With a coastline of 32 kms, well-planned French Boulevard town, Palm-fringed beaches,backwaters, water sports centre, fishing villages, harbour, the pier, the famous Aurobindo Ashram, the International city of Auroville, world-renowed Yoga Centres and other attractions, Pondicherry is the ideal place to enjoy the holidays.

Although there are many places of interest , the following are the most notable.

Shri Aurobindo Ashram

Shri Aurobindo, the great seer, poet and prophet of the twentieth century, made Pondicherry his home from 1910 till his death in 1950. His vision and ideals continue to draw people from all over the world.

Auroville

Located 10 kms north of Pondicherry town, Auroville is envisioned as a Universal town, where people from different nationalities, faiths and beliefs, can live in peace and harmony. The construction of this `Universal Town' was started in 1968 under the guidance of The Mother, a Paris-born painter-musician who became Sri Aurobindo's disciple and close companion from 1924 till his death in 1950. The development of this utopia is still in progress. Several countries have offered to set up permanent pavilions, reflecting the culture and ethos of their countries.

Pondicherry Museum

On display are the findings Arikamedu, the chola bronzes and sculptures, glimpses of French heritage, specimens of modern and traditional handicraft, paintings, armouries, carvings and many other things of historical interest.

Chunnambar Resort - Water Sports Centre

Known for its virgin beaches and backwaters, Chunnambar has a Water Sports Centre which offers exciting boating experiences. It is also a great tourist spot.

Botanical Garden

Established by C.S. Perrotet in 1826, it preserves a large variety of exotic species plants from all India and abroad.

Villianur

Sri Gokilambal Thirukameswarar Temple, architecturally the finest in Pondicherry, is located 9.5 kms away. During May-June, a ten-day annual festival(Brahmothsavam) is held here which attracts hundreds of devotees. The temple car rising to a height of 15.25 metres is profusely decorated, pulled out from its usual position and taken in a procession around the town. It is an awe-inspiring sight.

Mansion of Ananda Rangapillai

Built in 1773, this mansion is fine specimen of Indo-French architecture. Ananda Rangapillai was the courtier of Joseph Francois Dupleix, the Governor. The diary which Rangapillai maintained between 1736-60 is a book of great value as a source of Information on the history of Pondicherry and the French in India.

Eglise De Sacre Coeur De Jesus

Dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, this church is noted for its gothic architecture and stained glass panels which depict the entire life of Jesus Christ.

Anglo-French Textile Mills

Established over a century ago, a visit to the Anglo-French Textile Mills is an education in itself. The mill gives a ten percent rebate on purchase made by tourists who go on guided tours. The acclaimed fabrics and products of this mill make ideal mementoes and gifts.