Pondicherry |
The Union Territory of Pondicherry is also very popular for its arts and crafts and its festivals. The Pongal festival held in the first week of January is an important fiesta. Some of the main tourist spots in the city include Pondicherry Beach, Ousteri ake, Auroville, Botanical Garden, Chunnambar Resort and Arikamedu. For the religiously inclined, there are many temple and mosques here as well. The annual Food festival held in August is a major draw. Located very close to Chennai, the city is well connected with rails and roads to the major part of the city. The nearest airport is at Chennai, which is just 135 kms away from the city. |
When To Go
Pondicherry is hot and humid throughout the year. The best time for visiting the place is from October to March.- Winters (November to February) are somewhat pleasant with minimum just touching 17°C. It is perfect for enjoying sightseeing, beach activities and water sports.
- Summers (March to July) have a maximum mercury level of 41°C. During summer months, the place receive less crowd and water activities are still enjoyable.
- Monsoons (July-end to September) offers good amount of rainfall in Pondicherry. The place also receives rainfalls in the month between November and January. It is a good time for rain lovers and those who enjoy scenic nature.
History
Pondicherry alias Puducherry, is one among the seven Union Territories of India. Tracing back to Saint Agathya, the history of Pondicherry speaks of Roman existence around 200 years ago. Various documents of Ottakoothar and Kambar in the 11th and 12th centuries, mention the city of Pondicherry as Puthuvai.Pondicherry was amongst the first cities in India to come under the rule of French colony. On 15th January 1742, Joseph Francois Dupleix became the first Governor of the French territory in Pondicherry. The attempt to annex Pondicherry from the French the British declared many attacks but had to suffer defeat. It was only in the year 1793, when the British took advantage of the inner conflicts among the French and conquered the land.
Pondicherry has played a pivot role in the movement of Independence since most of the freedom fighters began their struggle from here. In the year 1954, the government of India and France came on a consensus and Pondicherry was merged with Indian Union.
Today, the quaint town of Pondicherry retains its French history and most of the houses and monuments still preserve the French influence.
Travel within city
Pondicherry has a lot of options when it comes to inner city travel, and you can decide on the mode of travel you want by coming to a decision on whether you want to take the public transport or travel around on your own.Taxi
One of the easiest ways to get around the city of Pondicherry is to take up a rented vehicle that you can drive all around town, visiting destinations at your leisure. This is one of the easier modes of travel, as the city of Pondicherry is not too complex in its layout and traveling around the city is really easy. Rental charges for two wheelers will range around Rs 250 per day for a two wheeler and 40 Rs per day for a bicycle. Scooters will cost you around Rs 200 per day. The normal timings for using the vehicle are 9am to 9pm, though this might differ.
Bus
Otherwise, bus services can be taken up in Pondicherry as buses run across the entire cityscape. Bus travel is an easy way to get around, with rates hovering around Rs 3 to 10. Opting for bus travel is an economical way to travel in Pondicherry.
Auto Rickshaw
Share auto rickshaws will also be available for fares of around Rs 5 to 10. Pondicherry is a safe city, so any mode of travel can be opted for during night time.
| Attractions |
Arikamedu
mustsee
This place is assumed to be the place of Roman settlements nearly 2000 years ago. Remains of a French Jesuit Mission House assumed to be built in 18th century are also visible here. Historians and archaeological enthusiasts are frequent visitors here.
Auroville City
mustsee
The main feature of this city is that many countries constructed permanent pavilions, which reflects the customs, beliefs and culture of their countries. Really a Universal town, the populations speaks different kinds of language, nearly 50 languages are spoken here.
A major draw here is Matrimandir, a modern architectural marvel, with a globe as high as 30 meters and have lotus-shaped foundation urn.
Pondicherry Museum
mustsee The Pondicherry museum housing some of the superb collections of sculpture is located in the Bharathi Park. This museum has an excellent gallery with sculptures and has the remains of archaeological findings from the Arikamedu Roman settlement. One can go through the history and legendary French colonial details in the section of the museum.There is also a very good collection of snail shells brought from the Pondicherry region. Bronze sculptures of god and goddess, a wide gathering of temple lamps, handicrafts and art are also here. Some specimens of Chola and Pallava art from Pondicherry and Karaikal are dispalyed in the sculpture gallery. Charges: Entry - Rs 15
Aurobindo Ashram
popular Sri Aurobindo Ashram, founded in 1920, is the residence where the Sri Aurobindo and revered Mother Mirra Richard, popularly known as Maa, spent the most part of their life. This place attracts many thousands of people each year.This is the saddle of peace; Aurobindo preached his ideas of a peaceful community from this ashram. The ashram is comprised of many buildings and the inmates are a diversified community of around 1,200 members with 400 students of the Centre of Education.
