| 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. |
| Visit 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. |
| Visit Arobindo 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, synthesising yoga and modern science. The activities of the ashram include the development of art, culture, and spiritually, besides agriculture and cottage industries. |
| Visit 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. |
| Visit The Beach |
| Stoll on the beach enjoying the sea as well as the French colonial architecture is an ideal way to spend an evening at Pondicherry.
Evening – Return to Chennai. Tour ends. |
