Pondicherry

The Sri Aurobindo Ashram, situated on mourn de la Marine, is quite possibly the main ashrams in India, established by the famous Freedom Fighter and profound savant Sri Aurobindo. Auroville (City of Dawn) is an "experimental" township located 8 km north-west of Pondicherry. There are various old and huge temples in Pondicherry, the most of which were underlying the 18th and 19th centuries. Various legacy structures and landmarks are available around the Promenade Beach, like the Children's Park and Dupleix Statue, Gandhi statue, Nehru Statue, Le Café, French War Memorial, 19th Century Light House, Bharathi Park, Governors Palace, Romain Rolland Library, Legislative Assembly, Pondicherry Museum and the French Institute of Pondicherry at Saint Louis Street. Puducherry Botanical Gardens is found south of the New Bus Stand. Chunnambar Backwater resort is located 8 km from Pondicherry, along the Cuddalore Main Road. This tropical resort is flanked by a creek on one side. Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam on Manakula Vinayagar Street is a Hindu temple, which houses Lord Ganesha. Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple was in existence before the French came and settled in Pondicherry before 1666. 

Sengazhuneer Amman Temple at Veerampattinam village is perhaps the oldest temple in Pondicherry, which is around 7 km away from the city area. The car festival conducted in mid-August is popular in Puducherry and other neighboring states. The celebration happens on the fifth Friday since the initiation of the Tamil month of 'Aadi' every year from the date immemorial. The temple car festival is the one in particular where the top of the state pulls the temple car directly from the times of the French rule. Thirukameswar Temple is one of the antiquated temples situated in a rustic town called Villianur, which generally deciphers as descent with archery trees is situated around 10 km away (towards Villupuram) from Pondicherry. This temple is prestigious as Periya Koil's "Big Temple." The prime god is Lord Shiva, and the prime goddess will be Goddess Kokilambigai. There are other Hindu gods such as Murugan, Vinayagar, Dhakshinamoorthy, Perumal, Bhramah, Chandikeshwarar, Natarajar, Navagrahah, and 63 Naayanmaars. The pioneers in this temple say that the age of this temple is around 1000 or more years. It is thought to have been worked on by one of the Chola rulers. There is additionally an enormous temple pond. The Ther Thiruvizha (chariot parade) is commended at this temple. 

Pondicherry, formally known as Puducherry and generally referred to as Pondy, is one of the Union Territories of India, which is limited by the southern state of Tamil Nadu. This former French colony is an ideal combination of conventional Indian sensibilities and French architecture, making it a marvelous getaway that offers the best of both worlds. The streets of the French Quarter of Pondicherry, otherwise called White Town, are spotted with enchanting mustard-yellow colonial structures with bougainvillea laden walls. These are sprinkled with comfortable bistros and stylish shops that offer flavorful French food and refreshments. Basically, walking around these roads can give the voyager an understanding of the fantasy appeal of Pondicherry. Finished off with real French bread shops, bohemian stores and cobble-stoned ways that are wonderful for a relaxed walk or a bike ride, Pondicherry has a ton to bring to the table. So head on down to this fantasy town of the Indian Coast and chug a couple of beers or just read a book in one of the quaint cafes. Come explore the boulevards and rules of Pondicherry that will eventually bring you down to the stunning seaside Promenade, and witness the Bay of Bengal energetically sprinkling the shores of the well-known Rock Beach. Pondicherry, officially known as Puducherry, is the capital and the most crowded city of the Union Territory of Puducherry in India. The city is in the Puducherry area on the southeast coast of India and is encircled by the province of Tamil Nadu, with which it shares a large portion of its way of life and language. Pondicherry Municipality comprises 42 wards. Wards 1–10 are north of the city. Wards 11–19 are in Boulevard Town, and the remaining wards are southwest of the city center.

History 

The historical background of Pondicherry is recorded solely after the appearance of Dutch, Portuguese, British and French dealers. Paradoxically, close by spots like Arikamedu, Ariyankuppam, Kakayanthoppe, Villianur and Bahour, which were colonized by the French East India Company throughout some stretch of time and later turned into the Union Territory of Pondicherry, have recorded narratives that originate before the pioneer time frame. Poduke or Poduca (a commercial center) was a Roman trading destination from the third century BCE. Poduca has been distinguished as potentially being Arikamedu, situated around 3.2 km from the advanced city of Pondicherry. The territory was essential for the Pallava Kingdom of Kanchipuram in the fourth century. The Cholas of Thanjavur held it from the 10th to 13th century until it was supplanted by the Pandya Kingdom in the 13th century. The Vijayanagar Empire assumed responsibility for practically the entirety of the south of India in the 14th century and kept up control until 1638, when they were replaced by the Sultan of Bijapur. In 1674 the French East India Company set up a trading center at Pondicherry, and this station, in the long run, turned into the central French settlement in India. 

