The architectural styles of the heritage buildings of Pondicherry are both of French and Tamil origin. The layout of town, instituted by the French Governer Dupleix, is patterned on a grid encircled by a broad oblong boulevard and a canal divides the town into two distinct settlements. The French section is on the east of the canal and is also known as 'Ville Blanche' while the Tamil section is essentially on the western side and also known as 'Ville Noire'. Pondicherry is a small laid back place and is pleasant to explore on foot. Below are four Heritage walks covering the best of Pondicherry.
THE ASHRAM WALK
Starting Point : Ashram Office (beach)
Walk ends at : Ashram Dining Room
Distance covered : 1 Km(approx.) TOP
The Ashram and its various branches together occupy some of the best heritage properties in Pondicherry. The ‘The Ashram Walk’ covers the northern section of French Pondicherry, and takes you through many grand buildings of French lineage, including the Raj Nivas and French Institute. Also included in the walk are some shops that sell products manufactured by the different ancillaries of the Ashram.
PLACES WHICH ARE COVERED
1. Ashram Office (The starting point)
2. Ashram Library
3. French Consulate
4. French Institute
5. Ashram Playground
6. Ashram Art House
7. Le Foyer de Soldat – for soldiers who served in the
different French wars.
8. Ashram and Samadhi
9. Gloconde – Main residential quarters for the Ashramites.
10. Auroshika (shop)
11. La Tienda (shop)
12. Boutique d’ Auroville (shop)
13. Auroshree (shop)
14. Vak Bookshop (shop)
WALK ON FRENCH HERITAGE
Starting Point : Pondicherry Tourist Information Centre
Walk ends at : Pondicherry Tourist Information Centre
Distance : Approx. 2 k.m
The buildings in French section of Pondicherry are an enduring legacy of French history in India. TOP
The French Heritage walk takes you through streets that are laid out in a well planned grid pattern. The buildings in the French section are easily recognizable by their ornate gateway arches, garden courtyards with multicoloured bougainvilleas and the buildings themselves painted in pleasant hues of lime and peach. The grand French names though unpronounceable, add a certain charm.
PLACES COVERED
1. Department of Tourism - Tourist Information Centre (starting point) Collect Maps and other information from the helpful information counter.
2. Hotel de Vile - The building housed the town hall during the French administration. It is now the Pondicherry Municipal Office.
3. French War Memorial -
4. Gandhi Statue - The statue is surrounded by eight carved pillars from the nearby Gingee Fort.
5. Toy Museum
6. Old Light House - built in 1836 A.D
7. Nehru Statue
8. Romain Rolland Library
9. Pondicherry Museum: The museum housed in a pleasant French period building has some interesting collections including some charming colonial furniture.
10. Raj Nivas: This grand building is now the Lieutenant Governor’s residence. TOP
11. Ashram Dining Room
12. Cercle de Pondicherry - A privileged members only club, a throw back from the French times.
13. Legislative Assembly
14 .Aayi Mandapam - A magnificent memorial built by the French to an Indian Temple dancer who lived 300 years before the French arrived in Pondicherry.
15. UCO Bank
16. Pondicherry Art Gallery
17. Notre Dames des Anges The Church is built in the Greco-Roman style in 1855 A.D
18. Joan of Arc Statue
19. Church of Capuchians - Now an orphanage, the church is one of the very few buildings that survived the British raid in 1761
20. Lycee Francaise
21. Le Grand Hotel d Europe - The 1891 A.D building housed of the oldest hostelries in Pondicherry.
22. Hotel Lagrenee de Meziere - This is now home to the sisters of Cluny Convent. You can see nimble
fingered girls make embroidered pieces in the latest European styles.
23. Hotel de L’ Orient - This tastefully renovated heritage building is now one of Pondicherry’s best
heritage hotel.
24. Alliance Francaise - You can learn a few French words here while in Pondicherry. You can also watch French movies or borrow French books.
25. Ashram Theatre
26. Dupliex statue - A tribute to one of the most successful French governors in India. TOP
27. Ecole Francaise d’ Extreme Orient - You can visit the institute for information on courses on Indology, History or Architecture.
28. Court
WALK ON TAMIL QUARTER
The buildings in the Tamil streets are characterized by rows of tiled roofed buildings almost joined together by continuous wall-to-wall constructions. While the older buildings more or less retain their “Tamilness”, the later constructions have acquired certain Gallic features behind the Tamil facades. A synthesis of these two styles has resulted in a town that has a unique ‘Franco Tamil’ architectural identity. Though unsympathetic modifications and extensions have ruined many wonderful samples of the native quarters, increasing awareness and work by certain non-governmental agencies like the INTACH, have ensured restoration of some of the structures.
Starting Point : Easwaran Koil (Temple)
Walk ends at : VOC School
Distance : Approx. 2 k.m
PLACES COVERED
Plage Paradiso (Paradise Beach)
At Chunnamar, 8 kms. from the town, along Cuddalore Main Road, lies this stretch of tropical paradise. Flanked by a quite-flowing creek on one side. In fact, you can sail downstream to the sands and pitch up a cozy seaside tent for yourself.