This ashram has different departments to maintain the basic needs of its members. Members engage in various activities in farms, libraries, gardens, and small-scale industries like printing press. The ashram draws lots of respect as the Samadhi place of Sri Aurobindo and the mother.
Botanical Garden and Aquarium
popular C.S. Perrotet established Botanical Gardens, a beautiful tourist attraction in Pondicherry in 1826. The garden encloses a good collection of exotic and rare plants and also houses an aquarium. It has a wealthy and diverse collection of plant species from many parts of India as well as from abroad.Aquarium displays many sea living organisms including variety of fish flora. It also exhibits various methods of fishing adopted in coastal areas.
Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus
popular The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, constructed in Gothic style, is a highly revered religious destination in Pondicherry. Lot of visitors and believers are thronging to this church to offer prayers. One can be blessed by seeing the wonderful stained glass windows highlighting the life of Jesus.Every year this church witness growing rush with thousands of devotees from different place visiting this place. This gigantic church is one of the most attractive churches in Pondicherry.
French War Memorial
popular
It is really a pleasant experience here, where the new generation pays their respect to those served the society and country. We, as the visitors, owe to visit this place and offer our tributes.
Jawahar Toy Museum
popular A neatly maintained doll museum, Jawahar Toy Museum is located in Pondicherry town at the old Light House building close to Gandhi Maidan.It houses a variety of dolls and toys collected from different states in India. The dolls are vigilantly labeled and beautifully dressed in pretty colorful attires. The small collection of dolls nearly outnumbered 140. This is a good place for children.
Park Monument (Aayi Mandapam)
popular Aayi Mandapam, also known as the Park Monument, is one of the attractive monument in Pondicherry situated at the midst of picturesque Government Park (Bharathi Park). Built in the 16th century during the period of Napoleon III in France and is named after a renowned courtesan named Aayi.Local folk stories claim that Aayi destroyed her home and built a water tank in its place, to assuage a king who thought that her candle-lit house is a sacred place, by mistake. This water tank was very much helpful and served to bring water from town for the use of French engineers.
Plage Paradiso (Paradise Beach)
popular Plage Paradiso, popularly known as Paradise Beach, is situated at Chunnambar, in the close proximity of Pondicherry town. It is a sought after tourist attraction, as the cool breeze and golden sand serve the beach as a resting hub.The view of the sunrise is amazing from the shore. A stream on one side of the beach enriches the beauty of the pleasant beach. Sun bathing and a variety of water sports activities are major draws here. Beach volleyball, beach umbrellas, nets and fishing rods are all available for the enthusiast travelers. This is really a secluded beach to relax.
Pondicherry Beach
popular
If you look for, you can spend much time with the only company of a lone seagull or a sandpiper. Resorts, cafeterias, restaurants and cottages offer the required cuisine and accommodation. The beaches have cool and calm atmosphere and are perfect location for sunbathing or a quick dip in the roaring sea.
Raj Niwas (Palais du Gouvernement)
popular Palais du Gouvernement, an eighteenth century building, presently known as Raj Nivas is a main attraction in Pondicherry. Raj Nivas, the residence of Pondicherry's Lieutenant Governor, is not open to the public. The old court, which houses the Legislative Assembly, is also seen in this building.One of the main attractions for the tourists is the monolithic pillars, brought from Gingee Fort after its capture in 1751.
Another attraction is the water monument placed in the middle of a well-maintained garden, which is the monument of the reminiscence of the introduction of good drinking water scheme for the population.
The Statue of Dupleix
popular A huge attraction in Pondicherrry, 3 meter high statue of Dupleix, built to honor Francois Dupleix, who governed Pondicherry till 1754. This was commissioned in 1870. It is constructed over beautiful costly granite columns at the Place du Republique. The Statue of Dupleix overlooks the pretty children’s park placed at the southern end of Goubert Avenue.Ananda Ranga Pillai's Mansion
The mansion constructed in 1773, named after the well-known courtier Ananda Ranga Pillai of the Governor Joseph Francois Dupleix, is an excellent example of Indo-French architectural style. Also known as natives’ quarters, it thrived under the grandeur during the French period.The mansion has in its credit a good collection of diaries, maintained by Ananda Ranga Pillai, which serves as a library of historical and cultural information on 18th century Pondicherry under French.
