A quaint enclave in Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry upholds the French tradition to this day. The town which rose phoenix -like after British literally razed it to the ground in the 18^th century, is home to the much acclaimed Audorobindo Ashram and is noted for its lovely French architecture and cuisine. The Town of dawn, Auroville is close by. Well connected by rail and road to other French capital leaves an indelible image on one's mind.