Pondy, also known as Pondicherry is situated in Puducherry district of the union territory and other districts situated in Tamil Nadu (Karaikal), Andhra (Yanam) & Kerala (Mahe) majority of the people speaks Tamil. It has been officially known by the alternative name Puducherry in Tamil (New Town) since 2006.
Among its diverse attractions are, a coastline of 32 km, palm-fringed beaches, backwaters, fishing villages, beach resorts, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the international city of Auroville, the French boulevard town with its French heritage, and so on. Some great food, some fine wine, and a great adventure await you here.
For those coming to Pondicherry expecting a Goa-like place, there is likely to be a great deal of disappointment. Unlike Goa, Pondicherry does not have a commercial infrastructure to entertain tourists. Pondicherry is a great place to look around, take a walk by the sea, and attend a cultural program.
The Pondicherry tourism department uses the punch-line “Give time a break” for their advertisement campaign. And that is indeed one of the more attractive features of this city. So relax, put your feet up, switch off your cell phone, and forget all about returning to work on Monday morning.
Enjoy a fine meal with a glass of wine, rent a bicycle and take a ride at the promenade, take a walk in the park. Do something new and interesting that you wouldn’t do in the city you live in. Learn some pottery at the Golden Bridge Pottery.
Enjoy doing some serious meditation at the Auroville, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Or you could visit Auroville to watch a cultural event such as a dance organized there by the Auroville Cultural Exchange. You can also go fishing in a Kattaraman- fishing raft of sorts.
A warm and happy place like Pondy can never fail to lift your spirits and you will always feel connected to nature and peace. Other than being a place with serene vibes, Pondicherry is also a major part of the French era in India.
The colonies and the people seem to have been affected by the French heritage for a quite long time. And needless to say that effect can still be felt in and around Pondicherry till date, which can strongly felt in the fact that French is one of the official languages along with Tamil, Telegu, and Malayalam in present-day Pondicherry.
But it’s also unmistakably Indian, with colorful festivals throughout the year, several mosques and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
Churches and Cathedrals are another things in abundance in Pondy, which we can relate to the major influence of French culture. French missionary zeal in the 17th and 18th centuries saw a number of imposing churches built here.
The Sacred Heart Church, situated on the south boulevard, stands out like an oriental specimen of gothic splendor. It contains rare and beautiful stained glass panels depicting saints and events from the life of Christ.
And apart from being religious monuments, churches have become a major and undeniable part of Pondy’s culture, to say it is almost impossible to imagine a pondy without beautiful and magnificent buildings all around the area.
Churches, Temples, Pondicherry tours and fascinating boat rides are just some of the things in the very versatile Pondicherry to spend your time. Traveling to a new place obviously means shopping a bit in the new place and Pondy does not disappoint us in shopping as well.
Pondicherry is famous for highly creative and beautiful souvenirs. Terracotta, handmade papers, wooden handicrafts aromatics, leather products, linens, and garments are unique here at JN Street. Sunday market is ideal for buying cheaper products.
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M.G Road and Nehru street crossroads have a street market is quite famous and perfect for cheaper products. Garments, second – hand books, toys, households, CD’s DVD. Used products are generally sold here.
Don’t go by the size, because you would really be amused by the number of attractions and activities Pondicherry holds in each nook and corner of the city. So let your hair down and let Pondicherry work its magic on you.