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.
Facts
Area: 19.54 sq. km
Population: 220,749
Altitude: Sea Level
Languages: Tamil, French, English
Sights
ArikaMedu
Arikamedu has a long history dated back to second century. It is an ancient roman trade centre.The town was dewelled by Romans, Cholas, and French who left their signs in this wonderful place. It is located in the bank of Ariyankupam river, which is 8kms south of Pondicherry ,on the way to Cuddalore.
Auroville
Founded by Mirra Alfassa (Mother) on February 28, 1968. Representatives from 124 nations and people from all states of India are participated. In a gesture symbolic of human unity, a boy and a girl from each nation and state poured a handful of soil from their homeland into a lotus-shaped marble. Auroville welcomes people from all over the world to explore their culture, education,and other pursuits in accordance with the auroville charter. Located 150km south of Chennai and about 14km from Pondicherry. http://www.auroville.org
Aurobindo Ashram
Shri Aurobindo came to Pondicherry in 1910.He has relationship with Political friends. Mother came to Pondicherry in 1920 April 24. Shri Aurobindo got retired in 1924. Ashram charge was assumed to the mother .Under her guidance Ashram grew into a large diversified community with 1200 members. In the sadhana, there are no compulsory yoga, no rituals. Members of Ashram are called as Sadhak. Sadhaks are left free to determine the course and peace of his sadhana. General principle of Sadhana is surrender to the divine.
Promenade
Promenade is one of the prime attractions of Pondicherry and it is 1.5km long running along the sea beach. It has several landmarks like statue of Mahatma Ghandhi,statue of famous French Governor DUPLIEX,elegant war memorial erected by the French, Secretariat, Kargil memorial, and 27m tall lighthouse. Long Canal Street running from north to south to separate black town to the promenade via the white town.
Villianur
Villianur is famous for Shri KOKILAMMBAL THIRUKAMESWARA Temple and Eglise de norte dame de Lourdes modeled on Lourdes church. It also has a large tank for ritual bathing.
Aayi Mandapam
Aayi mandapam is a well known monument which has been built to commemorate a 16th century courtesean from Pondicherry. When French took it over on 18th century they had a difficulty in getting good drinking water.Napolean sent his chief engineer ,Mon.lamaresse to Pondicherry.Lamairesse decided that a tank has to be built called as aayankulam at Muthayarpalayam and he built a long canal from the tank to the present park.
Hotels and accommodation
Hotel Ashok
A complete list of hotels and accommodation in Pondicherry
Official site of Pondicherry:
External links
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pondicherry
