Civilized Dining
by tayloretc about Rendezvous
The main dining hall is long and high-vaulted, and with the furniture really looks continental. There’s dining on the roof, too, but we were there for lunch and it was hot…
I'd heard raves about this place. It's supposed to be popular with the longer-term foreigners, and it had been recommended by a few people independently. I thought it was okay, not sure whether I just had extremely high expectations, or perhaps got there on an off day. The Coq au Vin was quite good, but the wine recommended wasn't great, and wasn't a good match. The chocolate mousse had the texture of marshmallow, although the flavor was good.
Auroville
by zuyao
Just outside of Pondicherry is a township known as Auroville. This is some kind of spiritual township with the aim of 'realizing human unity in diversity'. There is some kind of information center with exhibits on the activities of the Auroville foundation. It is open daily from 9am to 5.30pm. There is also a video viewing facility, a cafetaria and shops here. The central part of this township is the Matrimandir (Soul of the City) which looks a giant golf ball set in a big pavillion. Shows are held here at night when the residents of this township gather. Around the Matrimandir are some gardens for strolling. Visitors are free to roam around but motor vehicles are not allowed into the township. The multi-ethnic community moves around in bicyles. This is a nice place to spend a quiet and peaceful evening.
Library at the Ashram
by abi_maha
Set up to be an intellectual sanctuary this quiet setting houses over 80,000 books which include periodicals, journals and other intersting books. Set in a large, French colonial building with its big halls, its quiet corners, and its own little garden in front it makes for an ideal way to spend a day at the ashram. Also you can witness Indian Classical recitals and western classical recitals here from time to time. It also hosts a good collection of music records and tapes.
Timings:7.30 am - 11.30 am, 2.00 pm - 4.45 pm
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
by Donna_in_India
The Ashram was established in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo, a revolutionary, poet, philosopher, and Yogi, and his chief disciple and lifelong French companion, Mirra Alfassa ("The Mother").
The Ashram is a spiritual center for the practice of Integral Yoga and is the major draw in Pondicherry. It is one of the most popular Ashrams in India for Westerners. It is also considered one of the most affluent.
Various ashram buildings, workshops, shops, and guesthouses are all around town. You can recognize the buildings by the pale grey color highlighted with white.
Be sure to see the stone samadhi (tomb) of Surobindo and The Mother located in the central courtyard of the main building.
Across from the main ashram building on Rue de la Marine is the educational center. The center is stocked with books in almost every language. Upcoming events held at the center including films, plays, and lectures, are posted on the ashram's notice board.
Entrance to the ashram is free, although donations may be collected. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Children under 3 are not admitted.
Check the website for information on inexpensive ashram accommodation and dining options.
Botanical Garden
by Willettsworld
This garden lies in the far south-west of the old Tamil Town area and was laid out and designed in 1826 by G.S. Perrorret whose memorial lies in the garden. The gardens are a little scruffy now but still show formal French styles with clipped trees, flower beds, gravel walks and fountains. There are said to be over 1,500 species of plants in the garden and there's even a Japanese Garden and a "Joy" train.
Open: 6am-6pm.
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Government Park/French Quarter
Building/Street in French Quarter
All Streets Are Rue Du Something!
Bay of Bengal
