Bangalore to Pondicherry distance is about 311 kms and it takes approximately 5 - 6 hrs depending on your driving speed to reach the destination. The last few kms of NH66 toward Pondicherry will slow you down as the road is filled with sparse potholes. We took the trip to Puducherry sometime in August 2010 in celebration of Debu's b'day.As usual, due to time crunch for both of our official liabilities, we got time to make the trip only during the weekend and so it was, undeniably, a whirlwind trip wrapped up hastily within two days.
Pondicherry also known as Puducherry was a French colony until 1962 and hence all over Pondicherry, French influence is preponderant in all facets of life. There is an array of fascinating structures which, built during the French colonization, serve now as popular tourist haunts. The French town with its cobbled street, lovely houses and French relics provide a quaint charm to the city. Besides, Auroville and Aravindra Ashram commemorative to Sri Aurobindo bring forth a spiritual atmosphere drawing followers and admirers from all over the world. Pondicherry has some great beaches in India where if our tour could be lingered for few days more, I wished to sit by the beach side savouring the salty air permeating the ambiance. I swear next time I will book a hotel facing the sea beach so that I can enjoy my stay fully.
Owing to time constraint, we could cover only one or two beaches in Pondicherry, one of them is Auro Beach running along the Bay of Bengal nearby Auroville. This beach is ideal for those wishing to take a dip into the sea. As water near the beach is shallow, even those without the knowledge of swimming can take bath here at ease. This is a very peaceful beach appropriate for enjoying the serenity of nature with small waves rushing forward to kiss your feet. The shore lined with palm and coconut trees enriches the beauty further.
Auroville is a beautiful town envisioned by Mother, a distinguished disciple of Sri Aurobindo. An universal town, Auroville is meant to serve the purpose of celebrating human unity looking beyond creed, class, religion and caste. Men and women of different nationalities live here in peaceful integration and harmony. Founded by Mirra Alfassa popularly known as "The Mother", Auroville is an amazing place to evoke spiritual consciousness. The cynosure of all eyes is the Matrimandir which, situated in the middle of the town, is conceived as a symbol of inspiration for men to acquire perfection. Silence pervades the atmosphere inside the Matrimandir in order for peace and tranquility to reign supreme there. A state of the art architecture, Matrimandir with its central dome covered by golden discs looks radiant when light reflects on it. Also, there is a handicraft boutique inside Auroville where varities of hand-made products including scented candles, perfumes, soaps and dresses were for sale.
By the time we finished exploring Auroville, it was lunch time and we were famished. There is a small food joint inside Auroville where we had our meal. I forgot what all we ate but the food was of moderate taste. 
Next we went to Sacred Heart Church which is a colossal edifice structured in neo-gothic style. Founded in 1902, the church has its interior decorated with beautiful stained glass paintings and terracota motifs. All of the 28 windows have various depictions of Christ's life painted on them. The ambiance inside is very peaceful, perfect for making prayers and communication with God.
Aurobinda Ashram is another popular attraction for tourists. The bodies of Sri Aurobinda and the mother lie in rest here. People from all over the world visit this place to pay homage to the duo and those in quest for soul-searching peace practise yoga to experience spiritual awakening. The Ashram has over 1,500 spiritual seekers. There is a small museum inside the Ashram displaying photos and paraphernalia of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo. There are different sections within the Ashram selling beautiful paper-made handicrafts, hand-printed sarees and dress materials. Photography inside is prohibited and it was so well-monitored that we failed to manage a sneak pic :(
The Beach Road of Pondicherry is a favoured hangout among tourists and locals alike.Beautiful boulevard lined with trees, flower beds and benches reminded me of Chandannagar Strand. Curiously, Chandannagar too exudes the familiar quaint charm of French settlement. Broad pavement splendidly interspersed with lights and trees, Chandannagar Strand, built along the banks of river Ganga is a favourite spot among locals for an evening stroll. Similarly, the Beach road of Pondicherry running down the Bay of Bengal is an interesting spot for an evening get-together when while enjoying the cool breeze, you may indulge in gossips with your friends or just lose yourself in your solitary thoughts looking beyond the vast sea.
Sadly, although I wanted to hang around the Beach road for sometime more, we had to take leave from Pondicherry as we were to return Bangalore that very night and so, without making further delay, we set off for home. 
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