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Pondicherry Travel Guide
Pondicherry
town is a surprise in India. This you'll realise as you pass through well-laid,
wide streets carrying French names and kept unpolluted. Clean. A French past
is still present.
Pondicherry cheers the heart of the romantic. With grand boulevards and quiet
promenades. You'll be greeted with large bouquets of bougainvillea hanging over
the ivory-coloured walls of colonial mansions. Pondicherry with its ashram charm,
is sought out by the peace-seeker. And with its safe and secluded beaches, by
the tan-seeker.
Pondicherry is richly cosmopolitan. A staggering number of 55 languages are
spoken here. By an easy, relaxed set of people. Pondicherry is a favourite hunting
ground for the shop-hopper. Where wonderful bargains are easy pickings. Pondicherry
is a peaceful, easy feeling. That makes you want to put your feet up. And let
your hair down.
The French Heritage
Pondicherry has a rich French cultural heritage, having been the capital of
the French colonies in India since the 17th century. Pondicherry, Karaikal,
Yanam and mahe were transferred to the Indian union in 1954. This French legacy
is visible in the well-Planned town, neatly laid roads, wide and vibrant beaches,
beautiful promenades,
architecturally imposing churches and public buildings and the statues of joan
of ark and joseph Francois colonies in India from 1742-54.
The town also has an alliance Francaise and the French institute. Among the
notable French personalities who left their indelible mark on Pondicherry, four
names stand out.
The Land of Yoga and Spirituality
If you are tired of the rat race that today's world has become and are in search
of inner peace, harmony and spirituality, then Pondicherry is the place to come
to. It has been seat of learning and Vedic culture since ancient times and was
also the home of the great Hindu sage Agastya. Pondicherry mystic spirit found
a great resurrection in the twentieth century with the establishment of Aurobindo
Ashram.
Places To See
Auroville
Located 10 kms north of Pondicherry town, Auroville is envisioned as a universal
town, where people from different nationalities, faiths and beliefs, can live
in peace and harmony.
The
French Heritage
Shri Aurobindo Ashram Shri Aurobindo, the great seer, poet and prophet of the
twentieth century, made Pondicherry his home from 1910 till his death in 1950.
His vision and ideals continue to draw People from all over the world. ·
Pondicherry Museum
On display are the findings of Arikamedu , the chola bronzes and sculptures,
glimpses Of French heritage, specimens of modern and traditional handicraft,
paintings, armoires, carvings and many other things of historical interest.
Chunnambar Resort
Water Sports Centre Known for its virgin beaches and backwaters, chunnaamber
has water sports Centre which offers exciting boating experiences. It is also
great tourist place.
Botanical Garden
Established by C.S perrotet in 1826, it preserves a large Varity of exotic species
of plants from all over India and abroad.
Villaiayanur
Sri Gokilambal Thirukameswarar tamale, architecturally the finest in pondicherry,
is located 9.5 kms away. During may- June, a ten - day annual festival (Brahmothsavam)
is held here which attracts hundreds of devotees. The temple car rising to a
height of 15.25 meters is profusely decorated, pulled out from its usual position
and taken on a procession around the town. It is an awe - inspiring sight. ·
