Matrimandir & Aurobindo Ashram
Aayi Mandapam is also a prominent landmark and
serves as the emblem of the government of Pondicherry.
Clearly its growing popularity has paved way
to several eateries, restaurants, hawkers, shopping stops so on and so forth.
The chattering of people, the buzzing vehicles -all go silent against the wild
roaring of the hard hitting sea tides and that’s what makes Promenade sea side
a hot spot beach of Pondicherry.
Pondicherry has a lot
to offer in terms of sightseeing, history, attractions and pristine beaches.
Pondicherry is a land of spiritual awakening. The mother and son duo- Sri
Aurobindo and his mother made way to Pondicherry to make a cult and leave an
everlasting impression by offering teaching and spiritual explanations out of
the world that led only to unity amidst diversity.
Dedicated to ShriAurobind-
the ashram named after him has been a prime tourist attraction that places
Pondicherry on the global map. After his death the responsibility of carrying
out the ashrams principles lay on the shoulders of his mother who brought to Pondicherry and experimental city that invited nationals from different parts
of the world to stay and begin a life that would showcase to the rest of the
world that peace can be obtained amidst various kinds of diversities. Both
Aurobindo Ashram and Matrimandir are remarkable in their own realms and draw
tourists day after day to witness its unique presence and learn its teachings.
The ashram over the years has attracted several tourists domestic and
international, who also visit to seek meditation, learn yoga and feel
rejuvenated.
Pondicherry is home to
several well maintained public parks and gardens. The famous few that top the
chart as tourist attractions are Bharti Park, AayiMandapam, and Pondicherry
botanical garden. Aayi Mandapam was previously known as Place Du Pantheon. Even
after its name change, the monument and the surrounding park are maintained in
a manner that it showcases the beauty of French like and French style
architecture.
serves as the emblem of the government of Pondicherry.
Pondicherry botanical
garden was called The Colonial Park in 1826. Today it houses nearly 1500
species of plants that are rare. Most of these plant species are from Madras,
Calcutta, Ceylon, and Reunion all of them newly named as Chennai, Kolkata,
Srilanka and Russia. The botanical garden is a must visit attraction not to be
missed while touring Pondicherry. This garden has attracted several nature
enthusiasts and environmentalists from time unknown. The colorful flower bed, beautiful stone
paths, gravels and trees that are rare and never seen before make the Botanical
garden a crowd puller. The musical fountain adds to the gardens beauty.
Artificial hills, granite benches increase the appeal factor of the garden.
Effervescent
Beaches and lakesOf Pondicherry
The sparkling and
glittering clean beaches of Pondicherry are a true delight for any traveler or
tourist. Seaside Promenade is one of the famous beaches in Pondicherry that
witnesses a large crowd gathering; mostly mix of tourists and locals. You can
find several residents taking their morning and evening walks on the
beautifully laid pavements, tourists just lazing off on the resting benches and
the beautifully erected Gandhi statue that’s made the Promenade Sea side a
prime are for major celebrations.
For some private
moment and tranquil experience, Auro beach, Serenity and Paradise beach are
ideal destinations for you to retreat to.
Chunnambar backwater
along the Cuddalore main road is a promising destination within Pondicherry
worth visiting. A silently flowing creek, it certainly is paradise you’d love
to be at. The backwater offers you a perfect sea setting to sail and clean
sandy shore to dig a tent or simply laze off to get yourself a sun bath. Known
as Plage Paradiso, the Chunnambar beach is located at the mouth of the
backwater. The sandy beach is clean and the water crystal clear – an instant
attention grabber. You can be further
entertained by taking a cruise into the sea and watch the innocent Dolphins. Chunnambar backwaters offer excitement and
fun for leisure travelers and adventure enthusiasts. Tree top houses offer a
majestic view of the backwaters, restaurant with bar are available a throw away
distance from the backwaters and tree houses with a rope ladder leading to a
balcony adds to the excitement and adventure to your stay.
Ousteri is a large
lake shared by Pondicherry and Tamilnadu. This beautiful natural lake has an
island in the center and offers boating facilities that tourists can indulge
in. The lake is a haven for bird watchers and paradise for leisure tourists.
