Pondicherry and The Aurobindo Ashram
A Former French Colonial Town and a Famous South Indian Ashram
Feb 23, 2009 Satu Susanna Rommi
The South Indian town of Pondicherry was a French colony until 1954, and is now part of the Union Territory of Pondicherry. There are still reminders of French influence here, but those who come expecting a thoroughly French town will be disappointed: even with its French history it is still an Indian city. There are, however, fascinating colonial buildings and parks, as well as good restaurants. Some cafes sell decent coffee and croissants, and it is a nice town to stay for a few days when travelling in South India. One of the most interesting sights in Pondicherry is the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry
The Sri Aurobindo Ashram, on Rue de la Marine, is popular with Western visitors. Sri Aurobindo established the ashram in 1926 together with a Frenchwoman called Mirra Alfassa, who became known as “The Mother”. They also started the Auroville community nearby. Crowds of devotees visit the tombs – always covered with fresh flowers - of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother in the Aurobindo ashram, which is an interesting place to see even for non-devotees and those wanting to visit an ashram in India.
Places to See in Pondicherry
Near the ashram there are many French institutions and colonial buildings, and it is a nice area to walk around. From the ashram it is also a short walk to the town beach, although is definitely not a beach for swimming (for that it is best to head out of town). A walk along and around the Goubert Salai (Beach Road) passes many of Pondicherry’s sights: a statue of Gandhi on the Place de la Republique, the Lighthouse, the French War Memorial and the statue of Joan of Arc. The Pondicherry Museum and the Government Gardens are also nearby. The French also established the Botanical Gardens of Pondicherry in 1826, and hundreds of plants have been brought in from abroad.
Eating and Shopping in Pondicherry
Pondicherry has many good restaurants that offer European food for those who miss it, as well as cafes and bakeries for an Indian version of cappuccino and chocolate cake. For those who like shopping, there are many small shops here that sell handicrafts, pottery, hand made paper and candles. La Boutique d’Auroville has a range of souvenirs, crafts, clothes, incense sticks and other things made in the Auroville community; everything here is pricey for India but high quality. Auroville itself is close enough for a day trip, although it is worth bearing in mind that it is a community and not just a tourist attraction.
How to Get to Pondicherry
There are several daily buses between Chennai and Pondicherry (about three hours) and there are bus connections between Pondicherry and Mamallapuram, Kanchipuram and even Bangalore.
Guard at Government Palace, Pondicherry
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