Pondicherry, in southern India, is a Union Territory of India which is a blend of spiritual aura, French colonial heritage, Tamil culture and the cosmopolitan flair. This state has a strong French influence. One can see and experience the unusual combination of European culture and Indian traditions here. The most visited and must visit places of Pondicherry are the Pondicherry Museum, Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the Pondicherry beaches. One most popular attraction of this union territory is Auroville, an oasis of peace and enlightenment. Pondicherry is spanning an area of 480 sq. kms. Pondicherry is laid in the center area of Tamil Nadu surrounded by several beautiful towns and cities. The most special feature of Pondicherry which makes it different from others is its 32 kms long coastline. This coastline offers several beautiful beaches which are always the prime attraction for holiday. Pondicherry is really a peaceful, fairly prosperous place with a happy atmosphere.

Major Tourist Attractions in Pondicherry

Botanical Gardens
Botanical Gardens is a collection of rare species of flora. This garden was opened in the year 1826. Garden houses a beautiful aquarium, where you can also learn various methods of coastal fishing. Beauty of this garden always is the centre of attraction for visitors.

Pondicherry Beaches
As Pondicherry has a 32 km coastline, it offers several beautiful beaches. The beaches of Pondicherry are always the attraction for those who like to spend some quite time in the lap of Mother Nature. Some of the famous and beautiful beaches of Pondicherry are Serenity Beach, Yanam River Beach, Plage Paradiso and Karaikal Beach. These all beaches offer the gorgeous views of sunrise and sunset as well as exciting water sports facilities.

Pondicherry Religious Trails
Pondicherry houses several beautiful and ancient churches and temples. Number of churches speaks on their behalf and shows the strong French influence in Pondicherry. The rare insights are provided by places like Eglise de Sacre Coeur de Jesus at the south boulevard, an oriental example of Gothic splendor. This is remarkable for its stonework.

Museums of Pondicherry
Pondicherry is not only famous for its beautiful beaches but it has one more point of attraction which is its three famous museums. These all three major museums in the district are always a centre of attraction for all types of visitors. All three museums are the Pondicherry Museum, Bharati Memorial Museum and Jawahar Toy Museum. The museums have the rare collections of bronze images of God and deities along with other variety of Toys and costume dolls.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a truly Indian presence under a French decoration. The Aurobindo Ashram is just not a sightseeing element but a step towards spiritual evolution as well. This Ashram was established in 1926. This Ashram is the perfect place for a rejuvenating meditation and Yoga session.

Auroville
Auroville is a contemporary village and a typical example for 21st century with residents of different nationalities. Auroville was contrived and conjured by 'The Mother', a Paris born artist. This artist later became a close companion of Sri Aurobindo. Several countries have offered to set up permanent pavilions here, reflecting the culture and ethos of their countries.

Adventure Holidays in Pondicherry

Pondicherry offers several adventure activities for the visitors to indulge in. 32 kms of coastline and its beaches offer several endless adventure beach activities like diving to snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, and sailing. You can even take a sun bath resting on the beach and watching the wild waves crashing on the beach. Beaches of Pondicherry are the perfect place for spending your holidays in peace as well as for adventure activities. Pondicherry also presents a beautiful backwater called as Chunnambar Backwater.

Hotels in Pondicherry

Accommodation in Pondicherry is not a big issue for anyone as this place offers several budget to luxury class hotels and resorts. These hotels and motels provide a memorable and comfortable stay at reasonable prices. Pondicherry is one of the most fascinating beach destinations that are why it also offers several beach resorts for accommodation. Pondicherry offers numerous options of recreation for its visitors in which some of the most popular hotels are:
» Hotel De LOrient, Heritage Hotel
» Kailash Beach Resort, Heritage Beach Resort
» Le Dupleix, First Class
» Anandha Inn, Economy Hotel
» Ajantha Hotels, Budget Hotel
» Amnivasam Guest House, Guest House
» Sea Side Guest House, Society Guest Houses
» Park Guest House, Ashram Guest Houses