DESIGN DESTINATION – PONDICHERRY

A street view in White town, Pondicherry.

Take a tour of this charming treasure trove of natural landscapes,
seaside ports, and centuries-old craft traditions drenched in
skilled craftsmanship and indigenous details. Popularly known as
the “Little France of India”, this multi-ethnic land holds a unique
culture that reflects both Tamil and French influences on its art
and design.
Drawing from the surrounding landscapes and intrinsic cultural
characters, Pondicherry art and design exhibit an innate beauty
and artisanal charm. From ceramics to wood crafts to traditional
doll making, follow our cultural mascot Airavat to explore the
distinctive details that reflect the spirit of the town. Bon Voyage!

The French Consulate, Pondicherry. Ref: Peoplevillage

The French may have left in the early 1950's but the heritage
remains. The town is divided into two quarters – French and
Tamil. The architectural marvels seen in the French quarter are
nothing short of a visual treat – think bougainvillaea laden walls,
stately doorways, colonial-style villas, ornate balconies,
sculptural pillars, and large courtyards with stucco details.

Hotel de L'orient, Rue Romain Rolland

The Tamil Quarter encompasses the busy Mission Street and the
houses here are symbolic of the Franco-Tamil and traditional
South-Indian architecture with their engaged columns, pillared
archways, arched gates and windows, and vertical cast iron bars

A modern interpretation of the classic Franco-Tamil style architecture, Rue Bassyins de Richemont

BROWSE FRANCO-TAMIL STYLE DÉCOR

French Three Seater Sofa

Montecasto Dining Table

Teak Wood Mirror

Alva Dining Chair

Harika Bench

Colombo Chair

Ved Accent Sofa

Bourbon

WOOD CRAFTSMANSHIP

Pondicherry is home to one of the most unique wood carvings seen in India – the famed temple chariots and door carvings serving as a fine exemplar. Ref: IncredibleIndia

The architectural splendours exhibit details like elegantly carved
roof gables, lathe-turned columns, hand carved window grills,
and decorated wooden ceilings. Even today, one may find
intricate carvings of Hindu deities and auspicious motifs like the
hamsa (mythical swan), padma (lotus), poornakumbha
(cornucopia), kamadhenu (holy cow), and other floral motifs on
the front doors of households.

The front doors of households exhibit details like intricate carvings of Hindu deities and auspicious motifs. Ref: AsiaInCH

A visit to Pondicherry isn't complete without a stop at Le Dupleix, a heritage hotel made celebrating the best of Indo-French architecture in the town. The hotel displays authentic wood work restored using traditional techniques from the 18th century. One may also chance upon carved wooden items like shrines and deities, stools, fans, fertility couples, various ceremonial containers, and kitchen instruments like grinders, ladles, spoons, and vegetable cutters in the hundreds of small souvenir shops scattered all over town.

The front doors of households exhibit details like intricate carvings of Hindu deities and auspicious motifs. Ref: AsiaInCH

Visit the artistic heart of the city – the Puducherry Art and Craft
Village – a premier platform built to sustain and promote the
region's indigenous skill sets. Each piece is crafted by local artisans
in a plethora of mediums – wood being one of them. Set on the
outskirts of the city, the Village in Murungapakkam is the perfect
spot for interactive learning under the tutelage of maestros and
legends of the crafts.

Lathe-turned and lacquered toys in bright colours are popular all over the village.

BROWSE WOODEN CRAFTSMANSHIP

Ade Head Sculpture

Sangoma -Wood Mortar & Pestle

Come Chini

Nav

Wooden Monkey

Wooden Bracket III

Pair Of Wooden Carved Angels

Wooden Chess Board

PONDICHERRY BOMMAI

The most beautiful handicraft of Pondicherry is the Bommai. A traditional, handmade craft made from papier mache, terracotta, or POP, the Bommai dolls were essentially made for the “Navratri” festival. These beautiful collectibles, popularly known as “Puducherry Bommai” are a form of the “Golu” folk dolls seen in many parts of India. The city is dotted with small shops and handicraft emporiums selling these pieces – from beautiful terracotta figurines to elegant papier mache dolls.

BROWSE BOMMAI CRAFTSMANSHIP

Krishna

Nerikomi Terracotta and Stoneware Vase

Tara

Papier Mache Totem

SUSTAINABLE HANDICRAFTS

Jute craft seen in Pondicherry. Ref: Tncrafts

Toys and figurines made out of clay at Casablanca

In the heart of the city's perfect landscape characterized by lush
greens and verdant seaside promenades, are hidden some of the
country's best sustainable craftsmanship gems – from artistic clayware and terracotta crafts to natural jute and dry flower arts. In
addition to this, one can head to the experimental town of
Auroville, where the incredible world of handicrafts including
handmade paper, aromatic candles and incense, crochet
garments, paper lamps and ornate ceramic sculptures come alive.

