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Pondicherry Tourist Attractions
Pondicherry is a favourite tourist attraction for both Indians and
foreigners. Pondicherry has an average temperature of 28-30 degree
in both winter and summer. Pondicherry is unique as it spreads over
three states, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. Presently it is
a union territory of India but it was a French colony for a long
time. The French connection had left its impression and it is
visible in the culture and architecture of a place. More importantly
Sri Aurobindo Ghosh, a philosopher and saint, had established his
ashram there. People flock to Pondicherry to visit his ashram in
search of peace of mind and soul.
The French architecture, Sri Aurobindo’s ashram and the beach
attracts thousands of tourists every year. Sri Aurobindo established
Sri Aurobindo ashram in 1920. Through his ashram he tried to create
an ideal peaceful place. People come here to meditate and one can
meditate in any way they desire. Mira Alfassa also known as mother
ran this ashram. She too followed the same spiritual path as Sri
Aurobindo and has a huge following of her own. The ashram does not
propagate any rituals, rites or practices. The ashrama holds the
relics of Sri Aurobindo and mother that are open to visitors for a
particular time period everyday. The ashram has 1200 members
including 400 students. The ashram runs many small-scale industries
to maintain itself.
The Pondicherry museum is also a big draw for tourists. The museum
has a part dedicated to archaeological findings of the roman
settlement from Arikamedu and an impressive sculpture gallery. The
museum has a French division as well where one can trace the history
of this colony. There are many exhibits in this section; one popular
exhibition is a four-post bed that was used by the famous French
Viceroy, Dupleix. Besides history one can also enjoy watching their
snail shell’s amazing collection. The snail shells exhibited are all
from Pondicherry.
Pondicherry has also been blessed with a beautiful coastline.
Promenade is among one of the most beautiful beaches in India and it
is not far from the city. Those who like adventure can ride a bike
to the Promenade beach. The beach is 1.5 Km long and is often
considered as one of the most wonderful part of the city. Tourists
love to go there for a walk, swim or sunbath. There are interesting
architectural pieces like war memorial and a statue of Mahatma
Gandhi encircled by fine monolithic pillars. There are many other
tourist spots which one can easily visit from Pondicherry like
Chidambaram the temple town, Auroville the city of dawn and
Thiruvannamalai.
The Bharti museum on Eswaran Koil Street was refuge to famous Tamil
poet, Kanakasubburatnam, who was a disciple of Bharti. He took
refuge in the museum in 1908. He is better known as Bharthisadan
which means the disciple of Bharati. His house is of great
importance for those who come to Pondicherry for literary
pilgrimage. The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a fine
example of Gothic architecture and among one of the grand and
beautiful churches in India.
Pondicherry has a very rich architectural and cultural heritage.
Tourists flock to Pondicherry throughout the year but the best time
to visit Pondicherry would be in September, October or November.
Pondicherry has various festivals throughout the year and one may
choose to visit Pondicherry to coincide with a particular festival
or occasion. Many followers of Sri Aurobindo prefer to visit
Pondicherry in January to attend the International Yoga Festival
which is arranged every January. Pondicherry has a warm climate
therefore it would be advisable for people to wear and carry cotton
clothes
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