The French lead representative François Martin made surprising upgrades to the city and its business ties, simultaneously facing solid resistance from the Dutch and the English. He went into expanded trades with the kings of Golconda through the intervention of a few meandering French traders and specialists who were in favor of the Sultan. Trading in jewelry and precious stones, which had gotten exceptionally stylish in European courts, was one among numerous activities. Five general stores were set up along the south Indian coast somewhere in the range of 1668 and 1674. The city was isolated by a channel into the French Quarter and the Indian Quarter. On August 21, 1693, during the Nine Years War, Pondicherry was caught by the Dutch. Legislative leader of Dutch Coromandel Laurens Pitt the Younger cruised with an armada of 17 boats and 1600 men from Negapatam and besieged Pondicherry for about fourteen days, after which Francois Martin gave it up. At the Peace of Ryswick, it was concurred by all gatherings to return vanquished domains, and in 1699 Pondicherry was given back to the French. On January 16, 1761, the British captured Pondicherry from the French, yet it was returned under the Treaty of Paris (1763) at the end of the Seven Years' War. In 1792, Venant of Durfort, son of the Count of Civrac, was made legislative head of Pondicherry because of his uncle Emmanuel-Félicité, Duke of Duras, who had been made leader of the Compagnie des Indes in 1788. 

After an extraordinary military vocation in Europe, Venant contended energetically to destroy all revolutionary hopes in Pondicherry, as republican ideals coming from France were compromising the monetary dependability of the district. He took incredible consideration to keep up business relations with other European forces in the area. His connections with England were strengthened through his marriage with Catherine Browne of Kilmor. Venant kicked the bucket in July 1792 and was covered at Our Lady of Angels in Pondicherry. The British assumed responsibility for the zone again in 1793 at the Siege of Pondicherry in the midst of the Wars of the French Revolution and returned it to France in 1814. On March 18, 1954, various goals were passed by the regions in Pondicherry requesting prompt consolidation with India. Every so often later, comparable goals were passed by the districts in Karaikal. The goals had the full help of the French Indian Councilors, who are prevalently known as Ministers, and the President of the Representative Assembly. These Municipalities address about 90% of the number of inhabitants in the French belongings, and they called upon the Government of France to take dire and essential measures to offer impact to the desires of people.

The Government of India had clarified that the social and different privileges of people would be completely regarded. They were not requesting the quick exchange of the by-law power of France. Their idea was that a true exchange of the organization should happen quickly, while French power should proceed until the protected issue has been settled. Two India and France would need to roll out fundamental improvements in their particular Constitutions. This would require some serious energy, while the interest of people was for guaranteed consolidation without a choice. The Government of India was persuaded that the idea which they made would assist with advancing a settlement, which they extraordinarily wanted. They would readily go into arrangements with the Government of France on the premise proposed. On October 18, 1954, out of an overall political decision, including 178 people in Pondicherry Municipal and Commune Panchayat, 170 people were supportive of freedom, and eight people cast a vote against it. The true transfer of the French Indian regions from French governance to the Indian association occurred on November 1, 1954, and was set up as the association region of Pondicherry. Nonetheless, the conventional by right transfer of territory agreement between France and India was endorsed on August 16, 1962. 

Geography

The geography of Pondicherry is equivalent to that of the beachfront Tamil Nadu. Pondicherry's normal height is at sea level, and various sea inlets alluded to as "backwaters," can be found. Pondicherry encounters outrageous seaside disintegration because of a breakwater built-in 1989, just toward the south of the city. Where there was before a wide, sandy beach, presently the city is secured against the sea by a 2-km-long seawall which sits at a height of 8.5 m above sea level. While there was an early seawall made by the French government in 1735, this was not "hard structure coastal defense," even an assistant to the old delivery dock and progress from the beach to the city. Today, the seawall comprises lines of stone rocks that are supported each year trying to stop disintegration. As an outcome of the seawall, there is serious seabed disintegration and disturbance at the waterfront edge, bringing about a limited loss of biodiversity inside the basic intertidal zone. At whatever gaps show up as the stones fall into the persistently dissolving seabed, the public authority adds more rocks. Pondicherry's seawall has likewise caused beach disintegration to move further up the coast to the fishing towns in Puducherry and Tamil Nadu toward the north of the city. 

