Pondicherry

Do not judge Pondicherry by its small size. In India it was once the biggest French colony. This city bears a long, rich and interesting history of war and trade. You would find a stringent French influence on the city. The quarters, Mediterranean style houses lined by boulevards, bakeries etc will give you a French effect. Although the city is Indian, French is understood. You will find a heartening amalgamation of West and East.

You can plan to do some meditation at Auroville, or even attend Bharatanatyam performances at local temples, or major hotels. Try your luck at fishing or hire a moped to enjoy long drives on sandy beaches.

The cuisines of Pondicherry will surprise your taste buds. It ranges from South Indian culinary like idli and dosa to fried fish. Because of its French influence, you can find French food in restaurants.

The best places to visit in Pondicherry are Gandhi Statue, Barathi Park, Beach Churches, Chunnambar Boat House, Botanical garden, Oustery Lake, Paradise Beach, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Government Museum, Auroville city, Boat House, Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Villianur Thirukameeswarar Temple, Auro Beach.