If you’re hitting up Pondicherry, you’re probably going to be confused about where to stay. Swish resort, cosy homestay or funky hotel? We’re here to tell you that at this seaside town, we’d pick homestays over and over again. There’s nothing quite like living like a local, especially in a place where two cultures meet and can only be properly reflected at a home. And no worries if your budget is low, we’ve got your back with these awesome homestays in Pondicherry that nail the experience without you going broke.
A Cutesy Room Or An Entire House: We Heart These Budget Homestays In Pondy
Villa Meena
Located in the quiet French Quarters, this simple bed & breakfast houses a number of air-conditioned rooms. Enjoy a continental breakfast in the morning, and if you decide to stay in, get access to their free WiFi. You can either unwind indoors with a good book or practice yoga in their open terrace. They provide rooms with attached bathrooms and wardrobes too.
Borrow their cycles (for free!) and ride by the lovely beaches or picturesque colourful buildings reminiscent of quaint streets in Europe. Read more here.
Price: INR 2,400 onwards
The House Of Blue Mangoes
The House of Blue Mangoes with its yellow walls and French-style beds is a restored house with a perfect blend of European and South Indian architecture. As you pass each room, you will be transported back in time with its antique furniture, vintage accents and old portraits on the wall. They have three air-conditioned bedrooms (with antique beds) and a kitchen with a microwave, refrigerator, coffee-maker and toaster too where you can make your own coffee and meals. If you’re staying for at least five days, they can get a cook arranged to make homely traditional food but just make sure to let them know in advance. Oh, and there’s free Wi-Fi too.
Price: INR 1800 per night
Lotus Studio
Located in the middle of a garden with a large fish pond, this place is perfect if you are looking to run away from the bustle of the city. There’s a queen-sized double bed, a compact kitchen, a bathroom, and long window ledge (to accommodate another bed). The private garden area has seating and will need no filter for your Instagram stories. It also works as a laptop-friendly workspace. It’s like you’re in a cabin in the woods. Price starts from about INR 2200 per night.
Serenity House
Located close to Promenade beach, Serenity House is a cosy homestay designed by an Auroville architect which will give you major getaway goals! This property is there on the third floor and comes with two beautiful balconies and an open kitchen that's equipped with a microwave, fridge, induction stove, electric kettle and basic utensils. You will also find a sitting area and a lovely dining space that offers a very cosy ambience and earthy vibes.
Price per night for Serenity House is INR 3100 (exclusive of taxes). Read more here.
The Wildflowers Of Walden
This apartment-style building offers a couple of private rooms for guests. The rooms are so cosy and well designed with elegant linen and matching curtains and bedside lamps and books that you will never feel like stepping out honestly. There is a foliage-like theme throughout the space with plenty of framed photos, illustrations and even the paisley and leaf patterns in rugs and bed linen. Plus, all rooms are air-conditioned to escape that harsh Pondicherry weather when you are not sightseeing. The owners have purposely left out things like a television, a music system and other gadgets to keep the experience a bit simple. There is a kitchen for you to use and access to common spaces like the living rooms, dining area and corridors.
Price: INR 2,300 upwards.
For the best things to do in Pondicherry, click here.