Why is Pondicherry so famous?

Answer 1

Situated on the Coromandel coast, about 160 kms south of Chennai, lies the Union Territory of Pondicherry. The French ruled this territory for 300 years, and today, it stands as a living monument of the French culture in India.

Pondicherry has a lovely beach, 1.5 Kms. long, where one can relax, sunbathe, swim or take a stroll along the promenade. The beach has historical connections too. The sands have witnessed some of the fierce Anglo-French battles.

This restored, attractive, former French colony, exudes a Mediterranean aura with its chic streets, elegant houses, ornamental gardens and the Hotel de Ville. Apart from the charming atmosphere, excellent restaurants and cheap beer, what attracts most travellers to Pondicherry is the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and its offshoot, Auroville.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram is situated at the eastern part of Pondicherry.It is the samadhi of Shri Aurobindo and Mother. It is not only a quiet place of retreat but a vibrant centre of life. It comprises of almost 1500 members who live here and practice Sadhna for the evolution of another kind and form of life which will move towards a higher spiritual consciousness.
Auroville is an international city which was built and started in 1968 by Mother with an idea to experiment in international living. The residents live in around 15 different communes and speak 55 different languages. The purpose of auroville is to realise the human unity. It is an exciting project for understanding the environmental needs for spiritual growth. On completion, it is expected to accomodate 50,000 residents. Matrimandir, the meditation hall is still under construction and is in the center of 800 hectares of land of Auroville. It is a worth seeing architectural structure.

There are lot of monuments in Pondicherry which have a history behind them. The various monuments are: Park Monument, Arikamedu, statue of Mahatma Gandhi & Dupleix, French War Memorial, 19th century Light House, Pondicherry Museum, Bharathi & Bharathidasan Memorial Museums, Ananda Ranga Pillai Mansion etc.

Answer 2

french settlers were there much more than the british... and it gained popularity as a kind of refuge place for anti-british protest by tamilians during pre-independence era. the french supported anything as long as it was against the british :)

then coastal area, nice architectures, beaches, french people :)

from a commercial point of view, its cheaper goods, cheap liquor, cheaper sales tax rates etc etc.... so ppl frm southern states especially tamilnadu (its only 140 kms frm chennai) visit there often as a weekend destination.... and as far as international travellers go, trust the french to make it famous. :)

Answer 3

Well planned erstwhile French Colony, sea shore, ashram, cheap commodities. What else.... Its a good place to spend your weekend

Answer 4

french settlers,yoga, and beach.
educated place.