An Over-night stay at the tree house on the backwater banks provides a refreshing experience of the great outdoors. A short pleasant cruise into the sea from here could reward you with the memorable sight of playful dolphins in natural habitat, horsing around. TOP
Serenity Beach
A ten-minute drive to the north of the town brings you to these virgin sands. The ambience is well captured in its name. Ideal for a quick dip, a touch of the sun and a cool reprieve in the shade.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
The Sri Aurobindo Ashram located on Rue de la Marine, is one of the most well known and wealthiest ashrams in India, with devotees from India and all over the world flocking to it for spiritual salvation. Its spiritual tenets represent a synthesis of yoga and modern science. It is open to the public daily between 08-1200 hrs and 1400-1800 hrs. Children below 3 years of age are not allowed into the ashram and photography is allowed only with permission of the ashram authorities(www.sriaurobindosociety.org.in).
The Ashram wad founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo Ghose, the Bengali philosopher-poets, who originally came to Pondy to escape persecution by the British. It was after arriving in Pondicherry, that he was drawn into the spiritual realm and discovered the power of yoga. His philosophy deeply rooted in yoga and his writings inspired a number of followers. Some of the ashram’s facilities like the Library and the Main Building (during collective meditation) can be accessed, only after obtaining a gate pass from the Bureau Central or some of the Ashram Guest Houses.
For more information, please contact:
Bureau Central, Cottage Complex
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
3 Ranga Pillai St., Pondicherry 605001
Tel.: +91-413-2339648
Auroville
Auroville or the ‘City of Down’ 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. Auroville came into existence in 1968. The Auroville Charter says “To live in Auroville one must be a willing servitor of the Divine Consciousness” and describes it as belonging to “nobody in particular, but to humanity as a whole and as being a place of constant progress and a bridge between the past and the future”.
Located around 8 km northwest of Pondicherry, it was designed by the French architect Roger Anger. Around 1900 people live in communes, with names like Grace, Serenity, Fertile, Certitude and Transformation. Two-thrids of the residents are non-indians. Architecturally speaking the buildings are a combination of modern western and traditional Indian elements and are set in a rural landscape of narrow lanes, deep red earth and lush greenery. The residents sustain themselves by involving themselves in agriculture, handicrafts, alternative technology, educational and development projects including Aurolec, a computer software company.
The Matri Mandir, begun in 1970 is a gigantic, almost spherical, hi-tech meditation centreset in an area of 62 acres and reflects the Mother spiritual beliefs. It was conceived as “a symbol of the Divine’s answer to man’s inspiration for perfection. Union with the Divine manifesting in a progressive unity”.
During the inauguration ceremony of Auroville on 28th February 1968, the soil of 126 countries was poured into a lotus-shaped urn, to symbolize universal oneness. This urn is today kept in a concrete cone in the amphitheatre adjacent to the Matri Mandir. This spherical marble chamber has a crystal ball, symbolising the neutral but divine qualities of light and space, is placed inside it, (believed to be the largest of its kind in the world) reflecting the suns rays. The concentrated light acts as a focal point to aid mediation.
The Visitor Centre at Auroville (Ph : 0413 – 2622373) is located near the Bharat Niwas and is open from 0930 to 1700 hrs everyday. This center has a permanent exhibition on the history and philosophy of the settlement and also on the various projects and activities undertaken by the community. TOP
For more information, please contact:
La Boutique d’ Auroville ,
J.N. Street,
Ph : 0413 – 2337264.
Any trip to Pondicherry would be incomplete without a visit to its beaches. Though it’s hot and muggy through most of the year, Pondicherry has four main beaches which are fairly popular with tourists and locals alike. As opposed to the rest of India, the beaches here are relatively clean and not as crowded.
Most of the beaches are a little away from the town except for small stretch of sand behind Seagulls restaurant on Goubert Avenue. However this stretch is not as popular because of its lack of accessibility and security.
Promenade(Goubert Salai):
The 1.5 km long promenade running along the beach is the pride of Pondicherry. There one can take a stroll at any time of the day. On the sea front are several land marks. The French War memorial commemorates French Indians who lost their lives in World War I, the statue of Joan of Arc, the heritage town hall, the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, surrounded by ancient columns dominating the Northern end, Dupleix statue, old light house, the remains of the old pier, the old customs house, speak the splendor of the by gone era. The well furnished tourist information centre PTDC(Pondicherry Tourism Development Corporation) is situated at 40, Goubert Salai[daily 8.45 am- 5pm;Phone-(0413)2339497]heritage building facing the sea to cater to the need of visiting tourists. TOP
Paradise Beach :
It is located 8 kms. from the town, along the Cuddalore Main Road this beach can be accessed from the Chunnambar Resort. Flanked by a quiet flowing creek on one side, the beach can only be accessed by boat
Auroville Beach :
The Auroville Beach as the name indicates is close to Auroville. It is right off the ECR, opposite the road leading to Auroville. Located around 12 kms from the main Pondicherry town, its shallow waters and small waves make it an ideal place of swimming. It is a fairly popular destination on weekends. On weekdays it is relatively less crowded.
