PONDICHERRY
PONDICHERRYA French colony till 1954, Puducherry (earlier Pondicherry) is a small Union territory in India that retains a distinctly French ambience and culture. It has a spiritual ambience, unspoilt stretch of beaches, and backwaters along with a surprising mix of cuisines. Pondicherry is synonymous with the Aurobindo Ashram. Founded by Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa (The Mother) in 1926, it is one of the major highlights of Pondicherry and is visited by thousands of people from all over the world.