Study Tour to Pondicherry from 29 April - 01 May 2025

Mr. Sunil J. Vattoth (Manager Tours)

The city of Pondicherry is unofficially divided into two distinct zones based on cultural and historical backgrounds:

• White Town (French Town) – Located closer to the sea, this area is known for its colonial heritage and is home to numerous heritage boutique hotels.
• Tamil Town (Black Town) – Situated inland, this area is more vibrant and bustling, featuring the city's business-class and luxury hotels.

This contrast is immediately evident when entering either zone. White Town offers a serene, less congested environment, whereas Tamil Town experiences higher levels of activity and traffic.

Hotels in Tamil Town

• Shenbaga Hotel – Our rating: 3–4 stars
  Officially a four-star property. 126 rooms in total, including 94 Standard (Majesty) rooms (50 king-size + 44 twin beds). Rooms and bathrooms are good, with glass-cubicle shower areas. The restaurant has a good ambience.
• Anandha Inn – Our Rating: 4 star
  121 rooms. Rated 4-star+. Considered the second-best in Tamil Town. Rooms are in the Old Wing (Superior, 71 rooms) and New Wing (Premium, 51 rooms). New Wing rooms are recommended. Three well-done restaurants, including one vegetarian restaurant.
• Accord Puducherry – Our Rating: 4 star+
  Vast and luxurious in appearance. No rooms were available for inspection during the visit.
• Hotel Atithi – Our Rating: 3 star
  60 rooms, with 54 Executive (Standard category) rooms and limited twin beds. Rooms are good for the category.
• Hotel Annamalai International – Our Rating: 2–2.5 star
  73 rooms, with 37 Premium rooms (Twin Bed) & 20 Deluxe rooms (King size Bed). Rooms are not worth the price.

Hotels in White Town

It's quite difficult to compare & differentiate hotels in this area! Each would have some value attached and no similarity between rooms in size, décor, etc., except in a few properties.

• Villa Shanti – Rating: 3
  14 rooms (Standard – 2, Deluxe – 6, Superior Deluxe – 2, Junior Suite – 2, Suite – 2). Rooms are not luxurious but bathrooms are nicely done though compact. Restaurant (70 covers) includes courtyard and veranda seating. Recommendable.
• La Villa – Rating: 3.5–4
  6 Suite Rooms. Sister property of Villa Shanti. Each room uniquely designed. Not ideal for elderly guests if ground-floor rooms are unavailable. Small pool and charming outdoor dining. Recommendable for higher budget clients.
• De L’Orient – Rating: 3–3.5
  14 rooms. Heritage-style property with rustic feel. Some high-raised beds may be inconvenient. Courtyard restaurant with 70 covers and AC dining for 20.
• The Promenade (Sarovar) – Rating: 3.5
  39 rooms. Excellent beachfront location. Three restaurants including seafood and rooftop. Rooms are uniform but flooring is mosaic tile. Lively but not ideal for peace-seeking guests.
• Le Dupleix (Sarovar) – Rating: 3.5–4
  13 rooms. Penthouse and Deluxe rooms vary in size. No lift, stairs manageable. Charming dining. Heritage feel.
• The Maison Perumal (CGH) – Rating: 3.5–4
  10 rooms. High-quality rooms. Deluxe category recommended. Best in its segment.
• Palais de Mahe (CGH) – Rating: 4+
  18 rooms. High-standard spacious rooms. Best option in White Town. Lift available. 10 more rooms being added.
• Grande De Europe – Rating: 3.5–4
  18 rooms. Spacious rooms and good pool. Lift available. Rooftop and indoor/outdoor dining. Recommendable.
• Gratitude Heritage – Rating: 3–3.5
  9-room boutique heritage property. Rooms vary. Good value with courtyard. Recommendable.
• Kariappa House – Rating: 3.5
  15 rooms. Sister property of Gratitude Heritage. Outside White Town. Offers electric buggy transfers. Narrow access road. Recommendable with client briefing.
• Villa Helena – Rating: 3 star
  8 rooms. Heritage boutique hotel. Large common space but not exceptional compared to others.
• Auro Sunrise Resort (Auroville)
  Owned by Anandha Inn. EP property. Not recommendable in current condition.

General Observations

Most properties in White Town operate with limited staff (justified by low inventory) and often involve multitasking. Staff tend to be local, which may result in less professional service and potential delays. Some heritage properties adopt a “this much is enough” attitude, assuming guests will accept it.

Activities in Pondicherry

• Boat Ride: Mangrove forest ride (~1.5 hours), includes a stop at Arikamedu (old French fort ruins). Targeted at domestic market; shared activity.
• Storytelling Walk by Mr. Sunil Varghese: Recommended for 2-night itineraries. Colonial and cultural stories covering French, Tamil, and Muslim quarters. Includes stops at Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Duration ~2.5 hours, partly via client’s vehicle.