Temples in Pondicherry
Though the temples in Pondicherry are not as well known as their more famous counterparts in towns like Tanjavur or Chidambaram, they are charming in their own unique way, with some of them even dating back to the 10th Century AD Chola period. TOP
Manakula Vinayagar Koil
This temple is more than 300 years old and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It has a golden spire and walls portraying forty different forms of Ganesha. The temple also has a smaller shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan, who is Ganesha’s younger brother. The temple compound also plays host to ‘Lakshmi’, the temple elephant, who uses her trunk to dispense blessings and to collect coins from the devotees.
Varadaraja Perumal Temple
Located on M.G.Road, this is believed to be the oldest temple in Pondicherry, dating back to 600 AD. The temple built in the typical Dravidian style, complete with brightly coloured ‘gopuram’ and sculpted pillars, is probably the oldest standing structure in Pondicherry. This temple is dedicated to Vishnu. Legend has it, that the temple was originally built for the idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman, which were brought to the present site by fishermen, from the sea. The main deity here is Venkatachalapathy (Vishnu). Right behind that is a separate shrine for Narashima (who is also an avatar of Vishnu).
Vedhapureeswarar Temple
This temple, also known as the Eashwaran Koil, is located on M.G.Road and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has colourful ‘gopuram’, adorned by the statues of gods and goddesses, like most temples in South India.
Kanniga Parameswari Temple
This temple, dedicated to the godess Shakti is unique as it seems to be strongly influenced by both the French and the Tamilian architectural styles. Located on M.G.Road, it has an unusual blend of both Tamil and French architecture. With its arched walls, ionic columns, stained glass windows and even some angel decorations, it is reminiscent of a French building. However, the inner ceiling supported by the more traditional granite pillars and the sanctum sanctoram, which has a typical Tamil design, highlights the more traditional Tamil features. TOP
Kamatchiamman Temple
This temple located on Bharathi Street, is different from most other South Indian temples by virtue of its lack of colour and ornamentation. Its starkness is what makes it stand out from the rest. This dark rust coloured temple is dedicated to Durga, the goddess of war.
Sri Gokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple
This is located in a small town called ‘Villianur’, 11 kms. from Pondicherry. The main shrine housing the ‘Shivlinga’ and the shrines dedicated to the Devi and Murugan date back to the 12th century Chola period. This temple has a little bit of French heritage attached to it, though not in its architecture, but in some of its traditions. The annual Temple Car Festival which is held in the months of May and June, involves the pulling of a 15 metre tall chariot through the streets by a large crowd of devotees.
During French colonial rule, the Governor of Pondicherry used to join this very procession and actively participate in the drawing of the chariot through the streets. This tradition lives on with the present Lieutenant Governor of Pondicherry participating in the festival now.
Churches In Pondicherry
Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Located on Subbayah Salai, this cream and brown neo-gothic church is one of Pondy’s finest Catholic churches. It was built by French missionaries in the 1700’s with towers flanking a central gable and stained glass windows on the side. The church has an imposing entrance and the beautiful stained glass panels depict incidents from Jesus Christ’s life. Further along the southern boulevard is the cemetery, which has some interesting tombs with ornate marble decorations.
Church of the Capuchins
Located on Rue Dumas, this is one of the first churches to be built in Pondicherry. Even though it was one of the very few buildings that partially survived the destruction of the town in 1761, it is a mere shadow of its past glory, except for its rather interesting gable. Today, it houses an orphanage. TOP
Notre Dame de’
Located on Mission Street, this cathedral, which bears a strong resemblance to a church in France, was built in 1791 in the place of a former church. The imposing façade presents paired Doric columns below and ionic above. In front of the church is a statue of Our Lady with the infant Jesus in her arms. The interior design consists of eight barrel vaults and a central dome pierced with eight circular openings.
The Notre Dame des Anges
The Church of our Lady of the Angels on Rue Romain Rolland was built in 1852 in the Greek Roman architectural style. Its façade, flanked by two unadorned square towers, faces east towards the ocean. The interior is roofed by a barrel vault, witha great dome rising over the crossing. The pastel peach and lime colours give it a very serene appearance.
This church is also famous for its rare oil painting of Our Lady of the Assumption, which was a gift from the French emperor, Napoleon III. The cemetery next to the church has the tomb of Marquis de Bussy (dated 1785), who was one of Dupleix’s most enterprising followers. TOP
Church of the Assumption
Located at Nellitoppu, on the western outskirts of the city, this church was built in 1851. The main entrance has an image of Our Lady and on the left towers is the statue of St. George in the act of slaying a yall-like monster. Inside the church you will find some of the finest glided altarpieces including a Crucifix surrounded by flying angels.
