Relish the best of French architecture, culture, and food in Pondicherry

Pondicherry is a union territory situated at the southern tip of India. It is an old French colony that still clings to its past. Home to perfect beach, rich culture, old monuments, first-rate hotels in Pondicherry, and an array of several other allures the place is a must visit.

What could be more fun than spending a memorable holiday walking down the centuries old boulevards passing through Mediterranean French colonies, relish a sumptuous East meets West food, learn tailor-made Bollywood, Bharatanatyam, Ballet, Tango, etc. dance forms, take Indian cooking classes, relish sun, sand and beach, participate in Tanjavur painting workshops, and enjoy a relaxing session of Ayurvedic massages. Hosting the aforementioned and an array of several other allures, Pondicherry is today, one of the most frequented tourist destinations in the country. It is situated at the southern tip of Indian mainland and surrounded by Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. A former French territory, the influences of French culture, food, and architecture are still prevalent throughout the place. Although, it is one amongst the smallest union territories in India in terms of area, but it was once the largest French colony in the subcontinent. Due to its strategic location the place was significant from its erstwhile days and thus has a long and interesting history of trade as well as war. Although, several new buildings, commercialization, and multiple first-rate hotels in Pondicherry have emerged in the

past few decades, the place still retains the undiluted essence of medieval era, which is an attribute the place is most proud of and flaunts whenever it has the opportunity.

If you are a first time visitor to the place, you will be at a mild cultural sock as you will see various French architecture spread all over the place and restaurants serving steak and good old wine. Many of the old quarters, Mediterranean bakeries, bungalows, churches, etc. are still standing with rues and boulevards crisscrossing through them. For a history buff the place is bliss! The good thing about the place is that even though you are strictly constrained by time, you could still visit the place and spend a memorable vacation for the fact that most of the prime tourist attractions are within 2-3 k.m. distance from each other. Besides, travelers having plenty of time could easily spend a week at the tranquil beaches relishing the best of the past as well as the present. A couple of tourist attractions that you could visit: Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Promenade Beach, Ousteri Lake, Villianur Thirukameswar Temple, Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Auroville International City, Manakula Vinayagar Temple, and Villianur –St. Lourd Church.

While you are in the place, a visit to the Mandagapattu Cave Temple is conceived as a-must. It is about 50 k.m. from the town centre. It was built during the era of Pallavas and conceived as the site of the first Hindu trinity temple dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Besides, a visit to the Ousteri Lake is also in the list of things to do while one is in the place. It is a very tranquil and scenic lake surrounded by lush greenery and about 15 k.m. from the town. Tourist often come here to relax and for picnics.

To summarize all, Pondicherry is a must-visit destination if one is on an exploration of India. Colonized by the French for a long time period, the place presents a unique side of the country and offers one a memorable vacation. Get the Indian Railway train tickets well in advance; pack your backpack, and get going to the quaint old place.