‘Oh the charm of the French world meeting the sea life- how can one not fall for something so surreal yet so real?’
A love child of the French and Indian cultures, Pondicherry (Puducherry) is a beach-side union territory of India. Previously until 1954, Pondicherry was French settlement. Now the old Bougainville-draped French-style houses, churches and even the newly built French-style shops, bright colored cafes and restaurants give Pondicherry an exotic character to it.
It was formed in 1962 out of the four former colonies of French India: Pondicherry and Karaikal along India’s southeastern Coromandel coast, surrounded by Tamil Nadu state; Yanam, farther north along the eastern coast in the delta region of the Godavari river, surrounded by Andhra Pradesh state; and Mahe, lying on the western Malabar coast, surrounded by Kerala state. The territory’s capital is the city of Puducherry.
With the slow pace of life in Pondicherry, there is not much you can do making it an ideal destination for a relaxing holiday. While there are a few tourist spots in the area, the major attraction of the area are the different water sporting facilities. Scuba Diving, Scuba Jumping and Surfing courses are available in Pondicherry and this attracts a large number of tourists to the area. This French capital of India will definitely make you feel like you are someplace out of India when you visit places like the Rock Beach, Pondicherry Beach, Serenity Beach or the Botanical Gardens. And the best place to see Pondicherry with the same notion is to visit Auroville and Sri Aurobindo Ashram where people from all over the world come to seek spirituality through yoga and meditation.
The colonial architecture compliments the beach life whereas the far situated Auroville add another dimension to Pondicherry tourism. If there is one tourist destination in India that can cater to your need for a relaxing holiday, Pondicherry has to be it. The months between October and February are ideal for visiting this charismatic town. Pondicherry is such a place, which will never cease to surprise you with its unique style. There are several cafes and restaurants that serve impeccable French cuisine along with some lip-smacking international cuisines as well. As a popular beach-town, Pondicherry also offers you with the amazing nightlife through numerous clubs and beach-parties offering great music and delicious cocktails. There is so much to do and explore here, that you will not want to go back and experience more and more of this quaint French town of India.
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