A quiet little town on the southern coast Puducherry with  the unmistakable French connection, the tree lined boulevards, the quaint colonial heritage buildings, the spiritual scene, the endless stretches of  backwater with unspoilt virgin beaches, draws tourists from all over.

The Union Territory of puducherry comprises of four coastal regions - Puducherry & Karaikal (situated on the East Coasts in Tamil Nadu), Yanam (Andra Pradesh) and Mahe on the West Coast in Kerala. In Sept. 2006 "Pondicherry" was officialy named "Puducherry" ( `New town` in Tamil Language).
It was under French control for about 300 years and was the centre for the trade with France. Sage Agastee lived here.and it was a major center of Vedic culture. 
With  a special character and atmosphere Puducherry  is a blend of spiritual aura, French colonial heritage, Tamil culture and the unique flair of many nationalities.
Sprawling premises of the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Colonial buildings, with impact of 18th century, make the visit really memorable. This small town is known for its traditional doll-making ,  textiles and silks and is also  the birthplace of several world class brands in leather, pottery, aromatics, fashion and handmade paper.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram: established in the 12th century Sri Aurobindo Ashram has limited number of rooms  available for visitors coming for a short visit, in Ashram guest houses (which are often fully booked). If not staying in the Ashram though it is possible to enter the main Ashram building freely during visiting hours, some sections of the Ashram require to posses a pass from Bureau Central office.  For more Information:  Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Cottage Complex,
3, Rangapillai Street, Pondicherry 605001
Working Hours: 6am to 8pm (all days)
Phone: +91-413-2233604  email: bureaucentral@sriaurobindoashram.org

Paradise Beach: 8 Km. on Cuddalore Road, for watching Dolphins.
Arkimedu4 Km). This place was the point for Roman Traders to  export Clothhing, Gems, ornaments and Import Wine.

Anand Ranga Pillai Mahal: This is named after the GIndian Governor in French Regime, is master piece of Indo_French Architecture.
Villanur: 10 kms form Puducheri, it is famous for Shri Gokolamabal Thirukameshwar Temple and the Brhmotsawa held here every year in May-June is attended by thousands of devotees who draw the Ratha (Chariot) of the Temple by hand in procession. French Governor  also used to  take part in the same.
Nearby Places:
Shinj Fort: To the North-west of Puducherry, in the Villupuram district, Shinji Fort standing 800 feet high within the Rajgiri, Krishnagiri and Chandrayan Durg.
Chidambaram: Famous for Shiv Mandir where Lord Shiva is worshiped in "Shibhanayak Nataraj" form as well as "Aksh Lingam" form. Choul King Parantak had Guilded the Temple with Gold which used to Gliter in the sunshine.
For Information:
The puducherry Tourism and Transport Development Corporation - (PTTDC)
40 Beach Road, Puducherry 605001
Tel.: +91-413-339497, 330532, 334575 / Fax: +91-413-358389
Email: tic@tourisminpuducherry.com

Nearest airport: Chennai, 149 kms.

Nearest Railway Jn. : Villupuram - well connected to places like Chennai, Madurai and Trichy.

By road:Chennai (East Coast Road) 149 kms. Frequent buses from  Koyembedu  bus stand - (East Coast Road via Mahabalipuram, instead of the National Highway is preferable due to the scenic beauty),
Mahabalipuram 96, Villupuram (NH 45 A) 40
Bangalore (Via NH 66-Krishnagiri, Tiruvannamalai, Tindivanam) 310.
 
Also frequent buses tplying from Chidambaram, Thanjavur Trichy and Coimbatore, and other major cities in Tamil Nadu and Bangalore.