Pondicherry University Library named after Ananda Rangapillai, who was the Dubash of French Governor Dupleix was established in 1986. It has gradually grown into a Knowledge Resource Centre ranking among the top few University Libraries in the country. The collection of books, back volumes of journals and theses total upto 1,45,000. Besides over 300 print journals it has a large subscription to e-resources of e-journals, e-books and e-databases. The Library is one of the 16 U.N. Depository Libraries in India. Library is fully automated and provides digital library services to facilitate learning and research.

Climate in Pondicherry

Weather in February would be between 25 to 30C . Nights would be cool and will not require any warm clothing. The convention venue is close to the beach and will have the usual humidity as in any city on the sea coast

How to reach Pondicherry

Pondicherry can be reached by air or rail upto Chennai and then by a drive of about 150 kms by road . A few trains ply from Delhi, Mumbai, Howrah, Bhuvaneshwar, via Tindivanam and Villupuram which are about 40 km from Pondicherry. It is well connected by road from neighbouring states such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala , Karnataka and Andhra. Road travel from Chennai on the East Coast road (ECR) is very scenic and is usually recommended.

Places of Interest

Pondicherry's Churches play an instrumental role in helping Pondicherry retain its essential European flavor. The 17 th and the 18 th century, in Indian history, are characterized by French missionary zeal which saw the mushrooming of a number of churches.

The Eglise de Sacre Couer de Jesus, located in the south boulevard is one of the most popular churches in Pondicherry. Pondicherry's Churches serves as a distinctive landmark and stands out as an oriental specimen of Gothic architectural splendor. It is made famous by the rare and exquisite designed stained glass panels. The panels portray the major events in the life of Lord Jesus in Pondicherry’s Churches. The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception or Notre Dame de la Conception can be traced back to three centuries. The Church to Our Lady of Angels is notable for an oil painting that was presented by Napoleon III. Just outside Pondicherry lies a replica of the Basilica at Lourdes.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram was established in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo Ghose, one of India’s greatest philosopher poets. The Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and Holy Mother is visited by people from all over the world.

Matri Mandir at Auroville- located about 10 km from Pondicherry on the Tamilnadu border, Auroville boasts of an architectural marvel.

Chunnambar – it is a beach and backwater resort. Located about seven kilometers from Pondicherry Climates on the way to Cuddalore, this place is an exciting picnic spot where fun, sports, calm and beauty all can be enjoyed at the same time. It has boating facilities also at the Boat House. It also features three tree top houses.

Near by places

Mahabalipuram – 100 km away .This beautiful village is an ideal retreat to relax and rejuvenate. This place is very popular for shore temples. At this place, you can visit temple relics as well as the Crocodile Bank

Gingee – located about 68 km south east of Madras, it is a very interesting hub of famous forts that were built around 1200 AD.

Tiruvannamalai - 110 km away is home to the largest Shiva temple in south India representing one of the five elements – Agni or Fire and the Ramana Maharishi's ashram. It is situated beside the mountain Arunachala . It is a very popular pilgrimage destination for millions. Here you can also see the famous fossil tree-Tiruvakkadai.

Chidambaram – 70 km away is a temple town known for the ancient , beautiful Shiva temple representing one of the five elements – Space. Pitchavaram – is located15 km east of Chidambaram. Pichavaram on the mouth of the three rivers is a cluster of over 50 tiny islands amidst hundred of canals in the mangrove forest. Row boats are available on hire. Advised to take a guide along as it easy to get lost in the maze of tunnel like canals.

Kumbhakonam - 150 km away is a famous place for ancient temples and Maha Makham Tank. Besides, it also houses a temple consecrated to Lord Brahma which is very unique and rare in India.

Thanjavur- 200 kms away located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, this place is famous for Brahadeeswara Temple, Vijayanagara fort, a Bell Tower and the Saraswathi Mahal Library.

Karaikal – 150 km away is famous for the Lord Saneeswara temple ( Saturn ).

Nagore – 170 km away is world famous for the tomb of the Muslim saint Hazrat Miya.

Nagapattinam- 6km from Nagore is a former Chola port.

Velankanni 25km from Nagapatinam (184km from pondi) is a popular Roman Catholic pigrinmage centre