Archive for the ‘Pondicherry’ Category
October 22nd, 2011 | 
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Area : 480 sq. km.
Population : 973,829
Regional Language : English, Malayalam, Tamil, telugu
Relative Humidity : 70% to 85%
Altitude : Sea Level
Special Things :
For those coming to Pondicherry expecting a Goa-like place there is likely to be a great deal of disappointment. Unlike Goa, Pondicherry does not have a commercial infrastructure to entertain tourists. Pondicherry is a great place to look around, take a walk by the sea, attend a cultural program.
The Pondicherry tourism department uses the punch-line “Give time a break” for their advertisement campaign. And that is indeed one of the more attractive features of this city. So relax, put your feet up, switch off your cell phone, and forget all about returning to work on Monday morning. Enjoy a fine meal with a glass of wine, rent a bicycle and take a ride at the promenade, take a walk in the park. Do something new an interesting that you wouldn’t do in the city you live in. Learn some pottery at the Golden Bridge Pottery.
You can also do some serious meditation at the Auroville, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Or you could visit Aurovilleto watch a cultural event such as a dance organized there by the Auroville Cultural Exchange. You can also go fishing in a Kattaraman- fishing raft of sorts.
Places To Visit :
Statue of Mahatma Gandhi
A statue of Mahatma Gandhi, 13 ft height stands on the beach front, surrounded by carved monolithic pillars built by the famous sculptor Roy Choudhary from Madras School of Art and Crafts. There is also the “French War Memorial” commemorating the sacrifice of the soldiers in the First World War.
Jawahar Toy Museum
The Jawahar Toy Museum is located in the old Light House building near Gandhi Maidan. Here toys and puppets from different parts of India are on display.
Tiruvakkarai
It is about 30 km from Pondicherry town. Large fossil bearing areas fenced in to create the country’s first National Fossil-Wood Park here. These petrified trees lying scattered on low mounds and stream sections, date from the Cretaceous Age (100 million years ago). The Chandramouliswara Temple, a monument of great architectural grandeur dating back to the Chola period, is an added attraction. Every Pournami (Full Moon Day), people gather here to worship Goddess Kali.
Pondicherry Beach
Pondicherry has a lovely beach, 1.5 kms long, where one can relax, sunbathe, swim or take a stroll along the promenade. On the sea-front are two important monuments – Statue of Mahatma Gandhi set amidst eight exquisitely sculptured monolithic pillars and the War Memorial raised by the French to honour the soldiers who died in World War I. The Goubert Salai along the Bay of Bengal is lined with grand colonial buildings.
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Pondicherry is richly cosmopolitan. A staggering number of 55 languages are spoken here. By an easy, relaxed set of people. Pondicherry town is a surprise in India. 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 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. It has been seat of learning and Vedic culture since ancient times and was also the home of the great Hindu sage Agastya.
Places Of Interest
Auroville
It is located at the distance of 10 kms north of Pondicherry. Auroville is envisioned as a universal town as it encompasses people from different nationalities, faiths and beliefs, can live in peace and harmony.The temple was constructed by one of sri Aurobindo’s disciple in the year 1968.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.
The French Heritage
The place has been dedicated to Shri Aurobindo who was the great seer, poet and prophet of the twentieth century.The place encompasses Shri Aurobindo Ashram.Pondicherry was the dwelling of Aurobindo Ghosh from 1910 till his death in 1950. His vision and ideals continue to draw People from all over the world.
Villaiayanur
The place is located at 9.5 kms away.The foundation has been laid down by Sri Gokilambal Thirukameswarar tamale. During may- June, the temple organises a ten – day annual festival (Brahmothsavam) 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.
Mansion of Ananda
The Mansion of Anand was built in 1773. This mansion is a fine specimen of indo – French architecture. Ananda Rangapillai was the courtier of Joseph francois dupleix , the governor. The dairy which Rangapillai maintained between 1736 – 60 is a book of great value as a source of information on the history of Pondicherry and the French in India.
Botanical Garden
The garden was established by C.S perrotet in 1826.It displays a large Varity of exotic species of plants from all over India and abroad.