PondicherryPondicherry /pndtri/ is a UnionTerritory of India formed out offour enclaves of former FrenchIndia and named for the largest,Pondicherry. The name, whichmeans "New Town" inTamil, is Putuccri or Piccri in Tamiland Pondichéry in French.In September 2006, the territorychanged its official name fromPondicherry (Piccri) to Puducherry(Putuccri). It is also known as"The French Riviera of theEast" (La Côte d'Azur del'Est).

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Pondicherry /pndtri/ is a Union Territory ofIndia formed out of four enclaves of formerFrench India and named for the largest,Pondicherry. The name, which means"New Town" in Tamil, is Putuccrior Piccri in Tamil and Pondichéry inFrench. In September 2006, the territorychanged its official name from Pondicherry(Piccri) to Puducherry (Putuccri). It is alsoknown as "The French Riviera of theEast" (La Côte d'Azur de l'Est).

Pondicherry Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/pondicherry page 1

What To

SEE5 Sights

http://www.ixigo.com/places-to-visit-see-in-pondicherry-lp-1273343

1 Auroville

Auroville Universal Township, TownHall, Auroville, Pondicherry, TamilNadu 605101, India

Located at a distance of 14.1 km fromPondicherry, not only isAuroville a self-sustaining microcosm, but itis the closest humanity has come torealizing the ideal of Utopia. Based onMother’s vision to have a place on Earth thatno nation could claim as its sole property, itwas established in 1966 by the mutualbacking of Government of India andUNESCO who considered it as a project ofimmense importance to the future ofhumanity. 

An experimental town established byMother, Auroville is a melting pot of cultures in thetrue sense of the word. Here you will notonly witness how diversity of mankind canflourish harmoniously, without suppressingeach other’s difference, but also akaleidoscope of art and culture. Thefact that it has not only survived butflourished and grown in the past 46 years isproof enough that Mother’s idea thatsustainable and harmonious society ispossible. 

You will find citizens to be from all over theglobe, 45 countries to be precise. Amazing,isn’t it? They come from all walks of life,different cultures, religion, professions andage groups. Currently, the population standsat 2,200. Its design and architecture is a

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sight in itself. Your exploration will take youthrough the Peace Area, Industrial zone,Residential zone, International, cultural zoneand green belt. Be sure to visit the culturaland the International zone at  Auroville , as at any given time, they play host toperforming arts and you can get to seeperformances of artists from across theworld. 

At the cultural centre, do purchase some ofthe beautifully hand crafted creations,pottery, sculptures, paintings, etc, of theAurovillians. It will forever be a reminder ofhow far idealism can take you and the restof humanity.

2 Plage Paradiso (ParadiseBeach)

Cuddalore Road, Chunnambar,Puducherry, Tamil Nadu 605101,India

If sitting on the beach-front is your idea ofrelaxing, then 

Plage Paradiso (Paradise Beach) is theperfect location for you. Located 8 km fromPondicherry, you can reach here through ahouse boat or a river cruise. The beach withshining golden sands is ideal foradventurous and exciting water sportswhich are hard to miss. If you just want tolay on a sun-bed and relax, this beach will beat your service without a moment’s thought.The beach is lined with swanky, upscaleresorts and several boat cruises. Eventhough it is crowded at times, you canalways take a quiet, secluded walk andexperience a blissful retreat from the usualmadness of a regular city life. Add a zing toyour vacation in Pondicherry!

3 Gingee Fort

Gingee Fort, Gingee Town,Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, 605101,India

With a history as rich as Pondicherry’s, someof the sculptures that you may have comeacross in Pondicherry were actually shiftedfrom Gingee by the French, when it wasowned by them. A visit to Pondicherry,

ideally, should involve a visit to theGingee Fort. After all, how many times is itthat you get to stand in a fort oncedescribed by Shivaji as the mostimpregnable fortress in India and waslabelled by the British as the Troy of East.Built by the Cholas in the 13 th century onthe foundations laid down by the Kons inthe 12th century, when you walk thepassages of the Gingee Fort you can hearthe walls telling their own tale of its antiquityand the generations that have passed it by.

