Pondicherry

Seaside resort Pondicherry has a special ambience, not felt anywhere else in India. It is a blend of spiritual aura, French colonial heritage, Tamil culture and the cosmopolitan flair of many nationalities in a small but varied town.

The inherent ambience of Pondy, as it is fondly called, becomes most evident in the oldest part of the town which flanks the seashore boulevard. 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. The visitor is greeted by mellow colours of cream, yellow, pink and grey with flamboyant bougainvillae bursting over gates and compound walls of cool courtyards.

Quiet beaches and peaceful resorts to the north and south balance the town's bustling, yet easy going life. But Pondy hasn't only its own special attractions to offer. It is a perfect base to explore the rich destinations around it,

Among the many terms that have been used to describe Pondicherry, perhaps the most outrageous is French Riviera of the east. When Pondicherry is written about as a culinary cornucopia where coqs are always had au vin and you thank the lord for daily baguette.

The truth is a little different. There are no Parisian – style streetside cafes. And certainly not everyone on the streets is likely to greet you with bon jour, monsieur! As generation of weekend holidays already know, the charm of Pondicherry lies in its incredibly leisurely approach to life, food and commerce. Pondicherrians are the skilled east-coast practitioners of the Goan art of sussegade.

The Aurobindo Ashram

Perhaps the most enduring legacy of the French is the spiritual miscegenation spawned by Mirra Alfassa, aka the mother, the French aacolyte of Aurobindo Ghosh. At the unassuming building of the Aurobindu Ashram on Rue de la Marine you can visit the samadhis of Aurobindo and the Mother, as well as buy books from the publication department.
Timings – 8am to 12 pm and 2pm to 5pm

The Churches

Three of the town’s 17th – 18th century churches are outstanding. On Rue Dumas is the Church of the Capuchins, also known as Eglise de Notre Dame Des Anges , modeled on the Basilica in Lourdes. Next visit the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception on mission street. And the loveliest : the Sacred Heart Cathedral. Phone No – 2334597.On south Boulevard, with its fine stained glass panels.

The Pondicherry Museum

This building with its huge rooms, wide windows and high ceilings, is itself worth a visit. Its ragtag contents are also worth an hour or so : Chola Bronzes beads and coins from the roman-era excavation at Arikamedu, old Pondicherrian vehicles like the pousse-pousse and artifacts from dupleix’s time. The museum is an Saint Louis Street, behind the Raj Niwas.Timings 10am to 1pm; 2pm to 5 pm

The Cluny Centre

Opposite the hotel de I’ Orient at 46, Rue Romain Rolland is the Cluny Embroidery Centre. A missionary outfit that provides vocational training to local whomen who sit in a beautiful mansion and turn out exquisite embroidery. Don’t expect a guided tour the centre gets more visitors than it can handle. The centre closes in may and june
Timings – 9-30 am to 5 pm. Sunday and Monday closed.

Chunambar

Mainly frequented by schoolchildren this pondicherry tourism-run outfit offers boating in a pretty creek. The boating club. Charge Rs 30. ½ hrs. for a paddle boat Rs – 40. ½ hrs. for kayaking Rs – 40. ½ hrs. for a row boat and Rs 50 for a speed boat ride.
Timing – 9am to 5pm

Where To Stay

Hotel de L’ Orient

Phone No - 0413 – 2343067.

Tariff Rs 1750 – 3500.

Hotel Helena

Phone No : 0413 – 2226789.

Tariff – Rs 1500 – 2500.