Pondicherry offers inexpensive shopping experience with low or almost no taxes. Known for its traditional doll making, textiles and silks, it is also the origin of several world-class brands in premium-quality leather, pottery, aromatics, fashion and handmade paper. The superb décor boutiques and export-quality antique furniture galleries here are also worth a look-through. Just about everything is within walking distance (and there are plenty of eager rickshaws if not), and the goods on offer are often better value than what is charged in Delhi and Mumbai, where much of the Auroville and ashram goods are destined. Mission Street is the best place for super non leather footwear, hand-painted silk clothing, perfumed candles, incense, oils, ceramics, jewelry, and handmade paper items to the accompaniment of artsy, esoteric music. It’s not that cheap, but the atmosphere and selection is fantastic. If there’s anything you want that’s not in your size, you can arrange to have it made and couriered to your next destination. The Hotel Atithi is a luxury Pondicherry hotel which is conveniently located at the heart of the city. This hotel has a spa, a gym and a swimming pool with par anomic views of the city. The hotel offers international and authentic Indian cuisine to suit the international traveler.
Pondicherry is home to the famous leather goods manufacturer, Hidesign, and a visit to their flagship store is a must when visiting the city. South India is globally renowned for its quality and assorted variety of silk. A trip to Pondicherry would be incomplete without a silk souvenir. There are so many shops where you can buy premium quality silk for the entire family. From pure silk fabric to designer clothes to handcrafted saris. The Jawaharlal Nehru (JN) Street in Pondicherry is a good place to do some street shopping. One can find shops selling branded cotton kids, men’s and women dresses at very economical rates. Almost all the stuff is from Tirupur (the town which is popular for being the largest exporting point for cotton ready-mades for top brands in USA and Europe).
Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.