4 Thirunallar Temple

73/1, 4th Main Road, Thirunallar,Karaikal 560010, India

Thirunallar Temple is the popular temple ofLord Shani Dev. The temple comes underthe Pondicherry Union Territory jurisdiction.The temple situated between two beautifulrivers-Arasalar and Vanchai attracts lot ofdevotees from different parts of India.According to the legend, the famous KingNala was relieved from the adverseinfluence of Shani (Saturn) after worshippinghere at this very temple. The other

attractions of this temple are the holychariots, marble steps for devotees to lightthe sesame lamps and the theertams (holybathing places). The Nala theertam isbelieved to be the most sacred one. Thetemple is visited by people in thousands onSaturday which is believed to be the daydedicated to Lord Shanidev.

5 Sri GokilambalThirukameswarar Temple

Villanut Village, Pondicherry, TamilNadu, 605110, India

Sri Gokilambal Thirukameswarar Temple is aholy place of pilgrimage importance for allthe Hindus. Do stop for a moment on your way in or outto see the beautifully and intricately carvedfacade that provides a clue to the temple’srich past. If you are visitingPondicherry in May or June, be sure to visitthe temple. The ten-day annual festival ofBrahmotsavam is celebrated here,beginning on the appearance of the fullmoon, to receive Lord’s blessings. You will

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find the temple very crowded as thousandsof devotees from all over India come herefor the festival. Not only will you get to seethe massive 15 meter tall temple chariot, alldecked up in the temple finery, being takenout in a procession, but you will also beoffered curd, rice, buttermilk and sandal bythe devotees. The belief here is that theirwishes are fulfilled by serving the crowd ofvisitors.

Where To

Eat5 Places

http://www.ixigo.com/foods-in-of-pondicherry-lp-1273343

1 West Boulevard

No 80-4, Kandan Complex, AnnaSalai, Opposite Vysyal Street,Puducherry Bazaar, Puducherry605001, India

If your idea of fine restaurant dining is tohave a variety of flavours and multiplecuisines to choose from, then West

Boulevard is the place for you. Here you canchoose from American, Chinese, Italian,Indian and Mexican cuisines which areprepared from the freshest and finestingredients under expert guidance of thechefs. Talking about the decor, you will bewelcomed by elegant interiors and acomfortable seating arrangement. Settle infor a delectable dining experience.

2 Bistro Sharana

59, Muthumariamman Koil, Street,Puducherry, 605001, India

+91-413-2226023|+91- 413-2220023

Enjoy a peaceful lunch and dinner on BistroSharana's terrace restaurant after a hecticand bone tiring day of sightseeing andvacationing. If you visit on a Wednesday orSaturday, you will have a special buffet, witha variety of dishes to choose from. But besure to advance book. Make your way to thispopular restaurant where you can enjoy ahearty breakfast, a lavish lunch or sizzlingsizzlers. The prompt staff and a nice decoradd charm to the whole dining experience.

3 Don Giovanni’s Restaurant

170 Mission Street, Pondicherry,Tamil Nadu, 605101, India

+91- 413- 2225301|+91-413-2225302

Head over toDon Giovanni’s Restaurant and you will getfabulous Italian cuisine and a 100%authentic one at that! You can choose froma range of pastas, lasagne and pizzas. Andthe proof of its authenticity? You willprobably have him seated before you in therestaurant, Don Giovanni, the chef, that is.The food here will definitely leave youasking for more and trust us when we saythat you will love every bite of it.

4 Baker’s Street

123, Bussy street, Pondicherry, TamilNadu, 605101, India

+91-413-6458888

Established as a concept store to be the sliceof France in Pondicherry, it has on offeraround 1001 breads, pizzas, quiches, etc tochoose from! Whether you want to nip in foran early morning breakfast before youventure out to sightseeing or want a spur ofthe moment coffee break with a sandwichor two, Baker Street is a treat for all yoursenses, with its elegant and sereneambiance. The menu has a long list ofdelightful desserts including home-made ice

creams and chocolates, creamy pastries andmore. Step in here to spend a relaxedevening over great food.

5 Surguru

104, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Salai,Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, 605001,India

+91-413-2339022

A part of the famous Surguru Hotel, this nicerestaurant with the same name is a delightfor foodies. Done in an understated yetelegant decor, this multi-cuisine eating outspace offers a world of deliciouspreparations for its guests. If you are tiredafter a long day of sightseeing or shopping,make your way to Surguru Restaurant andenjoy a wonderful meal amidst live musicand decent setting. When we talk about theclient service, you will be happy to hear thatthe staff is polite and attentive, ensuringthat you have a memorable diningexperience.