Pondicherry: A French Abode in India

Sitting on the shore of a charming beach, enjoying the lovely sunset away from the hustle and bustle. A beautiful dream, isn’t it? And Pondicherry is exactly a dream and fantasy which we all want to experience. Its amazingly clean beaches, radiant streets, flamboyant roads, and French city design have earned a place in everyone’s heart. A Visit to this city would make you forget that you are still in India and not in France. If you haven’t been to this charming and serene coastal city, what are you waiting for? It will surely give you a memory for a lifetime.     Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry, was a French colony and later on became an Indian Union Territory. “Puddu,” as the locals call it, was not a favorite tourist spot for a long time, but it started sparkling its magic over the tourists almost a decade ago. Now it enchants tourists from all over the world to experience its lovely beaches and astounding French architecture.   Boats on the shore of a beach Being a French Colony, you could easily sense a french ascendancy. You would even find the street signs in the city in both Tamil and French languages. Most of the citizens speak French, and you would also find some French natives living over here. Pondicherry provides the best experience of both worlds as it is a perfect party destination and ideal for peaceful and relaxing vibes. Apart from its scenic beauty, it also has some phenomenal places and some thrilling activities that will surely strike a chord in your heart. Let’s have a look at some exciting activities and must-visit places in Pondicherry.     1) PROMENADE BEACH   The lovely view of Promenade beach. It is also known as ‘Pondicherry Beach’ and undoubtedly is the most beautiful and serene beach in the city. Located in the middle of Pondicherry, it is a 1.2 km long stretch starting from War Memorial and ending towards Goubert Avenue. Having a walk at this lovely beach is going to rejuvenate you. The place looks astonishing during sunsets and sunrise. Not to forget about the variety of sea-facing restaurants that provide you with lip-smacking food and picturesque views. Moreover, vehicle entry is banned, giving you a chance to sink in the tranquil and serene atmosphere.   Pro Tip: Do give a visit to Le Cafe located near this beach. The cafe transports you back to the time when Pondicherry was a French colony. It gives you a chance to savor authentic French cuisines. The cherry on the cake represents old photographs of the city Pondicherry that are placed in the cafe.     2) FRENCH WAR MEMORIAL   White memorial surrounded by green bushes One of the best memorials in the country was built in the year 1971. It is a tribute to all the residents of French India who passed away during the first world war. On July 14th(French National Day), the memorial is decorated beautifully, and people from across the city come to pay their respects. It’s a unique style of architecture that has caught the eyeball of many tourists. Surrounded by lush green gardens and a tranquil atmosphere, it is a place worth seeing. Read more fun-facts about this memorial in this informative blog.     3) SERENITY BEACH   Rocky path to beach with sunset Clean shore, fresh air, and appealing palm trees have made this beach a favorite spot for tourists. The radiant sand, along with the sparkling water of Bay of Bengal, makes it a sight to cherish. It’s a calm and peaceful atmosphere that has won the hearts of the tourists. You can also spot fishing boats, a flea market, and a surf school as you explore the beach. The beach is also a hub to many marvelous cafes and restaurants.     4) AUROVILLE   The lovely Auroville city. Popularly known as the ‘city of dawn,’ it was founded by Mirra Alfassa in the year 1968. It is a universal town where people from all countries and caste are welcomed and live in peace and harmony. At the center of the city, you will find Matrimandir, a humongous golden sphere which stands as a symbol of divinity. Utmost silence and peace are maintained inside the premises of the temple. A visit to this temple relaxes your mind and paves a way to connect with the supreme power.   Apart from this, Auroville Beach or Auro beach is another sight to behold. It is one of the finest beaches in Pondicherry. The beach is ideal for all swimming and surfing lovers. You may also be lucky to find Olive Ridley Sea Turtles on the beach. Moreover, you can also enjoy the lovely view of the lighthouse at night. In addition to that, it is one of the few beaches where you would find shacks. It is the ultimate beach to have fun and lighten up. To know more fun activities at Auroville read this lovely blog by Anna.   5) MANAKULA VINAYAGAR TEMPLE   The magnificent Manakula temple. It is one of the major Hindu temples in Pondicherry dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Thousands of devotees come to this temple to offer their prayers and cleanse their minds and contemplate. The temple stands strong as a symbol of faith and divinity. Entering the vibrant halls of this place of devotion, you will notice a magnificent golden chariot made up of 7.5kg gold—the chariot was made from the donations given by the devotees. The spectacular architecture and the designs on the wall are surely going to impress you. You can also shop for souvenirs from the local shops located around the temple.     6) AAYI MANDAPAM   The breathtaking view of Aayi Mandapam. It is a serene white monument built during the reign of Napoleon III, the great ruler of France. It is located in the middle of the Bharathi Park, Pondicherry. A glimpse of the monument is going to blow you