Climate

The climate of Pondicherry is grouped by the Köppen climate order as tropical wet and dry, like that of coastal Tamil Nadu. Summer keeps going from April to early June, when the greatest temperatures may arrive at 41 °C. The average maximum temperature is 36°C. The least temperatures are in the range of 28–32 °C. This is trailed by a time of high dampness and infrequent thundershowers from June till September. The northeast monsoon sets in during the center of October, and Pondicherry gets the majority of its annual rainfall during the time frame from October to December. The normal yearly rainfall is 1,355 millimeters or 53 inches. Winters are exceptionally warm, with highs of 30 °C and lows regularly plunging to around 18–20 °C.

Transport

1. Road

Pondicherry is connected to Chennai by East Coast Road through Mahabalipuram. There are daily bus services from several main stops from Chennai. The Pondicherry Road Transport Corporation runs transports inside the city, and it runs Volvo buses to Chennai and to different spots. The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation operates Volvo air-conditioned bus services from Chennai to Pondicherry. 

2. Rail

PDY/Puducherry (Pondicherry) is connected by train to Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai, just as other major cities like Kanyakumari Hyderabad, Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Bengaluru, Visakhapatnam and Mangalore. In addition, VM/Villupuram Junction, which is a ways off of around 24 miles, i.e.40 km, is associated with a few other Indian Cities. 

3. Air 

Pondicherry Airport is situated at Lawspet, an Assembly Constituency in the associated domain of Pondicherry. It has non-stop trips to Hyderabad, Bengaluru.

Things to do in Pondicherry 

1. Soak up the sun and salt at the beach

Pondicherry flaunts flawless, serene beaches, where beach lovers can kick back, relax, soak up the sun and sand and watch the world pass by. Probably the longest beach in Pondy is Promenade Beach, where going for a long stroll is an absolute dream. Furthermore, watching the sunset at this beach is wonderful when great orange and pink shades mirror the turquoise waters. For those looking for water sports, Paradise Beach and Karaikal Beach are great, while for those wanting to go surfing, Serenity Beach is the best spot. Furthermore, in case you're searching for a calmer stretch of sand, Mahe Beach is ideal for you. 

2. Boating at Chunnambar Backwater 

If water sports at the beach are sufficiently not, you can hit the backwaters of the Chunnambar River. The Chunnambar Boat House, arranged along the Cuddalore Main Road, offers boat rides along its namesake river. Boating through the quiet backwaters is an ethereal encounter, total with dazzling views on the verdant magnificence and extraordinary birds nearby. Both pedal and motorboats are available.

3.Go scuba diving

Pondy flaunts great water clarity and a wide scope of marine life, which makes it perhaps the best area in the country for scuba diving. Plunging to depths of 5 to 40 meters, the diving destinations in the city are ideal for both learners and pros. Divers can encounter the absolute best sea creatures, including sea snakes, corals, moray eels, triggerfish, manta rays, lionfish, angelfish, parrotfish, kingfish and other aquatic creatures. 

4. Enjoy the sunset at Ousteri Lake

Probably the best spot in Pondy to appreciate the calming sunset is Ousteri Lake, a man-made lake portrayed by mudflats and damp terrains. Likewise, the lake is populated with a wide assortment of private and transitory birds, which makes it a heaven for bird lovers. Keep your eyes stripped for brilliant orioles, egrets, white ibises, openbill storks, greater flamingos and white-breasted water hens. 

5. Explore the French Colony on two wheels 

Hopping on two wheels is probably the ideal approach to explore Pondy. This trip shows you its variety and rich social legacy and cycles through the Tamil quarters, the French states, and the Green quarters (additionally called Muslim quarters) trailed by different historical and cultural spots. The best-guided cycle tours in Pondy incorporate the Pondy Cycle Tour and Sita Cultural Center. If you prefer walking tours, decide on the Heritage Walking Tour, which is given by French and English-speaking guides.

