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Situated
on the Coromandel coast in an enclave in Tamil Nadu's South
Arcot district, Pondicherry is 162 kms. south of Madras.
It is the capital of the Union Territory of the same name. Pondicherry
has a long history dating back 2000 years when it was an important
Roman trading post. The region was at various periods ruled
by the Pallavas and Cholas. In the early 16th century, when
it was known as Pulichery or Poocheri and under the rule of
the Nayaks of Gingee.
Places
of interest
Beach
The 1500 metre long beach that borders the town on the eastern
side is clean and is an ideal place for swimming and sun bathing.
There are two monuments of historical importance on the beach.
One is the 4m. tall statue of Mahatma Gandhi and the other is
the War Memorial, built by the French in commemoration of the
soldiers who died in the First World War. The Light House which
stands 29m. high is further down the beach and is over 150 years
old.
Museum
Opened in 1984, this museum has on display some fine antiques
apart from sections devoted to archaeology, geology, sculpture,
handicrafts, objects of art, printing and armaments. Among the
exhibits on display are the bed used by Dupleix, a palanquin
......
Botanical
Gardens
Just off West Boulevard, the gardens planned by C.S. Perrotet
in 1826, have a good collection of exotic flowering plants from
India and abroad. There is also an aquarium here which has some
rare species of ornamental fish.
Auro
Ville
This city of dawn was designed by the French architect Roger
Arger and was started as an experimental commune where people
of all nationalities irrespective of caste, creed or religion
would live together in harmony.
About
550 people from different countries live in the 40 settlements
of Auroville. It is advisable to hire bicycles to look around
as the village is too large to wander through on foot. Surrounded
by lakes and gardens, the sphere shaped Matri Information Centre
at Promesse the first stop is Here, a 25 hectare farm and orchard
where organic agriculture has been practised successfully. The
produce is used in the kitchens of Auroville as well as the
Ashram in Pondicherry.
Excursions
Tiruvannamalai
Situated at the foot of a hill in Tiruvannamalai is one of the
most important Siva temples in the south. The Arunachaleswara
temple is dedicated to Lingodbhava or Jyothy Lingam i.e God
incarnate as Fire. The tall imposing outer gopurams of the temple
are a magnificent sight, conveying as they do, an impression
of great dignity and majesty.
Sathanur
The dam here is built on the River Pennar and is situated amidst
forested hills. Apart from its scenic beauty and cool climate,
other attractions are a swimming pool and a crocodile park.
Gingee
Gingee is one of the finest forts in South India. Its origin
dates back to the 9th century when it was a stronghold of the
Cholas but the fort as it looks today is the handiwork of the
Vijaynagara kings who made it an impregnable citadel. The fortified
city is built on the seven hills, the most prominent of which
are Krishnagiri, Chandragiri and Rajagiri.
How
to get there ?
Air
Chennai
is the closest airport.
Rail
Pondicherry is linked by rail with Chennai, Trichy and Villupuram.
Road
Pondicherry is connected by a good network of roads to all
the important places in South India and is well served by frequent
buses from Chennai.
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