Pondicherry

Pristine beaches, reminiscent of French colonial rule and the culture, Pondicherry owes the legacy of a prime tourist spot in Indian Union. Presently the Pondicherry town, capital of the Union Territory, is known as Puducherry and the word means “New Town”. Popularly known as “Pondy”, it is a destination for those who want to enjoy a fun filled holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Located perfectly on the Coromandel shoreline, Union Territory of Pondicherry, was ruled by the French for more than 3 centuries and toady it symbolizes the living monument of the French culture in India.

Apart from the pleasant atmosphere, natural beauty and pristine beaches, superb cuisines and cheap beer attracts many travelers to this excellent tourist spot.

Pondicherry, from 1675 to 1954, was a French colony and joined Indian Union in 1954. Once an obscure village and later a center for learning, Pondicherry belongs to history. For historians, Pondicherry is an ocean of research, as the French and British fought many wars here. The excavations near Pondicherry disclosed a settlement of Romans that existed 2000 years ago.

Pondicherry is enriched with its architectural marvel and cultural wealth. The main tourist draw in Pondicherry is Sri Aurobindo Ashram, where Sri Aurobindo and the Mother spent their time for the upliftment of society. Pondicherry also has an amusing beach alongside Promenade and has some ancient monuments. Some of the other charming destinations include Auroville, the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Bharti and Bharthidasan Memorial museum. In its credit it has the birth-place of Subramanya Bharathy, the great Tamil poet and also the birth place of world famous film director M. Night Shyamalan.

The Seashore in Pondicherry is always neat, charming and amazing with its beauty. Remains of French connection make this place distinct from other places in India.

History:
Pondicherry alias Puducherry, is one among the seven Union Territories of India. Tracing back to Saint Agathya, the history of Pondicherry speaks of Roman existence around 200 years ago. Various documents of Ottakoothar and Kambar in the 11th and 12th centuries, mention the city of Pondicherry as Puthuvai.

Pondicherry was amongst the first cities in India to come under the rule of French colony. On 15th January 1742, Joseph Francois Dupleix became the first Governor of the French territory in Pondicherry. The attempt to annex Pondicherry from the French the British declared many attacks but had to suffer defeat. It was only in the year 1793, when the British took advantage of the inner conflicts among the French and conquered the land.

Pondicherry has played a pivot role in the movement of Independence since most of the freedom fighters began their struggle from here. In the year 1954, the government of India and France came on a consensus and Pondicherry was merged with Indian Union.

Today, the quaint town of Pondicherry retains its French history and most of the houses and monuments still preserve the French influence.