The old colonial part of the town flanks the seashore boulevard. The Government Park forms the centre. It provides a cool and lush green anchor, around which most of the government buildings are situated. Colonial buildings, tracing back to the 18th century, lie along a grid of straight clean streets. These house French institutions, private homes and businesses, and the sprawling premises of the famous 'Sri Aurobindo Ashram'. This bustling, yet tranquil town has quiet beaches and peaceful resorts to the north and south.

Monuments abound in Pondy and each one has a story to tell. The Aayi Mandapam at the centre of the Park is the most well-known monument. There is also the French Consulate in Pondicherry and several cultural organisations, and even the Foyer du Soldat for war veterans of the French Army. Of the cultural organisations, the French Institute, the Alliance Francais and the Ecole Francais d'Extrème Orient are noteworthy.

Pondy is a perfect base to explore the rich destinations around it - Auroville, the international City of Unity; the imposing Gingee Fort, the holy temple towns of Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamalai and Chidambaram, the heritage sculptures and magnificent rock temples of Mamallapuram, and the cool and lush hill stations of Yercaud and Kodaikanal.

Pondy is a favourite shopping destination of the southern metropolitan cities. It is known for its traditional doll-making, textiles and silks and also world class brands in leather, pottery, aromatics, fashion and handmade paper. A new trend is the proliferation of exquisite boutiques offering lifestyle products and export quality antique furniture galleries.

Le Dupleix offers 14 Rooms and is a fusion between the rich, colonial heritage and a contemporary flavour. The hotel beautifully complements Pondicherry. They both epitomize a harmonious merge of the traditional Tamil culture, the old French colonial heritage and a strong spiritual base.

It is an 18th century French colonial villa, originally built for the "Maire" Mayor of Pondicherry. Now restored and modernized the hotel is an architectural masterpiece showcasing the life of the 18th century French Governor Marquis Joseph-Francois Dupleix. The 14 suites are all unique in style and furnishings and each provides a unique experience.

Suites are equipped with contemporary features such as air conditioning, an executive writing desk, an internet connection, international direct dialing, a bathtub, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker and a colour TV with international channels.

Restaurant facilities
Courtyard Restaurant: Interestingly placed in the courtyard, the restaurant is an exciting place to dine. Guests can choose from an exciting menu which comprises of a careful selection of Indian, Continental and French dishes. With a dedicated service, guests can easily expect a satisfying treatment here.

The Governor's Lounge Bar: The first Bar in town, the Governor's Lounge is an exciting place to spend some time catching up with people as you enjoy some of the best wines and cocktails served. With an energetic ambience and charged-up style, the place is ever refreshing. Martini and Mojito are a must try here.

The other facilities and services include.

• 24 hour room service
• In-house laundry
• Safe deposit lockers
• A travel desk and a cable TV connection.
• Airport transfers are on request.

By Air
Chennai has an international airport, which directly connects to the highway to Pondicherry.

By Rail
Pondicherry railway station is linked to the nearest junction Villupuram by a metre gauge railway line. Villupuram is 36 kms from Pondicherry and is well connected with Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram. You can also take a train from Bangalore to reach Cuddalore which is just 22 kms from Pondicherry.

By Road
Pondicherry is best accessible by road from Chennai, Bangalore and Kerala. Transit hotels are available in the vicinity for travelers who arrive at night.