The unique spiritual charm of the place in enhanced by the fact that it was a home to the great poet Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.

The area of Pondicherry is scattered over three different states in the country -Pondicherry in Tami Nadu, Mahe in the west coast of Kerala and  Yanam in Andra Pradesh.

History

Pondicherry, a port town on Coromandal Coast was formerly the chief French settlement in India. Once a French colony, Pondicherry still has a few French families living there and French is an important language. The French spirit can be discerned in the very layout of the township.

On 1, November 1954 Pondicherry was transferred to India. A treaty of Cessation (together with Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam) was signed on May 28, 1956. It became  a Union Territory  to be administered by the President of India in 1962 under the 14th Amendment of the Indian Constitution.

Pondicherry has a lovely beach, 1.5 kms long, where one can relax, sunbathe, swim or take a stroll along the promenade. On the sea-front are two important monuments - Statue of Mahatma Gandhi set amidst eight exquisitely sculptured monolithic pillars and the War Memorial raised by the French to honour the soldiers who died in World War I.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Established by Sri Aurobindo, a revolutionary turned poet, a philosopher and later developed by the Mother, the Aurobindo Ashram has grown into a centre for the practice of Integral Yoga, a seat of learning and a training ground for sadhana.

Pondicherry Museum

The Museum provides a glimpse into Pondicherry's rich past and present. It has the Sculpture gallery, an interesting French Gallery. The Museum brings back to memory the glorious past of Pondicherry from the days of the pre-Christian era down to the present day providing glimpses of the art and culture of the people of this region during the Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagar days.

The Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden in Pondicherry was created in 1826. The gardesn has rare and interesting plants procued from Calcutta, Madras and Ceylon. Now it is having a proud collection of 1,500 species.

Anglo-French Textile Mills

Visiting the century old Anglo-French Textile mills in Pondicherry is not only educative but also of tourism importance. The mill gives 10% rebate to the tourists who go on guided tours/buses on the purchases made. The world claimed fabrics and products of the mill will not only be a momento of Pondicherry but also can be used as gifts besides being products of utilitarian/aesthetic value in the houses

Cathedral Churches

French missionary zeal in the XVII and XVIII Centuries saw a number of grandly embellished churches built in Pondicherry. The Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Cathedral, the Eglise de Notre Dame A'es Angles are particularly noteworthy.

Boat House, Chunnambar

The backwater and the lush greenery on both sides of Chunnambar provide an ideal setting for boating. Boats are available on hire on all days of the week. A most enjoyable hydroplane and facilities for boating and fishing make this an ideal site for relaxation and picnic.

Jawahar Toy Museum

The Jawahar Toy Museum is located in the old Light House building near Gandhi Maidan. Here toys and puppets from different parts of India are on display.

Eglise De Sacre Coeur De Jesus

This church on the South Boulevard is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is noted for its Gothic architecture, stained glass corridors and panels depicting incidents from the life of Jesus Christ.

Mailam Murugan Temple

It is about 50 km from Pondicherry town. There is a Murugan temple atop a hillock. The Panguni Uthhiram festival held in March-April attracts devotees in large numbers.

Mandagupattu

It is about 50 km from Pondicherry town. This is the location of the first Pallava cave temple for the Hindu trinity-Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva. Called Lakshitayatana, it was built during the reign of Pallva King Mahendra Varaman I.

Ousteri Lake

It is about 15 km from Pondicherry town. A popular picnic spot on the Pondicherry-Villupuram route.

Tiruvakkarai

It is about 30 km from Pondicherry town. Large fossil bearing areas fenced in to create the country's first National Fossil-Wood Park here. These petrified trees lying scattered on low mounds and stream sections, date from the Cretaceous Age (100 million years ago). The Chandramouliswara Temple, a monument of great architectural grandeur dating back to the Chola period, is an added attraction. Every Pournami (Full Moon Day), people gather here to worship Goddess Kali.

The Pondicherry Tourism and Transport Development Corporation, conducts daily sightseeing tours in and around Pondicherry for Rs.25 per head. The tour starts twice from the Tourist Information Bureau, No.40, Goubert Avenue, Pondicherry at 9.00 AM and ends at 1.00 PM and again starts at 2.30 PM and ends at 5.00 PM in the evening. Phone: 334575

Routes to Pondicherry

By Air : There is an International Airport at Chennai and a Domestic Airport at Pondicherry.

By Rail : Railway connects Pondicherry to Chennai.
Phone No of the railway station +91-413-336684

By Road : Pondicherry is connected to the major towns and cities of different states by good roads. There are Interstate bus services from Chennai to Pondicherry. Private buses are available for tours.

Ports : Accessible to major ports like Chennai, Tuticorin, Cochin and Vishakapatnam.