Pondicherry, as it was once known, now goes by the Tamil name of Puducherry. It is a Union Territory of India that is made up of four districts: Puducherry and Karaikal are situated on the East Coast of Tamil Nadu, while Yanam is in Andhra Pradesh and Mahe is situated on the West Coast in Kerala. The city of Puducherry is the capital of the Union Territory. The area, when it was known as Pondicherry, was colonized by the French. Today, French is still spoken in some of the older areas that are reminiscent of the colonial era. If you have just left the chaos of one of the busier cities, you are probably in search of the best resort in Pondicherry! The older side of the city is known to offer a tranquil escape, complete with: cobbled streets which are notably clean, old townhouses that are bedecked with vibrant bougainvillea bowers. Check into the Hotel Atithi to enjoy sweeping ocean views from its rooftop pool and it is just a ten minute walk from the beach.
Located just south of the quaint Pondicherry, is the Arikamedu archaeological site. The name Arikamedumeans ‘Eroding Mount’ and was given to the site by archaeologists who worked there in the mid twentieth century. It is the most well-known archaeological site in South India. The first excavations got underway in the 1940s. Evidence has been found to suggest that the ancient city once produced textiles and also beads made from glass and precious stones. The city had an advanced transport network connecting it to other cities in the country by road and the Ariyankuppam River. Trade goods would be brought to Arikamedu and its harbour would be visited by trade ships from other cities in South East Asia. Excavations have even uncovered trade relations with Rome dating back to 100BC, a settlement of Romans in Arikamedu soon followed.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.Google+
