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PONDICHERRY
Pondicherry,
a former French colony, presents an unusual combination of
European culture and Indian traditions. An added attraction is
the township of Auroville, an oasis of peace and enlightenment.
Another hallowed spot is Aurobindo Ashram which draws devotees
from all over the world.
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Nearest airport are Chennai
(135 km) and Tiruchirapalli.
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The closest mainline railway
station are Villupuram and Chennai. Villupuram is connected to Pondicherry by
a separate line. The station is located only one km from downtown.
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Pondicherry is linked by an
excellent network of roads with all major cities in the region.
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Some
important road distances from Pondicherry
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CHIDAMBARAM |
68
km
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MAHABALIPURAM |
105
km |
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THANJAVUR |
198
km
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CHENNAI |
163
km |
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BANGALORE |
303
km
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Aurobindo
Ashram,
Forms the nucleus of many activities and trade in
Pondicherry. It is a product of Sri Aurobindo's inspirations and
the Mother, Mirra Alfassa's earnestness. The main Ashram on Rue
de la Marine houses the buildings where Sir Aurobindo and Mirra
Alfassa lived and died.
Auroville,
An experiment in international living. It is a developing town
10 km from Pondicherry. The Matri Mandir is a centre of
meditation and an architectural marvel. The Pondicherry
Marine Drive, with a 1.5 km along promenade, is the best
place to stroll in an evening.
Pondicherry
Museum, is a treasure trove of
antiques with a section on French India which is housed in rooms
done up in typical French style. Archaeology, geology,
sculpture, weapons, handicrafts and art are some of the other
sections.
Light
House, (5 km) Now abandoned, it
guided the early seafarers to Pondicherry. Standing on the Red
Hills (Gorimedu) west of the city 29 m above sea level, the
beacon was first lighted on first of July 1836. In 1931, the
fixed light was replaced by a revolving lantern. This light
house was replaced by a new one in 1979.
Arkamedu,
(4 km) A historical site which revealed local trade with Romans
as early as the 2nd century B.C. Wine seems to have been major
import as suggested by excavated amphora jars. Ruins of the18th
century house of French Jesuit Mission, abandoned in 1783, are
also located here.
Beach
Road, The 1.5 km long section
is the best entertainment centre of the city. The uncluttered
beach is good for bathing throughout the year. It is often
possible to spot dolphins gamboling in the sea close to the
beach.
Boat
House, The backwater and lush
greenery on both sides of River Chunnambar, 8 km, provide an
ideal setting for boating and nature exploration.
Pongal
(January) It marks the harvest festivities of the agricultural
community. Houses are cleaned and decorated, old clothes and
mats ritually burn, cattle washed and decorated and special
feasts enjoyed.
International
Yoga Festival
(4-7 January) Amidst an international gathering, yogic art is
displayed through practice sessions, seminar, shows etc.
Maasi
Magam (March)
The festival, now over a century old, is celebrated just north
of the fishing village of Kurichikuppam. Deities from about 38
temples are brought in a procession to Pondicherry and taken
around the town to the loud accompaniment of Nadaswaram (horns).
Then, images of chakra (the discuss of Lord Vishnu) and trisul
(the trident symbol of Lord Shiva) are chosen for ablutions in
the sea.
Mangani
(July) Celebrated specially at Karaikal, the month-long
festivities are dedicated to Karaikal Ammaiyar and for four days
important events from here light are enacted. The images of Lord
Shiva in a decorated palanquin is taken out in procession
through the streets of the town at which the townsfolk throw
mangoes from rooftops, much to the delight of the crowd gathered
below.
Bastile
Day
(14 July) It is marked by an Indo-French pageantry. Uniformed
war veterans march through the streets singing Marseillaise.
Fete
De Pondicherry
(15-17 August) A cultural pageant, coinciding with the
Liberation Day and the Independence Day. The Park Monument is
brilliantly decorated with lights.
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FIRST
CLASS |
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STANDARD |
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Pondicherry
Ashok |
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Anandha
Inn |
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For
further information and reservation please contact
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