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A seaside town which uniquely doesn't have a beach but a promenade, this former French colony with its colonial townhouses, restaurants and hotels giving a peek into its colonial past beseeches you to forget about time. The entire Pondicherry, town is divided into two sections, The Old City or the French Quarter ('Ville Blanche' or 'White town') and the Tamil quarter ('Ville Noire' or 'Black Town'). Do justice to the official logo of Pondicherry tourism which declares ' Give time a break' and roam around this seaside bliss. Here is a list of places around town that you should see
Travel time from Bangalore to Pondicherry: 5 1/2 hours
Distance: 373 km
Shri Aurobindo Ashram
Established by the poet, philosoper and freedom-fighter Sri Aurobindo in 1926, the ashram is an important desitnation for those seeking the divine and also curious tourists. The visiting hours for the visitors are from 8 am to 12 noon and then again from 2 pm to 6 pm.
Pic credit: Wiki Commons
Churches
One of the best collections of churches in India can be found in Pondy. Be sure to visit the Our lady of the Immaculate Concepton Cathedral, Sacred Heart Basilica and the Notre Dame Agnes.
Pic credit: Wiki Commons
French Quarter
Take a heritage walk yourself as you stroll through the cobbled streets of what is known as the French Quarter, a collection of white and mustard buildings straight out from some fairy tale, in various states of disrepair.
Pic credit: Wiki Commons
Seafront
As mentioned earlier, Pondicherry doesn't have a beach but has a seafront or promenade, Goubert Avenue, where half the population of the town can be found taking a walk at dawn and dusk. Vehicular traffic is banned on this road between 6pm and 7.30 am. Take a stroll and fill your lungs with the fresh sea breeze.
Pic credit: Wiki Commons
Puducherry Museum
For the history afficionados amongst you, head to the Puducherry museum to view rare artifacts from the Arikamedu, an ancient port with links to the Roman empires. Also, check out artifacts from the period of the Chola and Pallava dynasties.
Pic credit: WIki Commons
Bharathi Park
For those looking for a bit of greenery head to the Bharathi park also known as the Puducherry Government Park at the centre of the town or the botanical garden
Pic credit: Wiki Commons
Monuments and Statues
Pondicherry also has its share of monuments and statues littered across town. Chief among them are the statue of Mahatma gandhi, Francois Dupleix and Joan of Arc
Pic credit: Wiki Commons
Monuments and Statues
The French War Memorial on Goubert Avenue built in 1971 in memory of the French soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War is also worth seeing
Pic credit: Wiki Commons
