PUDUCHERRY
Away from the hustle and bustle of big cities, Puducherry is a quiet little town on the southern coast of India. The unmistakable French connection, the tree lined boulevards, the quaint colonial heritage buildings, the spiritual sceneries, the endless stretches of unspoilt virgin beaches and backwaters and a surprising choice of restaurants serving a melange of cuisines provide a heady mix of experience that draws travellers from near and far to the city, making it one of India's most charming and intriguing destinations with a unique atmosphere, not felt anywhere else in India. Pondy, as it is affectionately known, is also fast becoming a favourite shopping destination and with taxes almost non-existent it offers excellent value. It is best known for its traditional doll-making, textiles and silk-weaving as well as for leather, pottery, incense and handmade paper.