Things To Do Pondicherry

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Places To Visit In Pondicherry

Aayi Mandapam

Standing sturdy at the centre of the Bharathi Park in Pondicherry, Aayi Mandapam or Park Monument is a pearly white edifice built during the reign of Napolean III, Emperor of France. The monument was built in the honour of the female courtesan Ayi who tore down her own house to build a water reservoir for the city. Constructed in the brilliant Greco - Roman architectural design, the Mandapam is situated amidst beautiful well-maintained lawns, gorgeous fountains and vibrantly blooming flowers. The lush green garden is dotted with quaint little benches made of granite for the convenience of the visitors. The space is well utilised by the authorities and has been efficiently developed into a commercial cum historical place. Especially popular among young couples and photography buffs, the charming place is thronged by tourists and locals alike for evening/morning walks or to spend a few moments of solitude amidst groomed natural beauty. Read More

Located on the Ranga Pillai Street, opposite the Grand Bazaar, Ananda Ranga Pillai is one of the most ancient heritage buildings of Pondicherry. Built in 1735, the house was named after the courtier Ananda Ranga Pillai, of the French Governor- Joseph Francois Dupleix. Also known as the Native Quarters, the privately occupied mansion is among the handful buildings known to have survived the British invasion. The mansion boasts of marvellous architecture which is a striking amalgamation of the Indian and Gothic styles. However, as of now, only the ground floor is accessible to tourists which has been constructed in traditional Tamil style with elaborate courtyard and carved wooden pillars in Chettinad style. The spacious courtyard also house a magnificent statue of the namesake personality. Built in European style pattern with an open terrace and native French patterns, the first floor is personal and not open for tourists. The house is currently occupied by the descendents of Ananda Pillai and if you get lucky to find any of the housemate during your visit, you can also get a detailed tour of the place. Resonating with history and heritage, the manor is one of the most beautiful places in the city. Read More

Situated within a half hour drive of the French colonial town of Pondicherry, Arikamedu is an ancient Roman trade centre hidden from the eyes and ears of the commonplace Tamil tourism. Its name has been taken from the Tamil word- 'Arikanmedu' which means 'eroding mount'. Very little is known about any Indo-Roman ties in the Before Christ era, but with the discovery and excavation of Arikamedu, extensive proofs were unearthed. This port town was occupied by the people of Rome, Cholas, and French serving as a very famous maritime centre from 1st century BC to 2nd century AD. The glass bead manufacturing factory of Arikamedu is called the mother of all bead centres in the entire world. The first dig in Arikamedu took place in the 1940s, and since then these excavations are continuously being carried out. Out of these, the institution of Sir Mortimer Wheeler was the most encouraging. At present, the town does not have much to it other than the two perpendicular walls which were laid open and the French Jesuit Mission House which was constructed in the 18th century. More so, one can come across mango trees and coconut trees in this region. The site also comprises of numerous amphorae having the mark of the Roman schools including VIBII, Camuri and IITA present there.Here you can see the final few columns, bricks and mortars of the structure in ruins standing like a ghost along the river. Sitting in between the green pastoral hamlets of Tamil Nadu, Arikamedu does not attract much tourism and thus is an ideal place if you love to explore old, architectural sites. There is not much to see except taking in the vintage ambience of the past and take back home some memories captured by your camera. Read More

Aurobindo Ashram

Located in the White Town of Pondicherry, Aurobindo Ashram has been named after its creator- Sri Aurobindo Ghosh. The foundation of this ashram was laid on 24th November in the year 1926 when he was surrounded by his disciples all over after he retired from politics and settled in Pondicherry. This ashram was set up with the aim of helping people attain moksha and inner peace. Thousands of tourists from all over the country visit the ashram to experience and achieve spiritual knowledge. The ashram is by far one of the wealthiest ashrams in the world. Also, the ashram does not have any branches and solely exists in Pondicherry. The day this ashram was set up is known as the founding day of the ashram which has been described by Sri Aurobindo in his writings as "less been created than grown around me as its centre". Mirra Alfassa who was one of Aurobindo's followers 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. At present, the Ashram has over five hundred devotees, five hundred students involved in the democratic progress school and thirteen hundred patients. All these people live in the Ashram's main building which comprises of a block of houses which are connected with each other. These houses are located nearby the ashram at walking distance. Some of the facilities offered by the Ashram including the library and the main building can be accessed only after receiving a gate pass from the Bureau Central or guest houses of the Ashram. In addition to this, the ashram also has a spiritual centre which consists of four houses which were inhabited by the Mother and Sri Aurobindo for different intervals of time. There exists a samadhi as well in the courtyard under the frangipani tree where the bodies of Mother and Sri Aurobindo were buried. People come to pay their respect every day by laying flowers on it. Read More

