Sightseeing and Temples at Pondicherry

                    Pondicherry, a former French colony, is one of the best places to get a glimpse of colonial heritage with its lanes having small yellow-walled houses along with French cafes serving delicious steaks.

                    Pondicherry, now known as Puducherry (commonly referred as just Pondy) is one of the seven Union Territories of India. It was under French rule till 1954 and French influence on the culture can be very well felt over here. Pondicherry is also a centre to learn the art of yoga, meditation and spirituality. The food, the beer, the beaches, the ashrams, the tranquil in the air, the breezy shores, The City of Pondicherry offers an unmatchable bio-diversity and has a colour of its own for everyone.

                    Places to visit in Pondicherry are known for preserving the remnants of French heritage with Indian culture and offering a jolly good time to tourists. From its beaches to historical monuments and from its temples to churches, Pondicherry is an interesting tourist destination in India. Pondicherry is a place that satisfies all types of tourists who wanted to have an adventurous, spiritual, nature loving etc.,

Here are the few best places to visit when you are in Pondicherry.

SRI AUROBINDO ASHRAM:

                    One of favored tourist places in Pondicherry, Sri Aurobindo Ashram is where people come to seek spiritual harmony and enlightenment. The ashram is known for being the abode of the spiritual guru, Sri Aurobindo. During the early half of 20th century, Aurobindo stayed here along with his few disciples and Mirra Alfassa, the mother of the ashram and his spiritual collaborator.  The Mother, Mirra Alfassa played a vital role in the establishment of the ashram. Soon after Sri Aurobindo Ghosh’s death in 1950, she took care of the Aurobindo Ashram and was known as the ‘Mother’ of the ashram. The ashram is also responsible for founding the concept of peaceful co-existence in a township. Auroville, the township in Pondicherry is the direct product of the ideals and aims of this ashram.

                    The ashram can be visited from 8 in the morning to 12 noon, or from 2 in the afternoon to 6 in the evening. This place is popular for following the internal yoga concept, which seeks to bring a transformation in life.

SRI MANAKULA VINAYAGAR TEMPLE:

                    Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is said to have been established almost 5 centuries ago. Situated behind the Raj Niwas, the sanctum is enshrined with a grand idol of Vinayaka called Vellakkaran Pillai. The temple and its antiquity reminds one of how Indian culture and heritage didn’t wither away even after years of colonization. During Dupleix’s tenure, several attempts were made to destroy the temple, but Hindu populations always managed to protect it through protests and threat of Maratha invasion.

                    The shrine is well-known for its golden chariot, which has been made through donations by different devotees. 7.5 kilograms of gold has been used for constructing this chariot, which was estimated around INR 35 lacs. The chariot was first run in a grand ceremony on 5th October 2003. Now, it runs once a year on Dusherra.

Temple Timings : (Opening and Closing):

On all days,

6.30 AM – 12.00 Noon

4.30 PM – 9 PM

Temple Pooja Details:

Friday, Saturday & Sunday Uchikaala Poojai will start from 12.00 Noon to 1.00 PM with Mahatheeparathani

Sankatahara Chaturthi Special Abishekam will be done 4 times.

Morning – 6.30 am and 11.00 am

Evening – 4.30 pm and 9.00 pm

Temple Contact Number:

Ph No :   0413 233 6544

FRENCH WAR MEMORIAL:

                    French War Memorial is a popular place of interest and is a stylish structure located in the Goubert Avenue or The Promenade. The memorial is dedicated to the soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War (1916 – 1919).

                    On 14th of July (The Bastille Day) every year, an annual ceremony is conducted and the memorial is illuminated in a beautiful manner, ensuring that locals and travellers can pay homage to courageous martyrs who laid down their lives. This memorial offers a pleasant experience to all visitors.

PARADISE BEACH:

                    Also known as the Plage Paradiso, Paradise Beach is situated in Chunnambar, close to Pondicherry town. It is one of the most spectacular places in Pondicherry for nature lovers and is known for its splendid backwaters and its glittering golden sands.The mangrove forests makes it a haven for birdwatchers as well as for avid photographers.

                    This is a little-isolated beach, and to reach here, you have to take a ferry across the backwater, which takes around 20-30 minutes. The best time to visit Paradise Beach is during sunrise and enjoy the glimpse of Sunrise at the beach.

AUROVILLE ASHRAM:

                    Auroville is the best place for those who seek to learn more about India and its spirituality. It was designed by popular architect Roger Anger and is a strategically planned, experimental township that aims to develop India through the idea of peaceful co-existence.

The township, located close to Pondicherry is often referred to as the ‘City of Dawn’ and is named after Sri Aurobindo. The project was initially founded in the 1960s by the spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo. The society founded this project to ensure that people attain divine perfection and find meaning of their existence through peaceful living with one another. Visiting here is truly a unique experience. One can take a break from their routine Pondicherry sightseeing and visit this spiritual escape.

PONDICHERRY MUSEUM:

                    Pondicherry Museum is located at the place called Bharathi Park and it  houses a fantastic collection of sculptures. It has the remains of the archeological findings from the Arikamedu Roman settlement.  At the same time, it features a rare collection of bronze and stone sculptures that provide information and insight into the Chola and Pallava dynasties of India. A part of the museum is also known by the name Bharathidasan Museum, which is named after the popular Pondicherry poet and play-writer. 

                    Apart from these attractions, Pondicherry also houses the other sightseeing places such as Pondicherry Beach, Rock Beach, Raj Nivas, Botanical Garden, Beach side Promenade and Mahatma Gandhi Statue.