India Travel Guide

Related Travel Information

Arrival from Pondicherry: Ashram

Auroville is about 12km (7 miles) north of Pondicherry, and has an area of around 20 sq km (8 sq miles), so it is difficult to get around Auroville on foot. Take a bus to Madras, and get off about 10km (6 miles) from Pondicherry at the turnoffto Auroville, and walk from there. This route is cheap, but difficult. You could also hire a bicycle, or go by fixed price scooter or rickshaw. Ask at La Boutique d'Auroville in Pondicherry. Whole day sightseeing tours run by the Tourist Office to Auroville cost 2ORs and visit Auroville at midday

Pondicherry: Tamil Nadu

Ashram And Beach (In That Order) Draw Tourists To Pondicherry, Which Is Called Pondy For Short By The Locals. It Belonged To The French Until 1954, But Today, The Town With A Population -Of 100,000, Is A Territory Directly Governed By The Central Government In Delhi. Traces Of Its Former Masters Can Be Seen Though, With Many People Still Speaking French, And Pondicherry Still Looks European With A Slightly Mediter¬ranean Charm.

Accommodation In Serenity (Also Called Serenite): Ashram

In This 5km From Pondicherry Nest, Which Is In Tamil Nadu Again, There Are A Few Nice Places, Including Cottages And Bungalows Right On The Beach Run By A Frenchman. A Cottage Costs For Single Occupancy And For Two; A 2-Bed Bungalow With Bath Costs . Restaurant Nearby. Don't Be Frightened Of The Dogs, They Bark At Every Newcomer. You Can Also Stay With Fishermen, And In A Few Improvised Hotels Nearby.

Excursion: Ashram

The mangrove forest around Pitcharam near Chidambaram (approximately 50km [31 miles] south of Pondicherry) is a must for everyone who is interested in Indian flora and birds. Not popular with tourists. You can take a rowboat trip with one of the rangers (not expensive). Take the bus from Chidambaram to Picknick Park Pitcharam '* and don't go to the village. (RB)

Trivandrum : By Bus

There Are Frequent Buses To Ernakulam, Alleppey, Quilon And Kottayam. Services To Thekkady (Periyar National Park): 3.30am, 8.45am And 11.40pm. To Kannyakumari: Between About 4.30am And 9.45pm Regular Service. Madurai: Practically Round The Clock, Approximately 3ors. Madras: Around Half A Dozen Services, Approximately Loors; Pondicherry: 3.30pm,