Pondicherry, not to let out a big secret, is nestled on the Eastern seaboard of India. Even now a relatively peaceful town as far as tourist movement goes, Pondicherry is an enchanting and fascinating place. Whether you are looking for a romantic rendezvous or a fun filled resort vacation, Pondicherry can accommodate all of your gateway desires. Helios-worshippers can find miles of sun-kissed beaches while the sun-weary can indulge themselves at incredible restaurants and treat themselves to unique shopping experiences.

Often referred to as "A little piece of Medieval France in India" and "... a sleepy provincial French town", Pondicherry has managed to retain its French aura. From it's delightful restaurants offering French cuisine and streets bearing French names, Pondicherry's French connection is very much alive - yet, very subtle. As one tourist guide proclaims "... Pondicherry's Frenchness seems to play hide-and-seek". In Pondicherry you will find a 'West Boulevard' parallel to a 'Chinna Subbraya Street' and a 'Des Bassyins de Richmont Street' crossing over 'Mahatma Gandhi Road'. Having once been the capital of erstwhile French India, the heritage of this town has a special flavour not found anywhere else in the Indian sub-continent. The French town-sense, neatly laid roads cutting each other at ninety degrees, wide and vibrant beach promenade, French colonial history, the eventful life of Joseph Francois Duplex - whose majestic statue overlooks the Goubert Avenue contemplatively, architecturally admirable churches and public structures of a bygone era, all of these coalesce to give Pondicherry its unique milieu.

History

Legendary associations trace the origin of this city to Rishi Agastya, the revered sage of the south. And excavations near Pondicherry reveal that a Roman settlement existed here 2000 years ago. Pondicherry has been the theatre of many battles in the wars between the British and the French, and was the capital of French India before it attained independence in 1954. Pondicherry is famous as a centre chosen by late Sri Aurobindo, revolutionary turned saint, who built his Ashram, which draws huge crowd of tourists.

City Info

Altitude: N/A
Area: 19.54 sq. km
Climate: The climate of Pondichery is warm-humid with mean temperature 28-30o C in the summer and winters. Monsoon is prevalent from October to March.
Rainfall: N/A
Clothing: Cotton clothing is apt all through the year
Best Season: Throughout the year
Languages Spoken: Tamil, French, English.
Population: 220,749

Places of Interest

Sri Aurobindo Ashram : Every place has its own distinguishing landmark which draws hordes of visitors for that place. Paris and Eiffel Tower, London and Big Ben, think Pondy and the first thing that strikes ur mind is the Aurobindo Ashram. Founded in 1926 by one of India's famous sons, Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. Its a unique spiritual concept revolving around offering work as a Divine offering. There are no rituals, no compulsory meditation, no practices. But it revolves around only one principle: One must surrender to the Divine principle and an opening to the Divine force.

Here lies the Samadhi or final resting place of Sri Aurobindo, and the Mother, which draw devotees. Sri Aurobindo, a saint-cum-yogi, taught Integral Yoga, synthesising yoga and modern science. The activities of the ashram include the development of art, culture, and spiritually, besides agriculture and cottage industries.

Pondicherry Museum : Here you can find everything from from Pallava sculptures to a bed slept in by Dupleix, the colony's most famous governor.

Sacred Heart Church : There are several large churches and cathedrals around the town, including the striking brown and white sacred Heart Church on South Boulevard. Nearby are the peaceful, extensive Botanical Gardens, opened in 1740.

Bharathi and Bharathidasan Memorial Museums : The houses of two great Tamil poets have been converted into the museums

Festive Fun

The diversity of Pondicherry is reflected in the festivals celebrated here. Pongal the harvest festival in January, Bastille Day in July, Sri Aurobindo's Birth anniversary on Aug 15th. Fete de Pondicherry on Aug 15-17th with the brilliantly lit Park monument. And of course the standard festivals like Ganesha Puja, Dussehra, Christmas, Diwali etc.

Masi Mangam (February- March): On full moon day, deities from 38 temples are taken to the sea for a symbolic immersion. Devotees join in for a dip in the sea.

Fire Walking Festival: It is celebrated 3-4 times in a year. Men, women and children walk on fire at local temples to fulfil vows.

Excursions

Pondicherry Beach : Here you can enjoy swimming and sunbathing, free of cost.

Auroville : While the Aurobindo Ashram is one of the reasons to see Pondicherry, there is another place that is a must see, Auroville the City of Dawn. Its a unique township never seen of its kind in India. It was an experiment for celebrating unity in diversity. It was founded on Feb 28,1968 when youth from 128 nations and Indian states met together and placed the earth from their native places in an urn, symbolic of international understanding. Located a few kilometers from Pondy, at the center of the township stands Matrimandir built in the form of a globe, its a place for quiet concentration. There are 80 settlements and 1500 people engaged in various activities like reforestation, organic agriculture, health care, village development etc. At present it is managed by the Auroville foundation.

Chidamabaram : Spread across 58 kms, Nataraja, the Lord of Dance, is believed to have performed his Cosmic Dance here. On the gateway of Chidamabaram, are carved 108 poses of the Classical dance form, Bharata Natyam.

How to get there

By Air

The nearest airport is at Madras, which is 160 kms. away.

By Rail

Pondicherry has direct rail connections with Madras.

By Road

There are excellent roads connecting Pondicherry with Tamilnadu.