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PONDICHERRY
INTRODUCTION
Pondicherry has a rich French cultural heritage, having been the
capital of the French colonies in India since the 17th century.
 Pondicherry,
Karaikal, Yanam and mahe were transferred to the Indian union in
1954. This French legacy is visible in the well-Planned town, neatly
laid roads, wide and vibrant beaches, beautiful promenades, architecturally
imposing churches and public buildings and the statues of joan of
ark and Joseph Francois colonies in India from 1742-54. The town
also has an alliance Francaise and the French institute. If you
are tired of the rat race that today's world has become and are
in search of inner peace, harmony and spirituality, then Pondicherry
is the place to come to.It has been seat of learning and Vedic culture
since ancient times and was also the home of the great Hindu sage
Agastya. Pondicherry mystic spirit found a great resurrection in
the twentieth century with the establishment of Aurobindo Ashram.
Although Pondicherry has many yoga learning centers, there are
two yoga institutes which are world renowned - the Aurobindo ashram
and the international Center for yoga Education & Research (popularly
known as the Ananda Ashram).
PLACES TO VISIT
With a coastline of 32 kms, well-Planned French Boulevard town,
palm- fringed beaches, resorts, backwaters, water sports Centre,
fishing villages, harbour, the pier, the famous Aurobindo Ashram,
the international city of Auroville, world-renowned yoga centers
and other attractions, Pondicherry is the ideal place to spend your
holidays with your family.
Shri Aurobindo Ashram
Shri Aurobindo, the great seer, poet and prophet of the twentieth
century, made Pondicherry his home from 1910 till his death in 1950.
His vision and ideals continue to draw People from all over the
world.
Auroville
Located 10 kms north of Pondicherry town, Auroville is envisioned
as a universal town, where people from different nationalities,
faiths and beliefs, can live in peace and harmony. The construction
of this 'universal town' was started in 1968 under the guidance
of the mother, a paries- Born painter-musician who become sri Aurobindo's
disciple and close companion from 1924 till his death in 1950. The
development of this Utopia is still in progress. Several countries
have offered to set up permanent pavilions, reflecting the culture
and ethos of their countries.
Pondicherry Museum
On display are the findings of Arikamedu , the chola bronzes and
sculptures, glimpses Of French heritage, specimens of modern and
traditional handicraft, paintings, armoires, carvings and many other
things of historical interest.
Chunnambar Resort
Water Sports Centre Known for its virgin beaches and backwaters,
chunnaamber has water sports Centre which offers exciting boating
experiences. It is also great tourist place.
Botanical Garden
Established by C.S perrotet in 1826, it preserves a large Varity
of exotic species of plants from all over India and abroad.
Villaiayanur
Sri Gokilambal Thirukameswarar tamale, architecturally the finest
in pondicherry, is located 9.5 kms away. During may- June, a ten
- day annual festival (Brahmothsavam) is held here which attracts
hundreds of devotees. The temple car rising to a height of 15.25
meters is profusely decorated, pulled out from its usual position
and taken on a procession around the town. It is an awe - inspiring
sight.
Mansion of Ananda
Rangapillai Built in 1773, this mansion is a fine specimen of indo
- French architecture. Ananda Rangapillai was the courtier of Joseph
francois dupleix , the governor. The dairy which Rangapillai maintained
between 1736 - 60 is a book of great value as a source of information
on the history of Pondicherry and the French in India. ·
Eglise de Sacre Coeur De Jesus Dedicated to the sacred heart of
Jesus, this church is noted for its Gothic architecture and stained
glass planes, which depict the entire life of Jesus Christ.
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