PONDICHERRY

Pondicherry (puducherry), a few hours drive south from Madras, is beguiling because of its French Personality. Of great interest is the new city of Auroville, established to experiment with a new order of living. Named after the scholar-philosopher Sri Aurobindo, it is divided into four zones - residential, cultural, industrial and international. The four zones coverge on the Matri Mandir. The biggest structure in auroville will be Bharat Niwas which houses a permanent cultural exhibition from each Indian State. In addition, several countries are setting up pavilions. The aurobindc Ashram is a big attraction.