Moving to Pondicherry

JyotiM

I have visited Pondi several times between 2002 and 2004. Now I am thinking of moving there. Can anyone who lives there give me some insider information on being a resident? Rental housing costs? a/c in summer? Culture? Have there been any shocking changes in Pondi since 2004, such as increased sound pollution, crime, industry, etc.?

dillichaat

The only things I can tell for sure about Pondi is that you'll definitely need a/c and will want to run it 24/7 in summer, the climate is lousy, humid and hotter than hell. Then there's lots of french-speaking tourists and as all cities in India, there's pollution (and not only sound pollution).

If I absolutely had to pick a place to set up shop in India it wouldn't be there but to each his/her own. Hopefully you'll get some reactions from residents.

JyotiM

Thank you "Dillichaat" for your reply. You know, it is interesting that you mention pollution because I am moving away from Almora, Uttarkhand. I am considering Pondi specifically because it seems cleaner there, with more facilities than here in UK - where there are piles of garbage and the sound pollution of Enfields, trucks, and cars echoing through the hills. What to do? You say you wouldn't choose to live there, but honestly, can you suggest a place where one can find clean air, no sound pollution, and some variety of food and cultural events? I thought Pondi would fill this bill on its own and also because of its proximity to Chennai. I remember that Pondi had many quiet areas but apparently since my last visit in 2004 this has probably changed according to you. I would appreciate your suggestions very much. By the way, I have been back in India for 1-1/2 yrs this time around. Since 1995 I have traveled and lived in India for a cumulative total of 7 years. I would like to find a place to settle, and am still hopeful that such a place exists, although like your self proclaimed title of "professional cynic," I too am wondering if this is a pipe dream only. Jyoti

dillichaat

I don't think it is a pipe dream at all because certainly there are still unspoilt spots in India. The hard part is that the place has to fit your reality and requirements as many of these pristine spots will be very isolated, away from a major city with all the disadvantages that come with that (electricity, water, transport, availability of goods, village mentality....).

From what I know, Pondi and the south in general will be better than UK as far as pollution and traffic are concerned, that's certain. Also, I'm no expert, I visited Pondi in 2005 and 2007 and stuck around for a couple of weeks but that's it and that's why it would be better to get feedback from someone who actually lives there. There are some quiet areas but what struck me is that the city itself is still pretty segregated with a quarter where mainly europeans reside, a hindu area and a muslim area and yes, there is pollution and noise, although it's better than in most places.

As to a place I'd pick to live in India, frankly I don't think there is one. That's not meant in a negative way. You should know, I'm just passing through, a western guy who got posted to Delhi for his job the next 4 years (to be clear: I volunteered and don't regret it, could have been typing this in the US or China if I'd wanted). Our backgrounds/habits determine in a large part our preferences and expectations, my background is European. Also, as I'm not Indian or of Indian descent, there's no 'bond' with the country and in 3 or 4 years all my stuff goes into a container, on a ship and onwards to wherever will be my next spot.

So far I haven't yet seen a place in India where I'd like to live permanently but that doesn't mean a lot as there have been precious few places in the world I've visited for my job where I would choose to settle. Still, compared to the other countries where I've stayed, India is hard, a challenge.

If I absolutely had to pick a state to live in in India then now, at this point I'd probably go for somewhere in Kerala.

Good luck!

gaurav1441

Pondi is stilll quieter than most other cities and somewhat suits to ur requirements of "clean air, no sound pollution, and some variety of food and cultural events" . as most other places suitable places would be quite far from a nearby town or would be higher up the altitude.

atala

If you can find a place to stay in the old part of Pondy bellow Gingee Salai (along the canal that runs thru town), specifically in the French part with the yellow buildings, you would find it nice and quiet there. I do not think that sweeping changes have occurred in Pondy since you were there last. Except that there were, do use the pun, sweeping changes : Sweepers are cleaning the streets every day now... The Governor declared to get Pondy as clean and posh as Singapore within two years. All the roads got a new tar layer, some around the Ashram got cobble stone pavement, which actually is not nice, but apparently it keeps longer.

More and more western type tourist businesses have arrived in downtown Pondy, more luxury hotels built, more food-joints opened. It is really becoming a major tourist spot for Indians.

Have you checked out Auroville as a place to live?
http://www.auroville.org/thecity/architecture.htm