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A blend of spiritual aura, French colonial heritage, Tamil culture and the cosmopolitan flair of many nationalities in a small but varied town, which is not felt anywhere else in India.
Pondicherry has an interesting spiritual heritage too and is at a crossroads of eastern and western culture, and of ancient and modern spiritual disciplines. Colonial buildings, some which trace back to the 18th century, line along a grid of straight clean streets and house the French institutions, private homes and businesses, and the sprawling premises of the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
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French Monuments
The monuments of Pondicherry tell the story of the lingering French heritage. The Aayi Mandapam at the centre of the Park is the most prominently known monument. Statues of the French Governor, Francois Dupleix, overlooking the sea and of Joan of Arc, facing the Notre Dame des Anges, are typically French. The French War Memorial on Beach Road salutes those who have fallen for their country during the First World War. The Notre Dame des Anges (1852) is a beautifully built Church facing the ocean. Its clear lines, Greek-Roman architecture and mellow colours add to its harmony and the interior finish of shell-lime plaster is superb.
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Sri Aurobindo Ashram
The Sri Aurobindo Ashram was founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. It is a diversified spiritual community and forms a vibrant part of the town, for the dynamic character of the community reflects the life-affirming aim of Sri Aurobindo's Yoga. Work as an offering to the Divine is an essential aspect of the Yoga. At present the community consists of more than 2000 individuals, including 400 students of the Centre of Education. |  |
 | Auroville, - The City of Dawn -, is planned for 50,000 inhabitants. It is located on a low-lying plateau in southeast India, a few kilometers north of Pondicherry. At the centre stands Matrimandir, the "soul of Auroville", a place for quiet reflection and concentration. Based on the work and inspiration of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, Auroville is intended as a site for the manifestation of human unity in diversity, a testing ground and laboratory for the next step in human evolution. |
Beaches
Serenity Beach - A ten-minute drive to the north of the town brings you to these virgin sands. The ambience is well captured in its name. You can touch the calm. Ideal for a quick dip, a touch of the sun and a cool reprive in the shade. |
| Paradise Beach - At Chunnambar, 8 Kms from the town, along Cuddalore Main Road, lies this stretch of tropical paradise. In fact, you can sail downstream to the sands and pitch up a cozy seaside tent for yourself. Overnighting within the tree houses on the backwater banks provides a relishing experience of the great outdoors. A short, pleasant cruise into the sea from here could reward you with the memorable sight of playful dolphins in natural habitat, horsing around. |
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Karaikal Beach - Sunrise-watchers can catch their magnificent view over the bay, with the pretty Arasalar river reaching out to the sea. Alternatively, you can canoe or kayak in picture-books surroundings. Have a round of beach volleyball. Or, armed with the angling gear, you can reel in a surprise.
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The Pondicherry Museum
The Pondicherry Museum is located on Saint Louis Street. On the ground floor, the major attraction is the central space with 3 curious transport mechanisms - a coach, a palanquin (sedan chair) and a pousse-pousse, which required two attendants, one to steer and one to push. The bronze gallery displays the images of gods and goddesses together with a wide collection of temple lamps; used across different dynasties down the centuries.
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