The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes
It is located at Villianur, a small town 11 km. from Pondicherry. It was erected in 1876 and is modeled on of the Basilica in France. The statue of Notre Dame was donated by the French Government a year later. A curious feature here is the Church tank, which is usually common in all the Hindu temples. We can only speculate as to the purpose of the tank. Was it an attempt to assimilate the local customs or was it built out of necessity? The ritual bathing of devotees at the tank here, a long standing tradition, is one of the highlights during the festival honouring the Madonna held in June.
Church of Our Lady of Good Health
The church is located at Ariyankuppam, a tiny village 4 km south of Pondicherry. The church makes for an interesting cycling expedition off the beaten track. The church founded in 1690 was subsequently rebuilt several times. The interior has rounded arches carrying a vault over the central aisle. A freestanding Crucifix is displayed upon the altar and brightly painted wooden images are set on shelves in the side walls.
Besides these imposing structures there are various smaller churches and shrines in Pondicherry which have their devout followers, like The Church of Francis Assist, which was built in 1843, the shrine of St. Anthony in the French Quarter, The Saint John Church and the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Mosques in Pondicherry
JAMAI MOSQUE
Located on Mulla Street, this beautiful mosque’s distinctive architecture and swaying palm trees in the back make it beautiful to behold.
MEERAN MOSQUE
Meeran mosque is the oldest mosque in Pondicherry.It was built before 350 years. It has the old gothic Islam architecture in it. It was built by ARCOD NAVAB.It has four lofty pillars below its dome, with MEERHATH near it and MEEMBER next to it. It also has the KALIMA SLAB above the MEERHATH, with clean blankets spread all over the hall.
The bronze KALLASAS in the top of the façade minaret adds beauty to it. It has the divine graves of MEERAN who built this mosque and SUUBHI ERRAI PERRIAR Mullah’s in it. The mosque has everyday prayers in it.
KUTHBHA MOSQUE
Kuthbha mosque is the first mosque in Pondicherry.It is said that it was near the Seventh day school during 17th century. As the mosque was in the white area the FRENCH people ordered them to vacate the place and shift the mosque and the Islam society to the southern end after the channel.
These streets where built facing MECCA . It has the Darga of Moulla Saiubu Kutbha means preaching. TOP
MULLA MOHHAMED MOSQUE
To have the preaching in URUDHU and URUDHU in Islam one part of KUTHBHA MOSQUE was built as MULLA MOAHMED MOSQUE. This mosque has a small pond with fishes, clean hall, and RAMJAN fasting food cooking hall and JENESHA in it.
HERITAGE BUILDINGS AND MONUMENTS
BEACH ROAD
No visit to Pondicherry is complete without a walk along beach road. Friday, Saturday and Sunday and holiday evening are busiest. The Police close both end of the road for vehicular traffic. Beach road has little of architectural interest, but oceans of simple charm and officially called Goubert Avenue. TOP
Children’s Park & Dupleix Statue
It is a seaside park with a statue of a Dupleix. Marquis Joseph Francois Dupleix was an integral part of Pondicherry’s colonial past. He was the governor of Pondicherry between 1742 and 1754. The 2.88 m tall statue of Dupleix stands at the southern end of the park. Even though Dupleix left Pondicherry in 1754, French recognition of his contribution came only in 1870, with the commissioning of two statues-one in Pondicherry and the other in France.
The Mairie
Located on Goubert Avenue, this charming white building, facing the sea almost transports you to France. Use your imagination a little and you could very well be on a French sea side resort. Today it houses the offices of the Pondicherry Municipality.
Le Café
It was once the port office when the railway ran along Beach Road from the South Boulevard to the old 240 meters iron pier. A cyclone in 1952 largely destroyed the pier whose remains can still be seen poking out of the water.
Gandhi Statue
This is a highlight of Pondicherry. A four-meter statue of Mahatma Gandhi is surrounded by eight magnificent granite pillars, which were supposedly brought from Gingee, a fort some 70 Kms. from Pondicherry.
French War Memorial
The French War Memorial on Goubert Avenue is solemn reminder of those brave soldiers who laid down their lives, for their country during the First World War. Every year on the 14th July (Bastille Day) the memorial is beautifully illuminated and homage is paid to those brave martyrs. TOP
Nehru Statue
Located across the street from the imposing Gandhi statue, the statue is also flanked by four pillars from Gingee. The space in front plays host to various cultural, musical and commercial activities through the year.
19th Century Light House
This light house was used for the first time on July 1st 1836 and continued to be used upto the year 1979. This now- abandoned lighthouse stands on the edge of the sea.
French Consulate
French Consulate General is the only diplomatic mission in town. This colonial building has changed over the years, and yet manages to retain some of its original 18th Century charm. The consulate is open to French citizens.
