Pondicherry

About Pondicherry

Commonly known as Pondy and officially Puducherry, Pondicherry is a Union Territory on the southeast coast. A French colony until 1954, the French QuarterFrench Quarter (White Town) still retains its colonial charm — pastel-coloured villas, bougainvillea-draped walls, tree-lined boulevards, and French-style cafes. The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a major spiritual centre, while Auroville (the City of Dawn) — an experimental township 12 km away — attracts visitors from 50+ countries with its golden Matrimandir meditation sphere. The Rock Beach promenade (closed to traffic in the evening), Paradise Beach (accessible by boat), and Serenity Beach are highlights. Pondicherry is famous for its café culture — Baker Street, Café des Arts, and Le Café serve French pastries and filter coffee. The night bazaar on MG Road, scuba diving, and heritage walks round out this charming coastal town.