Pondicherry
Pondicherry, now known as Puducherry is without a doubt one of the most striking and unique places to visit in South India. A former French colony, this little union territory is the perfect mix of Indo-French culture that is one of its kind, one would be hard pressed to find such a culture elsewhere. Clean lanes lined with tiny yellow walled houses. French cafes serving chilled bees and delectable steak, street side shops selling trinkets of all kinds, yoga, art and meditation centres and the rocky shore line sum up to make Pondicherry the perfect getaway.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Despite being a coastal area, the ideal time to Visit would be between November to March.
CUISINE
Pondicherry is famous for its unique mix of the Indo French cuisine with some of the best French cafes selling baguettes, brioches and pastries alongside hotels that sell delectable south style seafood.
LANGUAGE
Both Tamil and French are spoken here. English is quite common as well. This linguistic combination makes Pondicherry quite a unique destination.
CULTURE
The unique mix of the Indo French culture is evident in the architecture of Pondicherry where classic French style villas and cathedrals exist alongside traditional Tamil temples. Both Christian and Hindu festivals, and art forms are celebrated in pomp and style giving the place its unique cultural aspect.
LOCAL TREASURES
Although Pondicherry just has the general souvenirs to offer, one might want to pick out great books available at the ashram store. These books touch diverse topics centering around philosophy and self reflection and are a great read.
BASILICA OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS
This gothic style building attracts a lot of tourists as well as the local crowd. Constructed in 1908 by French missionaries, it is the perfect example of colonial French architecture in India.
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHEDRAL
Immaculate Conception cathedral is the cathedral mother church for the Roman catholic Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Cuddalore. It is one of the oldest tourist sites in Puducherry and was visited by Mother Teresa during her visit to Puducherry.
THE SEASIDE PROMENADE
One of the things that does justice to Pondicherry’s French Roots is its beautiful Seaside Promenade. The area is well maintained, clean and beautiful and one can take a stroll here in the evenings or dine at one of the various cafes that line the promenade.
PONDICHERRY BEACH
Slightly different from the usual sandy beaches, the rocky shore offers excellent views of sunset and the spectacular waves crashing over rocks. Le cafe located right across it is a famous haunt for tourists.
MATRIMANDIR AUROVILLE
A part of the famous self sustaining Auroville society, the mantrimandir is a sight to behold. Founded by Mirra Alfassa in 1968 and was designed by the French architect Roger Anger. The word Auroville essentially means a universal town, where people can live peacefully, irrespective of nationality, color, caste and creed. The purpose of Auroville, Pondicherry was to emphasise human unity. Auroville is endorsed by UNESCO and The Government of India
SHRI MANAKULA VINAYAGAR TEMPLE
One of the most ancient temples in Pondicherry and a famous pilgrimage site, the temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and overflows with Hindu tradition and culture.
