Pondicherry is a union territory within the state of Tamil Nadu. Colonial buildings which trace back to the 18th century, line along a grid of straight clean streets and house the French institutions, private homes and businesses. The beach-comber and the sun-worshipper have miles of nirvana in Pondicherry. The waters are  cool and soothing. The sands clear and sparkling. In splendid seclusion. Quite often, your only company is a lone seagull, or a sandpiper. Many resorts, cottages, cafes and bars command an excellent view of the sea. You will also find the Ashram of the famous Sri Aurobindo. Pondy (as the locals call it) is a perfect base to explore the various destinations around it, like Auroville, International City of Unity, the Gingee Fort, the holy temple towns  of Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamalai and Chidambaram, the heritage sculptures and rock temples of Mamallapuram (Mahabilapuram) and the cool hill station of Kodaikanal. Routing : Chennai - Pondicherry - Chennai