Come fall in love with #Pondicherry!!

A small yet mysterious Union territory tucked along the eastern coast of Southern India, Pondicherry or Puducherry as called by locals is a contrasting blend of French flavour with Indian culture. One of the largest French colonies in India with a strong French influence this archaeological town is a nest of serenity and mystery.

From history and antiquity to peace and spirituality to flora and fauna, the place offers something for everyone.

War Memorial is a monument dedicated in the memory of the soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War. The centre of the memorial is four white pillars and a stone figure of a soldier holding a gun. The beauty of this structure is further embellished with the lush greenery surrounding it and the morning sun shining brightly embellishing it with its hues. The ambience is peaceful and enticing giving a feeling of pride and emotions seeing the generation paying homage and respect for the brave ones.

The Pondicherry museum houses some of the splendid collections of sculptures and effigies. This museum houses the remains of archaeological findings from the Arikamedu Roman settlement. History and legendary French colonial also is a part of the museum.  Bronze sculptures of god and goddess, a wide gathering of temple lamps, handicrafts and art are also here. Some specimens of Chola and Pallava art from Pondicherry and Karaikal are displayed in the sculpture gallery.

Also on display is a primitive type of bow and arrow besides choppers, daggers, walking sticks with camouflaged weapons, iron and wooden gadgets and a boomerang. The oldest piece on display is a rusted sword (fashioned like the Roman swords) retrieved from a burial urn in Ousoudou village not far from Puducherry.

Located at the end of Beach road is a 3- meter high statue of Dupleix, built to honour Francois Dupleix, who governed Pondicherry till 1754. It is constructed over beautiful costly granite columns at the Place du Republique. The Statue of Dupleix overlooks the pretty children’s park. The statue is a must to be visited in the evening with it is illuminated against the backdrop of the setting sun.

The Botanical Garden is a beautiful tourist attraction. The garden encloses a good collection of exotic and rare plants and also houses an aquarium. It has a diverse collection of plant species from many parts of India as well as from abroad. The aquarium displays many sea living organisms including variety of fish flora. Apart from this the garden also has dancing fountains and children`s park which has a small toy train that passes through the tunnels, bridges and artificial waterfalls which are created to decorate the garden.

If you wish to spend quality time in solitary contemplating the pristine surrounding then Paradise Beach, with its cool breeze and golden sand serves as a resting hub. The view of the sunrise is amazing from the shore. You can either bask in the sun on the crystal like soft sands of the beach or swim in the cold water of Bay of Bengal. A stream on one side of the beach enriches the beauty of this place. This is really a secluded beach to relax. 

One of the most mystic charms of Pondicherry is the Auroville. A spiritual experimental township this place is a paradise for people who value inner peace and enjoy meditation. Auroville is a spiritual community with emphasis on individualism and harmony, whose ethos is based on the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and his revered Mother Mirra Richard, popularly known as Maa. More than thousands of people from all around the world live in this ashram round the year.  A gilt geodesic dome in the heart of Auroville, covered by round, concave steel plates with thin gold leafs encased in glass seems to reflect solar luminosity back to its source. This golden globe appears like a sun emerging from the earth.

So come and soak the vividness of Pondicherry and live an experience.