Legendary associations trace the origin of this city of Rishi Agastya, the reserved sage of the south. Excavations near Pondichery reveal that a Roman settlement existed here 2000 years ago. It became the theatre of many battles in the wars between the British and the French, and was the capital of French India before it attained independence in 1954.

It achieved fame as the centre chosen by the late Shri Aurobindo, revolutionary turned saint, who built his Ashram here which draws tourist to this day.

WHAT TO SEE:

ENGLISH DE SACRE COEUR DE JESUS:
This church on the South Boulevard is part of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Order. About 1.5 km from the city centre, it is noted for its Gothic architecture, stained glass corridors and panels depicting the life of Christ.

THE PROMENADE:
The 1.5 km long promenade along Gombert Avenue and the coast has many of Pondicherry’s little delights. The Gandhi Memorial with its carved pillars, French war memorial, the 29-metre high lighthouse and a glistening beach, among them.

SRI AUROBINDO ASHRAM:
Founded by revolutionary –turned-philosopher Sri Aurobindo in 1920, the Ashram is actually called the centre of Internal Yoga. The Samadhi of Aurobindo and the Mother, a French lady who became a follower of Aurobindo and led his other follower after his death, attracts large number of devotees. The ashram has wide activities from agriculture to art and cottage industry to culture.

MUSEUMS:
The Pondicherry Museum contains some specimens of Pallava and chola art from Pondicherry and karaikal. The archaeological sections display findings from sites such as Arekamedu. The French Gallery of the museum brings to life art and artifacts of French India. One of the famous inhabitants of Pondichery was Subramanya Bhariti, Tamil’s best known modern poet. The Bharati Museum displays the patriotic and romantic compositions of the poet. The Bharatidasa Museum preserves the poet’s literary achievements.

EXCURSION:

AUROVILLE:
To carry its experiment in international harmony further, Sri Aurobindo Ashram conceived the idea of an international city during the Mother’s lifetime. It was envisaged that people from all races and nationalities would live and work together. In 1968, Aurovile or city of Dawn was inaugurated with the President of India and dignitaries from across the world, bringing soil for a user to symbolize the city’s ideal of harmony. From the initial dedication ceremony, today there is crater-shaped amphi-theatre with a lotus centre containing the world of 125 countries which participated in the inauguration festivities.

In the original design, seen at the model kept at the town, by French architect, Roer aryer, the 800-care complex spirals out from a central Matrimandir into five main zones: work, dwelling, education, society and world. There are about 40 settlements. These settlements are engaged in a variety of activities such as forestation, farming, education and handicrafts.