PondicherrySightseeing in Pondicherry
Pondicherry is the city which is known for its uniqueness. It is situated on the Coromandel Coast at a distance of 160 km from south coast of Chennai. People follow distinct culture and tradition in this city. Combination of Indian and French culture can be found here. The city is influenced by the French as they had ruled the city for 300 years. Pondicherry was once upon a time known as the largest French colony in India.
Pondicherry is one of the finest destinations for tourists in India and abroad. Having been a French colony as well as an Indian territory, its history is rich and the several religious and philosophical centers here such as the Aurobindo Ashram evoke a spiritualism in this place like no other. There are numerous places to visit in Pondicherry. The most important ones have been listed below.
Auroville City is a place in Pondicherry where people irrespective of their caste, creed and religion reside to seek universal harmony. It was established in 1968 by Sri Aurobindo Society. Matri Mandir is the holy center of Auroville, structured like a dome shape. Sri Aurobindo Ashram is another spiritual centre in Pondicherry. It was founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo. The Ashram today is an institution which performs charitable activities like free medical benefits, school for eyesight and practices of integral yoga.
Pondicherry museum situated at Bharathi Park, has an excellent gallery of various sculptures, shells of snail, sculpture of Gods and Goddesses made out of bronze, handicrafts and temple lamps. Roman potteries are also beautifully displayed in the museum. The museum is open between 10 am to 5 pm and is closed on Mondays.
Botanical garden in Pondicherry is another place which attracts tourists with its exotic species of plants. This 178 year old garden was opened in 1826 for visitors. It is located in the center of the city near the bus stand. Each and every tree and plant here have been tagged with Tamil and scientific names. It also has aquariums displaying sea living organisms like fish and flora. Techniques of fishing used in coastal areas can be seen here.
Besides sightseeing in Pondicherry, if one wants to experience sun bathing, swimming or a leisurely walk then Promenade Beach is the place. It’s a lovely beach with a 1.5 km long promenade. Statues of War Memorial and Mahatma Gandhi can be found on the sea shore of the beach. There are many other beaches as well like Serenity Beach, Paradise Beach, Mahe Beach, Karaikal Beach, Yanam River Cruise etc.
Although the most attractive spots of Pondicherry have been mentioned above, there are several other places that are worth visiting. The town has numerous religious temples like Manakula Vinayagar, Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Vedhapureeswara Temple, Sri Gokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple, Kanniga Parameswari Temple etc. Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus, Anglo French textile mill and The Statue of Dupleix are the other places for sightseeing in Pondicherry.
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