Pondicherry

Pondicherry is hot and humid all year round with temperatures ranging between 26°C and 38°C. March, April, May and June are the hottest months with temperatures touching 40° C. Rains arrive soon after; July, August and September are pleasant. The arrival of the northeast monsoon coincides with the winter months of November, December, January and February - this the best season to visit Pondicherry with day temperatures around 30° C and pleasant cool evenings.

A former French colony with numerous french style buildings.

Pondicherry, a Union territory, is also known as “Puducheri” which means 'the new settlement' in the local language. The dominant aura of French culture and Aurobindo Ashram are the striking features of the city. The French settlement consisting of the town Pondicherry, also called as Pondy and three other places in the different states namely Karaikal in Tamil Nadu, Mahe in Kerala, and Yanam in Andhra Pradesh, comprise the Union Territory of Pondicherry. This beautiful place is located 200 km south of Chennai (Madras).

Pondicherry is a well planned city unlike most other places in India. Here, all the roads meet at right angles according to the grid system and a long Petit Canal divides the city on the seaward side. The French township lies on the sea-facing side while the other is on the Indian side.

The French aura is the most notable feature of this city. The other most remarkable location is the Aurobindo Ashram, for which Pondicherry is famous worldwide.

Situated in a bustling city of a quarter-million people, the Ashram is a vibrant centre of life in a modern urban setting. The dynamic character of the community reflects the life-affirming aim of Sri Aurobindo's Yoga. Work as an offering to the Divine is an essential aspect of the Yoga, and Ashramites do some useful work every day in the various departments.

In the sadhana or spiritual discipline at the Ashram, there are no obligatory practices, no rituals, no compulsory meditations or systematic instructions in Yoga. Each sadhak is left free to determine the course and pace of his sadhana in accordance with his nature. But the general principle of the sadhana is the same for all: there must be a surrender to the Divine and an opening to the Divine Force so that it may work to transform one's being.

By Air - The nearest airport for Pondicherry is Chennai (135 kms away). Chennai is well connected to all major cities of India and is also an International airport.

By Rail - Pondicherry is connected by rail to Villupuram (36 kms), which connects to Chennai and Madurai/Trivandrum.

By Road - Pondicherry has a good network of roads, which connects it with most of South India. Pondicherry fits in very well to itineraries covering Chennai, Madurai and Trichy in Southern India.