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ITINERARY

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 its 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.

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. It is a unique township created as 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, it is 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.

Aurobindo Ashram

Founded in 1926 by one of India's famous sons, Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. It's 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, synthesizing yoga and modern science. The activities of the ashram include the development of art, culture, spirituality, besides agriculture and cottage industries.

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, situated on the south boulevard of Pondicherry in Puducherry, India, is an oriental specimen of Gothic architecture. It contains rare stained glass panels depicting events from the life of Christ and saints of the Catholic Church. In recent years it has become one of the famous pilgrimage spots for Christians.In the year 1895, the then Archbishop Mgr.Gandy consecrated the Archdiocese of Pondicherry to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He wished to build a new church in devotion of Sacred Heart of Jesus. Rev. Fr. Telesphore Welter, the parish priest of Nellithope prepared the building plan and parish priest of Cathedral Rev. Fr. Fourcaud commenced the construction of the new church in 1902 at the Southern side of Pondicherry.

Promenade Beach

The 1.5 km long promenade running along the beach is the pride of Puducherry. One can relax or take a stroll at any time of the day, though the best time would be early in the mornings and late evenings when the road is closed to vehicular traffic. This ensures that kids can run amok and people can enjoy the ambience without pollution and fear of speeding vehicles.

Residents and tourists alike use the promenade for walking, jogging, skating and yoga as well. Early in the morning health juice vendors abound and in the evening this effect is reversed with delectable junk food - chaat, popcorn, cut fruits with chilly and salt to tickle your taste buds.