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Pondicherry Tours

Introduction ::
With a coast line of 32 kms, well-planned French Boulevard town, palm-fringed beaches, resorts, backwaters, water sports centre, fishing villages, harbour, the pier, the famous Aurobindo Ashram, the international city of Auroville, world-renowned Yoga centres and other attractions, Pondicherry is the ideal place to spend your holidays with your family.

History ::
As a consequence of bitter Anglo-French rivalry on the Indian sub-continent the French were driven to five small settlements on the Coromandel and Arabian sea coast by the end of 18th century. They were Chandranagoor {presently in West Bengal}, Pondicherry, Karaikal and Yanam on the Coromandel coast and Mahe on the west coast of India. Pondicherry was the headquarters of the French settlements in India.

By the beginning of 19th century, the French had lost all its hopes of any kind of territorial expansion and they were reconciled to these tiny and scattered settlements. Unlike rest of India, Pondicherry got its independence only in the year 1954 and the de facto merger with rest of India took place on 1st November , 1954. The de-jure de merger took place on 16th August, 1963. Eventhough, independence was given to Pondicherry in the year 1954 itself, the Treaty of Cession signed between India and France regarding independence of Pondicherry had to ratified by the French as well as the Indian parliaments for which certain amount of time had to be set apart. Hence de-jure and de-facto transfer of power.

It was in the year 1963 that the Government of India decided to confer Union Territory status to Pondicherry by an enactment of the Parliament-"The Government of Union Territories Act, 1963" which provided for legislative assemblies and council of ministers in the Union Territories. The Union Territory of Pondicherry is administered in accordance with this act. Before the Union Territory status was granted to Pondicherry, the wishes of the people were ascertained regarding maintaining their distinct identity or for merging with the neighbouring states. Chandranagoor alone opted for merger with West Bengal. The other four enclaves wanted to be a Union Territory. According to the Indo French Treaty, the people were given the option to retain their French citizenship or to be an Indian citizen. Such of
those who opted for French citizenship were allowed to reside within the Union Territory of Pondicherry. Today, there are approximately 10000 French citizens of Indian origin residing within the Union Territory of Pondicherry. They regularly exercise their franchise during election to the French Parliament and the French government sets up polling booth for the benefits of their citizens within Pondicherry.

Fairs & Festivals ::

Masi Magam
This annual festival takes place on the full moon day of the Tamil month of Masi (February-March). Deities from as many as 38 temples in and around Pondicherry are brought in ceremonial processions to the seashore fro a symbolic immersion ceremony. Thousands of people go to the seashore to have a dip in the sea which is said to wash away one's sins..

Fire Walking Festival
Three of four times in a year, local temples conclude their annual festivals with hundreds of men, women and children walking on fire for fulfilment of their vows.

Veerampattinam Car Festival
It is about 6 km South of Pondicherry. The Chengazhunir Amman Temple in the coastal village of Veerampattinam, is the venue for the annual Car Festival which takes place on the fifth Friday of the Tamil month of Adi or in the following month of Avani (July-August).

Villianur Car Festival
It is about 10 km from Pondicherry (Pondy-Villupuram route). The Car Festival is celebrated at Lord Thirukameeswarar Temple in Villianur.

General Info ::

State : Union Territory

City : Pondicherry

Airport : Nearest airport at Chennai

Distance from Airport : 47 Km/27 Mile

Railway Junctions : Viluppuram

Local Languages : Tamil

Reaching Pondicherry ::

Pondicherry -

Pondicherry town is a surprise in India. This you'll realise as you pass through well-laid, wide streets carrying French names and kept unpolluted. Clean. A French past is still present.

Pondicherry cheers the heart of the romantic. With grand boulevards and quiet promenades. You'll be greeted with large bouquets of bougainvillea hanging over the ivory-coloured walls of colonial mansions. Pondicherry with its ashram charm, is sought out by the peace-seeker. And with its safe and secluded beaches, by the tan-seeker.

Air :
Nearest Airport - Madurai and Chennai.

Rail :
N nearest railhead are at Madras, Villupuram. Another way is to take a train from Bangalore to Cuddalore.

Road :
Cane be easily reach from any of the neighbouring states. Pondicherry is best accessible by road from Chennai, Bangalore and even from Kerala.

Best Season to Visit ::
Any time of the year.


Pondicherry Tourism Reservation Form

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