I traveled to Pondicherry as a single woman from USA and chose to stay in a paying guest situation thinking it would be safer and that I could also learn about the local culture. I stayed with the Dharod family for a month and absolutely fell in love with not just their home and warm hospitality, but also with the entire family. They were caring and gracious from day 1. Pradip met my taxi at a local well known spot and guided us to his house. He gave me a map of the city and a thorough orientation to points of interest. His wife Chitra went out of her way to make sure I was safe walking about. She often accompanied me to various local attractions. The family treated me like one of their own and invited me to happenings in town. I could not have asked for a better paying guest situation. Their home is beautiful and well maintained and my room was very nice. I was provided daily bottles of water. Chitra was wonderful about accommodating my requests for laundry, etc. (for which I paid a little extra). The house is situated within walking distance to most key points of interest in town, although the area is a bit crowded for my liking. My only disappointment was that due to the fact that my room was on the 2nd floor, wireless connectivity was spotty and I had to come to the main floor to use my computer.
I would highly recommend Meeranjali for any adults wanting to visit Pondicherry for any length of time. The Dharods are definitely great hosts and warm, caring people.

Beroz
USA

I would suggest that if anybody plans to travel with family especially kids then it is not the place. These people are extra possessive about their house and put lot of restrictions. They are always telling you what to touch, what not to touch and it really bothers you. They claim it to be 3 star stay but they don't even have a dustbin in the room. There's a permanent stink in the bathroom as well.
On top of it they charge you for drinking water.

This was my first home stay experience and we really enjoyed every bit of it. Accommodation is really neat and clean. Pradip and Chitra took care of us right from booking (online) to guiding us on what to see and where to eat etc.. They were a great hosts and very cordial..

Thanks Pradip and Chitra..

regards
Nagaraj

We drove from Tirupati to pondicherry and it was real late (midnight) when we reached pondicherry. Chitra and Pradip patiently waited for us and helped us on phone with directions. When we arrived closer to the apartment which we reserved then Pradip came out on his scooter and guided us to the apartment. There he spent time with us to make us comfortable by helping us with luggage, showing around the apartment, providing all the utensils, pretty much everything we needed. His attitude was very clear and comforting- "I will do whatever you need from us". We were really charmed at the warmth of his hospitality. Next day he came down and explained us all there is to see and do around pondicherry. Not only that, he was always available for help whenever we need anything. We rented one of the service apartments. The place was decent, clean and hygeinic. Most important thing was that there was packaged drinking water supply right from the time we were in. Location was very good since it was close to market and we could find everything in walking distance. But the downside was that because it was in the heart of the marketplace the surrounding was very dirty. Quality of the inside can be improved by repainting wardrobes and walls which had lots of stains, replacing the pillows which were no thicker than an inch and mattresses. For the money they charge they should be able to improve these things. Overall, however, I was happy, especially with the hospitality. They did everything as per promise and more.