Places to visit in and around Pondicherry
(1) Tiruvannamalai
Tiruvannamalai has the largest Shiva temple in south India called Ramana Maharshi's ashram. It resides beside the mountain Arunachala. It is a very popular pilgrimage destination for millions. Many tourists flock here to see the famous fossil tree-Tiruvakkadai.
(2) Gingee
Gingee is famous for the seven hundred year old fort sprawling over three hillocks. The fort became popular under the rule of Raja Desingh, the army chief of Nawab of Arcot. The fort was built by the Kone Chiefs and remained the strong hold of the Vijayanagar Kings, Marathas, Mughals, Carnatic Nawabs, The French and The British. Within the fort there are two temples, a mosque and several interesting structures.
(3) Auroville
Auroville is an Utopian city, designed by the French architect Roger Anger, is ten kilometers away from Pondicherry and was founded by Mother Mirra Alfassa, the chief disciple of Sri Aurobindo. This place is sometimes called the city of Dawn. The people worked hard to make this wasteland a lush green field. One third of the population is community people and the remaining are farmers. Today it is a jungle with criss cross paths. The city sprawls over an area of 25 Square Kilometres.
(4) The French Connection
Pondicherry is synonymous with French Heritage in India and understandably so as it served as the capital of the French Colonies in India. The French built Children’s park with a statue of Dupleix Marquis Joseph François. The other monuments of French Heritage are the Mairie building which house the Puducherry Municipality ,The French war memorial in Goubert Avenue , The French consulate building , An abandoned light house , The Aayi Mandapam built during the time of Napoleon III and the Romain Rolland Library.
The Church of our Lady of the Angels at Dumas Street and the statue of Joan of Arc at Dumas Street have a supreme touch of French influence. The Beach road is a classic example of French construction.
(5) Poompuhar
Poompuhar used to be one of the largest ports in ancient times. Poompuhar is best known for the two famous composed works of ancient Tamil literature, namely, Silapathikaram and Manimekalai. There lies a fabulous art gallery that strives to present the lovely ambience of the region by resorting to 2nd century decor.
(6) Chunnambar Resort
Chunnambar Resort has developed as a major tourist center, situated along the banks of Ariyankkupam River. The place is a center for beach sports with its clean sands and clear waters. Dolphins are the eye-catchers here. Chunnambar Resort arranges boat tours along the backwaters. Trekking and picnics are favorite activities here.
The Seagull restaurant here, offers Tandoori food and Chinese food. They have tree top houses here. The feeling is beyond words. It is suitable place for a quiet stay. One could also get accommodation in a two storey tree top house aptly named Sunrise Panorama.
(7) Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden, 1826, in Pondicherry is home to several species of rare and beautiful trees and plants. A lot of exotic plant species were introduced by the French here and the garden itself is laid down in the French style. Shady trees, beautiful flowers and the impressive layout of the park with pruned plants on paved roads help to create an atmosphere of sheer visual extravaganza. Colorful musical fountain shows are conducted on weekends and holidays. It provides for a wonderful sensory experience.
(8) Arikamedu
Arikamedu, located on the banks of the Ariyankuppam River about 4 km from Pondicherry, is remembered as a trade centre of the Romans a number of centuries back. The excavations reveal that the city was essentially into bead making and fishing and had trade relations with the Romans. There are coins, ceramics and other materials excavated here that show a clear Roman connection.
Chola coins have also been found here. The excavations brought into light several important findings of olden time. There have been references made of this ancient city in Tamil as well as Roman literature.
(9) Chidambaram
Chidambaram is a famous temple town having main attraction - Nataraja, the dancing form of Lord Shiva. Magnificent sculptures depicting the different poses of Bharatnatyam, a form of classical Indian dance adorn the interiors of this temple. The ancient temple is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist spots that can be visited by embarking on excursions from Puducherry.
During Shivaratri, this temple becomes the venue of a renowned dance festival.
(10) Pichchavaram
The Pichchavaram site lies on the backwaters interconnected by the Vellar and Kollidam system. Pichchavaram has unique mangrove forests sprawling over an area of 28,000 acres that are quite rare and are rated among the healthiest mangrove occurrences in the world. Thus, it is a beautiful place to watch.
(11) Sri Gokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple
Sri Gokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple at Villianur is noted for its fine architecture. The annual Temple car festival held on full moon day in the month of May-June attracts large number of devotees. The huge chariot is taken out during this time for procession. High officials take part in this car festival which is a grand one.
(12) Karaikal
Karaikal, 135 kilometers away from Pondicherry, is known for its rich religious heritage and is ideally suited for visitors seeking solitude, leisure and serenity. The town is also noted for its distinct French flavour. Few interesting places to watch in Karaikal are Lord Dharbaraneswaran Temple, Thirunallar, Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple, Jadaayupureeswarar Temple, T.R.Pattinam, Masthan Saheb Durgah, Our Lady Angels Church and Karaikal Beach.
(13) Matri Mandir
The Matri Mandir is a testimonial to The Mother’s vision of unity and harmony to mankind. The remarkable monument in the form of a massive golden globe is a place for quite reflection and concentration. The inner sanctuary, unlike the traditional temple, does not enshrine an image of the mother but has an abstract representation of her notion of spirituality rendered in light and glass.
(14) Mamallapuram
Mamallapuram is a historic legacy of the Pallava architecture. It is also known for its natural beauty, vast stretch of glorious sandy beach, and delicious sea food. The world famous shore temple here is one of the oldest temples in the south and has been listed among the world heritage sites of UNESCO. The unique temple was built during the seventh century during the reign of Rajasimha. The five Rathas, Arjuna’s penance 14 caves and mandapams and sculpture museum along the beach side are found here.
(15) Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram is a beautiful village and an ideal retreat to relax and rejuvenate. Mahabalipuram is very popular for shore temples. One can also visit temple relics as well as the Crocodile Bank.
(16) Mansion Ananda Ranga Pillai
Ranga Pillai was the Indian representative of European ruler and had access to high pleases and lot o diplomatic information. His home, a beautiful houses built in a curious mix of French and Indian Architectural styles is preserved as a museum along with his diary and other records.
(17) Tiruvakkarai
Tiruvakkarai has an ancient temple dedicated to Chandramouleshwara noted for its architectural grandeur of the Chola period. The fossil surrounding this very area are believed to be hundred million years old.
(18) Promenade
Promenade is 1.5 kilometer long stretch, faces the Bay of Bengal and offers a wonderful getaway from the daily chores, to the locals and tourists alike. The War Memorial and the Statue of Mahatma Gandhi are the important things to look out for.
(19) Commercial street
JN street is the most famous commercial street in pondicherry. All world class textile show rooms are located in this street only. Anglo-French textile show room, Hidesign show room and even the most famous hotel Indian Coffee House lies in this street only.
- By Sunil R Yadav
Facebook ID : http://www.facebook.com/sunil.r.yadav
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