Live Now: 4 Authentic Foreign Experiences Right Here in India

India has been home to colonies of foreign empires since the 16^th century, till way after the country gained independence. Even today, the values, flavours and culture of those who once resided in our country makes these regions stand out. So, if you are itching to sample a true Portuguese or French experience but don’t have the time to travel all the way, try their once-upon-a-time colonies in India. You shall not be disappointed!

Head to: Pondicherry

For: A French experience

Pondicherry was a French settlement until as recently as 1954, and retains a distinct flavour of colonial France till date. French architecture, French food, shopping for French essentials– take your pick. Bright mustard coloured exterior walls speckled with white and white bungalows with Bougainvillea sprouting all over are defining features of French quarters of Pondicherry, which is situated close to the coast. Auroville, one of the primary attractions of Pondicherry, also known as the City of Dawn, was designed by a French architect and is almost like a mini-city nested within Pondicherry. The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is built in Gothic style, with glass stained windows and murals telling the story of the birth of Christ. Bakeries in Pondicherry are still called Boulangeries, and serve soft crepes that will steal your heart.

To soak in Pondicherry in all its glory, spend a few weeks here, exploring the city with due intimacy. Walks around the French inspired Pondicherry promenade and bicycle rides along the cobbled lanes are going to be an experience from France that’ll be hard to forget.

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Head to: Goa

For: A Portuguese slice of life

Ah, Goa. A Portuguese colony from 1510-1961, the picturesque Goa was ruled by the Portuguese for 450 long years. The history of the Portuguese in Goa and hence its influences, are similar to the British in India. The quaint driveways, old Portuguese villas and intricate churches remind one of the Portuguese beliefs that got left behind in Goa. St. Cajetan Church and ruins of now abandoned St. Augustine church serve as majestic reminders of the large impressive churches built by the Portuguese. A must see to feel the Portuguese vibe is the St. Catherine’s Chapel, the first chapel built by the Portuguese here. With unmistakable elements of Portuguese architecture imbibed in them, especially in the doors and the windows, local Goan homes are a sight to behold too. Colourful outer palettes ranging from mustard to mauve and pink to lemon green transport you to the vibrant by-lanes of Portuguese Republic. You can even see some enchanting old Portuguese homes in Fountainhas village.

Pro Tip: Head to Loutolim, close to Ponda city, to check out a 250 year old Portuguese-styled villa, known as Casa Araujo Alvares, to get a peek into how families during the reign of the Portuguese lived. Open to visitors, this villa gives a glimpse of the furniture, utensils, décor and more.

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Head to: Tranquebar

For: Experiencing a rustic Danish colony of yore

Tranquebar was colonised by the Danish as early as 1620, taken over by the Dutch East India Company. The town’s old-time history is evident right from the point you enter the city, through a two hundred year old Town Gate built with a Danish allure. The main streets, called the King’s street, the Queen’s street, and the Admiral’s Street tell a story of the old days of Tranquebar. So do the Danish fort, the museum of Danish artefacts it is home to and the old colonial homes. Danish pastry might be a little hard to come by in this town, but seafood platters at Tranquebar are delicious. Tranquebar is also known as ‘Tharangambadi’, which in Tamil means, the land of the singing waves. You can sit by the river with the wind in your hair to enjoy the blissful forgotten colonial town.

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Head to: Daman

For: Living the charming Portuguese dream

Reclaimed from the Portuguese as an Indian Territory in 1961, Daman teems with Portuguese influence in its culture. Daman is divided into two halves - Moti Daman and Nani Daman. Nani Daman, or the small part of Daman is where tourism thrives in the Union Territory—full of restaurants and places to stay. Moti Daman, or bigger Daman, is a small city within the Moti Daman fortification. Two churches, the Church of St. Paul’s, and the Cathedral of Bon Jesus are done up in Portuguese style of architecture, with intricately carved archways leading inside, and interiors of stained glass. The lighthouse of Daman will contest for your attention if you’re an at-the-beach-by-the-moonlight kind of person. A few restaurants here serve Portuguese food too, which is totally worth indulging in!

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