This was the capital of the French territories in India from 1816 to 1954. Pondicherry is 160km south of Chennai; on the Bay of Bengal. Pondicherry, along with the other French districts of Karaikal (Tamil Nadu), Yanam (Andhra Pradesh) and Mahe (Kerala) make up the Union Territory of Pondicherry. The city has a definite French feel to it. 

There are French street names, French restaurants, the police wear red kepis (hats), and some people speak French. A key aspect of Pondicherry, the world famous Aurobindho Ashram attracts thousands of visitors from around the world. Founded in 1920 by Sri Aurobindo, the main building of the Ashram is on Rue de la Marine. 
After Aurobindo passed away, one of his disciples, Mirra Alfassa, a French woman called "The Mother", became in charge of the Ashram. The Mother invited people from around the globe to bring a handful of sand from their respective countries, mix it all together and live in one community...Auroville