groups
of exuberant young men, vendors of
balloons and strange flashing toys.
The Beach Road is filled with “oceans”
of charm. Friday, Saturday and especially
Sunday evenings are the busiest days.
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