One of the most sacred and religious places of Pondicherry, the Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus is situated 2.5 km away from the Pondicherry Bus Station on the south boulevard of the town. One of the 21 Basilicas in India and the only one in Pondicherry, this church was set up by the French missionaries in 1908 which was given the status of the Basilica in 2011. One of the most beautiful Catholic Churches of Pondicherry, the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus beautifully showcases the Gothic architecture. Biblical words can be seen engraved on the entrance in Latin along with the images of Jesus and Mother Mary on the door at the entrance. Occasions such as New Year, Christmas Eve, and Easter Day are celebrated at the church in a grand way. The lives of Christ along with the saints of the Catholic Church have been captured in the stained glass panels of the edifice. The centenary celebrations were held in the church during 2008-2009, and it was during this time that postal envelopes along with a unique postal stamp were released. The church is the first ever basilica in Pondicherry, the 6th one in Tamil Nadu, the 20th in India, and the 50th one in Asia. Thousands of people flock to the Sacred Heart Basilica to attain peace. This beautiful church is a must-visit if you are planning a trip to Pondicherry for it is going to seclude you and take you to a world of tranquillity away from the fast-moving life of the city in a mode of complete relaxation. Read More

Located at the centre of the Old Colonial region at Rue Saint Gilles Street, White Town in Pondicherry, Bharathi Park (also known as the Government Park) is a vast lush green park flanked by some of the most prominent government buildings in the town like Lt. Governor's Palace, the Legislative Assembly, Government Hospital, Ashram Dining Room and the Cercle de Pondichéry private club. The well-maintained lush green lawns house the very famous Aayi Mandapam- the monument made in honour of the lady courtesan Aayi at the time of the French ruler- Napoleon III. The park flaunts some very gorgeous water fountains, flower beds blooming with bright colored flowers and is dotted with quaint little granite bench for the visitors to relax on. The park boasts of children’s play area, a tiny artificial pond and a traffic park; and is replete with massive statues of the celebrated people of the past and the present. Other than being a common picnic spot for the families and the kids, the park is frequented by young couples looking to spend some quality time surrounded by natural beauty and by the local residents to relax and unwind from the din of the commercial town. The park is also common among the photography buffs who frequent the place to capture the magnificent architecture of Aayi Mandapam or the natural beauty of the surrounding well-kept lawns. Bharathi Park has been one of the most popular places of attraction in the city since the times of French colonists and is still thronged by tourists and locals alike. Read More

Botanical Garden, Pondicherry

A popular tourist attraction of Pondicherry, Botanical Garden was established by C.S. Perrotet in the year 1862. The garden is home to several exotic varieties of rare plants as well as an aquarium. This wide range of plants has been collected from various parts of India and around the globe. Aquarium is an interesting place to visit which abodes diverse collection of aquatic organisms as well as fish flora. One can also see the different methods of fishing adopted in the coastal areas being showcased here. Read More

Chunambar is a quaint little hamlet located along Cuddalore Main Road, around 8 km from Pondicherry. This serene town is visited by tourists for its beach, which is know as Paradise Beach, situated near the mouth of the backwater. With pristine sand and crystallized water, it is a perfect place for one to spend a day out playing water sports and bathing in the sun. A short cruise is also organized for the visitors which gives them a fantastic overall view of the serene beauty of the waters. One can also spot dolphins playing around in the water making it a must-visit for the nature lovers. People from near and far, from all over the world visit the place. It provides a serene environment away from the noise and fast-moving life of the city. One can self-introspect or spend a relaxing time at the beach by alongside the waters. Chunnambar is surrounded by greenery all over. It offers a beautiful view. The stream of water alongside Chunnambar is a natural stream and is not very deep. There is a shelter provided which houses the bags and also offers some food and water bottles. Changing rooms are provided as well. It is a place which can be enjoyed and is worth visiting for every age group. Read More

Also known as Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges, the Church of Our Lady of Angels is mainly renowned for its immaculate stone work. The beautiful texture of white marble is highlighted by using the fusion of limestone and egg white. Situated in Rue Dumas, the structure is said to have a stark resemblance to Basilica at Lourdes, Southern France.

Housed in an 18th century heritage bungalow on the Rue Romain Rolland Street, Cluny Embroidery Centre is a wonderful venture started by a local convent to provide employment to underprivileged women. The building was supposedly donated by a French woman to help the poor women in need and is currently run by Catholic nuns. Functioning since 1829, the centre has been creating exquisite embroidery products in laces, crochets and other handwork. Tourists are encouraged to visit the workstation to see live women at work with needles and thimbles. With yesteryears regional music playing in the background, you will find some 50 women engrossed in work who are efficiently trained in needlework. While the centre take commercial orders from big brands, it also has an in-house production with elaborate fine embroidered tablecloths, kerchiefs, cushion covers, bedspreads, bath sets, pillow cases etc. The products are slightly expensive; however, the rich work makes the price worthwhile. In addition to this, the age old building holds an old world charm, has high ceilings, elaborate arched gateways and a white pillared portico. The walls are covered in climbers and the overall charm of the place charmed thousands of tourists to throng the place. For this reason, the centre also has a guest house facility with a tariff of around INR 3000 per night for a double bedroom. Read More