Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
If you've been saving for a special occasion, this is the place for it, because Puducherry's
lodgings are as good as South India gets. Local heritage houses manage to combine
colonial-era romanticism with comfort and, dare we say, French playfulness; many of
these rooms would cost four or five times as much back in Europe. It's smart to book
ahead if you're arriving at a weekend.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram (
Click here
)
runs several simple but clean guesthouses. They're
primarily intended for ashram visitors, but many accept other guests who are willing to
abide by their rules: 10.30pm curfew and no smoking, alcohol or drugs. Only some accept
advance bookings. The ashram's Bureau Central (
Click here
)
has a list.
Kailash Guest House
MAP
HOTEL
$
GOOGLE MAP
( 2224485;
http://kailashguesthouse.in
; 43 Vysial St; s/d ?600/800, with AC d ?1000; )
The best value for
money in this price range; Kailash has simple, super-clean rooms with well mosquito-
proofed windows, and friendly management. It's geared to traveller needs, with commun-
al areas, clothes-drying facilities and laundry service.
Park Guest House
( 2233644; 1 Goubert Ave; r ?600, with AC ?800-900; )
The most sought-after ashram guesthouse
in town thanks to its wonderful seafront position. All front rooms face the sea and have a
porch or balcony, and there's a large garden suitable for yoga or meditation. These are the
best-value AC rooms in town. No advance bookings, though.
ASHRAM GUESTHOUSE
$
ASHRAM GUESTHOUSE
$
New Guest House
( 2233634;
newguesthouse@gmail.com
;
64 Romain Rolland St; d/tr ?300/450, r for 6 ?850)
Sparse, huge and
packed with ashram faithful; this is a great spot for those who love the monastery cubicle
school of lodging. You can book up to two months ahead.
Les Hibiscus
MAP
HERITAGE GUESTHOUSE
$$
GOOGLE MAP
( 2227480;
www.leshibiscus.in
; 49 Suffren St; s/d incl breakfast ?2200/2500; )
Hibiscus has just
four pristine, high-ceilinged rooms with gorgeous antique beds, coffee-makers and a mix
of quaint Indian art and old-Pondy photos. The whole place is immaculately tasteful, the
