¤ About Pondicherry
Pondicherry
(or Puducheri) means 'the new settlement'. It was a French settlement
comprising of Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam besides Pondicherry. A unique thing
about Pondicherry is that it spreads into several states. While Karaikal is
in Tamil Nadu, Mahe is in Kerala, and Yanam is a part of Andhra Pradesh.
Situated around 200 kilometres south of Chennai, Pondicherry is today a
union territory where the French connection on the architecture and culture
of the place is strongly visible-a result of the centuries-old relation with
the French power. However, the fame of Pondicherry lies not in its French
connection but its relation with the saint-philosopher Aurobindo Ghosh who
founded his ashram here.
Sri Aurobindo was a political
revolutionary who reached Pondicherry in 1920 and established a place for
peaceful and harmonious living. Today the ashram is home to nationals from
every part of the world who come here to find peace and solitude.
Pondicherry is a planned city unlike most other places in India All the
roads meet at right angles according to the grid system and a long Petit
Canal divides the city on the seaward side. The French township is on the
sea-facing side while the other is on the Indian side. Pondicherry is the
part of a region rich in architectural and cultural wealth. The grand
temples of this region are a matter of great pride.
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.
¤ Major Tourist Attractions
of PondicherryThe 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.
PBotanical
Garden - Established by C.S perrotet in 1826, it preserves a large
Varity of exotic species of plants from all over India and abroad.
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 construction of this 'universal
town' was started in 1968 under the guidance of the mother, a paries- Born
painter-musician who become sri Aurobindo's disciple and close companion
from 1924 till his death in 1950. The development of this Utopia is still in
progress. Several countries have offered to set up permanent pavilions,
reflecting the culture and ethos of their countries.
¤
ShoppingShopping in Pondicherry is a true delight since it is an
octroi-free destination. Naturally the prices are quite rather cheap
whatever you buy here. Pondicherry does not have any local heritage of
handicrafts. Now a days Aurobindo Ashram factory in Pondicherry produces
many articles, like: candles, incense sticks, paper etc, which have become
as much as local specialties. These are quite popular with the tourists and
make for good shopping in Pondicherry.
¤ AccomodationPondicherry
offers various accommodation options for tourists. There are star hotels,
moderate class and small budgeted hotels and lodges. Accommodation is also
available at the Railway Retiring Room, Railway Station Corporation; Bus
Stand Rest House, Central Bus Stand; and Sports Development Authority
Dormitory.
Pondicherry
