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Pondicherry a Union Territory of India and the former capital of French territories in India was established in 1674 by Francois Martin. The town lies on the coast of Tamil Nadu. Its ancient history dates back to the Vedic era; the Romans traded here and so the Dutch and Danish, but it was the French – who purchased the town in the late 17th century, only relinquishing their hold in in 1954. Pondicherry was originally divided by a canal. The town is laid out in a grid pattern, with parallel streets cutting across each other at right angles. The Tamil name is (Puducherry), which means 'New Town' and it is also known as 'The French Riviera of the East'. Puducherry is one of the most popular tourist spots for national and international tourists.
Located in the heart of the city, Aurobindo Ashram draws a global mix of ardent devotees and ordinary people searching for peace or looking to improve their meditation skills. The ashram was set up in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo, a religious philosopher who played an active role in the Indian Independence movement. His teachings were preserved by his French companion, who became to be known as 'The Mother'. While it is possible to enter the main Ashram building freely during visiting hours, some sections of the Ashram require that one obtains a pass before being allowed to enter.
Auroville, or the 'City of Dawn' is 8 km northwest of Pondicherry and was designed by French architect Roger Anger in 1968. The city is made up of attractive, experimental housing and at its center is the huge and unfinished Maitri Mandir meditation center. Silence is maintained inside the Matri Mandir to ensure the tranquility of the space and entire area surrounding the Matri Mandir is called Peace area. Conceived as a utopian paradise by The Mother, Mirra Alfassa, Auroville was planned as futuristic international city so as to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony. The purpose of Auroville is to realise human unity.
It is the late 18th century mansion occupied by Pondicherry’s lieutenant governor. Raj Nivas is a harmonious fusion of French and Indian styles of architecture and there is an old court inside the complex which houses the Legislative Assembly. This complex houses the monolithic pillars of the Gingee Fort which was captured in 1751 are also major tourist attractions available at this site. Also within the premises there are beautifully manicured gardens and fountains that add to its beauty.
It is housed in a 17th century colonial mansion once occupied by the French administration. Pondicherry museum has an outstanding collection of artifacts from the French colonial period. The museum features a collection of carriages and carts, stone sculptures and formidable bronze gallery. Among the artifacts excavated from nearby Arikamedu, an ancient port that had trade links with Imperial Rome, are beads, amphorae, coins, ornamented oil lamps etc. Some specimens of Chola and Pallava art from Pondicherry and Karaikal, are dispalyed in the sculpture gallery.
Pondicherry,India
The colonial mansion of De L'orient, Pondicherry has been carefully restored into a luxury hotel, keeping intact its quintessential old world charm, supplementing that with modern comforts and luxuries. One of the best known Heritage Hotels in Pondicherry – Hotel De L’orient captures the essence of coastal Pondi...
Pondicherry,India
Located in the Tamil Quarter of Puducherry is Maison Perumal, an age-old home that brings alive the ethos of a French colony of the 18th century. Verandahs and sit out areas speak of the Tamil heritage while the arched windows and stylized colonnades reflect their French colonial ancestry. 10 rooms of quiet elegance, of which tw...
Pondicherry,India
The property is 2.5 km from Aurobindo Ashram and Museum and 12 km from Auroville. The Puducherry Railway Station is 2 km while Puducherry Airport is 6 km. The architecture of this beautiful boutique hotel is in keeping with the French colonial style of the region. It has 18 luxurious suites, a lovely courtyard with a swimming po...
Population: 6,75,000
Average Climate:
Summer: 26°C – 35°C
Winter: 21°C – 28°C
Best time to visit: October to March