Around Bharathi Park
The park located in the heart of Pondicherry, is one of the most beautiful public spots in Pondicherry, with its lush green surroundings and shady trees providing succour from the harsh Pondicherry sun to many a weary soul. At any time of the day you will always find a smattering of people including locals. Besides the beautiful Aayi Mandapam in the centre of the park, there are a number of smaller surprises that greet you as you walk around in the park, like the exquisitely carved granite pillars and stone carvings of various gods and yallis. The park is also surrounded by interesting heritage buildings like. TOP
Aayi Mandapam
This gleaming white monument built during the time of Napoleon III, Emperor of the France. The monument commemorates both the provision of water to the French city during his reign and the good deed of a lady some 300 years before.
Raj Niwas
The Government House (Raj Niwas) is a harmonious blend of French and Indian style of architecture. Once the location of the Hotel de la Compagnie (the French trading company that ruled in Pondicherry from its first settlement in 1674 until the French government took over in 1769) and later played host to Dupleix. It is now the Lieutenant Governor’s residence. It is not open to the general public except on certain national holidays like Republic Day on 26th January, when it is adorned with lights and looks rater impressive. One can however get a glimpse of the grandeur within, through the tall imposing gates, which are guarded by red ‘kepi’ adorning police guards.
Romain Rolland Library
The Romain Rolland library was established in 1872 and has a rich collection of more than 3,00,000 volumes in both French and English. It also boasts of a mobile library service which has a collection of more than 8000 books. These books are taken to nearby villages by bus, in order to make the books more accessible to the common man. The library also houses some rare editions of books. The reference section on the second floor is open to the general public.
UCO Bank
The UCO Bank, which dates from 1916 when it was La Banque de l’ Indochine, preserves for those who wish to change money there a gentle reminder of the complexity of the British ledger system, dead in London but alive and well in Pondy.
Legislative Assembly
It was established in 1962 in what was formerly a private house. TOP
Cercle de Pondicherry
It is a private club, established for senior French notables in 1899.
Ashram Dining Room
Ashram Dining Room has prepared the food for Ashramites and their guests since 1934. It sits on land once occupied by Governor Dumas in 1735. Even after many reconstructions, it reflects its architectural heritage. Have a look when the gate is open at meal times.
Pondicherry Museum
Pondicherry Museum is open from 1000-1700 hrs on all days but Monday and public holidays. It is located in the former residence of the French Administrator building. The Museum is well worth seeing as a fine example of a grand two-storey residence as well as for most of its exhibits. The museum has a collection of rare bronzes and stone sculptures from the Pallava and Chola dynasties and artifacts excavated from Arikamedu, including remnants of Greek and Roman jars, 200 year old beads made from glass and precious stones and even objects from the Tsung period in China. The museum also has a Geology room, a shell and fossil room and a collection of handicrafts, coins, church relics and French furniture. Also on display is Dupleix’s bed. TOP
The Church of Our Lady of the Angels at Dumas Street (Notre Dame des Anges)
Built in 1855, this is the Greek Roman architectural style. Its façade, flanked by two unadorned square towers faces east towards the ocean. The interior is roofed by a barrel vault, with a great dome rising over the crossing. The pastel peach and lime colours give it a very serene appearance. This church is also famous for its rare oil painting of Our Lady of the Assumption, which was a gift from the French emperor, Napoleon III. The church has old pews (seating) made of cane, Indian stained glass that filters sunlit patterns of colour into the interior.
The Statue of Joan of Arc at Dumas Street
Another example of the French influence in Pondicherry is a marble statue of the heroic French damsel Joan d’Arc, which is located in front of the Church of Our Lady of the Angles. The statue is placed in the middle of a garden.
The French Institute of the Far East at Dumas Street (L’Ecole Francaise d’Extreme Orient)
This is an internationally renowned research institute. This institute has two impressive and handsome buildings almost diagonal to each other at the corner of Dumas Street and is known for its research in the field of Indology, history and archaeology. Get prior permission to visit.
Hotel de l’Orient at Romain Rolland Street
Built in 1809, was once the Directorate of Education and is now a hotel-restaurant-gift shop into which you might expressing your interest in its retrofitted charm even if you aren’t a guest.
Hotel Lagrenee de Meziere at Romain Rolland Street (Saint Joseph de Cluny) TOP
Built in 1774 and once a private house, this classic colonial building was donated to the religious order of Saint Joseph de Cluny some 150 years ago. Today it houses a workshop which produces the most beautiful embroidery.
Curio Centre at Romain Rolland Street
A leading shop for antique furniture and curios. The remarkable dimension of the interior rooms, which interconnect directly with each other are notable.
Alliance Francaise at Suffren Street
This very public and busy place houses a cultural and information centre, a school for the teaching of the French language and a library.
Saint Anthony’s Shrine at Suffren Street
This is the most interesting of several small shrines in Pondy. This is one Christian place of worship where footwear is removed before entering.