6. Visit one too many temples and churches

Pondy is home to various temples and churches. Some are architecturally splendid, while others hang out in their serenity and simplicity. Must-visits includes the Sri Gokilambal Thirukameswar Temple, which features bright outside and lavish figures; the Manakula Vinayagar Temple, known for its elephant blessings, huge golden chariot and ornately carved stone walls; the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that flaunts Gothic architecture and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, which is a 300-year old church and a structural wonder. 

7. Get spiritual at Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Set up in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo (a renowned spiritual guru) and a French lady called 'the Mother,' Sri Aurobindo Ashram is an absolute necessity visit for those looking for a profound retreat. Withdraws here include distinctive contemplation meetings and yoga rehearses that will rise above you into a condition of harmony. 

8. Step back on schedule at the Pondicherry Museum 

Quite possibly the most significant museum in Pondy is the Pondicherry Museum, which houses a lot of historical and cultural treasures, ranging from classical times to the present day. In each of the various rooms, you'll track down a mind-blowing assortment of special and uncommon stone models and bronzes that belong to the age-old Chola and Pallava dynasties, Pre-Christian relics and antiquities from the Arikamedu Roman settlements and Roman domains, who once lived in the city. There is likewise a fossil room, a geology room, handicrafts, French furniture and other artifacts.

9. Visit the Pondicherry Botanical Garden

Architecture and horticulture buffs should visit the Botanical Garden, with a luxurious French style and lodging dazzling bloom beds, pruned trees, wellsprings, toy train rides, an aquarium and Japanese stone construction. Covering somewhere in the range of 22 acres of land, the garden involves 1,500 plant species from across the world. Another feature is the melodic wellspring show held each end of the week – times differ contingent upon the season. 

10. Pay homage to the valiant soldiers at the French War Memorial

Built-in 1971, the French War Memorial is a recognition for the valiant officers who forfeited their lives in World War I. Consistently, on July 14, an annual remembrance is organized to pay respect to the Bravehearts. It is quite possibly the most impressive war memorials in the country.

11. Savor the local cuisine

Pondy is perhaps the best spot for foodies. Its food scene is different, with impacts from French, South Indian, European and a few other Western cooking styles. Furthermore, a trip to Pondy is inadequate without attempting its traditional South Indian fare and French cuisine. Some of the best places to dine at include Surguru for traditional South Indian cuisine; Le Cafe, Le Club and Mango Hill for French fare; La Pasta for Italian and Carte Blanche for Creole cuisine, to name a few.

12. Explore Auroville

Situated around nine miles from Pondy lies the 'City of Dawn,' Auroville. It's an all-inclusive village where people from across the world, independent of caste, creed, culture or country, live and work together in harmony and peace. This town is the ideal illustration of 'solidarity in variety.' The town is separated into a few zones, and the major ones include the Peace Zone, the International Zone and the Residential Zone. The feature of the Peace Zone is the Matrimandir, where devotees meditate; the Residential Zone is the place where you can remain among the Aurovillians, and the International Zone is composed of community halls where a few occasions are hung consistently. Simply go through a day here and absorb the nearby climate! 

Places to visit in Pondicherry

Indian is remarkable, yet did you realize that you can encounter France in India! Pondicherry, the favorite Union territory of India, one of the seven, is a charming holiday destination in India. The previous French province along the Bay of Bengal is really enchanting. The top attractions in Pondicherry will make for you a paramount getaway with fascinating sights and encounters.

1. Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges

Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges, also called Our Lady of Angels Church, is perhaps the most famous spot to visit in Pondicherry. Reputed for its splendid stonework, the congregation has an appearance that is derived from the chapels in France, particularly the amazing Basilica at Lourdes in Southern France. Limestone blended in with white eggs was blended to make a combination that gives it a marble-like appearance. The congregation's special raised area has a sculpture of Our Lady holding a child Jesus in her arms. Inside the congregation, there are eight barrel vaults and a focal arch that is punctured with eight round openings. 

2. Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Proceeding onward to another relic of the French frontier days, we go to the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. Perhaps the most established temple in Pondicherry, it was worked by the absolute first Jesuit Fathers that went to the French settlement in 1689. Visit to wonder about its run-of-the-mill Jesuit structure. Known as the mother church for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Pondicherry, it was obliterated and revamped on various occasions in its long history. At the esplanade before the house of prayer, you can participate in the coordinated congregation functions. The heavenly site is said to have been visited by Mother Teresa. Consistently on December 8, the congregation praises its annual fest. 

