PONDICHERRY - INDIA’S FRENCH CONNECTION

India’s French connection is very visible in Pondicherry - It has a rich French heritage as mirrored in its colonial buildings and in its cuisine. Restaurants offer a rich variety of food ranging from French to Indian, Creole, Vietnamese and Continental. Pondicherry is a shoppers delight for world-class leather, fashion, pottery, handmade paper and aromatics.

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When it comes to spirituality Pondicherry is famous for Sri Aurobindo ashram and Auroville. Auroville envisioned as a “universal town,” by The Mother (a Paris born painter, who became a disciple and companion of Sri Aurobindo, well known mystic philosopher) is situated 10 kms north of Pondicherry and draws many tourists, some for short visits and others for longer stays.

The Pondicherry Museum has a fine display of Chola bronzes and sculptures, glimpses of French heritage and others antiquities. Chunnambar, known for its beaches and backwaters has a Water Sports center. The Botanical gardens were established in 1826 by C.S. Perrotet and are well worth a visit.Sir Gokilambal Thirukameswarar Temple is architecturally the best in town. May/June witnesses a rath yatra (temple car procession) around the town and is worth a visit at this time.

To soak in the French ambience a visit to some fine specimens of Indo-French architecture is a must. These, among others, are the Mansion of Ananda Rangapillai (a courtier of Dupleix the Governor) Eglise de Sacre Coeur de Jesus (Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus) with excellent stained glass windows and the Anglo-French textile mills. This mill established over 100 years ago is still functioning and an ideal place to buy souvenirs and gifts.

The Church of the Capuchins was the first one built and the old only one to survive the destruction of the town in 1761.  The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception built in 1791 has interesting ornamental features. A statue of Joan of Arc still stands facing the Notre Dame des Anges church (1852), which faces the ocean. There is an enough to see and do in Pondicherry to keep visitors busy and happy whether for a short stay or a long one.

The nearest international/domestic airport is Madras (Chennai) 135 kms (85 miles) away (about three hours drive).

For more information please contact Pondicherry Tourism, 40, Goubert Avenue, Pondicherry 605 001,Tel: +91-413-339497, 334575, Fax:+91-413– 358389, Email: tic@tourisminpondicherry.com and website: www.tourisminpondicherry.com