|
Pondicherry has long established itself as one of the most popular holiday destinations
of the world. Travelers flock to this place from all round the world due to the
beautiful places of sightseeing in Pondicherry. Finding a hotel in this part of
the world is not very tough as the travelers can chose any of the various types
of accommodation in Pondicherry. From the Pondicherry overview one can come to
know that most of the Pondicherry tourist attractions are very easily accessible
from any of the hotels.
Some of the most important places of sightseeing in Pondicherry include Sri
Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry which was a home for Shri Aurobindo, the great
poet visionary and prophet of the twentieth century from 1910 till his death
in 1950. Park Monument or Aayi Mandapam in Pondicherry is a beautiful monument
erected in the memory of a 16th century courtesan named Aayi. Pondicherry Museum
is another important and must visit spot for sightseeing in Pondicherry, where
the past welcomes you with open arms and you can have look into the things in
display like findings of Arikamedu, glimpses of French heritage, the Chola sculptures
and bronze artifacts and many more things.
Your trip to Pondicherry cannot be complete till you visit Botanical Gardens
in Pondicherry which was established in 1826 by C.S. Perrotet and which preserves
a wide variety of different species of plants from all over India and abroad.
Ananda Ranga pillai Mansion in Pondicherry is another significant place of sightseeing
in Pondicherry which is a beautiful illustration of Indo-French architecture.
Some other interesting Pondicherry tourist attractions which reflect the rich
culture and heritage of this place include Eglise De Sacre Coeur De Jesus in
Pondicherry, a church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Villiayanur
temple in Pondicherry. Some other important places of sightseeing in Pondicherry
also includes the stunning 19th century Light House in Pondicherry , Thirunallar
temple in Pondicherry, Place Du Government in Pondicherry, Masthan Saheb Darga
in Pondicherry and The Staue of Dupleix in Pondicherry .
Ananda Rangapillai was the courtier of Joseph Francois Dupleix, the Governor.
The diary 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.
which depict the entire life of Jesus Christ., 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 metres is profusely
decorated, pulled out from its usual position and taken on a procession around
the town. It is an awe-inspiring sight.
Chunnambar Resort - Water Sports Centre:Known for its virgin beaches
and backwaters, Chunnambar has a Water Sports Centre which offers exciting boating
experiences. It is also a great tourist spot.
Anglo-French Textile Mills:Established over a century ago, a visit to
the Anglo-French Textile Mills is an education in itself. The mill gives a ten
percent rebate on purchases made by tourists who go on guided tours. The acclaimed
fabrics and products of this mill make ideal mementoes and gifts.
The Pondicherry Museum has whole suites furnished in the French style in fashion,
at the time of occupation. Marble sculptures include the Cupid and Psyche, Venus
and Spring pieces. The Arms Gallery is yet another fascinating feature of this
museum. The Art Gallery contains invaluable archaeological finds pertaining
to Roman, French and Hindu cultures. The Romain Rolland Library has over 60,000
volumes, including rare French books. The Manakula Vinaynagar Temple on Rue
d'Orleans, the 12th century Sri Tirukameswarar Temple at Vilayanur and the 7th
century Thiruvandar Temple are shrines built in the Chola period, in the 10th-12th
centuries. The Sacred Heart Church, the Eglise de Notre Dame de Anges and the
Eglise de Notre Dame de Lourdes are the other interesting historical sites.
Pondicherry is oval-shaped, with streets aligned at right angles. The skillfully
planned township is distinguished by a 3 km long esplanade which skirts the
town and encloses the tourist attractions.The Government Park is well-planned
with flower beds and fountains, one of them dating back to the period of Napoleon
III (1852-1870). Raj Niwas, where Dupleix once lived, (now, the residence of
an Indian Lt. Governor) has a garden with a sculpture of Lord Vishnu as the
'varaha avatar' (boar incarnation) together with the earth goddess Lakshmi.
The Botanical Gardens, conceived in 1826, boast a variety of rare and exotic
plants from India and abroad, and the Sama Koil church, once a temple of Shiva
is impressive with a grotto of Mother Mary. The beautiful un-spoilt beach, the
aquarium, Poet Bharathi and Bharatidasan memorial museums, First World War Memorial,
Ousteri lake and Joan of Arc Square are the other spots of tourist interest.
|