Public Works Department at Bussy Street
This classic colonial Government building is notable for entrance gate, compound wall, balcony with ironwork and brackets and high arched windows. TOP
Lycee Francais at Victor Simonel Street
It established in 1826, this institute still imparts education to hundreds of Pondicherrians in French. Special permission is required to visit this colonial place, with its well preserved shady courtyard, columns and balconies. It also has an interesting collection of old photographs of colonial Pondicherry and collection of very rare coins of the French East Indian Company.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram at Marine Street
The Samadhi is located in the Ashram where Sri Aurobindo and the Mother worked for many years. Visitors are allowed between 08.00 – 12.00 and 14.00 – 16.00 every day.
Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Educaiton at Marine Street
It is notable for its entrance gate with courtyard, arched windows and parapet.
Le Foyer du Soldat at Law De Lauriston Street
This is the legion hall for retired soldiers from Pondicherry, who waged wars on behalf of France in Europe and the colonies. The building is interesting, with a dash of colour added to it in the form of the ‘tricouleur’ (red, white, and blue flag) fluttering in the wind.
French Institute at Saint-Louis Street
The classical colonial building is a research institute in Indian Civilization, history and society in ecology, in environment and development in South and Southeast Asia. The Centre of Indology focuses on Indian languages as a central part of India’s cultural heritage. They are preserving lot of palm leaf manuscripts. The building is notable for its entrance gate with pediment, arched staircases, arcades, windows. TOP
Ananda Ranga Pillai House
The single most famous house of the Tamil-French style was built in 1735 across the street Ananda Rangapillai by the chief Dubash of Dupleix the Governor of Pondicherry. Its architecture represents an unusual fusion of French and Indian styles. This once lavishly furnished house offered fascinating glimpses into a bygone era and vanished lifestyle. However, today it has fallen upon hard times and retains very little of its former. Special permission is required to visit the mansion.
STREETSCAPE
The Vysial Street between Mission Street and M.G.Road has the remaining core of Hindu Tamil houses maintaining the earliest fusion with European style. Some of the houses in this traditional neighbourhood of rich merchants are 250 years old. It has the feature of ‘thinnai’ (a flat-ceiling platform built into the façade and supported by large wooden columns), ‘mutram’ (a central open courtyard surrounded by a colonnaded roofed space) and ‘thalvaram’ (a tiled roof extending from the sloping roof to posts or pillars at the curb, sheltered people from intense rain or shine.
19th Century pale-green and blue-trimmed houses with thick walls in Franco-Tamil-Muslim style can be seen in L’Ancien Hopital (Milad) Street and Cazy Street. TOP
Garden / Back Water
Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens are located south of the New Bus Stand. The gate leading to the garden is reminiscent of French architecture and it stands out from its immediate surroundings because it is smack in the middle of the old Tamil town. The Botanical Gardens were laid out in 1826 in the ornate French style, with pruned trees, beautiful flower beds and gravel lined paths and fountains. The French introduced many exotic plants from all over the world, many of which thrived. With over 1500 species of plants, this could actually qualify as one of the best botanical gardens in South India.
The gardens also have a musical fountain which is active over the weekends, with two shows in the evening. Check for timings and the frequency of the shows as they may change depending on the season.
Bharathi Park
The Government Park or Bharati Park is in the green centre of the French Town and its lush trees provide ample relieve from the scorching sun on a hot summer day. With children playing in ponds, on their hill or in the traffic park, grown-ups sitting or lying on granite benches, families on a picnic and occassional sit-ins of striking citizens, the park is the most appreciated public area in town. Strolling under the cool trees is as dynamic as it gets. Unless people rush to the spot when an occassional movie is being shot. TOP
The Aayi Mandapam has become the unmistakable centre from which four lanes divide the Park in four almost equal parts. The area is dotted with ancient sculptures and not so ancient statues. Around it stand a number of stately buildings:
The Raj Nivas - The residence of the Lt. Governor, formerly the Palace of the French Governor of Pondicherry.
The Museum - situated opposite the Raj Nivas on St Louis Street, houses an interesting collection of excavated artifacts from Roman Times and heritage from the French Period.
Towards the east, hidden behind a thick wall and huge trees lies the former French bandstand on which the French Army Band used to play.
On the southern side are the Pondicherry Art Gallery, Hotel Qualithe and the Chamber of Commerce, all built with a street front in colonial style. The UCO bank is surrounded by its own garden premises. A mighty stair invites you to the interior of a traditional bank.
Past the General Hospital on the western side are the Legislative Assembly and the Cercle de Pondichéry.
Turning back towards the Raj Nivas on the left is beautiful Villa Aroumé, which houses the Ashram Dining Room. TOP
Keezhoor
There is a huge banyan tree near the village here. The canopy of the 400 year old tree covers a few acres at the very least. Kizhoor a border village is situated at a distance of nearly 28 kms from Pondicherry. It is a historic place in the sense that it is here only in the year 1954. Voting took place for the merger of Pondicherry with the Indian Union. As part of the celebrations of 50th Anniversary of De-facto Pondicherry, a permanent Exhibition of paintings relating to the merger of Pondicherry was opened at the Kizhoor Monument.