You can catch a glimpse of the Asian Pelican, grey heron, Pond Heron, Glossy
Ibis and more species of birds. The Lotus flowers add to the beauty of the
lake. The vastness of the lake, the sight of the migratory birds, the hidden
murkiness of the water under the lotus flowers and water plants and the
slapping of the breeze during the boat ride make the modest visit to OusteriLake
a memorable one.
Heritage Walk in
Pondicherry
Pondicherry reflects
and displays everything true to French and French lifestyle. BE it the
architecture, cuisine or the surroundings – the several nooks and corners of
Pondicherry remain true to the original façade of the French setting. The
several monuments and structures placed in different popular sections of
Pondicherry town make for an excellent heritage walk in Pondicherry. The French
statues, churches, buildings augment the beauty of the Pondicherry’s heritage.
French war memorial
located at the famous Goubert avenue at promenade attracts several visitors and
tourists on the Bastille Day celebration Fete held on 14thJuly. You
can find the monument dolled up and the pompous celebration is a respectful
reminiscence of the several soldiers who laid their life during the war. The
French war memorial adds to the French cultural legacy making Pondicherry a
coveted tourist destination.
The statue of Dupleix
is another standing example of French influence in Puducherry. The statue of Dupleix stands tall in both
France and Pondicherry. It stands as recognition of Dupleix’s untiring
services. The statue is another reminiscence of French history that come alive
when you take a walk through the Goubert avenue reconnecting with the French
cultural and historical legacy.
Statue of Joan of arc
stands gloriously in the center of well laid garden in front of the Notre Dame
Des Anges. The courage and valor of Joan
of Arc, a great believer of Christ was a ground breaking revolutionary who won
several battles and led men into winning those battles due to the repeated
visions she received and believed were from Christ. From a warrior, martyr to
finally a saint- Joan of Arc is a synonymous French historical personality that
in the form of a statue adds to Pondicherry’s heritage.
The Sacred sites of
Pondicherry
Like several other
popular tourist destinations, Pondicherry too is an all-rounder destination
that has something to offer to meet the likings of many. Besides popular
attraction site and entertainments, Pondicherry is also known for its sacred sites-
temples, churches and mosques. Pondicherry might not be a pilgrim’s destination
but its sacred sites naturally manage to invite any tourists on a vacation or
getaway to at least pay their respects and offer prayers.
Some of the prominent
Hindu temples of Pondicherry are- Thirunallur temple, Sri Gokilambal
Thirukameswara temple, Karaikal Ammaiyur temple, Varadaraja temple,
Vedapureswarar temple, Mannakulu Vinayaka temple and more. The Thirunallur
temple is a prominentHindu temple in Pondicherry and it’s dedicated to lord
Saneeswaran. Varadaraja and Vedapureeswarar temple are famous for their
architecture galore and the Kamatchiamman temple sees devotees from across
different parts of the country visiting Pondicherry to seek blessing of Goddess
Durga.
The Durgah of
MustanSaheb, Mullah Mohammed Mosque, Meeran Mosque, and Khutba Mosque are the
known mosques in Pondicherry. The Khutba mosque has been made in the same
appearance as the Mecca hence it is an important prayer center for Muslim
pilgrims Visiting Pondicherry from different parts of the country.
The three hundred year
old French colony, Pondicherryhas massive French influence in its architecture,
monuments and buildings. The same is seen in the churches too that exist within
Pondicherry. The Church of Our Lady of good health, Eglise De Notre Dame De La
and Des Agnes at Rue Dumas, The Jesus Church, Church Of The Capuchins, Church
Of The Assumption, and The Church of Our Lady Of Lourdes are the prominent and
monumental churches of Pondicherry.
Pondicherry has more
to offer to its tourists besides being a union territory. Ariyankuppam
Archaeological site is not just a place of worship for scholars but even a
leisure traveler. The nineteenth century lighthouse is the most visited tourist
destination in Pondicherry. Standing tall and majestically on the red hills in
Gorimedu the lighthouse has a mystic charm that lures its onlookers.
The Four
hundred year old Banyan tree in Keezhoor village is another interesting
destination tourist can head to while touring Pondicherry.