Pondicherry: A French Flavor in India

Pondicherry, now officially called Puducherry, feels like a slice of France dropped into South India. The French Quarter, with its mustard yellow colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and bougainvillea draped walls, is a delight to wander. I spent my first day just walking around, stopping at cafes for croissants and coffee. It was a nice break from the usual Indian food, though the Tamil food here is also excellent. The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is the spiritual heart of the city. I visited the ashram and then headed to Auroville, an experimental township about twelve kilometers away. The main attraction is the Matrimandir, a giant golden sphere that serves as a meditation center. You cannot go inside without booking in advance, but just seeing it from the viewing point is impressive. The beach in Pondicherry is not really for swimming, but the promenade is a great place for an evening walk. Locals and tourists alike gather there to watch the sunset. If you have time, take a day trip to the nearby town of Chidambaram to see the Nataraja Temple, one of the most important Hindu temples in South India. It is dedicated to Shiva as the cosmic dancer, and the architecture is stunning.