BROWSE SUSTAINABLE ARTISANSHIP

Jamba Vase

Indigo Table Runner

Tranquine - Black Clay Shallow Pan

Classic Shallow Bowl

Terracotta Vase Set

Wrap Bench

Daydreamer small

Gala Vase - Teal

POTTERY

Michel Hutin of Flame Pottery glazing his gas fired stoneware. Ref: Amuddyroad

The art of pottery has been an integral part of Pondicherry for the
last 30-40 years. So much so, that Pondicherry-based potter,
Ranjita Bora incepted an event titled “Terrapondy” – aimed at
making ceramics more accessible with an emphasis on artist
collaborations and promoting upcoming potters and ceramicists.
While Auroville is synonymous with pottery, the Golden Bridge
Pottery situated in the city being one of the biggest large-scale
pottery production units in India, Terrapondy aspires to endorse
more studio potters than bigger units.
A shopper's paradise, Casablanca in Pondicherry is an ideal mix
of mini-mall and boutique to buy traditional handicrafts such as
handwoven textiles, handmade perfumes and incense, candles
embossed with real flower petals, marbled silks, jute crafts, and
aromatherapy products. During the French rule, clay, papier
mache toys, hand printed textiles, and wood carvings illustrating
cultural themes were made very popular.

Ceramicist at work. Red Clay Art Pottery, Pondicherry. Ref: Amuddyroad

Pondicherry not only has a very distinctive French aesthetic, but
also a pronounced spiritual angle. The Maison Colombani, where
the event is held, blends Pondicherry's French flavours and
history with the beauty of the sea.
The art form of pottery is largely popular among tourists and locals
alike. Golden Bridge Pottery, for instance offers several short and
intensive courses in ceramics. Many studio potters also conduct
small workshops at their ateliers.

Wind Glaze Pottery, Auroville. Ref: Amuddyroad

Video Ref: Mandala Pottery

DISCOVER CERAMIC CRAFTSMANSHIP

Jamba Vase

Indigo Table Runner

Tranquine - Black Clay Shallow Pan

Classic Shallow Bowl

Terracotta Vase Set

Wrap Bench

Daydreamer small

Gala Vase - Teal

CUISINE

The cuisine of Pondicherry, much like its architecture, bears an imprint
of its colonial past. Consisting of a mix of Tamil and French inflections,
the common foods include baguettes and croissants with coffee for
breakfast, ratatouille, coq au vin, bouillabaisse, salade nicoise, crepes
(sweet and savoury), crème brûlée, and South Indian meals like dosa,
idli, and rasam.
Helping the epicurean take delight in every single bite, the city is strewn
with cafes, seafood restaurants, bakeries, and traditional French
eateries. One such celebrated restaurant is the one at La Villa, a private
luxury boutique hotel situated in the heart of the French Quarter.
French Michelin star chef Michel Christmann has carefully curated the
menu at the restaurant, comprising of seasonal French cuisine made
from locally sourced products.
The talented chef celebrates the cross-pollination of French and Indian
cuisine with this delectable Tomato and Ricotta cheese salad garnished
with betel leaves and figs, specially for The House Of Things.

Nerikomi Ceramic vase

Chauko Tea Cups (Set of 2)

Nesting Coco Bowl

Green Fruit Plate

Tara Set (Set of 2)

Lacuna -Stoneware Serving Bowl

Longpi Succulent Planter (T)

Sonnet In Blue - 45 Pc Dinner Set

Stoneware Jug

Round Bowl with Lotus Leaves

Carnivale Mug - Set Of 6

Matsya Gravy Boat

A street view in White town, Pondicherry.

Take a tour of this charming treasure trove of natural landscapes, seaside ports, and centuries-old craft traditions drenched in skilled craftsmanship and indigenous details. Popularly known as the “Little France of India”, this multi-ethnic land holds a unique culture that reflects both Tamil and French influences on its art and design.
Drawing from the surrounding landscapes and intrinsic cultural characters, Pondicherry art and design exhibit an innate beauty and artisanal charm. From ceramics to wood crafts to traditional doll making, follow our cultural mascot Airavat to explore the distinctive details that reflect the spirit of the town. Bon Voyage!

The French Consulate, Pondicherry. Ref: Peoplevillage

The French may have left in the early 1950's but the heritage remains. The town is divided into two quarters – French and Tamil. The architectural marvels seen in the French quarter are nothing short of a visual treat – think bougainvillaea laden walls, stately doorways, colonial-style villas, ornate balconies, sculptural pillars, and large courtyards with stucco details.

