We stayed at the charming Le Dupleix hotel. Le Dupleix is the former residence of the first French governor of Pondicherry, Marquis Joseph Francois Dupleix. HiDesign, "The Coach Handbags of India," owner Dilip Kapur has renovated the mansion into this quaint bed and breakfast-esque home. We truly loved our stay there and cannot say enough good things about the place!
Here we are outside Le Dupleix . . .
Paul is walking up to our room in the open air staircase. . .
Here is our lovely room decorated in teak wood and blue silk curtains and throws . . .
Paul was excited to see the Bird of Paradise flower placed in our room. It's his mother's favorite . . .
Bathroom . . .
The courtyard where we had breakfast . . .
I am excited to have a pain au chocolat for breakfast! I had one every morning and never felt guilty about indulging.
After breakfast, including some fantastic coffee (the South of India exports coffee to the rest of the world, so I finally found my beans!), we decided to head out to see the French Quarter within Pondi.
As many of you know, I'm obsessed with red doors . . . so here's an interesting one.
After our walk, which included me dragging Paul shopping (my Grandma and Aunt Betsy would have been proud) we had a champagne cocktail in our room.
We then went out to dinner at Hotel de l'Orient. We had wonderful beef, a nice bottle of French red wine, and a baguette.
The next day we went to Auroville. Auroville is an experiment in alternative living and for several years was recognized by UNESCO. At Auroville, we were unable to see the ashrams however we were allowed to stop in the visitors center. Auroville produces most of the exported as well as domestic handicrafts, textiles, soaps, candles, coffee and cheeses that we enjoy. That being said Paul had a wife who went shopping a lot this weekend. I guess you might compare the trip to Pondi and Auroville with a weekend trip to Shipshewana to visit the Amish.
After shopping, we took a 1.5 km walk out to the Matrimandir. Along the way, we got to see some beautiful gardens.
And then . . . Matrimandir . . .
Nope, it's not Epcot! This structure called, Matrimandir, is a symbolic space devoted to the "devine creatrix." At the center is a huge man-made crystal, said to be the largest in the world, that reflects the sun's rays and produces a concentrated light to enhance meditation. Overall, Paul and I left Matrimandir and Auroville wondering if this is where the idea for the Dharma Initiative in Lost came to fruition.
Walking back from Matrimandir to Auroville Visitors Center.
Back to the hotel to cool off. Then, out to dinner at the Lighthouse for fish kebabs on top of The Promenade Hotel.
Walking home from The Promenade, Paul decided to have a cognac and a Cuban cigar at Le Dupleix.
Here we are while I am . . .
. . . waiting for a coffee! It was so fantastic! I wish I could have them ship the beans here to Pune.
The next day we went back home to Pune.
Below are some of our favorite things to do while you stay in Pondicherry--
Hotels:
- Le Dupleix (Rooms range from INR 3,000-8,000 per night)
Where to Eat:
- Restaurant at Le Dupleix for Seafood Cannelloni and Seafood Lasagna
- Carte Blance at Hotel de l'Orient for any beef dish
- Satsanga for lunch (salads, sandwiches, chips)
- Le Club for lunch (salads, sandwiches, chips, coq au vin)
- Le Cafe for a coffee and to enjoy the view of the Bay of Bengal (*This place had the best coffee in town, coffee was very similar to Cafe du Monde in New Orleans.)
- Lighthouse at The Promenade for Indian food
Where to Shop:
- Kalki--either in the Tamil Quarter or Auroville
- La Boutique d' Auroville--either in the Tamil Quarter or Auroville
- Nilgiri's Grocery Store--(for coffee) Tamil Quarter
- Cre Art--French Quarter next to Nirvana
- Nirvana--French Quarter
- FabIndia--French Quarter
- The Neemrana Shop (Great for quirky, expensive gifts like silver-platted egg cups)--Attached to Hotel de l'Orient
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