August 26, 2020

Puducherry


 

About 

Pondicherry (or Puducherry), a French colonial settlement in India until 1954, is now a Union Territory town bounded by the southeastern Tamil Nadu state. Its French legacy is preserved in its French Quarter, with tree-lined streets, mustard-colored colonial villas and chic boutiques. A seaside promenade runs along the Bay of Bengal and passes several statues, including a 4m-high Gandhi Memorial.


Blossoming bougainvilleas, crumbling cathedrals on leafy boulevards and 18th-century colonial buildings colour the former French colony of Pondy, which sits on the Bay of Bengal. But it's also unmistakably Indian, with colourful festivals throughout the year, several mosques and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Quiet beaches stretch north and south from town, good for swimming and sunrise strolls. Pondy is a popular weekend getaway destination from Chennai and is easy to navigate on foot or by bicycle.


PONDICHERRY BEACHES

Pondicherry has many beautiful beaches out of which 6 are very popular among tourists, including: Auroville Beach, Promenade Beach, Paradise Beach, Serenity Beach, Mahe Beach and Karaikal Beach.


Top 10 Tourists Attractions:--


1--  Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges

 

The Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges known as the church of Our Lady of Angels is one of the best attractions of Pondicherry. Facing the Bay of Bengal, the church lies at the quite corner of Dumas street and Surcoof Street. One of the old world charms, the church is visited by tourist and locals alike. Experience the bliss of divine and marvel at the marvelous architecture.

The church of Our Lady of Angels is the only church in Pondicherry where mass is celebrated every Sunday, in all the three languages of the city: French, English and Tamil. Attend the holy congregation and feel the divine connection.



2-- Immaculate Conception Cathedral


Known as the mother church for the Roman Catholic Archideose of Pondicherry, it was destroyed and rebuilt a number of times in its long history. At the esplanade in front of cathedral, you can partake in the church ceremonies organized. The holy site is said to have been visited by Mother Teresa. Every year in the 8th of December, the church celebrates its annual feast.



3--- Sri Aurobindo Ashram



One of the most visited places in Pondicherry, the ashram is a retreat for your spiritual needs. Take a break from the world and focus on your evolution to higher spiritual beings with International Yoga Festival, meditation, sermons and other activities. Around 1,200 members along with 400 students can easily accommodate in the complex. Spread over 400 buildings, the ashram has facilities of library, printing press, playground, art gallery, dispensary/nursing home, dairy, farms, guest houses, etc.


4-- Puducherry Museum


Listed among the top attractions in Pondicherry, the museum has stone-carved statues, bronze sculptures of Indian Gods and Goddesses, fossilized trunks of ancient trees, models of modes of transportation, brass temple lamps, church relics, handicrafts, coins, shells and fossils. A completed section is dedicated to the history and legendary French colonial information. Do check out the painting gallery which has colonial prints, Tanjore paintings as well as contemporary works in glass, colors, pastels, and oils.


5--- Kallialay Surf 


One of the premium surfing schools in India, Kallialay Surf School is one of the unmissable tourist attractions in Pondicherry. Located on the Serenity beach, the school was started by two brothers, Juan and Samai Reboul from Spain who settled down in Auroville.


6-- Paradise Beach

Like its name, Paradise beach is truly a world apart! Adorned with golden sands, this is a little-isolated haven, one of the top attractions in Pondicherry. Reaching the beach is amazing as the shoreline itself. You need to board the ferry traveling through the backwaters surrounded with thick mangrove forests that takes around 20-30 minutes to get to the golden shores.


7-- Promenade beach



The Promenade beach is among the most popular places to visit in Pondicherry. The rock-lined shore, 1.2km long stretch is marked with popular sites, monuments, cafes, eateries, restaurants, roadside food stalls, shopping options and hotels. Take a walk on the promenade. Stop to admire the statue of Marquis Dupleix. Pay respects to the Father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Visit the First World War Memorial.  Sit on the rocks watching the playful waves hitting the rocks.


8--- Serenity beach



Serenity Beach, like its name offers peacefulness to all its visitors. The relaxing spot along the Bay of Bengal, 12 km from the town is one of the must visit places in Pondicherry. The warm golden sand with a trail of rocks leading to the cerulean sea is perfect for basking in bliss.



9--  Auro Beach


Close to Auroville, Auro Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Pondicherry. Known for the shallow waters and small waves, it is one of the must visit tourist attractions in Pondicherry, especially during sunrise or sunset.


10--- Water Sports & Adventure


Adventures abound in Pondicherry. Cycling, horse riding, trekking and hiking, rock climbing, rappelling, abseiling and parasailing are some exciting activities to indulge in. Lying in close proximity to the cerulean spread of Bay of Bengal, the union territory has lots of  scope of water sports include surfing, banana boat rides, body boarding, scuba diving, free diving, kayaking, boat rides on backwaters through mangrove forests, and more.

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