Pondicherry is a beautiful place in the South India. The calm and quiet city still retains the French aura. A visit to Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville will fulfil your Pondicherry journey. With peculiar charm, the city is a perfect blend of East and West.
Pondicherry is situated on the coastal region of India. It is a Union Territory and now the city is known as Puducherry. Often affectionately called ad Pondy. The city was under French rule until 1954. Don’t be surprised if you witness some French speaking people. Pondicherry is widely visited by tourists from different parts of the country. Even, a good crowd of foreigners also visit Pondy and often stay for long time. The French architecture still stands perfectly like before. A neat and clean city, Pondy is a calm and quiet place. It is an apt place for a tranquil holiday and spiritual journey as well. It is a merry blend of East and West. Still you will feel the essence of French culture in the Old Pondicherry. Whereas the new Pondy is more South Indian. Pondy has its own charm and it beckon tourists throughout the year. There are many 4 star hotels in Pondicherry which are situated near the prime locations.
When you enter the French Colony you will feel that you are out of India. The famous Aurobindo Ashram is here. A yellow and grey painted French structure, it is one of the serene places of the country. The Samadhi of Aurobindo is here. One of the wealthiest Ashram in India is widely visited by people of different beliefs. Photography is prohibited inside the Ashram area. The best part of Pondy are the clean streets, you can hire a bicycle and explore the city according to your wish. French Institute of Pondicherry, heritage buildings and statues around Promenade Beach, French War Memorial, Lighthouse, Gingee Fort, etc are some of the major places to visit.
When you are in Pondicherry and not being in Auroville, the whole tour is incomplete. Auroville is roughly an hour drive from the city centre and it is the major attraction. It is a unique town founded by Mira Alfassa (Mother). The project was undertaken by Sri Aurobindo Society. The motto was creating a Universal town, where people of different caste, creed, sex and religious can live in peace and harmony. It is the finest example of humanity and idealism. The beautiful place will bring you back again. Matrimandir, the golden dome in between the greenery is the major attraction of Auroville.
There are many restaurants and small eateries in the French Colony. You can indulge some great French cuisine that too sitting in South India. You can pick from the Pondicherry hotels list as most of the hotels will take care of your fooding and lodging.
October to March is the favourable time to explore the city. Chennai Airport is the nearest airport which is well-connected with other major cities of the country. So, by road you can easily reach Pondy from Chennai. Pondicherry has its own railway station, superfast and express trains from New Delhi, Howrah, Mumbai, Bhubaneshwar, Chennai, Trichy, etc connects the city. Pondicherry is a perfect place for a long holiday.
