Activities in Pondicherry
Pondicherry is a Union Territory of India and a former French colony, consisting of four non-contiguous enclaves, or districts, and named after the largest, Pondicherry. This is a little confusing, but in 99% of cases, Pondicherry refers to the city of the same name, an enclave on the coast of Tamil Nadu some 160km south of Chennai. In September 2006, the territory and the city changed its official name from Pondicherry to the vernacular original, Puducherry, which means "New village". It is also known as The French Riviera of the East.
Pondicherry was the former capital of the French territories in India. Established in 1674 by Francoise Martin, the first director of the French East India Company, the oldest part of the town is laid out in a grid pattern, with parallel streets cutting across each other at right angles. Pondicherry's main oceanfront promenade is the 3km long Goubert Salai which is one of the iconic sights of the city, along with the adjacent French Quarter. This Gallic portion of Pondicherry, with its elegant colonial mansions, tree-lined boulevards, parks, bars and cafes, is the main focus of most people's visits to the city.
Museum In Pondicherry - India
Located on Saint Louis Street, Pondicherry Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, and closed on National Holidays. The museum houses a large collection of artifacts as diverse as Roman coins, Muthumakkal Thaali (the ancient burial technique followed in Tamil Nadu), military paraphernalia, French antiquities and many relics of the colonial history of Pondicherry.
Aurobindo Ashram Pondicherry -India
An integral part of the life of Pondicherry over the past century is the Aurobindo Ashram in which a bunch of devotees continue to hold on to a distinct way of life in conjunction with the teachings of this great 20th century sage. The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is not really anyone's idea of a tourist attraction, but visitors are welcome so long as silence is maintained and respect given to the lives of the devotees. A lovely oasis amidst the busyness of the city, the ashram's courtyard, and the samadhi (resting place) of The Mother, are popular for meditation and contemplation. Founded in 1926, the Ashram is internationally recognised for its work in society and the furthering of Aurobindo's teachings. There is also a library with sermons, and many precious documents and volumes.
The serene ashram organizes regular meditation sessions to which all are welcome. Sri Aurobindo Ghose was a Bengali poet - philosopher who was present during the beginnings of the Indian independence movement in the early 1900s. Being known to the British for his extreme views he took refuge in the French territories where he was drawn into a new spiritual life.
The Botanical Garden -India
The Botanical Garden was laid out in 1826 and was designed in the formal French style with clipped trees and flower beds. The French introduced many exotic trees and shrubs from all over India and around the world, many of which are still here today. The garden is home of 1500 species of plants and one of the best botanical gardens in South India. It offers many quiet paths to wander along- a nice place to visit during your time in Pondicherry.
The International Commune
Auroville is a unique international community located a few kilometres outside Pondicherry city. The brainchild and dream of The Mother, Aurobindo's original follower and key assistant throughout his life, the community is comprised of 40 small settlements with names like Grace, Serenity and Certitude and has 550 permanent residents. The goal of the town was meant to bring people from different castes, religions and nations under one roof, so they could live in harmony. Many unique handicrafts are produced here including some of the world's finest incense. There are boutiques at Auroville, as well as in Pondicherry itself.
The Matri Mandir is a meditation centre that has a spherical marble chamber inside it containing a crystal that reflects the sun's rays. The concentrated light acts as a focal point for meditation. Again, Auroville, like the Aurobindo Ashram in the city, is not exactly a tourist attraction, but does offer a fascinating glimpse into what is possible when groups of people come together to create something truly special with good and gentle hearts.
Rues And Boulevards - Pondicherry
Pondicherry popular weekend getaway
Pondicherry consists of four unconnected districts: Pondicherry, Karaikal, and Yanam on the Bay of Bengal and Mahe on the Arabian Sea. Puducherry (Pondicherry) and Karaikal are by far the larger ones, and are both enclaves of Tamil Nadu. Yanam and Mahe are enclaves of Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, respectively. The territory has a total area of 492 km². Some routes will take you through Mahe, but anyone who says they have been to Pondicherry is almost certainly referring to the eponymous city on the coast of Tamil Nadu.
