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The Union Territory of Pondicherry is situated on the Coromandel Coast of South India, about 160 kms south of Chennai.It is touched by the Bay of Bengal on the east and on the other three sides by the South Arcot District of Tamil Nadu. Pondicherry comprises the towns of Karaikal, on the east coast; Mahe, which is situated on the Malabar Coast, and Yanam, situated further up the east coast.
Pondicherry traces its origin to Saint Agasthya, the revered sage of the south. It was also the site of many a battle between the British and the French, and was the capital of French India, before it attained its independence.
Being a small and quiet enclave of Tamil Nadu, it has imbibed Tamilian culture. Apart from the charming atmosphere, excellent restaurants, and cheap beer, what attracts most travelers to Pondicherry is the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The ashram, founded by Sri Aurobindo in the year 1926, has brought international reputation to this coastal town. Tours of the ashram, the spiritual tenets of which combine yoga and modern science, are popular within India and abroad.
Places to visit in Pondicherry:
Beaches:
Pondicherry has a lovely beach, which is about 1.5 Kms long. One can relax, sunbathe, swim, or take a stroll along the promenade. The beach has historical connections too.
Boat House:
Facilities for boating are available at the Boat House on the River Chunnambar. The backwaters and the lush greenery on both sides of the Chunnambar River provide an ideal setting for boating tours. Boats are available for hire by tourists on all days of the week.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram:
Travel to a spiritual retreat when you visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, situated in the eastern part of Pondicherry. A tour of this samadhi of Shri Aurobindo and his chief disciple, the Mother is worth making. It is not only a quiet place of retreat but also a vibrant center of life. It comprises of almost 1500 members who live here and practice Sadhna for the evolution of another way of life, which seeks a higher spiritual consciousness. Many tourists travel to Pondicherry to visit this internationally renowned Ashram.
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