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Introduction 
Pondicherry literally means 'the
new settlement'. It was a French settlement comprising of Karaikal,
Mahe, and Yanam besides Pondicherry. Pondicherry is today a union
territory where the French connection on the architecture and
culture of the place is strongly visible-a result of the
centuries-old relation with the French power. Quiet beaches and
peaceful resorts to the north and south balance the towns bustling,
yet easy going life. Pondicherry is a planned city unlike most other
places in India. 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 is on the sea-facing side while the other
is on the Indian side.
History
Legends associate ancient Pondicherry with the great Hindu sage Agastya. In the
16th century, the Portuguese first arrived here and then the following century
the Danes made an appearance. In 1673, the French arrived. Till then,
Pondicherry was a weaving and fishing village. In the latter part of the 18th
and early 19th century, Pondicherry again fell into British hands. By the 20th
century, the city had expanded to include many neighboring villages, although
few changes were made in the inner city. This French colony became a part of the
Indian Union in the early 1950's, with the French voluntarily relinquishing
control.
Festival
The festivals which are celebrated in
Pondicherry are:- International Yoga Festival :-
It
is held at Aurobindo Ashram in the month of January every year and
is organized by the Department of Tourism and which attracts Yoga
enthusiasts, both novices and experts, from all over the world.
Villianur Temple Car Festival :-
Around the middle of May
the decorated car of the Thirukameswarar Kokilambal Temple is taken
out in a procession, pulled by hundreds of devotees.
Maasi Nagam :-
Deities of sixty-four temples from in and
around Pondicherry are brought to the beach for a sanctimonious sea
bath. Thousands come to witness and participate in this
festival.
Best Season
The climate of Pondicherry is
warm-humid. Therefore the best time to visit Pondicherry is from October
to March.
Travel Links of Pondicherry 
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