Chunnambar Backwater
Chunnambar is situated 8 kms from Pondicherry, along the Cuddalore Main Road. This tropical paradise is flanked by a quiet-flowing creek on one side. You can sail downstream to the sands and pitch up a cozy seaside tent for yourself. Overnighting within the tree-houses on the backwater banks provides a relishing experience of the great outdoors.
The beach at Chunnambar also known as Plage Paradiso, is located near the mouth of the backwater. The sand is pristine and the water, clean. It's an ideal place for sun bathing and beach sports.
A short, pleasant cruise into the sea from here could reward you with the memorable sight of playful dolphins in natural habitat.
Chunnambar Beach and Backwater Resort, a PTDC enterprise, has boating, backwater boat tours, trekking and picnics on Paradise Beach for friends and families. TOP
The resort offers various kinds of rental boats (speed, motor, sail, rowed paddled and peddalled) in addition to beach volleyball and other beach sports.
Arikamedu, the ancient Roman trade centre is 4 Kms. south of Pondicherry on the right bank of Ariyankuppam river. It has a long history that dates back to the second century B.C. The port town was inhabited by Romans, Cholas and French who left their mark on this wonderful place. The Roman treasure trail and Arikamedu river cruise take you down the History lane. An unforgettable experience that you shouldn't miss. TOP
Arikamedu during 200 B.C -200 A.D.
Arikamedu a fishing colony was used as a port for trade with the Romans and Greco-Romans. An ancient Chola coin dating back to 1 B.C. suggests involvement of Cholas in various port related activities. Some names on seals that were found here have been mentioned in the Sangam literature as well. Besides maritime commerce there seems to be evidence of inland trade with other 'megalithic' sites like Kaveripattinam, Alagankulam, Musiri and Suttukeni along river valley routes. Jouveau-Dubreail identified Arikamedu as Poduke in the Periplus Maris Erythraei. Later the site was divided into two sectors northern and southern as they were perceived to have been inhabited by different ethnic groups. It is also known as 'Yavanas' in Tamil literature.
THE ANCIENT TRADE
Wine seems to have been a major import as traces of Amphora jars suggest.'Yavanas' and wine have been mentioned in the same breath in Tamil literature- "having increased the joy by giving to the girls of shining bangles, who every day have taken in hands, vessels beautified by gold, to drink the cool, fragrant wine brought by the Yavanas in beautiful bowls". Besides wine Garum sauce and Olive oil were also imported.
The exports must have included textile, beads, semiprecious gems, glass and shell bangles as wastage at the manufacturing site suggest. Even today if one looks carefully, after about of heavy rains, one can find beads on the bank of the river.
The Romans must have also used the Red Sea to come to India as traces of beads have been found in Alexandria and other Red Sea ports. TOP
Arikamedu in medieval times
Formerly it was considered that Arikamedu was abandoned after 200 A.D. but fragments of Amphoras and a copper coin of Constantine I minted between 306-324 A.D. suggest that Arikamedu was occupied from 300 A.D. to 700 A.D. There is also considerable evidence to suggest that the site was occupied during medieval Chola times . Chola coins, Chinese Celadon pottery and other East Asian glazed ceramics found here suggest the occupation of the site and some involvement in the Medieval East-West maritime trade as well. Some pottery found here are very similar to the eleventh century pottery of Gangaikondacholapuram. Decorated spouts of water jars and clay lamps of the medieval period are also present.
Two perpendicular walls were accidently laid open and it was suggested that the bricks of this wall and that found in Gangaikondacholapuram are similar, though one cannot be sure. Iit has not been possible to place the walls in any specific time period yet.
Arikamedu in modern times
Between 1771-73 Monsieur Pigneau de Behaine, designated Bishop of Adran, built a seminary and residence on the eastern part of the mount for the Jesuit missionaries driven out of Siam . It was abandoned in 1783. The remaining walls of the seminary clearly indicate the use of mixed style of bricks, some of them, probably pilfered from ancient structures. The mission house has been the point of reference for all excavators viz. Wheeler, Casal and Vimala Begely and co. There doesn't seem to be evidence of any other structure belonging to this French period. There are a few fragments of decorative ceramic tiles and reliefs, pieces of pottery and glass in the Pondicherry Museum. TOP
Present day Arikamedu
Except for the perpendicular walls and mission house there is not much that can be seen on the surface as the excavated trenches have been filled up. Coconut and Mango trees are there in abundance. Its almost like they are intent upon reminding one to step out of the time machine into the realm of reality. The plantations can take your breath away. The mangoes hanging from the lower branches feel like the forbidden fruit and the orchard itself turns into the garden of Eden.
How to reach Pondicherry
The closest airport is in Chennai, which is around 135 kms from Pondicherry (approx. 2 ½ hrs. journey). Chennai has excellent connections with almost all cities in India and direction connection to Europe, USA, Middle East and South East Asia. Trichy airport is 220 kms away. Bangalore (320 kms) and Madurai are the other nearby airports. TOP
2. Though Pondicherry is on the rail map journey by train to and from Pondicherry is not very popular. Villupuram is the nearest junction, it is fairly well connected to places like Chennai, Madurai and Trichy.
