When Sri Aurobindo came to Pondicherry in 1910, he lived at first with a few associates from the political field. Afterwards a few more joined him and there slowly developed spiritual relations between these young men and Sri Aurobindo. When the Mother returned to Pondicherry on 24 April 1920, the number of disciples began to increase rapidly, and as the Ashram thus began to take shape, it fell to the Mother to organize it. When in 1926, Sri Aurobindo retired into seclusion to pursue his yogic sadhana, the whole material and spiritual charge of the Ashram was assumed by the Mother. In the sadhana or spiritual discipline at the Ashram, there are no obligatory practices, no rituals, no compulsory meditations or systematic instructions in Yoga. Each sadhak is left free to determine the course and pace of his sadhana in accordance with his nature. But the general principle of the sadhana is the same for all: there must be a surrender to the Divine and an opening to the Divine Force so that it may work to transform one's being.
Auroville is a universal community in India, situated near the Pondicherry city. The city has been built to house a population of up to 50,000 people from around the world. The main motto of all the people living in the Auroville city, near Pondicherry, is to convert life into 'Supramental Consciousness'. It is also known by the name of Sri Aurobindo Ashram and is devoted towards 'unity of mankind'. The concept of an ideal city, devoted to unity of mankind, came to the Mother in the 1930s. However, it was only in the mid 1960s that Sri Aurobindo Society in Pondicherry proposed the formation of Auroville to Her. After She gave Her consent, the approval of the Government of India was taken. The government took this concept to General Assembly of UNESCO and the project received approval as well as commendation in 1966. Citizens of approximately 35 countries make up the population of Auroville.
The Pondicherry museum housing some of the superb collections of sculpture is located in the Bharathi Park. This museum has an excellent gallery with sculptures and has the remains of archaeological findings from the Arikamedu Roman settlement. One can go through the history and legendary French colonial details in the section of the museum. There is also a very good collection of snail shells brought from the Pondicherry region. Some specimens of Chola and Pallava art from Pondicherry and Karaikal are dispalyed in the sculpture gallery.
The Chunnambar Boat House is located just 8 km from the Pondicherry city, along the Cuddalore Main Road. This particular boat house is a great place of tourist attraction. Whenever you visit Pondicherry, chunnambar is an excellent place for relaxation.The water is clear and it is also an ideal place for sun bathing and beach sports.
The traveler looking for secluded beach and calm relaxing moments, Pondicherry beaches offer you all. The soothing and cool waters, soft breeze, clear and sparkling sands and superb seclusion, the nice environment attract you to this beach paradise. The beaches have cool and calm atmosphere and are perfect location for sunbathing or a quick dip in the roaring sea.