Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry) the former French colony settled in the early 18th century, is a charming coastal town with a few enduring pockets of French culture. The inherent ambience of Pondy, as it is fondly called, becomes most evident in the oldest part of the town which flanks the seashore boulevard. Colonial buildings, some which trace back to the 18th century, are lined along a grid of straight clean streets and house the French institutions, private homes and businesses, and the sprawling premises of the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The visitor is greeted by mellow colors of cream, yellow, pink and grey with flamboyant bougainvillea bursting over gates and compound walls of cool courtyards.
