For a jaded city dweller, Pondicherry is the ideal getaway. Far away from the mainland and the surging crowds, the rhythm of life here is tranquil. You can glide along the calm beach side to the music of the murmur of waves and the rustle of the palms. You can transport yourself to the world of spiritual bliss at the Aurobindo Ashram, an international institution for the teaching and practice of yoga. Shop for exquisite hand-made paper and pottery or just take in the French flavours of the sleepy little town.

Founded by the French, Pondicherry - about 160 kilometres from Chennai, is generally known as the seat of the famous Aurobindo Ashram. Its spiritual aura transcends the tourism potential of the city. There is a French flavour to almost everything in Pondicherry. French is still spoken mostly by the retired and senior citizens. Policemen wear very French 'kepis'. Streets were well planned by the original French architects. Pondicherry is now a Union Territory which also includes Karaikal in Tamil Nadu, Mahe in Kerala and Yaman in Andhra Pradesh.

Pondicherry was the capital of the French territories in India from 1816 to 1954. It has an ancient heritage and its origin can be traced to 1500 BC. It was a renowned centre of Vedic scholarship. The sage Agastya had his hermitage here. The West came to know of this place when it found mention in the geography described by the Greek historian, Ptolemy in the 2nd century BC. He mentions this place as the Port town of Poduke on the Coromandel Coast. It was then called Puluchery, changed to Puduchery and later to Pondicherry.