Pondicherry

Pondicherry, not to let out a big secret, is nestled on the Eastern seaboard of India. Pondicherry is endowed with great natural beauty as well as cultural heritage. Among its many diverse attractions are a coastline of 32 kms, palm-fringed beaches, backwaters, fishing villages, resorts, the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the international city of Auroville, the French boulevard town with its French heritage, and so on.

Every place has its own distinguishing landmark which draws hordes of visitors for that place. Paris and Eiffel Tower, London and Big Ben, think Pondy and the first thing that strikes ur mind is the Aurobindo Ashram. Founded in 1926 by one of India's famous sons, Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. Its a unique spiritual concept revolving around offering work as a Divine offering.

Here you can find everything from from Pallava sculptures to a bed slept in by Dupleix, the colony's most famous governor.

There are several large churches and cathedrals around the town, including the striking brown and white sacred Heart Church on South Boulevard. Nearby are the peaceful, extensive Botanical Gardens, opened in 1740.