Pondicherry has rich architectural and cultural wealth. The architectural monuments of Pondicherry such as The Statue of Dupleix, Place Du Gourvernement, French War Memorial, Park Monument are places of historical importance, left by the French rulers. These are great attractions of Pondicherry.

The other old architectures are Sri Gokilambal Thrukameswara Temple, The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges, and the Eglise de Notre Dame de Lourdes built in Gothic style and decorated with aesthetic paintings.

Other main Pondicherry attractions are Sri Aurobindo Asharam along the Beach, founded in 1920, the landmark of Pondicherry, is a spiritual premise and is a great place to visit. Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, who was a French lady, lived for the most parts of their lives, in this Ashram. The Ashram houses the samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. Pondicherry was traditionally a seat of learning and Vedic culture. Across the road is the Aurobindo International Centre, a school for children.

Auroville, the new city designed by French Architect Roger Arger is located 10 kms bordering Tamil Nadu. It is intended to be a future oriented International City where all nationalities would live together in harmony. The sphere shaped Matri Mandir a hall of meditation is the splendid centre of Auroville.

Pondicherry Museum is situated at the Government Park and has good collection of sculptures.

Promenade Beach, situated nearby is very pleasant and the most delightful part of the city. In the beachfront located lare the statue of Mahatma Gandhi surrounded by eight exquisitely carved monolithic pillars facing the sprawling Gandhi Maidan, where the statue of Jawaharlal Nehru also stands.

The War Memorial erected by the French to honour the Pondicherry soldiers who died in the First World War, is also located in the beachfront. The Memorial is beautifully illuminated during the annual commemoration held on Bastille Day, the 14th of July.

Raj Nivas is a grand French palace which was once the residence of Dupleix, a great builder of Pondicherry. Today this beautiful structure is the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Pondicherry.

Bharti and Bharthidasan Memorial Museum, located at Eswaran Koil Street, is a great tourist attraction.

The Botanical Garden preserves a good collection of rare and exotic plants from India and abroad and an aquarium of rare species of ornamental fish.

Vinayagar Manakula Temple on rue de Orleans is a unique one, famous for divine blessings for new undertakings.

Jawahar Toy Museum, near the old Lighthouse, is a fabulous museum exhibiting custume dolls from different States.

Very good lodges are available in the town and along the beach.

For your Pondicherry (Pudussery) Vacations, check for the
Best Hotel Deals here.

By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai.

By Rail : Pondicherry is well connected by rail to South India.

By Road: Pondicherry is well connected by road.

Taxis and Autorikshaws are available for local sight seeing.

Photo by: Soham Banerjee

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