Some journeys linger in memory not for the sights but for the conversations they inspired. Our trip to Puducherry and Auroville in September 2014 was one such experience. Recently, when family members asked for recommendations for their two-day visit to Puducherry before heading to Chennai for a wedding, it reignited our own memories of the place. We researched updates, cross-checked facts with ChatGPT, and realized how deeply that short trip had stayed with us. Instead of just listing places, I wanted to revisit the journey itself.
A Trip Planned in Transition
September 2014 was a fascinating time to travel. The explosion of travel websites and apps was underway, but the world had not yet reached the point where every restaurant, hotel, and viewpoint came with hundreds of reviews, photos, ratings, and GPS directions. Guidebooks still held weight, and recommendations from trusted sources like the Lonely Planet India Travel Guide were often enough to make a decision.
For our trip, we booked a small bed-and-breakfast in the French Quarter based on a recommendation from the Lonely Planet India Travel Guide. Today, this might seem quaint—now, I would likely compare dozens of reviews, inspect photos, and check locations on Google Maps before booking. But in 2014, a trusted recommendation was sufficient.
We traveled by train from Bengaluru. Upon arrival, we walked to our hotel, as Google Maps was barely functional at the time. The simplicity of that moment—navigating without the crutch of modern technology—added to the charm of the trip.
Exploring Puducherry
Our days in Puducherry were filled with simple pleasures: gelato on Goubard Avenue, long walks, and hours spent on the beach discussing life’s expectations. We rented a scooter for two days, which gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace. The French Quarter, with its colonial-era streets and heritage buildings, was a highlight. It was a place best experienced not as a checklist of monuments but as a neighborhood to wander through, with its cafés, seafront, and cultural blend of French and Tamil influences.
Auroville: A Day of Fond Memories
One of the most memorable parts of our trip was the scooter ride to Auroville. The Matrimandir, the Banyan Tree, and the chocolates we enjoyed there left a lasting impression. Auroville felt like a place where time slowed down, allowing us to soak in the serenity and uniqueness of the community.
On our penultimate day, we had dinner at Saravana Bhavan, a meal that capped off our trip with the flavors of South India.
Share Your Memories
Have you visited Puducherry or Auroville? Do you remember a café, a beach walk, or an ordinary moment that stayed with you?