Pondicherry

Welcome to Pondicherry

Pondicherry, located in the state of Tamil Nadu, is home to a minority French-speaking community. Its colonial history with the East India Company continues to mark the city. The French Quarter, with its streets bearing French and Tamil names, sidewalks, and sewage system, contributes to high real estate prices, making this neighborhood one of the most expensive in the city. We will also explore the surrounding areas of Pondicherry.

My visit to Pondicherry:

In this former French trading post, the streets are very lively and crowded, and there is a constant chorus of horns. In addition to the French quarter with its colonial mansions, you can discover the French High School, where high-quality French courses are given. During my visit to a French bakery in Pondicherry, I was served by a young Indian saleswoman who spoke perfect French. I naturally asked her if she had lived in France. She proudly replied that she had never been to France, but that she had studied at the French High School in Pondicherry.

You can discover an Ashram, a place where calm reigns, where one meditates. But also many churches and Hindu temples.

On the beach side, you can see the statue of Gandhi. Other parts of the city sometimes have brightly colored houses and very often have names given to them. Others, sometimes made entirely of palm leaves.

In the streets, there are eco-taxi, pedal-powered tricycles, and a little less so motorized three-wheelers.

I will meet schoolchildren in uniform, because school is attended in uniform and each school has its own colors.

You can meet cows there, sometimes impressive ones.

Twice I came across a lemon seller and each time he proudly displayed the fruit he had picked in front of my camera lens.

I will discover the blessing of vehicles and their drivers by a priest from Pondicherry. Above all, don't forget the famous Indian car, the TATA.

The fisherman's wife comes daily to the villa where I'm staying. A long negotiation ensues each time. Once the price is firm and final, she prepares the fish on the sidewalk. An example of a menu enjoyed at a local's home: yogurt with onions, fish, beef, snails, tandoori chicken, rice. I'll enjoy this meal (very spicy, as is traditional in India) placed on a banana leaf, sitting cross-legged, surrounded by my hosts. Two hours later, my throat was still steaming!

I will go, accompanied by the Indian family who is hosting me, to an orphanage to offer meals and gifts to the little orphans. I will leave the place overwhelmed and in admiration of this somewhat elderly man who runs the establishment and who has an immense love for these children.

During my stay, it's the nine-day Festival of Lights. On the road, I pass decorated floats heading towards the city. At night, they light up and circle the city. A priest aboard the floats blesses the inhabitants.

Don't miss the Sunday Market! Every Sunday evening, merchants display their wares for sale on the sidewalks. Shopping starts at 6 p.m.

Visit to an incense factory.

The surroundings of Pondicherry

Marakkanam Salt Pans

The Marakkanam Salt Pans, located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, are a true natural gem. These vast expanses of sea salt stretch as far as the eye can see, offering a breathtaking spectacle. Local workers carefully extract the salt using traditional methods passed down through generations.

Mahäbalipuram

Mahabalipuram, located on the southeast coast of India, is a historic city famous for its rock-carved temples dating back to the 7th century. Visitors can explore the magnificent rock carvings, caves, and monuments, such as the Shore Temple and the Descent of the Ganges.

Auroville

Auroville is an experimental city located in southern India, near Pondicherry. It was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, also known as The Mother, the spiritual companion of Sri Aurobindo. Auroville's goal is to achieve human unity by bringing together people of all nationalities, cultures, and beliefs. The city is organized around a spiritual center called Matrimandir, where residents can meditate and seek enlightenment.

Pattou Pattou Temple

The Pattou Pattou Temple, located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is an architectural gem dating back to the 9th century. It is dedicated to Shiva, one of the main gods of Hinduism, and is famous for its intricate carvings and colorful frescoes.