Pondicherry

The union territory of Pondicherry is uniquely charming. The French ambitions of an empire in India lived and died here, being unable to penetrate any further into the country. After the French relinquished the territory in the early 1950’s, the enclaves of Karaikal in Tamil Nadu, Mahe in Kerala, Yanam in Andhra Pradesh and the seaside town of Pondicherry

were formed into the union territory of Pondicherry. Pondicherry is uniquely different from the rest of India. Some prominent traces of French influence are still visible particularly in the policeman’s red Kepis of belts, the spellings on signboards, the massive French Consulate-General and the Hotel de Ville. The French connection, the serene atmosphare and the influence of the Aurobindo Ashram make Pondicherry a fascinating destination.

The history of Pondicherry goes back some 2,000 years in time -- excavations reveal that a Roman settlement existed here then. Legend associates it with the great sage Agastya. But Pondicherry, as it is today, had its genesis only with the arrival of the French in 1673. It in the course of time fell to the Dutch and later was restored to the French.

In 1742 Joseph Francois Dupleix became Governor General and then followed wars between France and England. Pondicherry finally came to the French in 1814 and was with them till 1954.

Today Pondicherry offers, among other things, a lovely beach, stately buildings, ornate temples, churches, and , of course, the very famous Aurobindo Ashram. Aurobindo popularized ‘Integral Yoga’, a synthesis of yoga and modern science into a beautiful spiritual exercise and experience. The lovely beach of Pondicherry -- which has witnessed some important Anglo-French battles and has a War Memorial on it, offers perfect relaxation of body, mind and spirit. It also holds a statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

ACCESS

Nearest airport are Chennai and Tiruchirapalli the nearest mainline railway stations are Chennai and Villupuram.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Shri Aurobindo Ashram, was founded by the revolutionary turned saint from Bengal, Aurobindo. It was largely under the guidance of The Mother, a Paris - born painter - musician and Aurobindo's close associate from 1920 to his death in 1950. The Ashram has the Samadhi of Aurobindo and The Mother, and the houses they lived in.

Auroville is a town experimenting in international living. Matrimandir within it is a meditation hall.

Bharathi and Bharathidasan Memorial museums are dedicated to the memory of Subramanya Bharathi -- a Tamil poet patriot and kanakasburatnam `Bharathidasan' (meaning disciple of Bharathi), another Tamil poet.

Maison Ananda Rangapillai is a beautiful house built in a mixed

style of French and Indian architecture. Ananda Rangapillai was a famous dubash -- representative of a European ruler -- and his diaries a storehouse of information on French India between 1736 and 1760.

Raj Niwas is typically French and is the official residence of the Lieutenant-Governor of Pondicherry.

Alliance Francaise is an attempt to preserve French tradition where as the French Institute is dedicated to the study of Indian culture. Romain Rolland Library is also a renowned institues of Pondicherry.

Jipmer, or the Jawaharlal Institute of Post-Graduate Medical Education and Research is one of the famous medical institute in India.

In addition, Pondicherry has a number of beautiful churches and about 350 temples, both big and small.

CUISINE

Hotels and restaurants offer a varied menu, both Indian and European. There are some Vietnamese cafes, too.

ACCOMMODATION

There are several good, comfortable, and well-maintained hotels, and guests houses.

For further information, please contact: The Director of Tourism, Government of Pondicherry, Pondicherry -605001; or The Tourist Officer, Government of Pondicherry, No-3, Pondicherry Bhawan, Sardar Patel Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110001.