3. Pondicherry is well connected to all districts and major towns of various states like Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Andra Pradesh. Pondicherry is best accessible by road, either by bus or by taxi. There are frequent buses, almost every 15 minutes in the day from Chennai’s new bus stand in Koyembedu. TOP
There are frequent buses to Pondicherry from places like Chidambaram, Thanjavur Trichy and Coimbatore. Especially private luxury buses are connecting Pondicherry with other major cities in Tamil Nadu and Bangalore.
JANUARY
13th – 16th Pongal Festival – The harvest, earth and sun festival
Day 1 : Pongal Eve (Bogi) : house cleaning and decorating with intricate
designs; burning of old clothes, mats and the like.
Day 2 : Pongal : Preparation of ritual pongal dish cooked in new pots and
prayer for sun god.
Day 3 : Mattu Pongal (Cow/Ox Festival) – Cows and Ox are washed, TOP
decorated, have their horns painted and are fed pongal; they are
raced in villages around.
Day 4 : Farmer’s Day : People dress up and visit their neighbours and friends
and relatives houses; there is no more busy day in Pondy’s Park and
Beach Road.
FEBRUARY
Masi Magam – The festival is celebrated in the sea shore. In the morning around 30 sacred images from a wide region are bathed ritually. In the evening the sacred images gathered in one place. In night there is a procession of images in a illuminated cars in differed shapes(image bearing vehicle)
The Mother’s Birth Anniversary On 21st February, devotees queue at Sri Aurobindo Ashram starting early in the morning, to visit the Mother’s room.
MARCH & APRIL
Chitrai Kalai Vizha -(Summer Festival) TOP
Department of Art & Culture, Government of Pondicherry organize Indian Classical music and dances in various places of Pondicherry.
MAY – AUGUST
Villianur Temple Car Festival – on the full moon between mid May and mid June falls the ninth day of a ten day festival. On this day the temple car with the image of the god is paraded around the town.
Bastille Day-in July 14th, Bastille Day, Pondicherry witnesses an Indo-French pageantry.
Veerampattinam Car Festival
In the month of August the festival is celebrated in Veerampattinam, a fishing village near Ariyankuppam. On this day the temple car with the image of the god is paraded around the village.
Fete De Pondicherry (Festival of Pondicherry) - A cultural pageant, coinciding with Liberation Day and Independence Day. Government of Pondicherry organize the fete features free evening cultural presentation in various places of Pondicherry.
Independence Day- 15th of August, the day is celebrated with enthusiasm. TOP
Pondicherry De Jure Transfer Day- 16th of August marks Pondicherry’s complete accession to the Indian Union in 1962.
15th August – Sri Aurobindo’s Birth Anniversary. On this day, devotees queue at Sri Aurobindo Ashram starting early in the morning, to visit the Sri Aurobindo’s room.
There are five major Shopping area's for visitors
All the shops are open from 10.00 a.m to 01.00 p.m and 04.00 p.m to 10.00 p.m. Most shops close on Sunday. TOP
Pondicherry is the favourite stomping ground of the passionate shopper. It's an octroi - free destination for everything from cars to consumer goods. In addition, there is an enticingly low incidence of sales tax. Shop - hoppers will also relish the pleasant ambience of the boutiques in Pondicherry, which cater to a wide range of tastes, offering stylish garments, semi - precious stones, perfumes, hand - made incense, candles embossed with real petals, marbled silks and aromatherapy products. One can also find a variety of handicrafts from Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Karnataka, Kashmir, Tibet and Pondicherry of course. TOP
Textiles: Pondicherry has long been a centre for the production of household linen and garment textiles.
Furniture Pondicherry offers antique furniture and curios such as refinished Tamil, Keralite, and French and British colonial furniture.
Leather: Making leather the forgotten way, with exacting attention to detail, is what separates the Pondicherry brands from the rest. Carefully finshed, innovative products with quality can be found in many leather shops in Pondy.
Pottery : Excellent ceramic artists and artisans work in Pondicherry and Auroville. They keep a keen eye out for the right kind of clay and glazes and make the kilns appropriate to the local environment. Lending their signature an elegant simplicity and a unique decorative flourish.
Aromatics: The aromatics in Pondicherry is world famous for high - quality non - toxic incense sticks and cones as well as scented candles, perfumed oils and sachets, incense holders, ceramic holders and diffusers.
Foods: A variety of jams is produced by Naturellement in Auroville. Some of the produces available are jellies, jams, marmalades, chutneys, pickles, French mustard, peanut butter and other exotic preserves. One can also find snacking cheeses and the cooking kind in Auroville. TOP
Pondicherry is famous for its mineral water of which Pondichérry Mineral Water by PASIC is the most known.
Unique Products of Pondicherry
World Class Products at Indian prices TOP
