PondicherryPondicherry – The French Colony  Pondicherry (now it is changed as Puducherry) is the Capital of Pondicherry Union Territory, which is the former French Colony. The French ruled this territory for 300 years, and today, it stands as a living monument of the French culture in India. It is on the east coast about 160 kms south of Chennai located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. Pondicherry is a unique place. Many feel that it has a distinct spiritual vibration. The town is planned as a grid surrounded by a congested boulevard. The Union Territory of Pondicherry comprises of four unconnected districts - Pondicherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam. Pondicherry and Karaikal are situated on the East Coasts in Tamil Nadu, Yanam in Andhra Pradesh and Mahe on the West Coast in Kerala. Official languages of Pondicherry union territory are Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and French. Area: Union Territory - 480 Sq.Km; Pondicherry city – 290 Sq.Km Population: 9, 73,829 Climate:Winter – November to February – Temperature – Max 30’C & Min 24’C Summer – March to July – Temperature – Max 40’C (in May) – average – 38’C to 35’C Monsoon – occasional showers in August and continues September and October (mostly) The weather in Pondicherry is hot, but can be managed; can be delightful. Literacy: 74.91% Guide Services: we can provide English & French speaking guides. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Places to visitSri Aurobhindo AshramSri Aurobhindo Ashram – was founded by Sri Aurobhindo, a Bengal revolutionary and Philosopher who struggled bitterly against the British for freedom. After his period, the ashram was run by “the Mother” - the chief disciple of Aurobhindo. Its spiritual principle represents a combination of Yoga and Modern Science.
AurovilleAuroville – City of Dawn – an experimental town, was founded by Ms. Mirra Richard also called as “Mother”. Auroville is meant to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. The purpose of Auroville is to realize human unity. It is located 8 Km from the Pondicherry city.
Aurobhindo Hand made Paper factoryAurobhindo Hand made Paper factory -This factory is one of the Ashram’s most successful commercial enterprises, with the paper produced here are being exported to other countries (but now the production has become less).
Pondicherry Museum :Pondicherry Museum - It is located in the former residence of the French Administrator building. The museum has a collection of rare bronzes and stone sculptures from the Pallava and Chola dynasties and artifacts excavated from Arikamedu.
Manakkula Vinayagar TempleManakkula Vinayagar Temple - This temple is more than 300 years old and is dedicated to Lord Ganesh. It has a golden spire and walls portraying forty different forms of Lord Ganesh.
Sri Kanniga Parameswari TempleSri Kanniga Parameswari Temple - This temple is dedicated to Lordess Shakthi; it is a unique temple, strongly influenced by the French architecture. Thus, it has a blend of Tamil and French architecture. It is located in M.G Road.
Sacred Heart ChurchSacred Heart Church - Located on Subbayah Salai, this white and brown neo-gothic church is one of Pondicherry’s finest Catholic churches. The church has an imposing entrance and the beautiful stained glass panels depict incidents from Jesus Christ’s life. Further along the southern boulevard is the cemetery, which has some interesting tombs with ornate marble decorations. Beaches in Pondicherry - Promenade, Paradise Beach, Serenity Beach and Auroville Beach. Day excursion from Pondicherry:Pondicherry – Gingee – Pondicherry Gingee is 75 Km away from Pondicherry. Gingee is home to a huge fort complex (stands tall on the 800 ft hill), spread over three hills with the ruins of a palace, a temple, a mosque, a granary and an auditorium. Start early in the morning as the heat will become unbearable once the sun is up. We need to take stocks of food and enough drinking water. Pondicherry – Tiruvannamalai - Pondicherry Tiruvannamalai is 110 Km from Pondicherry. Tiruvannamalai is famous for Sri Arunachaleswar temple (one of the five elements, called “Fire”) and Sri Ramana Ashram. Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Pondicherry Chidambaram is 65 Km away from Pondicherry. This is one of the most important temple towns in Tamil Nadu, also it is one among the five elements (Sky).The Natarajar Temple is famous for its sculptures and massive structure. Pondicherry – Pichavaram - Pondicherry Pichavaram is located 15 km east of Chidambaram. Pichavaram is on the mouth of the three rivers is a cluster of over 50 tiny islands amidst hundred of canals in the mangrove forest.
HospitalsJIPMER - 2272380-90(11 LINES), 2272181, 2272337 Fairs & Festivals:
Road: The distance from Chennai is 160 Km – 3 ½ hours drive The distance from Mahabalipuram is 90 Km – 2 hours drive The distance from Tiruvannamalai is 110 Km – 2 ½ hours drive The distance from Tanjore is 210 Km – 5 hours drive Railways: Airways: |
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