Pondicherry

Pondicherry is where France lingers on the Indian coastline - mustard-yellow colonial villas, bougainvillea-draped lanes and a seafront promenade made for slow evenings. A short drive down the coast from Chennai, the former French colony delivers a holiday that is equal parts charm and calm.

Wander White Town's heritage streets and the French Memorial, hop a boat to the golden sands of Paradise Beach, and feel the quiet pull of the experimental township of Auroville and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Add blessings at the ancient Manakula Vinayagar Temple and street shopping for handmade paper, candles and ceramics, and you have a complete little holiday by the sea.