Pondicherry, with its quaint French names, boulevards and grand villas was a French colony till not so long. There is a distinct French influence that is visible between the beach and the canal, which separates the Indian part of the town from the French side. Did you know? Even the policemen in Pondicherry wear red kepis and belts, reminiscent of the days when Pondicherry was a French colony.

The Aurobindo Ashram here attracts people from far corners of the globe. A haven of peace, the Ashram is not just for prayers and meditation. They even have a factory famous for its distinct handmade paper. Dreamed of Utopia? Then walk into Auroville, an offshoot of the Ashram is a place where people of different nationalities could live in peace and harmony and rise above the narrow confines of nationality, creed or race. Pondicherry is dotted with restaurants and cafes serving French cuisine and lovely seafood.