Bharathi Park
Bharathi Park, also known as Government Park is a well planned structure that has been a major tourist attraction since the times of the British. Surrounded by some of the most prestigious government building from all side, the park is a perfect place for relaxing.Eglise de Notre Dame de la Conception Immaculee Church
Eglise de Notre Dame de la Conception Immaculee Church, dedicated to St Peters, is the church of the Capuchins in Pondicherry. It was founded in 1686 as a small chapel outside the Government Park. It was serving as a parish church till 1729 and it was St Lazar who renamed this church.It is the single structure survived during the British invasion who had undertaken mass destruction of buildings and monuments.
From Monday to Saturday, mass is performed at 5:15 am and 6:15 am. On Sundays, mass and benediction are performed at 5 pm.
Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges Church
Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges is a well-known church located in Rue Dumas, Pondicherry. The church is popular for its wonderful stonework showing the texture and beauty as that of white marble, by using the mixture of limestone mixed with white of the egg. Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges resembles the Basilica at Lourdes located in southern France.Eglise de Sacre Coeur de Jesus Church
Goubert Sarai
Goubert Sarai, a 3 km long beachside promenade in Pondicherry is an ideal place for a stroll enjoying the cool breezes blowing in off the sea. From this walkway one can get see the vast Bay of Bengal. Go for a leisurely walk in the evening at this place and the fresh air.Manakula Vinayagar Temple
Manakkula Vinayagar Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesh, is located behind the Raj Niwas in Pondicherry town. The temple is assumed to be constructed nearly 5 centuries back. The Vinayaka, called as a Vellakkaran Pillai, in the sanctum is a grand figure. A major draw is on the 18 day celebration of Brahmotsavam. Other festival celebrated here with piety and enthusiasm is Vinayaka Chaturthi.Local legends says that a Frenchman living near the temple frantically tried to remove the Ganesh idol from the temple in vain. The idol reappeared miraculously each time when it is removed. The Frenchman convinced by the ability and power of the Idol and became an ardent devotee of the Lord.
Romain Rolland Library
One of the very old libraries in India and the erstwhile Bibliotheque Publique, Romain Rolland Library is named to honor Romain Rolland, a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and a French scholar. The library has a collection of more than 315,000 volumes in many languages. Children section is very impressive, which promote the reading habit of children. Mobile library facility with more than 8000 books is another feature, which is very useful to the rural people.Other facilities like competitive exam books section, microfilm counters and open access system are improving the effectiveness of the library. This is a great library where almost all current books and magazines are available for common public. Library is open all days except Mondays and holidays from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.
The Anglo-French Textile Mill
The good quality fabrics and other textile products can be purchased as ideal mementos and gifts from this well established textile mill. The mill started functioning dating back to more than one century and is a popular place for study tours.At its start, with the name Rodier mill, Anglo French Textile Limited was only functioning as the weaving and spinning departments making only grey fabric. Later it has grown itself as an integrated mill with all facilities like automatic looms and process house.
Presently, Pondicherry Textile Corporation controls Anglo French Textiles. This has the credit of one of the major composite textile mills presently established in India. It exports various forms of fabrics as printed, grey, dyed and bleached.
Varadarajaperumal Temple
The Varadaraja Temple located at Villiannur and Thyirukameswarar Temple both date to the 12th century are two religious attractions in Pondicherry. The Thiruvabharanam adorns the shrine has inscriptions lighting the existence of a Sanskrit College in Pondicherry. This temple has a long history of many highly revered devotees visit.Villiannur
A town in Pondicherry, spread over more than 65 square kilometer area, Villianur is famous for its temple Sri Gokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple. The temple is imposing for its amazing architecture. A large number of tourists throng to this city to participate in the annual temple car festival. During this festival period the merrily decorated temple chariot, 15 meter high, is taken out on a procession though the city.Some other landmarks in the city are St Lourde's Church, Swami Ram Paradesi Temple, Varadaraja Perumal Temple and Ezhai Mariamman Temple. This is a calm city with all ingredients to have a nice holiday.
| Itineraries |
| Distances |
| Chennai | 150 km | 2h, 30m |
| Bangalore | 308 km | 4h, 40m |
| Coimbatore | 378 km | 5h, 40m |
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