Hotel de L'orient, Rue Romain Rolland

The Tamil Quarter encompasses the busy Mission Street and the houses here are symbolic of the Franco-Tamil and traditional South-Indian architecture with their engaged columns, pillared archways, arched gates and windows, and vertical cast iron bars

A modern interpretation of the classic Franco-Tamil style architecture, Rue Bassyins de Richemont

BROWSE FRANCO-TAMIL STYLE DÉCOR

French Three Seater Sofa

Montecasto Dining Table

WOOD CRAFTSMANSHIP

Pondicherry is home to one of the most unique wood carvings seen in India – the famed temple chariots and door carvings serving as a fine exemplar. Ref: IncredibleIndia

The architectural splendours exhibit details like elegantly carved roof gables, lathe-turned columns, hand carved window grills, and decorated wooden ceilings. Even today, one may find intricate carvings of Hindu deities and auspicious motifs like the hamsa (mythical swan), padma (lotus), poornakumbha (cornucopia), kamadhenu (holy cow), and other floral motifs on the front doors of households.

The front doors of households exhibit details like intricate carvings of Hindu deities and auspicious motifs. Ref: AsiaInCH

The front doors of households exhibit details like intricate carvings of Hindu deities and auspicious motifs. Ref: AsiaInCH

Visit the artistic heart of the city – the Puducherry Art and Craft Village – a premier platform built to sustain and promote the region's indigenous skill sets. Each piece is crafted by local artisans in a plethora of mediums – wood being one of them. Set on the outskirts of the city, the Village in Murungapakkam is the perfect spot for interactive learning under the tutelage of maestros and legends of the crafts.

Lathe-turned and lacquered toys in bright colours are popular all over the village.

BROWSE WOODEN CRAFTSMANSHIP

Ade Head Sculpture

Sangoma -Wood Mortar & Pestle

Pair Of Wooden Carved Angels

Wooden Chess Board

PONDICHERRY BOMMAI

BROWSE BOMMAI CRAFTSMANSHIP

Krishna

Nerikomi Terracotta and Stoneware Vase

Tara

Papier Mache Totem

SUSTAINABLE HANDICRAFTS

Jute craft seen in Pondicherry. Ref: Tncrafts

Toys and figurines made out of clay at Casablanca

In the heart of the city's perfect landscape characterized by lush greens and verdant seaside promenades, are hidden some of the country's best sustainable craftsmanship gems – from artistic clayware and terracotta crafts to natural jute and dry flower arts. In addition to this, one can head to the experimental town of Auroville, where the incredible world of handicrafts including handmade paper, aromatic candles and incense, crochet garments, paper lamps and ornate ceramic sculptures come alive.

BROWSE SUSTAINABLE ARTISANSHIP

Jamba Vase

Indigo Table Runner

TaraTranquine - Black Clay Shallow Pan

Classic Shallow Bowl

Terracotta Vase Set

Wrap Bench

Daydreamer small

Gala Vase - Teal

POTTERY

Michel Hutin of Flame Pottery glazing his gas fired stoneware. Ref: Amuddyroad

The art of pottery has been an integral part of Pondicherry for the last 30-40 years. So much so, that Pondicherry-based potter, Ranjita Bora incepted an event titled “Terrapondy” – aimed at making ceramics more accessible with an emphasis on artist collaborations and promoting upcoming potters and ceramicists. While Auroville is synonymous with pottery, the Golden Bridge Pottery situated in the city being one of the biggest large-scale pottery production units in India, Terrapondy aspires to endorse more studio potters than bigger units.
A shopper's paradise, Casablanca in Pondicherry is an ideal mix of mini-mall and boutique to buy traditional handicrafts such as handwoven textiles, handmade perfumes and incense, candles embossed with real flower petals, marbled silks, jute crafts, and aromatherapy products. During the French rule, clay, papier mache toys, hand printed textiles, and wood carvings illustrating cultural themes were made very popular.

Ceramicist at work. Red Clay Art Pottery, Pondicherry. Ref: Amuddyroad

Pondicherry not only has a very distinctive French aesthetic, but also a pronounced spiritual angle. The Maison Colombani, where the event is held, blends Pondicherry's French flavours and history with the beauty of the sea.
The art form of pottery is largely popular among tourists and locals alike. Golden Bridge Pottery, for instance offers several short and intensive courses in ceramics. Many studio potters also conduct small workshops at their ateliers.

Wind Glaze Pottery, Auroville. Ref: Amuddyroad

Pondicherry not only has a very distinctive French aesthetic, but also a pronounced spiritual angle. The Maison Colombani, where the event is held, blends Pondicherry's French flavours and history with the beauty of the sea.
The art form of pottery is largely popular among tourists and locals alike. Golden Bridge Pottery, for instance offers several short and intensive courses in ceramics. Many studio potters also conduct
small workshops at their ateliers.