Place of Interest

Pondicherry was a French colony until 1954. Started as trade center, Pondicherry is now a seaport, a seaside resort and a tourist attraction. The natives have embraced French and French is still considered as the official language for administration. The French has definitely left a marked impression on the natives with the street signs carrying both French and Tamil names. The roads and streets are remarkable and clean with angular roads, Christian churches and public buildings, indications that are still truly French.

Chunnambar Backwater

This is one of the major attractions of Pondicherry, located at a distance of 7 km from Pondicherry. The beach is perfect for a day out, swim, boat rides, volleyball by the beach, or to get in touch with the inner self. This boathouse also offers overnight stay in their tree houses.

Auroville

This universal township was conceived with the idea that all men and women, irrespective of their religion or nationality, can live together and contribute to the progress of humanity through goodwill and aspiration for a better world. Since then, thousands of native and foreign nationals visit Auroville searching for a simpler life.

Aurobindo Ashram

Founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo Ghosh, the Ashram community is a retreat for those in search of meaning in life. The teachings are based on yoga and meditation. The followers are required to do some amount of productive work each day. Visiting the Ashram can be a retreat for the tired soul.

The Pondicherry Museum

Exhibits of rare collections of bronze statues and stone sculptures from the Chola dynasty and the artifacts excavated from the archeological site Arikamadu located 7 km from the city are on display here. These include Roman and Greek relics, stone statues remanants from the trade links between India and Roman empire etc.

How to Reach Pondicherry

By Air: Chennai International Airport is the nearest airport.

By Road:Pondicherry is well connected by roads. Chennai is 151 km from Chennai and Bangalore is 320 km. Drive down the scenic beachside East Coast Road (ECR) for that wonderful experience.

By Rail: The nearest railhead is Villupuram (36 kms). One can also take a train from Bangalore to Cuddalore and then reach Pondicherry by road.