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Yatra
India --» Indian Yatra
Destinations --» Pondicherry Tourism
Pondicherry is today a Union territory. Pondicherry or Puducheri means 'the
new settlement' in the local language. What excites tourists in Pondicherry
is its still dominant aura of French culture and Aurobindo Ashram. Pondicherry
(Puducheri) literally means 'the new settlement'.
The French settlement comprising the town Pondicherry, fondly called Pondy and three other pockets in the different states, Karaikal (Tamil Nadu), Mahe Kerala), and Yanam (Andhra Pradesh), is what makes today's Union Territory of Pondicherry, which is 200 km south of Chennai (Madras).
Pondicherry is a planned city unlike most other places in India. All the roads meet at right angles according to the grid system and a long Petit Canal divides the city on the seaward side. The French township is on the sea-facing side while the other is on the Indian side.
Places of Interest
Pondicherry Museum
Situated in the Government Park, the Pondicherry Museum has a good sculpture gallery and a section of archaeological finds from the Roman settlement at Arikamedu. There is also a French section charting the history of the colony. The objects include the four-poster bed in which Dupleix is believed to have slept. There is also a superb collection of snail shells from the Pondicherry region.
Promenade
A lovely beach within bike range from the city center in the north is a pleasant surprise. With a 1.5-km-long promenade, this is the most delightful part of the city. A stroll, sunbath, or a swim enhances the quality of experience. On the beach front are located many sites such as a statue of Mahatma Gandhi surrounded by eight exquisitely carved monolithic pillars and a war memorial.
Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Built in the Gothic style, this massive church is one of the most beautiful churches in Pondicherry.
Pondicherry Tourism
Pondicherry is today a Union territory. Pondicherry or Puducheri means 'the
new settlement' in the local language. What excites tourists in Pondicherry
is its still dominant aura of French culture and Aurobindo Ashram. Pondicherry
(Puducheri) literally means 'the new settlement'. The French settlement comprising the town Pondicherry, fondly called Pondy and three other pockets in the different states, Karaikal (Tamil Nadu), Mahe Kerala), and Yanam (Andhra Pradesh), is what makes today's Union Territory of Pondicherry, which is 200 km south of Chennai (Madras).
Pondicherry is a planned city unlike most other places in India. All the roads meet at right angles according to the grid system and a long Petit Canal divides the city on the seaward side. The French township is on the sea-facing side while the other is on the Indian side.
Places of Interest
Pondicherry Museum
Situated in the Government Park, the Pondicherry Museum has a good sculpture gallery and a section of archaeological finds from the Roman settlement at Arikamedu. There is also a French section charting the history of the colony. The objects include the four-poster bed in which Dupleix is believed to have slept. There is also a superb collection of snail shells from the Pondicherry region.
Promenade
A lovely beach within bike range from the city center in the north is a pleasant surprise. With a 1.5-km-long promenade, this is the most delightful part of the city. A stroll, sunbath, or a swim enhances the quality of experience. On the beach front are located many sites such as a statue of Mahatma Gandhi surrounded by eight exquisitely carved monolithic pillars and a war memorial.
Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Built in the Gothic style, this massive church is one of the most beautiful churches in Pondicherry.