Pondicherry – The Little France of India

 It is when you come from a vacation and develop love for France, when you started liking yoga, when you start saying that beaches of India are very clean, when you say that you like Southern India more than North. You were surely on a vacation in Pondicherry.

It is said that in 1673, French people started migrating to Pondicheery (now Puducherry) which today is a Union Territory. In order to feel home, they started to built houses following the French style of architecture. And before anyone realized, this region was filled with these organized French residences, which now is known as the Little France.

Places to visit in Pondicherry

You can just lay-back in Pondicherry without visiting any point of attraction. Still it will be the best day of your life. But since you insist here are few of the attractions that Pondicherry offers,

1. Promenade beach, Paradise beach, Auroville beach and Serenity beach

This article will become never ending if I try to explain and describe the beauty of there 4 beaches. I should though write this in short, if you put the beauty of these 4 beaches in 1 sentence – ‘They are Magical’ White, Clean, not crowded, beautiful and endless.  If you are a beach person, this place is a paradise

2. Cluster of Churches

These churches are French. Rarely will you find such structured churches anywhere in India. There are more than 30 churches in Pondicherry such as  Sacred Heart Church, Church of Our Lady of Angels, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Dupleix Church, and Immaculate Conception Cathedral and so many more. I bet you cant come over with their beauty even a year after your visit.

3. French War Memorial

At beach on Gobert Avenue, it is a simple construction of four pillars erected in memory of all the French soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. Not too far away is the Statue of Dupleix, installed in honor of Joseph Francois Dupleix, a Governor General of the French Establishment in India. Ahh! You are coming back with lots of DP pictures, I can see.

4. Old Lighthouse

‘Whatever is modern today, will be obsolete one day’ said a line from Hindu mythology. So true it goes with this Old lighthouse. The lighthouse was constructed in 1836 and at that time, was considered very modern because of its unique round tower. It is not operational today but still remains a very interesting tourist attraction.

5. Aurobindo Ashram

Everyone knows that Shri Aurobindo was a poet, writer, philosopher, yogi and a nationalist. Very few know that when he decided to withdraw from public view and continue with his spiritual growth, he settled an ashram here in Pondicherry in 1926. The place is now visited by thousands of spiritual seekers from all over the world. The ashram gives a lot of importance to yoga as it helps in transforming your body and mind.

6. Auroville

Mother – As all call her. Mirra Alfassa, founded Auroville in 1968.  Her aim was to create a town where people of all nationalities could live in peace and progressive harmony, and true to her ideal, the place is a study of calm and composed. For people in severe depressions, this place is a true healer. They undertake several workshops and therapies to help people get over their personal demons and be at peace once again. Even for the tourists, Auroville is an enchanting place.

7. Gandhi Statue

There is a statue of Mahatma Gandhi on the Promenade, the statue is surrounded by 8 monolithic granite pillars from the 17th century. I bet you have never seen our Gandhiji’s Statue so elegant, Stylish yet simple. You will wonder as to why we can make such statues all over India to the least. 

8. Pondicherry Museum

You must keep time to visit Pondicherry Museum. Pondicherry was under the control of the French, the British and the Dutch at various points of time. The Pondicherry museum houses various relics and artefacts from those periods. If you love to explore history, this place is for you.

9. Arikamedu

Arikamedu has been inhabited for the last 2000 years, but now only some perpendicular walls from that era exist as the rest has been destroyed over the centuries. Several artefacts from Ancient Rome, including sculptures, glassware, lamps and gems, have been discovered in Arikamedu, supporting the belief that it used to be a port for trading between Rome and Tamil Nadu.

10. Ousteri

Do you love Birds?. This place is for you. Also called Osudu Lake, Ousteri is a lake just a few kilometres away from Pondicherry. The lake is a heaven for birdwatchers as several migratory birds flock to Ousteri during season. One can take a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the scenery. If you are with your soulmate. Get ready for some romance on the boat…

What Not to Miss when in Pondicherry

·      Liquor rates without taxes. Beer costs lesser than a bottle of cold drink.
The sight of a Police Man wearing funny top hats. 

·      Scuba Diving at one of the many clean beaches.

·      Cycle/Bike trips in and around Pondy that makes you forget the bustling city life.

·      Le Cafe, erves the best French Fries. You cant even dream to miss this.

·      Little French Bistros that are so cozy that you just want nothing but the Pasta.

·      Parasailing by the sea.

·      Walk, walk and walk all day in pleasant environment and cleanest roads.

·      Spend all-day and all-evening by the beaches.

·      And more than anything just CHILLAX….

Some Facts about Pondicherry

§  Puducherry or Pondicherry has been built by following an excellent town planning idea. The place is better known as White Town.

§  Booze so cheap and so good, you will want to smuggle it out of Pondy, Don’t dare to do it though.

§  There is an ancient Ganesh Temple, which is believed to be present before French started to visit Puducherry. At this temple an elephant takes coin from the hands of the devotees and bless them.

§  There are number of statues established on the Promenade Beach, which fringes White Town.

§  The most important statue here is that of Mahatama Gandhi. Hence, the beach is also called Mahatama Gandhi Beach.

§  French War Memorial, which was built to commemorate the French soldiers who lost their lives during the World War I.

§  There is a Sacred Heart Catholic Church in White Town, where mass service is held in English and Tamil language. Built in 1902, this Church can accommodate 2000 people at a time.

How to Reach Pondicherry

• By Air : Chennai International Airport is the nearest airport, 150 km away, connecting Pondicherry to several important cities across the India such as  Delhi, Goa, Mumbai, Kolkota, Trivandrum Etc.  You can easily board a bus or hire a cab from the airport to reach your desired destination.
• By Rail : The nearest railway station from Pondicherry is Villupuram Railway Station, 37km away. It is well-connected to all major cities of India including Delhi, Mumbai, Trivandrum, Chennai and Kolkata. From here you can take a taxi or a bus to travel to Pondicherry.
• By Road: Pondicherry is well-connected by road. Chidambaran is approximately  60kms and  Chennai is roughly 170 Kms away.

Pondicherry is a place where French legacy is preserved in its French Quarter, with tree-lined streets, mustard-colored colonial villas and chic boutiques. A place which can give you ultimate bliss and profound happiness. Visit Pondicherry in any season or month of the year, this union territory will welcome you with open arms. So, when is your trip scheduled?