3. Sri Aurobindo Ashram 

Otherworldly joy is one reason that vacationers from all over arrange an occasion in Pondicherry. The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a renowned otherworldly local area established by Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa (The Mother) in 1926. Perhaps the most visited put in Pondicherry, the ashram is a retreat for your profound necessities. Enjoy a reprieve from the world and spotlight on your advancement to higher otherworldly creatures with International Yoga Festival, contemplation, lessons and different activities. Around 1,200 people alongside 400 students can, without much of a stretch, oblige in the complex. It Has more than 400 buildings, and the ashram has facilities of library, printing press, art gallery, playground, dispensary/nursing home, farms, dairy, guest houses, etc.

4. Puducherry Museum 

Follow the French roots and even older histories at the Puducherry gallery. Explore the wonderful collection of artifacts, relics and historical treasures. From archeological findings of Arikamedu Roman settlement to Chola and Pallava lines, there are different times of history protected here. Recorded among the top attractions in Pondicherry, the historical center has stone-carved statues, bronze sculptures of Indian Gods and Goddesses, brass temple lamps, models of modes of transportation, church relics, fossilized trunks of ancient trees, handicrafts, coins, shells and fossils. A finished segment is dedicated to the history and incredible French colonial information. Do look at the painting gallery, which has colonial prints, Tanjore paintings just as contemporary works in glass, colors, pastels, and oils. 

5. Kallialay Surf School

One of the exceptional surfing schools in India, Kallialay Surf School is one of the unmissable tourist destinations in Pondicherry. Situated on the Serenity beach, the school was started by two siblings, Juan and Samai Reboul from Spain, who settled down in Auroville. Catch a few waves and appreciate the adventure of riding one; on the off chance that you are a student, you can look over various types of packages and training as indicated by your interest, budget and requirements. You can likewise benefit from surfing equipment of international standards. Additionally, an annual festival, the Summer Swell Challenge, calls for guests from all around the world.

6. Paradise Beach

Like its name, Paradise beach is genuinely completely different! Embellished with brilliant sands, this is a little-isolated haven, one of the top attractions in Pondicherry. Arriving at the beach is as stunning as the actual beach. You need to board the ship going through the backwaters surrounded by thick mangrove forests that take around 20-30 minutes to get to the golden shores. Spot birds, walk on the silky sands, enjoy the opportunity to get some great photos or sit and enjoy the waves. An assortment of water sports facilities is additionally accessible for enthusiastic tourists to attempt a hand at fishing as fishing rods and nets, easily available for rent.

7. Promenade beach

The Promenade beach is among the most famous places to visit in Pondicherry. The stone-lined shore, 1.2km significant length, is set apart with well-known destinations, monuments, cafes, eateries, restaurants, roadside food stalls, shopping options and hotels. Go for a walk on the Promenade. Stop to admire the sculpture of Marquis Dupleix. Offer appreciation to the Father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Visit the First World War Memorial. Sit on the rocks watching the lively waves hitting the rocks. For a break from the city, Promenade is a picturesque escape. Walk, feast, click pics or potentially appreciate the enchanting setting along with the pleasant perspectives on the Bay of Bengal. 

8. Serenity beach

Serenity beach, similar to its name, offers quietness to every one of its guests. The loosening up spot along the Bay of Bengal, 12 km from the village, is one of the should visit puts in Pondicherry. The warm, brilliant sand with a path of rocks prompting the cerulean sea is ideal for basking in bliss. Moderately segregated, the beach is to be certainly not to be missed by honeymooners for a tranquil time. Promptly toward the beginning of the day, anglers add to the appeal as they gear up for the afternoon. Surfing is an exciting joy here as monstrous waves lead to the shore—avail surfing lessons and equipment from the nearby Kallialay Surf School.

9. Auro Beach 

Near Auroville, Auro Beach is perhaps the most excellent beach in Pondicherry. Known for the shallow waters and little waves, it is one of the must-visit holiday destinations in Pondicherry, particularly during dawn or dusk. Take a dip in the ocean, walk around the brilliant sands, unwind on the shore or take a stab at surfing for the two novices and experts. The significant length of the beach has all facilities for visitors, from an option of stay, dining, shopping, yoga, etc.