Pondicherry - The Paris Of South India

According to mythologies and legends, Pondicherry was once the dwelling place for the great Hindu sage Agastya. It was a major Vedic centre and was called as Vedapuri. Excavations at Arikamedu have revealed that there was a possibility that this could have been a port town and there might be a Roman rule and settlement here before 2000 years.

Pondicherry  is a Union Territory of India formed out of four enclaves of former French India and named for the largest, Pondicherry.

 

 

The name, which means "New Town" in Tamil,is Putuccēri or Pāṇṭiccēri in Tamil and Pondichéry in French. In September 2006, the territory changed its official name from Pondicherry (Pāṇṭiccēri) to Puducherry (Putuccēri).

It is also known as "The French Riviera of the East" (La Côte d'Azur de l'Est).

Pondicherry Its Uniqueness : This unique union territory, Pondicherry comprises of four scattered coastal enclaves-

1.Pondicherry now called as Puducheri,

2. Karaikal which is in Tamilnadu,

3.Yanam in Andhra Pradesh and

4.Mahe in Kerala which lies on the west coast.

These places have preserved the French heritage and its cultural aspects which are unique in India. Pondicherry is a combination of cultures. The people here speak about 55 languages. The natural beauty mesmerizes and influences the visitors. People who love to go for shopping can select Pondicherry as goods in this town can be bought for cheaper prices and the shoppers can bargain and pay the minimal charges for goods to their satisfaction.

The golden sea shores, the exclusive sunset cruises, the enchanting moonlit dinners and the blissful lagoons have given the lovely resort a reputation of being the most appropriate place for those in quest of a relaxed and leisurely holiday. Bicycle is the best mode of transport for moving around and visiting the beauty of Pondicherry.