When planning a trip to South India, your mind may immediately jump to Chennai, Mahabalipuram, or Pondicherry. But perhaps, it’s the lower-profile towns that are charming. Vanur may not be the most well-known, but it is worth consideration. Vanur is a small town in Tamil Nadu that sits quietly near the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry border. This sleepy little town is gaining traction with tourists looking for peaceful beaches, a hint of French colonialism, and moments of natural beauty.
Vanur is quiet and not crowded. Here, the wind blows gently through coconut palms with narrow winding lanes that lead you past little houses, lush green paddy fields, and blue skies. The pace of life is slower here. Tea shops are on every corner, and you will get a warm welcome from the locals with a big smile.
While Vanur may not be on many tourist maps, it is not far from Pondicherry (Puducherry), one of India’s exceptional coastal towns. The connection between Vanur and Pondicherry is smooth and easy driving. If you are staying in Vanur, you are just minutes from a few of the incredibly sought locations in Pondy.
The best thing about Vanur is its position near some of the best tourist attractions. Serenity Beach is only an 8-minute drive away and offers everything you could want in terms of golden sands, gentle waves, and a peaceful atmosphere. In addition to being a lovely walking beach, it is quite popular for surfing or just sitting, reading your book.
The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a 9-minute drive away, and it is one of the most famed places to meditate and contemplate for people all over the globe who come there to learn about the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. The Manakula Vinayagar Temple (with the cofounded ashtryam) is adjacent to the ashram and is a colorful and old temple, and is over 300 years old, and a notable part of Pondicherry’s heritage.
Pondicherry Promenade Beach is just 10 minutes from Vanur. You won’t swim at this beach, but it is a great area for walking, watching the waves crash against the rocks, and enjoying the French-style cafés and colonial buildings nearby.
The Pondicherry Lighthouse is also only 11 minutes away, and climbing to the top provides a wonderful panoramic view of this lovely coastline. For the nature lover, the Botanical Gardens, over a century old, has many unique trees and plants. And families with children can spend some time at Pogo Land, a neat amusement park nearby with great rides and water attractions.
The food in Vanur and Pondicherry is a wonderful combination of Tamil and French cuisine. You can find little dhabas along the roadside making crispy dosas and serving filter coffee. A little more into the city, you can sit down in French-style cafes offering wood-fired pizza, freshly prepared crêpes, and seafood dishes including fresh crab and fish.
Some restaurants, like Mango Hill, are just a walk away and offer a peaceful atmosphere with good food. Other restaurants like Cafe Xtasi, Giorgio’s, and Hot Pizzeria are within a quick drive and worth a visit if you enjoy good food and a laid-back atmosphere.
If you’re planning to visit Vanur and explore the nearby beauty, you’ll need a good place to stay—somewhere that matches the peaceful surroundings. One of the most talked-about places is Conch Resort-Luxury Private Pool Suites.
This resort is only steps away from the beach, and what was even more impressive is that they offer private pool suites. Whether you’re taking a trip away with your partner or simply want to unwind privately, the resort still gives you that luxury. It has an indoor pool, restaurant, and is near many attractions and sites. It has the perfect share of nature and city life, so you’ll feel comforted by your surroundings yet know so much more is available just outside the door.
So, if you are someone wanting to take the road less traveled, then Vanur may be the tranquil corner of the world you seek. Peaceful, close to culture with a coast, and now, with the arrival of beautifully designed stays such as Conch Resort, the perfect destination awaits you.
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