Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, India

Puducherry, Pondicherry, or Pondy, is a Union Territory of India, south of Chennai.  The French ruled this territory for 300 years, and today it stands as a living monument of the French culture in India !  A remarkable amount of French influence in Pondicherry exists to this date.  Pondicherry is divided into Tamil and French parts,  where you can find typical 18th century French mansions and Tamil houses, very unique and charming to picturesque.  Pondicherry is a place blessed with a little bit of everything, and a tradition of welcoming all.

Pleasant and charming, Pondicherry has a beautiful beach that is always warm and welcoming.  Pondicherry has been made world famous by the Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville.  You can find more information about Auroville on my recent post from June.  French influenced, and it’s uniqueness sets it apart from the rest of India.  I love this place and am overdue for another visit.

One of Pondicherry’s most popular temples is the Managula Vinayagar Temple, located in the French quarters.  Pictures of me receiving my blessings from Lakshmi, the temple elephant.  Just give Lakshmi some rupees, she will take the coins from your hand with her trunk and then will gently touch the top of your head with her trunk to give you your blessings.  Just make sure Lakshmi doesn’t knock you out, and you get what you paid  for :-)))

Another main attraction to see in Pondicherry is the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.  The ashram is located within the French quarters you will have to remove your shoes, switch off  your cell phones and maintain complete silence inside the complex.  Starting with a memorial to Sri Aurobindo, where many just sit and meditate.  From there you walk into a hall that has displays about the ashram and its founders, and another hall had a small bookshop where books related to the ashram and its teachings were available. Thousands of visitors all over the world come for the Ashram.

The Sacred Heart Church, is another wonderful site in Pondicherry.  Constructed in Gothic style, is a highly revered religious destination in Pondicherry.  Lot of visitors and believers are thronging to this church to offer prayers.  One can be blessed by seeing the wonderful stained glass windows highlighting the life of Jesus and the soaring ceilings.  Every year this church has thousands of devotees from different places visiting. This church is one of the most attractive churches in Pondicherry.

If coming to Pondicherry then don’t forget seeing Auroville is a must.  On the outskirts of Pondicherry this place has a truly unique concept, remember to check my blog back in June for more info on this one of kind place.  If you’re a wine connoisseur like me, then no worries getting some really nice wines here.  Also know for its variety of cuisines, South Indian delicacies, to some really delicious seafood, and the good French restaurants around the French part of town.  One can eat, drink and be "Merry in Pondicherry".  Until the next blog, Bon Appétit :-)))