Roland Lefevre
Pondicherry in India is mosaic of history, beauty and culture. Embellished with some of the finest architectural wonders, a number of lush gardens and beaches and a plethora of historical monuments and places of worship; Pondicherry is one holistic holiday destination that will in an instance sweep you into its charms. There is a myriad of amazing attractions scattered around the city but the list mentioned below includes a set of spots that must not be missed here in Pondicherry.
A location created for the sole purpose of rejuvenation and inner development, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram perfectly emulates an ambience of tranquility. Founded by the great poet Sri Aurobindo, he with the help of his Paris born artist mother turned this mere building to a sanctuary of inner peace.
Pondicherry boasts a history of the French colonization that is timelessly symbolized by the Place du Pantheon monument in the heart of the city. Surrounded by 5 of Poncicherry's most beautiful parks, this spot is perfect to absorb a glimpse of age old Pondicherry while basking in its unparalleled natural beauty.
The Botanical Park of Pondicherry dates as far back as 1826 when it was established as the "The Colonial Park". Housing a number of rare plant species, this garden serves well for all those who love a little bit of depth with their flora.
One cannot leave Pondicherry without exploring its many temples. Although there are 15 different places of worship, the Sri Vedapuriswar, Mankula Vinayaka and Kamatchiamman are among the most revered.
Being a coastal city, Pondicherry is blessed with some of the most picture perfect beaches that tourists never seem to get enough of. Sangamam beach, Auro beach, and the Plage Paradiso (Chunnambar beach) are the most popular beaches in Pondicherry, all of which boast some of the most picturesque sunsets that you will ever see.
The rich heritage of Pondicherry is what has sculpted this city to what it is today. When you walk through Boulevards of Pondicherry you will come across the white town or the French area, the Tamil square, and the Muslim square. All of which depict the priceless contributions by the different ethnic groups that make up Pondicherry.
The era of the French brought Christianity to Pondicherry in a big way. In fact the city is adorned with an array of some of the most picturesque churches that boast the typical baroque architecture. When choosing a Pondicherry accommodation, a place like Hotel Atithi will ensure you are situated in close proximity to some of the city's finest churches. The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Eglise de Sacre Coeur de Jesus Church and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral are among the most revered places of worship in the city.
Portraying the vision of the world Auroville was envisioned to be a Universal Town, where people from varying nationalities, faiths and beliefs, can live in a peaceful and a harmonious union. The project took flight in the year 1968 and today 35 families of such a variety all call Auroville there home. In addition to the unique ambience of peace and tranquility, Auroville is home to the Matri Mandir; a Meditation hall with the world's largest man- made crystal ball.
For indepth information of everything that made this city the Pondicherry that it is today, visit the Pondicherry Museum. Art, culture and plenty of age old artifacts are all part of the treasures of this location
Stretching across 1.5 km, the promenade of Pondicherry is the pride of the city. The many landmarks on the sea front includes the statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Jeanne d'Arc, Duplex, the Gandhi Thidal, the French War Memorial, the 27m tall old lighthouse, the heritage building "Mairie" and the unique circular shaped customs house.
