This small southern state is one of the last pockets of French culture in India. . The town was settled in the ealy part of th 18th Century by the French.

The city`s main attraction is the Aurobindo Ashram established in 1926 by the saint philosopher Sri Aurobindo. The Ashram is serene and has a flower festooned tomb of Sri Aurobindo and his successor the Mother. 10 kms out of town lies Auroville, a concept in international living designed by the Mother and the French architect Roger Anger. The focal point of Auroville is the Matrimandir, a meditation chamber.