PLACES OF INTEREST
HISTORY OF PONDICHERRY
“Puducherry” is the French interpretation meaning “new settlement”. Its history perhaps dates back to the vedic era when it was known as Vedapuram “the seat of knowledge”. The sage Agastya is believed to have established an ashram here on his journey to the south.
GETTING OUT THERE
The closest airport is in Chennai, which is around 135 kms. from Puducherry (approx. 2 ½ hours journey). Chennai has excellent connections with almost all cities in India. Trichy Airport is 220 kms. away, Bangalore (320 kms.) and Madurai are the other nearby Airports. Puducherry is well connected to all districts and major towns of various States like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. The express buses coming by the East Coast Road via., Mahabalipuram , instead of the National Highway, as the ECR is far more scenic with shimmering sea to give you company most of the way. There are frequent buses to Puducherry f rom places like Chidam baram , Thanjavur, Trichy and Coimbatore. Especially private luxury buses are connecting Puducherry with other major cities in Tamil Nadu and Bangalore.
THE FRENCH INFLUENCE
French dreams of Indian empire began and ended in Puducherry. French touch survives everywhere making the city unique in India. Old Pondicherry has two distinct faces: the French and the Tamil. The French quarter developed along the beach and around the present Bharati Park which is surrounded by State Government buildings.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Sri Aurobindo Ashram :
Sri Aurobindo Ashram located on rue de la Marine, is one of the most well known ashram in India, with devotees from India and all over the world flocking to it for spiritual salv ation. Its spiritual tenets represent a synthesis of yoga and modern science. It is open to the public daily between 08:00 - 12:00 hrs. and 14:00 - 18:00 hrs. Children below 3 years of age are not allowed into the ashram. Founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo Ghose, one of India’s greatest philosopher-poet. Later the Ashram was developed by his disciple - a m usician called Mirra Alfassa (also known as ‘The Mother’); its influence can be felt in most of Puducherry. (Further information are av ailable at Bureau Central, Cottage Com plex , Sri Aurobindo Ashram , No. 3, Ranga Pillai Street, Puducherry - 605 001. Tel. : +91413-2339648).
Auroville :
Auroville or the ‘City of Dawn’ was conceived as a Utopian paradise by the Mother, the spiritual successor of Sri Aurobindo. The idea was to build a futuristic city where people of goodwill would live together in peace and harmony. Aurov ille came into existence in 1968. Located around 8 kms. north-west of Puducherry, it was designed by the French architect Roger Anger. The Matri Mandir is set in an area of 62 acres and reflects the Mother spiritual beliefs. It was conceived “a symbol of the Divine’s answer to man’s inspiration for perfection. Union with the Divine manifesting in a progressive unity”.
Beach Promenade, Beach and Heritage :
Visitors take the air on the seaside beach road, especially in the ev enings and most particularly on weekends and holidays, when most of the kilometre l ong s t r e t c h i s c l o s e d t o n o n - p e d e s t r i a n traffic. A perfect place to stroll, chat and snack and to appreciate the charming Town Hall (once Hotel de Ville), the old Lighthouse, the old Customs’ House and Port Office (now Le Café) and - right in the middle - a statue of Mahatma Gandhi surrounded by ancient columns. Puducherry’s accessible and uncrowded beaches offer beach resorts, cottages, cafes and bars commanding excellent views of the sea. Chunnam bar, 7 km s. away has charm ing backwaters with beach huts and boating f acilities.
