|
|
Pondicherry |
Click Here for Pondicherry Tour Packages
Pondicherry, not to let out a big secret, is nestled
on the Eastern seaboard of India. Even now a relatively
peaceful town as far as tourist movement goes, Pondicherry
is an enchanting and fascinating place. Whether you
are looking for a romantic rendezvous or a fun filled
resort vacation, Pondicherry can accommodate all of
your gateway desires. Helios-worshippers can find miles
of sun-kissed beaches while the sun-weary can indulge
themselves at incredible restaurants and treat themselves
to unique shopping experiences.
HISTORY
Legendary associations trace the origin of this city
to Rishi Agastya, the revered sage of the south. And
excavations near Pondicherry reveal that a Roman settlement
existed here 2000 years ago. Pondicherry has been the
theatre of many battles in the wars between the British
and the French, and was the capital of French India
before it attained independence in 1954. Pondicherry
is famous as a centre chosen by late Sri Aurobindo,
revolutionary turned saint, who built his Ashram, which
draws huge crowd of tourists.
|
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Every place has its own distinguishing landmark which
draws hordes of visitors for that place. Paris and Eiffel
Tower, London and Big Ben, think Pondy and the first thing
that strikes ur mind is the Aurobindo Ashram. Founded
in 1926 by one of India's famous sons, Sri Aurobindo and
the Mother. Its a unique spiritual concept revolving around
offering work as a Divine offering. There are no rituals,
no compulsory meditation, no practices. But it revolves
around only one principle: One must surrender to the Divine
principle and an opening to the Divine force.
Here lies the Samadhi or final resting place of Sri Aurobindo,
and the Mother, which draw devotees. Sri Aurobindo, a
saint-cum-yogi, taught Integral Yoga, synthesising yoga
and modern science. The activities of the ashram include
the development of art, culture, and spiritually, besides
agriculture and cottage industries.
Pondicherry
Museum
Here you can find everything from from Pallava sculptures
to a bed slept in by Dupleix, the colony's most famous
governor.
Sacred
Heart Church
There are several large churches and cathedrals around
the town, including the striking brown and white sacred
Heart Church on South Boulevard. Nearby are the peaceful,
extensive Botanical Gardens, opened in 1740.
Bharathi and
Bharathidasan Memorial Museums
The houses of two great Tamil poets have been converted
into the museums
::
EXCURSIONS ::
Pondicherry
Beach
Here you can enjoy swimming and sunbathing, free of
cost.
Auroville
While the Aurobindo Ashram is one of the reasons to
see Pondicherry, there is another place that is a must
see, Auroville the City of Dawn. Its a unique township
never seen of its kind in India. It was an experiment
for celebrating unity in diversity. It was founded on
Feb 28,1968 when youth from 128 nations and Indian states
met together and placed the earth from their native
places in an urn, symbolic of international understanding.
Located a few kilometers from Pondy, at the center of
the township stands Matrimandir built in the form of
a globe, its a place for quiet concentration. There
are 80 settlements and 1500 people engaged in various
activities like reforestation, organic agriculture,
health care, village development etc. At present it
is managed by the Auroville foundation.
Chidamabaram
Spread across 58 kms, Nataraja, the Lord of Dance, is
believed to have performed his Cosmic Dance here. On
the gateway of Chidamabaram, are carved 108 poses of
the Classical dance form, Bharata Natyam.
-:FESTIVALS:-
The diversity of Pondicherry is reflected in the festivals
celebrated here. Pongal the harvest festival in January,
Bastille Day in July, Sri Aurobindo's Birth anniversary
on Aug 15th. Fete de Pondicherry on Aug 15-17th with the
brilliantly lit Park monument. And of course the standard
festivals like Ganesha Puja, Dussehra, Christmas, Diwali
etc.
Masi Mangam (February- March)
On full moon day, deities from 38 temples are taken to
the sea for a symbolic immersion. Devotees join in for
a dip in the sea.
Fire Walking Festival
It is celebrated 3-4 times in a year. Men, women and children
walk on fire at local temples to fulfil vows.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
BEST
SEASON
July to September and February to March.
HOW
TO GET THERE
The nearest airport is at Madras, which is 160 kms.
away. Pondicherry has direct rail connections with Madras.
And there are excellent roads connecting Pondicherry
with Tamilnadu.
|
|
| |
|
