PONDICHERRY. Review on Pondicherry

PONDICHERRY

Pondicherry, a former French colony, presents an unusual combination of European culture and Indian traditions. An added attraction is the township of Auroville, an oasis of peace and enlightenment. Another hallowed spot is Aurobindo Ashram which draws devotees from all over the world.

Sightseeing Excursions Fairs & Festivals Where to Stay

GETTING THERE

Nearest airport are Chennai (135 km) and Tiruchirapalli.

The closest mainline railway station are Villupuram and Chennai. Villupuram is connected to Pondicherry by a separate line. The station is located only one km from downtown.

Pondicherry is linked by an excellent network of roads with all major cities in the region.

Some important road distances from Pondicherry

CHIDAMBARAM

68 km

MAHABALIPURAM

105 km

THANJAVUR

198 km

CHENNAI

163 km

BANGALORE

303 km

SIGHTSEEING

Aurobindo Ashram, Forms the nucleus of many activities and trade in Pondicherry. It is a product of Sri Aurobindo's inspirations and the Mother, Mirra Alfassa's earnestness. The main Ashram on Rue de la Marine houses the buildings where Sir Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa lived and died.

Auroville, An experiment in international living. It is a developing town 10 km from Pondicherry. The Matri Mandir is a centre of meditation and an architectural marvel. The Pondicherry Marine Drive, with a 1.5 km along promenade, is the best place to stroll in an evening.

Pondicherry Museum, is a treasure trove of antiques with a section on French India which is housed in rooms done up in typical French style. Archaeology, geology, sculpture, weapons, handicrafts and art are some of the other sections.

EXCURSIONS

Light House, (5 km) Now abandoned, it guided the early seafarers to Pondicherry. Standing on the Red Hills (Gorimedu) west of the city 29 m above sea level, the beacon was first lighted on first of July 1836. In 1931, the fixed light was replaced by a revolving lantern. This light house was replaced by a new one in 1979.

Arkamedu, (4 km) A historical site which revealed local trade with Romans as early as the 2nd century B.C. Wine seems to have been major import as suggested by excavated amphora jars. Ruins of the18th century house of French Jesuit Mission, abandoned in 1783, are also located here.

Beach Road, The 1.5 km long section is the best entertainment centre of the city. The uncluttered beach is good for bathing throughout the year. It is often possible to spot dolphins gamboling in the sea close to the beach.

Boat House, The backwater and lush greenery on both sides of River Chunnambar, 8 km, provide an ideal setting for boating and nature exploration.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Pongal (January) It marks the harvest festivities of the agricultural community. Houses are cleaned and decorated, old clothes and mats ritually burn, cattle washed and decorated and special feasts enjoyed.

International Yoga Festival (4-7 January) Amidst an international gathering, yogic art is displayed through practice sessions, seminar, shows etc.

Maasi Magam (March) The festival, now over a century old, is celebrated just north of the fishing village of Kurichikuppam. Deities from about 38 temples are brought in a procession to Pondicherry and taken around the town to the loud accompaniment of Nadaswaram (horns). Then, images of chakra (the discuss of Lord Vishnu) and trisul (the trident symbol of Lord Shiva) are chosen for ablutions in the sea.

Mangani (July) Celebrated specially at Karaikal, the month-long festivities are dedicated to Karaikal Ammaiyar and for four days important events from here light are enacted. The images of Lord Shiva in a decorated palanquin is taken out in procession through the streets of the town at which the townsfolk throw mangoes from rooftops, much to the delight of the crowd gathered below.

Bastile Day (14 July) It is marked by an Indo-French pageantry. Uniformed war veterans march through the streets singing Marseillaise.

Fete De Pondicherry (15-17 August) A cultural pageant, coinciding with the Liberation Day and the Independence Day. The Park Monument is brilliantly decorated with lights.